Chapter 34

SEBASTIAN

After Lilian drove away, Sebastian called his mom. She picked up immediately.

“How is she?” Vanessa asked, sounding very worried.

“She and the baby are fine. Only Jayda’s car got bashed.”

She let out a small, grateful cry. “Thank God!”

“I’ll be staying with her overnight because the doctor wants to keep an eye on her. Her blood pressure went up due to shock, and they want to make sure she’s perfectly okay before discharging her,” Sebastian explained.

“I’ll come to see you both tomorrow morning with some food.”

“No need, Mom. Lilian will be bringing breakfast for us.”

VANESSA

Vanessa sighed. She could tell her son was trying to push her away. Not that she could blame him. He was going through a lot, and she knew his fear right now was losing Jayda.

“Sebastian, everything will be fine,” she reassured him.

“I don’t think so, Mom. I’ve been living my life without knowing I had a son somewhere. Someone who will probably not recognize me as a father because I was never there for him.

“On the other hand, I have Jayda. I don’t know how long I can keep this away from her, but I’m certain she will want nothing to do with me when she learns the truth.”

“Please don’t be too hard on yourself, son,” Vanessa pleaded, trying to hold back tears.

“I don’t know, Mom, I feel like everything is my fault. I’ll be taking time off work to look after Jayda and maybe see Aaron. I’ll also ask Katie for a DNA test to be done. I will tell Caleb to assist me with running the company because I’m not in the right mind to do anything relating to work.”

“Your dad can also step in for you at work. I promise you, Seb, we will get through this. Please stay strong.”

“Thanks, Mom. I have to go back to Jayda. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

***

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian called Caleb and told him about Jayda’s accident, leaving out what he and his family discovered tonight. After that, he called his secretary to inform her that he would be taking some days off work.

Sebastian returned to the ward and saw Jayda sitting up on her bed, scrolling through her phone.

“Are you sure you don’t want to inform your mom?” He took a seat beside her.

Jayda snuggled closer to him. “I’ll tell her after I’m home.”

JAYDA

“You look sad. Is anything the matter?” she asked, concerned.

Sebastian kissed her forehead, then looked into her beautiful eyes. “My greatest fear is losing you and my baby. I wouldn’t want that to happen.”

Jayda smiled. “We’re fine. That’s all that matters, and from now on, I promise to be more careful. I’m sorry I argued with you about the driver. I know you’re only trying to keep us safe.”

Sebastian nodded. “I want to take care of you.”

“I really hope I get discharged by tomorrow. I’m tired of being here already. And thank you for agreeing to spend the night with me,” she smiled.

“Anything for you, my love.”

“I hope your family meeting went well,” she got worried by his scared expression.

“Is Amelia okay?” Jayda asked in fear.

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian hesitated. He didn’t want to lie to her, but he remembered what the doctor had said. She couldn’t hear any bad news. “She’s fine. She only discussed a few things with us.”

JAYDA

Jayda knew there was more to the matter. She could see it in Sebastian’s eyes but decided not to push any further.

She took his hand in hers and assured him, “I’ll always be here to listen whenever you feel like talking about it or anything else.”

SEBASTIAN

He wanted to tell her the truth about everything, but he knew he couldn’t. It would risk her life. He would never forgive himself if he hurt her again.

And worse, she would never forgive him.

***

JAYDA

^THE NEXT DAY^

Jayda woke up with a cold and a slight headache. She was not happy about it because she was anticipating leaving the hospital today. But with her cold, she had no doubt the doctor was going to keep her in the hospital for at least one more day.

To her happy surprise, she was discharged that evening. She promised the doctor she was going to observe her bed rest thoroughly and take all her medications.

Sebastian took Jayda to her apartment, prepared a warm bath for her, and picked out a night dress.

SEBASTIAN

While Jayda had her bath, Seb made his way to the kitchen to prepare something for her to eat. He found ingredients for pasta and began making dinner. His mind tossed as he thought about the problem he had.

He was a father to a son he’d never known.

Jayda walked into the kitchen looking all fresh and clean. She wrapped her arms around Sebastian’s torso.

“Thank you,” she smiled and kissed his cheek.

“For what?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow.

“For taking care of me and enduring my cranky side this morning.”

Sebastian kissed her lips. “You’re welcome. It’s time to feed you two, and you have to take your pills.”

Jayda nodded. “Anything you say.”

