It wasn''t until Joanna arranged for her kidnapping that she finally left the vi, only to be killed by them.


    During those months, Sebastian had been agitated and constantly busy. He would visit her and have breakfast with her before leaving, but he never spoke of the outside world.


    In hindsight, she realized hispany must have been in serious trouble. Joanna had been taking over, which was why he had been so preupied.


    Natalie slumped to the floor. "Sebastian, don''t hurt Wayne," she whispered. "I''ll stay here."


    In her past life, Wayne had been murdered by a hitman hired by Joanna for trying to avenge her.


    Wayne was in a critical phase of his career. If he could establish himself and be a powerful figure, he could protect her. They could even team up against Sebastian, Joanna, and the mysterious man behind her.


    Her words brought Sebastian no joy. His dark, unreadable gaze settled on her. She wasn''t staying willingly; she was only doing it for Wayne.


    Once, she had done everything in her power just to stay by his side.


    But now, she wanted nothing to do with his kindness.


    His expression turned cold as he helped her up from the floor. "Our life will be the same as before. You''ll cook for me. I''ll do my best to be home for dinner every day, and breakfast will be like it used to be."


    He still craved the affection she had once given him, damn it.


    He had to admit that in the time she was gone, his life had been a mess. He couldn''t eat, couldn''t sleep.


    He had never been truly loved by anyone except her, and he had thrown that love away with his own hands.


    People only learn to cherish what they''ve lost.


    He admitted it. He yearned for Natalie''s genuine affection.


    She had nearly died trying to find medicine for him.


    She had pulled him from a burning fire. She had done it all because she loved him, giving endlessly.


    "Fine," Natalie said softly.


    Without looking at Sebastian, she ced her bag on the bed and sat on the edge, staring into space.


    Sebastian watched her silently. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out.


    He couldn''t bear to see her so despondent. He turned and left the room.


    The unfamiliar vi felt empty and


    met


    vast, but the thought of Natalie im the room down the hall brought an -- irrepressible smile to his lips.


    As long as she was here.


    At Joanna''s house.


    Unable to reach Sebastian, Joanna smashed her phone in a fit of rage.


    Her expression was dark as she stared out the window. It wasn''t snowing tonight, but the wind was howling, its piercing sound grating on her already frayed nerves.


    Sebastian''s world no longer revolved around her.


    Now he wouldn''t even answer her calls.


    What was she going to do?


    Could her n still work?


    Robert was out of the question, and so was Mr. Wilson. No one else could know she was pregnant.


    The pregnancy had to be pinned on Natalie.


    But how could she arrange it?


    How could she get her hands on Natalie''s ID?


    Joanna was at a loss.


    This baby hade at the worst possible time. Maybe she should just get rid of it secretly.


    But what if she could make Natalie believe the baby was Sebastian''s?


    Her mind raced with chaotic


    bet


    thoughts: She stood up and began pacing, unable to calm her frantic heart.


    Ever since she found out she was pregnant, she had been a nervous wreck. Joanna finally picked up the phone with the shattered screen and called Robert.


    "Hello? Joanna, were you missing me?" Robert asked with a chuckle.


    Joanna lowered her voice. "Robert, I''m pregnant."


    Robert was stunned. "What? Joanna, how could you be pregnant?"