AMARA'S POV

"Before we head to your house, can we make a stop somewhere?" I asked Sebastian.

I looked at him to see if he’d agree. I needed to buy something that Aunt Romina would surely like.

"Where? Why?" he said curtly.

"At the flower shop. Can we?" I looked at him with pleading eyes. I hoped it would work—after all, I rarely get a chance to use my puppy eyes.

"Buying flowers for Aunt Romina?" Kolin, who was in the backseat, leaned forward.

"Yes… hopefully," I replied, keeping it short.

I glanced at Seb again. "Is that okay?" I asked once more. If he said no, it would be fine. I understood him—maybe he was tired, and I didn’t want to trouble him. I just needed to do this, so I could at least give his mother something.

I smiled when he nodded. He started the car, but before looking at the road, he turned to look at me—making me wonder why.

"YOU think she’ll like it?" I asked, pointing at the flowers and seedlings I had bought. Aunt Romina loved flowers. She had a garden at the back of their mansion, which she cared for herself. That’s why I got her sunflower seeds I hadn’t seen any in her garden. And the fresh flowers? I was sure she’d put them in vases to decorate the house.

"Did you like them?" Seb asked in return. I raised an eyebrow at him.

Just then, the shop florist arrived with the flowers I had ordered. She greeted us with a wide smile.

"Of course, sir. Ma’am will love them—they’re from you," she said. She even glanced at me, teasingly.

My cheeks suddenly flamed, and I felt my embarrassment rising.

"Ah, no—I’ll buy them. I have someone I want to give them to," I stammered.

Even with the air conditioning in the shop, I could feel myself starting to sweat.

"Oh, sorry! I just thought Sir was buying them, ma’am. I really thought you two were a couple," the shop assistant said, looking apologetic.

She probably assumed that because Seb had mentioned which flowers I wanted for Aunt Romina. She must have thought he was buying them for me.

"It’s okay. Really, no need to apologize," I said softly.

"Exactly. Even I might think you two were a couple if I weren’t his cousin," Kolin added, smirking.

I almost forgot she was even there. She was too busy scrolling on her phone to make a sound or be bothered.

"How much for all of these?" Seb asked, already holding the flowers before they were even paid for.

"I’ll be the one to pay, Seb," I said firmly.

He froze, hand pausing over his credit card. I glared at him, and when our eyes met, he just shrugged—clearly surrendering.

---

"OH, it’s so nice to see you again, darling," Aunt Romina said.

She had actually been waiting at the main door when Kolin called to say we were almost there. She walked toward me and hugged me tightly. Seb’s arm, which had been around my waist, fell away. I hugged Aunt Romina back.

"Me t—" I couldn’t finish my words because Seb spoke first.

"It’s only been a week since Amara came here, Mom. Just one week," he said.

I was used to Aunt Romina. Every time I visited her house, she always reacted this way. To her, a single week felt like a year or more. But that’s what I loved about her. I knew she genuinely cared for me.

"Yes, Aunt. Let’s not get too exaggerated," Kolin added.

Aunt Romina merely frowned at him. She straightened herself elegantly and pointed her fingers at Seb and Kolin. She was about to say something but took a deep breath instead, choosing not to continue.

"Come with me, darling. I want you to help me prepare the food," she said softly.

I felt a surge of happiness at her words. I was about to step away from Seb when she spoke again.

"Mom..."

We paused. Aunt shot Seb a quick, sharp look.

"We’re just going to the kitchen, Sebastian. We’ll be back soon," she said, raising her eyebrow at her son.

I thought Seb would finally stay quiet, but he smirked and spoke again.

"Will that take you too long, Mom?" His question almost made me laugh.

It was as if he was asking where we were going, even though we were only heading to the kitchen. I wanted to say something but held back—I wanted to see Seb’s reaction. He seemed a little annoyed, though I wasn’t sure why.

"Just a moment, Sebastian. You need to learn to wait," Aunt said, her tone serious this time.

Everything went silent. Even Kolin stayed quietly by Seb’s side.

"Of course. I can wait, Mom," he replied.

