Sasha took several moments to compose herself. She turned to address Sebastian through bloodshot
eyes. âWhat have you done with my kids? You monster, return them to me.â
Her children were her life. Without them, life wasnât worth living. Even in her current state, all she cared
about was their wellbeing.
Sebastian brought a chair next to her and sat down comfortably, propping his legs up on her bed.
âSasha, let us establish some ground rules. First of all, the kids are mine as well as yours. Secondly, if I
really intended for you not to meet them, you will never be able to, make no mistake.â
She settled down. Eyes remained fixed upon him with distaste and distrust, she nevertheless allowed
him to continue.
Fear, hopelessness, and grief flashed in her eyes. In spite of herself, she was trembling, with tears
flowing freely down her cheeks.
She was at a loss.
Sebastian was disturbed at the effect he produced.
Before he could stop himself, he blurted, âIâm just saying. Donât cry, I still havenât decided what I will
do.â
Sasha felt a trace of hope at that. Perhaps her children were not completely lost to her.
She felt completely powerless. To go against him would be akin to an ant struggling in vain to be
stomped on.
Sasha regained her composure.
âSo⦠what will you do?â She clutched her sheets tightly.
âI just want to talk to you, Sasha. Why canât we coexist in peace?â Sebastian said, finally revealed his
motive for waiting for her all morning. âThe responsibility to raise our children is ours to share. Why
canât we do it together?â
All this time, they have been fighting each other like cats and dogs, in the name of the children.
Watching oneâs parents fight like that is not something a child deserves. Is the fighting worth it if it deals
irreparable damage to them? Shouldnât they reflect on it and be ashamed of their behavior?
Sebastian observed her thoughtfully.
After letting his guard down and displaying vulnerability, Sashaâs jeering response was not what he
expected.
âCoexist? Sebastian, are you toying with me?â
Sebastian stared at her, at a loss for words.
âAm I wrong? You are the high and mighty Mr. Hayes of Hayes Corporation. I am just a lowly ant,
subjected to be crushed to death at the merest sign of your displeasure. How will we be able to
coexist? What peace is there to be found? My life is delicate in your hands. Do you think itâs fair for you
to say that?â
Sasha did not hold back in her mockery.
She was still pale, appearing even more so by the redness in her eyes. But at this moment, her
sarcasm was razor-sharp, and it hurt him.
Sebastian went from white to crimson in an instant.
This b*tch is tired of living!
His handsome features contorted in rage. Nobody has ever spoken to him like that. Even worse,
nobody has spoken to him like that after he had chosen to speak to them like an equal.
It was difficult, but he managed to control his temper.
âThe thing with my father,â Sebastian said, trying to keep his voice even. âI know, I went over the line.
But Sasha, it has already happened. Thereâs no point in pursuing this matter. I am serious about
coexisting with you. As a sign of my sincerity, Iâve decided that I will return your million to you.â
This time, Sasha was the one who was speechless.
This scumbag, did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?
Itâs already a miracle that he had admitted to being wrong. But to loosen his wallet and give her back
what was hers? Somethingâs wrong with him this morning.
After his speech, Sebastian stood up.
âI will give you a day to consider. My motive for all of this is for our children, whether youâd believe it or
not. Do you think itâll make them happy if you took them away from me? Think about what you went
through last night.â He said before departing.
Sasha was still stunned. It was not until the ceiling fan stopped rotating that she came to. In a fit of
anger, she grabbed the pillow behind her and threw it at the door through which Sebastian left.
âWhat about last night? I was having a good time. Men still find me attractive. There are plenty of men
who would be willing to raise your kids as their own. Does that thought sicken you?â She yelled at the
door.
On the other side, Luke heard her and froze. He was praying that Sebastian had not heard a word of it,
though it was near impossible as he stood right next to him.
Strangely enough, Sebastian did not bat an eye, other than at the mention of âmen who would be
willing to raise your kids as their ownâ, to which he staggered slightly. But otherwise gave no sign that
what she said had bothered him.
He was getting immune. After all, he had heard this all before.