Sebastian gave me five million and reminded me to ask him for more if it wasn't enough.
He also helped me prepare many clothes, jewelry, and bags... asking for my address to send them to me abroad.
On the way to the airport, he kept reminding me to eat, take care of my health, and to call him if I got sick.
In a daze, I felt like I had found a second father...
"I know, Mr. Delacroix."
I interrupted him, "I'm used to living alone. You don't need to worry about me."
He fell silent.
Leaning against the back of the seat, he was quiet for a couple of seconds before suddenly turning to look at me with an unreadable expression.
"By the way, about the guy you have a crush on, I wish you success in winning him over."
"When you're back in the country, we can have a meal together. I'd like to see how excellent the person you like really is."
...The words were a bit odd.
But I couldn't quite figure out why it sounded strange. I could only thank him politely.
"Thank you, I'll try my best."
---
I dragged my suitcase into the rented apartment, feeling completely drained.
But it also felt like I had finally completed a mission, letting out a sigh of relief.
I took a cab to the hospital.
In the hospital room, I looked at the pale figure in bed and reached out to gently hold her fingers.
"Isabella, I met Sebastian."
"He's a good person, and now he's doing well. He will definitely be rewarded in the future."
"We're friends now. When you wake up, I'll take you to meet him."
"...Please... Wake up, please... Isabella."
My eyes started to well up with tears: "Isabella, I can't hold on much longer."
Mother passed away early, and my father didn't care. From childhood to adulthood, my sister and I had been all each other had.
I had thought life would be better after university and moving abroad.
But my sister was hit by a truck while saving me, becoming a vegetable and lying in a coma for three years.
Sebastian was the man my sister liked.
Before the accident, she often held his picture and whispered to me.
"Anastasia, when you find a boyfriend, make sure he's as handsome as him."
...
"Isabella, now Sebastian is standing tall again, back in his former position. He's still the handsome CEO Delacroix."
"When will you wake up?"
---
It was the third month after returning to abroad, just in time for Christmas. I walked aimlessly through the square, surrounded by colorful decorations and balloons.
Suddenly, my steps halted.
I saw Sebastian.
He was wearing a woolen coat, holding a big bunch of balloons in his hands, smiling as he walked toward me.
He handed me the balloons. "Merry Christmas, Anastasia."
His prosthetic leg was hidden under his suit pants, looking no different from a normal person.
I reached out and took them. "Thank you."
"Let them go."
He said gently, "Anastasia, I feel like you're not happy, but I don't know why."
"I've heard that if you let go of the balloons, your worries will fly away with them. Why don't you try?"
I pinched my palm.
I selected a green one and held onto it, letting the rest go, allowing them to float into the night sky.
The people around us cheered.
Sebastian carefully reached up and touched the tips of my hair. Seeing that I didn't pull away, his eyes lit up with joy.
"Why keep the green one?"
"It's like the grass of spring. No matter how many times it's bent, it will always rise again."
Sebastian froze for a moment. "Anastasia..."
"Mr. Delacroix."
I looked up to meet his eager, desire-filled gaze, my expression slightly cold.
"I'll take you somewhere."