She set the table while Sebastian dished the pasta. Then they settled at the dining table and enjoyed their meal.

“Olivia called to check on you while you were taking a bath,” Sebastian said.

“That’s so sweet of her. I was sure they would have appointed her to someone else until I go back on Monday.”

“Monday?” Sebastian reiterated as he reached for his glass of wine.

“Yes. I’ll be on bed rest tomorrow, the day after that, and the rest of the weekend. I should be fine by Monday morning.”

“Once the baby arrives, you won’t have to go back to work at all,” he said.

JAYDA

She stared at him. “I worked too hard to quit my job just because I have a baby.”

Sebastian frowned. “But you won’t have to work, my love. I make more than enough money to take care of you and our child.”

“It’s not about the money,” Jayda said as her voice rose a bit.

“Fine, fine,” he assured her quickly. “Whatever you want.”

After their dinner, Sebastian ensured Jayda took her medicine and insisted on doing the dishes while she relaxed. He didn’t want her to lift a finger. He was going to protect her and take care of her and the baby.

***

JAYDA

“I was thinking about getting you a new car, even if you won’t accept my offer of a driver,” Sebastian said as he stroked Jayda’s hair. They were cuddling in her bedroom, and her head was on his chest.

“You don’t have to, Sebby. My insurance company will get me a new one next week, and I don’t think I need a driver. I promise to be extra careful,” she added.

“Okay, if that’s what you want,” Sebastian concluded. He was being so strangely agreeable with her.

“I know I promised to stay with you all through your bed rest, but I have to be somewhere tomorrow. I have to see Caleb to discuss a few things with him, and then I have a meeting with a client. I will be back before you know it.”

Jayda smiled. “It’s fine. I’ll probably spend the whole day sleeping because these pills make me feel so drowsy. Just make sure you buy some ice cream for me on your way back.” She yawned.

Jayda adjusted herself so she could look Sebastian in the eye. “I was thinking we could start our baby shopping next weekend. Just with the basics and a few unisex items, since we don’t know the gender yet,” she said with so much excitement in her eyes.

“No problem. I’m in.” Sebastian smiled.

“Perfect! I’ll start working on the list of what we have to buy. But we will split the bill.”

Sebastian groaned. “I thought we’ve settled this.”

“It’s so unfair to let you pay for everything.” Jayda pouted. “Okay, let’s do it this way, I’ll pay 40 percent, and you’ll pay 60 percent,” she proposed.

“No, I’m paying for everything!”

“Please.” She pouted.

“Okay, I’ll pay 90 percent, and you’ll pay 10 percent,” Sebastian said.

“Fine, just pay all instead!” Jayda gave up and returned her head to his chest. It was her best place in the world.

***

^THE NEXT DAY^

JAYDA

“You don’t have to carry me, Sebastian. You know I can walk to my room myself.” Jayda chuckled as soon as Sebastian lifted her into his arms.

She wrapped her arms around his neck comfortably.

“I know, ma’am, but I just want to pamper you. According to the doctor, you must be on bed rest, which also implies that you must not be on your feet for too long,” Sebastian defended.

Jayda smiled and rested her head against Sebastian’s chest. How had she gotten so lucky to have an amazing man like him in her life?

He’d woken up early this morning and made them breakfast. Then he made sure she took her medicines, and they cuddled on the sofa in the living room to watch a movie.

Sebastian placed Jayda on her bed and covered her properly with the duvet. Then he sat by her side. “Make sure you rest all day. I don’t want you typing away on your phone or doing anything related to work once I leave.”

“I promise, I won’t. I’ll just take a nap, and if I get tired of sleeping, I’ll watch TV.”

“Good.” Sebastian leaned closer to her and kissed her forehead. He was ready to leave for his meeting.

“You know I love you, and I will never do anything to hurt you,” Sebastian said sincerely, looking into her eyes.

“I know Seb, I trust you.” She smiled. “I must say, you look yummy today. It’s not every day I get to see you in casual clothes. Usually, for work, you’re in a business suit,” Jayda said with dreamy eyes. It was her hormones in action.

Sebastian blushed. “I’m all yours, baby! My client today prefers us to be not so serious. That’s why I’m dressed down.” He leaned closer to her and gave her a passionate kiss that he was careful to stop before it got too strong.

“Be good.” He placed a long kiss on her forehead again.

Sebastian hated himself for lying to Jayda. He wasn’t going to see a client. He was going to see Katie.