Chapter 158

The commotion drew every eye in the hospital corridor as Seraphina was forcibly dragged outside, her pride left in tatters at her feet.

But what did it matter? She'd already lost everything. A little more humiliation was nothing.

"Ah!"

Nathaniel and the bodyguard released her simultaneously, sending Seraphina sprawling onto the wet pavement.

"Hey, got a tissue?" Nathaniel asked, wiping his hands on his coat.

"Sorry, sir. Fresh out."

"Figures. Let's grab some sanitizer from the nurse's station. Can't be too careful after handling... well, you know."

With that, Nathaniel spat in her direction before turning on his heel, the bodyguard following without a backward glance.

The sky cracked open with a deafening roar, unleashing a torrential downpour as if the heavens themselves sought to cleanse the earth.

Seraphina sat motionless, battered by the storm and her own despair, too broken to even lift her head.

Her meticulously styled hair clung to her face in sodden strands, her makeup streaking down her cheeks like grotesque war paint.

"Sebastian... I saved your life! How could you betray me like this?!"

Her scream dissolved into a choked sob as she slammed her fist into a puddle, splattering muddy water across her ruined designer dress. A sharp pain shot through her hand—her manicure shattered, nails broken.

Then, the roar of an engine cut through the rain.

A sleek black Bentley pulled up abruptly, its tires sending a wave of filthy water crashing over her.

"Are you blind?! Watch where you're driving!"

Seraphina shrieked like a madwoman, her voice lost in the storm.

The driver stepped out first, shielding the rear door with an umbrella before opening it with practiced deference.

Dominic emerged, his expression unreadable as he took the umbrella from the drenched chauffeur.

Then, Adrian stepped out beside him, his cold gaze sweeping over the scene without interest.

The moment Seraphina recognized them, her rage turned to ice in her veins. The insults died on her tongue, leaving her gaping like a fish.

"Ms. Lockwood," Dominic drawled, eyeing her soaked form with disdain. "Your father isn't hospitalized here, is he? Seems you're crying at the wrong grave."

"Let's go," Adrian said, nudging his brother. "Arabella's waiting."

They strode past her without another glance.

"Arabella Vanderbilt!" Seraphina's voice rose to a hysterical pitch. "Why does everyone adore you while I'm left with nothing?! Even Sebastian abandoned me because of you!"

Lightning split the sky, illuminating her twisted expression.

"Mark my words, Arabella—I'll make sure you lose everything too!"

Inside the hospital room, Arabella gently brushed a strand of hair from Mari's forehead as the child slept, her breathing finally steady after the night's terror.

With a quiet sigh, Arabella rose and moved toward the door—only to freeze when she opened it.

Sebastian stood there, his tailored suit immaculate but his eyes hollow, defeated.

Her gaze dropped to his lapel.

A ruby-encrusted pin glinted back at her, mocking in its opulence.

She'd designed it herself—their first Valentine's Day after the wedding. Every detail, from the gem selection to the delicate filigree, had been crafted with love.

Just like the Ruby Enigma he'd commissioned for Seraphina.

Arabella's lips curled into a bitter smile.

How ironic that the man who'd once tossed her heart aside now wore her gift like some twisted trophy.

"Seraphina's gone," he said hoarsely. "She won't trouble you again."

"Congratulations," Arabella replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Another woman neatly disposed of. Did she get her two million and a villa this time, or did you downgrade the payout?"

The words struck like a physical blow. Sebastian flinched, the memory of that damned divorce agreement flashing before him—her tear-stained signature, the way he'd walked out without a second thought.

That document still haunted his nightstand.

"I heard you bought time for Grandfather with your massage. Thank you."

"Don't. He's family to me too." She moved to leave, but he blocked her path.

"Even dogs know better than to stand in doorways," she snapped. "What's your excuse?"

"I want to make things right." His voice cracked. "Tell me how."

"Are you delusional? There's a psychiatric ward downstairs—maybe start there."

"I know I hurt you—"

"Stop." She held up a hand. "No more apologies. You loved Seraphina. You were loyal to her. There's no crime in that. The only mistake was mine—falling for the wrong man. But don't worry, Sebastian. I only make that mistake once."

Each word was a knife twisting in his chest.

She'd escaped the prison of her love for him.

He was the one still trapped, drowning in regret.

"Arabella!"

The call snapped her attention down the hall, where Dominic and Adrian approached.

Her face lit up as she rushed past Sebastian without hesitation.

"I'm starving," she declared, looping her arm through Dominic's. "Make me pancakes when we get home?"

"Me too!" Adrian chimed in, mimicking her pout.

Dominic chuckled. "Fine, you brats. Pancakes it is."

As their laughter faded down the corridor, Sebastian stood alone in the sudden silence, his world reduced to the ache in his chest.

Without him, she was surrounded by love.

Without her, he was just an empty shell.