My breath caught when his eyes met mine after he said those words.

"Come here, darling. I want you to taste what I’m cooking."

I quickly went to Aunt Romina. She handed me a spoonful of soup. I blew on it before sipping, then lifted my hand and gave her a thumbs up.

"This garlic butter steak is delicious… It's Seb’s favorite."

"Yes, darling. You really know my son well," she said warmly.

"I just learned it from Kolin. We’ve been friends for three years, but I feel like there’s still so much I don’t know about Seb… I want to know him better." I smiled shyly.

"Don’t worry, hija. I’m here. So if you want to know anything about Sebastian, just ask me." Aunt patted my shoulder as she spoke.

"Thank you, Aunt," I said softly.

"You know, when the day comes that Seb gets married, I hope his wife can cook—especially his favorite food."

She looked at me with a sparkle in her eyes. I didn’t know why, but I forced a smile. I almost wanted to lightly hit myself for blushing.

I straightened up and tried to speak confidently. "I think Seb will find someone like you, Aunt. Someone who knows how to cook and also manage the household."

Aunt Romina turned off the stove before looking at me fully.

"You can cook too, right? And Sebastian told me you help your house helpers with chores," she said at length.

I was taken aback. It was normal for Seb to mention my help at home to his mom, since we were friends… but somehow, it felt different coming from her.

Aunt Romina didn’t look away until I answered.

"Y-Yes," I stammered.

I looked down and fiddled with my hands. I didn’t know where this conversation with Aunt Romina was leading. I felt nervous.

"You’re just like me, darling. We’re kind of alike."

Her words made me stop fidgeting with my hands.

"Mom."

I instantly lifted my head at Seb’s voice.

"You really can’t wait. Alright, darling, go join Sebastian. We’re almost done here."

"Okay, Aunt."

But before I could step toward Seb, Aunt Romina spoke again. "Please bring this shrimp and chicken salad to the table," she said, smiling.

I took the shrimp while handing the chicken salad to Seb.

"Thank you," I murmured as I sat down.

Seb had pulled out the chair for me.

Just as I settled, Aunt Romina arrived, holding the plate of garlic butter steak she had just cooked.

I felt Seb rise. He took the bowl from Aunt Romina and placed it himself on the table.

"Are you going to sleep here, darling?"

"Ah… I didn’t bring any clothes," I answered.

I didn’t want to say yes, and I didn’t want to say no either. I didn’t want her to expect that I would stay here. So I chose the safest answer.

"You have some in my closet. You left them here last time."

My head snapped toward Seb. I was shocked. There was no hesitation on his face—only seriousness. I immediately glanced at his mother. Out of the four of us, she was the one most likely to misinterpret Seb’s words.

"H-how?" Aunt Romina asked, wide-eyed.

I couldn’t tell if it was surprise, excitement, or something else in her expression.

I felt shy and cleared my throat before explaining. "I showered in Seb’s room last time I was here," I clarified.

"Oh, I thought… maybe something would happen," she said in a disappointed tone.

"Mom," Seb warned her.

"I’m just kidding, son. I’m sorry, darling. I just really want to have a grandchild already."

"I understand, Aunt." I said, avoiding everyone’s gaze.

The truth was, I felt so self-conscious. My cheeks burned as if I had a fever.

"When are you going to give me a grandchild, Sebastian? I’m bored at home. Your father won’t let me work," she complained.

Sebastian put down his utensils. "I told you, Mom, there’s a right time for that. I’m just waiting for her to be ready."

I froze mid-bite at his words. I pretended to be interested in their new topic.

'I’m just waiting for her to be ready.' It was only a few words, but why did it affect me like this? He didn’t say a name—just her.

"Really? So, who’s this lucky girl?" Aunt Romina asked excitedly.

"Do I know her, Sebastian?" Kolin joined the conversation this time, curious. I didn’t respond.

He just shrugged, ignoring them. He was about to start eating again when he looked at me and smiled. I couldn’t smile back. My heart felt like it was being squeezed. I felt pain I couldn’t explain.

He’s liked someone for a long time…