Page 89 of Punishing His Runaway Bride

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But that's exactly why I couldn't owe him.

"Sebastian," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "Thank you. But—"

"No buts." He cut me off, smiled. "You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to say that. Now I've said it, I'll go."

He grabbed his coat and walked toward the door.

At the doorway, he looked back at me.

"Next time I pass through, can I still come by?"

I looked into his eyes.

Expectation there, and carefulness.

"Yes," I said.

He smiled, that smile brighter than before.

"Good."

He pushed the door open and walked into the sunlight outside.

I stood in the flower shop, watching his figure disappear at the end of the street.

My phone suddenly rang.

I picked it up—Sophie.

I answered.

"Olivia!"

Her voice burst through the receiver, still the same as five years ago, loud and dramatic, with that pleading lilt.

"Sophie."

"Dear sister, I have good news. I'm getting married!"

I froze.

"What?"

"I'm getting married! He proposed last week, and I said yes! Olivia, my sister, I want you to come back and witness my wedding."

Come back.

Those words were like a stone dropped into the well in my heart that had been still for five years.

"Sophie..."

"I know, I know you don't want to come back." Her voice dropped. "But Olivia, this is my wedding. If you're not there, I'll be so sad and disappointed. Please!"

I gripped the phone, said nothing.

"Olivia, please." A hint of tears entered her voice. "Five years. I haven't seen you in five years. I miss you."

My eyes suddenly stung.

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