“El... it’s not my place to decide whether it’s right or not. That should come from deep within your heart. Do you feel happy? Joyful? After marrying him…”
I blushed at Sarah’s question.

“Hey… you’re not answering. Come on, tell me—how do you feel after accepting Sebastian’s proposal to marry you? Do you regret it, or are you happy, El?”
Sarah was still looking at me, clearly waiting for an honest answer. She must be curious about how I felt after receiving that sudden proposal from Sebastian.

“Hmm… okay then, I’ll be honest… I’m still kind of confused. I feel scared, happy, joyful, and also a bit sad…” I said, nibbling on my lip. “I don’t even understand my own feelings… I’m just confused.”

Sarah came over and gently rubbed my back. “That’s totally normal, El. It’s very normal to feel that way. You didn’t even have time to really think about whether to say yes or not, right? Everything happened so fast.”
I nodded at her words.

“That’s why I can’t blame you. What’s done is done, and it’s not like we can ask time to rewind.” Sarah kept rubbing my back. “Besides, deep down, you’ve always had a thing for Mr. B since the beginning. You couldn’t even forget about him when I told you to, remember?”
Sarah smirked mischievously, reminding me of how obsessed I used to be with Sebastian, who I only knew as Mr. B back then.

“Remember that?” she teased again.

“Yes, yes, I remember,” I replied, smiling at the memory. I never imagined that I’d end up with Mr. B—*really* end up with him.

“That’s why your feelings are probably so mixed up right now,” Sarah said while pinching my arm lightly. I flinched, pretending to be hurt, and tried to pinch her back.

“Well, who wouldn’t be confused? I was suddenly asked to marry him out of the blue.”

“I’m mad at you, you know that?” Sarah pouted. “How could you not tell me anything?”

“Oh my God, I’m sorry… It really happened so suddenly, I swear.” I started feeling guilty.

Sarah kept pouting. “Well, you could’ve at least sent a short message to tell me the good news.”

“Honestly, I didn’t even have time to think that far ahead.” I tried to answer sincerely. “None of it was planned. I *thought* Sebastian might marry me eventually, but I didn’t expect it to be *that* fast…”

“Wow, Sebastian really pulled it off,” Sarah said in admiration. “He actually got you to say yes.”

“Well, this marriage is also part of our effort to convince his mother to undergo surgery as soon as possible…” I explained briefly.

“Hmm, wait—is this about the surgery you told me about? The one that had you really worried?”

At that moment, I realized that I had shared my concerns with her about Sebastian’s mother needing surgery.

“Yes, that’s the one. I was really concerned about it.”

“So the real reason he married you was to get his mom to agree to surgery?”

“Well, I’m not sure. According to him, that’s not the main reason. He said he truly loves me.” I said, half-embarrassed.
The truth is, Sebastian really does seem to love El. And that made me, deep down, feel unworthy of being his wife.

“El… I told you before, golden opportunities don’t come twice. I think this was yours—to marry Sebastian,” Sarah smiled gently. “I’ve always hoped you’d find someone who would love and accept you wholeheartedly. I just didn’t expect it to happen this fast, El. But no matter what, I’m happy for you.”

I was touched by Sarah’s words. “I always pray that you’ll also meet the right person soon.”

Sarah laughed. “Ah, don’t worry about me. Just focus on your own happiness.”

As usual, Sarah didn’t like talking about finding love. I knew she was still afraid of committing again, especially after her painful marriage experience. It must’ve left her deeply traumatized.

“Sarah…” I called her softly.

“Yes, El? What is it?”

“Uhm, about the two clients who are still my responsibility…”

“What about them, El?”

“Sebastian said he would help me find a way so I don’t have to serve them anymore.”

Sarah was taken aback. “Seriously, El? You already told him about that?”

I let out a sigh. “Of course I did. That was actually my main condition when he asked me to marry him. I didn’t want to be on the losing end…”

Sarah burst out laughing. “Oh my God, El, you! You really don’t want to lose out, huh?” I laughed along with her.

“So, what’s your husband going to do about it?” Sarah asked, looking serious now.

“Well… that’s the thing, I don’t actually know what his plan is.”

“Wow, seriously, El… You *do* realize the kind of client you’re dealing with, right? That guy wouldn’t hesitate to dig up your real identity.”

“To be honest… I really don’t know what Sebastian plans to do. But let’s just trust him. He promised to help me.”

“Hmm, you’re right. Let’s hope he truly finds a solution. And hopefully everything ends well, without messing up your real life.” Sarah finally chose to trust Sebastian too.

Truthfully, I was terrified that those clients would try to uncover who I really was. What if they exposed my secret identity as Bebi, and the truth about who El really was? I used to not worry about it much, but now? I was scared they might tell Sebastian’s family. I couldn’t even imagine how shocked his mother would be.

“El, about your intention to take a break from Wonderland—I’ve already informed the Wonderland management. You’re considered a senior partner, El. So, there will be a farewell gift as a token of appreciation.”

“Oh no, Sarah… Being able to leave on good terms is enough. You don’t have to go through all that trouble.”

“Hey, that’s your right as part of the team. And don’t forget—our past colleagues also received a parting gift when their contracts ended, El.” Sarah widened her eyes at me.

“Okay, fineee. I’ll do whatever boss says.”

Sarah grinned and puckered her lips teasingly.

***