RAVELINE'S POV

Sebastian and I immediately stopped arguing about the plate, making Amelie chuckle even more at how suddenly awkward we became.

"Oh my God, you two are so cute! Come on now, just go ahead and keep sharing that plate. Just pretend I and the rest of the guests are trees and flowers in the garden..." Amelie teased us again.

Sebastian only glared playfully at his sister. "El, I’m finishing the steak, okay? You can just get another one later." He started to finish the food on the plate, which honestly didn’t have much left. I couldn’t say no, especially after hearing his stomach growl just a moment ago.

"Yeah, go ahead, finish it. I'm already full anyway," I said, trying to sound convincing.

"Amelie, you’re so nosy, ruining the romantic mood," suddenly, Sebastian's mother appeared behind Amelie. "You know what, I’ve been candidly filming the two of you this whole time."

My eyes went wide. Oh no... that means she saw everything I did just now? I could feel the heat rush to my face as embarrassment washed over me.

"Are you okay, El? Your face just turned red. Are you sick?" Sebastian looked at me with concern.

I quickly shook my head. "No, I’m fine. Just a bit warm, that’s all, not sick..." I said as I gently touched my cheeks.

"You two, just because you’re married now, doesn’t mean you can show off your affection in front of me and Mom," Amelie teased us again.

This time, Sebastian's mother laughed along with her. She then took a seat near us.

"Sebastian, how’s the matter with the witness from the civil registry office? Are all the required documents ready?"

Sebastian had just finished his last bite when he responded, "Everything's done, Mom. We’re just waiting for confirmation and the signature process from the relevant parties."

His reply made his mother smile and nod approvingly. "So... once all the guests leave and the event is over, what are your plans?"

"Plans? What do you mean, Mom?" Sebastian frowned in confusion.

"Ahem, I mean—are you two planning to stay here or what?" she asked, glancing at both of us.

"El... what would you prefer?" Sebastian asked gently, looking into my eyes.

"What if I’d rather go home? Is that okay?" I asked in return. "Everything was so sudden, and I didn’t have time to prepare for any of this."

"That's true. Of course, she didn’t expect to get married today," Amelie tried to defend me.

His mother smiled kindly. "That’s totally fine, El. It’s better for you to go home for now. No need to rush anything. What matters is that the main goal has been achieved..." she said, giving Sebastian a teasing look.

"Oh come on, Mom..." Sebastian chuckled.

"Alright then, after the remaining guests finish their meal, I’ll head back to my apartment. Besides, I’ve got morning classes tomorrow. Right, Mel?" I tried to get Amelie on my side again.

"Yup, morning class tomorrow. No being late!" Amelie grumbled.

"Alright, I’ll drive you home then. You can take my car," Sebastian offered without even asking for my opinion.

"You two can leave now if you want. Only a few of our staff are still eating, and all the close friends and witnesses have already left. Better not to head back too late," his mother advised.

"El, what do you think? Want to head back now?" Sebastian asked.

I didn’t answer right away. I felt a bit unsure about returning to the apartment with Sebastian. I mean... we’re newlyweds now. What usually happens between newlyweds?

"Hmm, why are you in such a hurry..." Amelie grinned meaningfully at Sebastian, who rolled his eyes at her.

"Amelie, stop it. Enough with the teasing," his mother scolded gently, though still smiling.

Eventually, after convincing myself, I agreed to his mother’s suggestion for Sebastian and me to return to my apartment before it got too late.

"Wait a bit, El. I’ll just grab some clothes and my toiletries."

I blinked in surprise, swallowing hard as I froze when Sebastian said he’d get his toiletries. What is he planning to do with those?

"Are you... planning to stay over?" I asked him in a whisper.

"Of course. What do you mean? We’re officially husband and wife now, El..." Sebastian whispered back before walking down the hallway toward his room.

**

An hour later, Sebastian and I arrived at my apartment. Weird thoughts began racing through my mind.

Oh God, El... why are you suddenly so nervous around Sebastian? I glanced discreetly at him as he entered my apartment.

"Wow, El, your apartment is pretty cool. It's spacious and really tidy," Sebastian said sincerely.

"Thanks for accompanying me," I said, putting down my bag with my school stuff.

"Well, being by your side is now my duty and responsibility... since you’re my wife."

I started gathering the books scattered across the table. "Sorry, it’s a bit messy. I haven’t had the chance to tidy up."

Sebastian just smiled. "Why does it matter if it’s messy, El?"

"Well, just so I don’t have to clean everything up in the morning," I said as I kept organizing my clothes in the corner of the room.

Sebastian suddenly appeared beside me.

Whoa, what is he doing? My eyes widened slightly.

"El... what if I ask you for something?"

"What is it?" I asked, already half-guessing where this was going.

"Honestly, El, my male instinct is really hard to suppress. From the start, I’ve been trying to hold it back. But I feel like my self-control is wearing thin."

I took a deep breath. This was the moment I feared the most.

"What do you mean, Sebastian..." I slowly backed away.

Sebastian stepped closer again, this time pulling me toward him. "Like I told you before, from the beginning I’ve felt like you were the one destined for me, El..."

"So what do you want?" I pretended to be clueless.

"Come on, don’t ask me like that. We’re officially married now. Isn’t it natural for us to... you know..." his voice was soft now.

"I just feel like I’m not ready, Sebastian."

"Listen, El... we agreed not to talk about your past. You and I—we’ve never done it before, so to me, you’re my first. And I hope you’ll also be my last." Sebastian began kissing my forehead gently.

My body instantly shivered from the sweetness of his kiss.

**

My body still lay on the soft bed, eyes closed, not wanting the night to end just yet. My mind vividly replayed the wonderful events of last night. But I pushed the thoughts aside. I glanced at the wall clock—it was half past six. I could see sunlight gently peeking through the window, as if reminding me that night was over. A soft snore came from the person still lying beside me.

A small smile curved on my lips. Still with my eyes shut, I reached out my hand and gently traced the contours of the face next to me. I tried to memorize each feature and recognize every part of him as if it were my own.

I could feel that, at this moment, my face was probably glowing as brightly as the morning sun outside.

With a warm and tender heart, I rewound the memories of last night—playing them slowly, carefully storing them in the most precious part of my mind.

***