7
896words
Right after graduation, Ryan had invited me once before. But back then, my world revolved entirely around Sebastian, so I’d refused.
Now, seeing the endless artillery fire and the ordinary people crying and fleeing beneath it, I understood the responsibility on a war reporter’s shoulders.
We followed the medical team, helping treat the wounded while documenting the harsh realities.
During a meal break, Ryan rushed over again.
"He’s lost it! My dad called! Sebastian canceled his engagement! He’s swearing he’ll tear the world apart to find you!"
"Oh."
So what?
He’d caused the death of our child. He’d told me to get out of his sight forever. We were two people with no connection now. Why was he looking for me?
"Eat up. We have wounded to transport soon."
I stayed busy in the foreign battlefield.
Every day was lived in fear, never knowing when a shell might land nearby.
But seeing the helpless, lost children wandering the streets, I gritted my teeth and persevered. I had to show the world the cruelty of war, do my part to call for peace.
After finishing another video recording, I finally noticed Sebastian standing behind me.
"Sophie, I'm sorry. I know the whole truth now."
"It was you with me in the hotel that night, wasn't it? I didn't know. I was drunk. When I woke up, Amber was lying beside me. I thought it was her. I felt responsible, so I decided to marry her."
"I didn't know it was you in the stairwell that day. I didn't know you were pregnant then. Losing the baby is my fault. We'll have many more children in the future."
"I found those fake workers. I've dealt with Amber. I misunderstood you. I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"
"Yeah, sure. Forgiven."
My voice was flat, devoid of inflection. I barely glanced at him before walking on.
If my child had lived, if I still loved Sebastian, this delayed apology might have shattered me.
Or if I hated him, I might have lashed out, asked him why he was crawling back after telling me to get lost forever. Wasn't he ashamed?
But now, it was too late for all that.
The system hadn’t influenced my emotions during this time. My understanding of my own feelings grew clearer.
I no longer loved him, nor did I hate him. Even his red-rimmed eyes and tearful pleas couldn’t stir a flicker within me.
In this warzone, I’d witnessed what true, large-scale compassion meant. It made the small, consuming love I’d felt for Sebastian those seven years seem utterly ridiculous.
I’d truly seen a larger world. I’d found my own ideals and convictions the moment I bravely stepped out of his shadow.
Sebastian heard the dismissal in my tone. He grabbed my arm. "I truly know I was wrong! You're still angry. Let me explain properly. Please, believe me!"
I yanked my arm away fiercely, pointing at the devastated city around us. "I said I know! But I don't have time! Look! Ruins and rubble! Displaced people! How many are waiting for their real situation to be reported to the world?!"
"How could you come here? It's so dangerous! Come back to the country with me! I'll take responsibility for my mistakes. Let's get married? I promise no one will ever hurt you again."
Sebastian stared at me, helpless.
The words I’d longed to hear him say finally came. But when they did, my heart remained utterly unmoved.
I was about to refuse when a shell exploded nearby.
"Watch out!"
The earth shook violently. Before the searing blast wave could hit, Sebastian threw himself over me, shielding me with his body.
In my dazed state, it felt like being back home during every typhoon season, when he’d hold me close, telling me not to be afraid, promising he’d always protect me.
I felt my hand being held. Sebastian’s voice called my name, over and over, near my ear.
"Doctor, why isn't she awake? I shielded her! Why is she waking up later than me?"
"Miss Cook was already physically weak. I heard she'd miscarried not long ago, and she hasn't rested properly since arriving here. Her body naturally needs more time to recover."
The doctor’s tone was weary, as if he’d answered this question countless times.
After I woke up, Sebastian returned to his old pattern of putting me first.
A piece of shrapnel had lodged in his leg while he shielded me. Despite the injury, he insisted on following me around, fussing over me.
Doctors from the aid mission told me repeatedly that the shrapnel was lodged in a tricky spot. With the limited medical facilities here, and him constantly moving around, if it wasn't removed properly soon, he could end up with a permanent limp.
I pleaded with him countless times to return home for proper treatment. He stubbornly refused, insisting on flying back only when I did.
I knew his game. But I already owed him too much. I couldn't let him ruin his leg.
On the flight back, Sebastian's joy was palpable. It was rare to see him express emotion so openly.
I looked out the window, sighing silently inside.
