Chapter 3

"Good morning, everyone, my brothers and sisters. And a special hello to my beloved daughter, Fathia. How's it going? Dad hopes you're always healthy and happy. There's nothing Dad wants more than to see your smile as warm as the morning sun. Also, Felice, my pride and joy. Even if Ronald is reading this letter in front of you all, it means Dad has met God. Finding happiness with Him. To my dear wife, don't be sad, just hold on a little while because I'll definitely come to get you. Waking up in the morning without a cup of your homemade coffee feels empty."

Fathia tightens her grip on Sebastian. In her mind, her father's warm smile is deeply etched in her memories. Sitting back on her favorite sofa, casually flipping through a business magazine. With Mommy by her side. Such happiness. And now, that image is no longer tangible in front of her. Truly, this makes Fathia feel choked up once again.

She purposely plugs her ears, not wanting to hear anything other than weaving memories that she won't ever let fade from her mind. One by one, the names of her family members on her dad's side get their share. She doesn't care. She doesn't know her father's work because Felice always stopped her from knowing more, even about her dad's office address.

She said, "You'll graduate from high school first before I tell you. You need to understand Papa's business well because of our family, Claire."

"Why does being born as Claire matter?"

Fathia remembers, Felice laughed at her question. "We have a big responsibility, Fathia. You'll understand later. For now, enjoy your time in high school because it won't come back."

Fathia's forehead furrows.

"Don't you want to date a classmate or a guy who has a crush on you?" Felice teased back then. Making Fathia shudder instantly.

"Oh, I'm not interested."

"Ah, if the guy is as cool as Sebastian, you'd definitely be interested. Right?"

Now it's Fathia's turn to laugh. "Maybe. Sebastian is really cool, though. You are so lucky to be loved by Sebastian."

Felice nods with a sparkle in her eyes. "One day, a guy like Sebastian will come for you. I'm sure of it."

Until she feels a touch right on her shoulder. Dispelling that reverie just like that. Fathia wants to scold whoever touched her, but when she turns, she finds Sebastian there with a serious expression.

"You have to be ready, Sebastian Sachdev. This is a responsibility and you have to fulfill it."

Then what Fathia remembers is a lot of mocking and disbelief coming from her father's relatives.

"You can't do it like that! This man is an outsider! He can't possibly lead Azure Group!!!"

"That's right! Sebastian is an outsider. He's not worthy of holding the highest position there. Then what are we? His servants? Unacceptable!!!"

"We don't have a problem if Group Azure is led by Fathia in the future. Even though Fathia is still young now, at the very least, Group Azure will return to the rightful hands. During the waiting period, why not us, the legitimate siblings of an Alvin who's taken over?"

"Ah, could it be you, Ronald, who's making up things with this will? Just admit it!"

Fathia looks at Sebastian with a questioning gaze while the man, who still hasn't let go of her hand, looks at each person in front of him one by one. Fathia knows that the grim aura that Sebastian displays in his eyes is truly intimidating. It's as if he's calculating many things based on what he's hearing now.

"ENOUGH!" Ronald's loud voice interrupts. Silence immediately falls without a cue. Each of them exchanges glances and shoots sharp looks towards Fathia and Sebastian. Oh, let's not forget the blatant look of dislike that's thrown directly at Sebastian.

"This letter was validly written before the tragic incident occurred. The points outlined there are quite clear. In the event of unforeseen circumstances where Felice cannot lead Azure Group, then Sebastian Sachdev will manage everything temporarily. Dividend distributions will continue as usual under the oversight of the legal bureaucracy in place. Fathia must be informed of the monthly reports. Until Fathia reaches a sufficient age, 23 years old in the future."

Fathia's eyes widen. Her father's business was something she never really knew about. And now? Ah, that's nothing compared to the words spoken by Ronald at the end of the will.

"And as this letter is read, the legal guardian who will oversee Fathia until she can lead Azure Group, is in the hands of Sebastian Sachdev."

***

February 2015.

Usually, when she woke up in the morning on every February 14th, Fathia would have a big smile on her face. She'd greet everyone in the house. Even the gardener, she'd just go over and say good morning. There's a special prayer she'd offer as her age increases, including today.

She's turned sixteen.

Yet, there's an accompanying sadness that's been with her until now. Eight months have passed since her parents and her older sibling passed away. The wound of that loss is still wide open. She's resumed her activities, but nothing feels normal. The excitement of welcoming the day is gone. It's often cloudy before her, and if she suddenly remembers her mother, Fathia would find herself crying in a corner of the main bedroom, holding onto a family portrait tightly.

Just like today. She woke up to a cloudy morning. She headed to her parents' room. Everything is still the same. Nothing has changed. She remembers, if she was scared during the night, she'd sneak in. Even as she changed into her school uniform, that habit still continued.

No matter how mature a child becomes, they will always be a child to their parents.

But just as she's about to step into the room, Naomi's voice stops her in her tracks.

"Mr. Sebastian is in the living room," she says, and without realizing it, Fathia flashes a smile. Since the day when the will was read, believe it, only Sebastian has always been there for her. Visiting during dinner, asking about this and that related to school, watching movies together in his home theater, or when the weekend comes, they go swimming together.

It's comforting to have someone there when the sadness still creeps in. They often support each other, because occasionally, Sebastian would talk about Felice's preferences.

"Yeah, Felice really loves red roses. She says they're so sexy. But honestly, in my opinion, they're beautiful in color but can hurt people," Fathia complained one day as they strolled through the backyard.

Sebastian's response was just a chuckle. "But Felice is right. Red is ... sexy."

Since Fathia didn't quite understand, she simply continued walking. Until she arrived at one of her favorite collections; Lilies.

"Well, this is Fathia's favorite," she said cheerfully. Sebastian could easily predict that this teenage girl liked things that were soft and gentle. She's the typical girl who doesn't complicate her life. A lover of home activities and all its warmth. Unlike Felice who enjoys outdoor activities. Exploring herself with her head held high. Brave. Never gives up. And one thing that Sebastian always remembers, beautiful and sexy. A perfect blend that describes Felice Leah Claire.

"Miss, you're just smiling like that." Unsurprisingly, the blush on the young miss's face made Naomi feel extremely grateful. Everyone here is very thankful for Sebastian. The man who rarely talks can at least make the young miss happy. "Mr. Sebastian is waiting."

"Ah, right." Fathia quickly ran a little, but before that, she turned around, leaving Naomi looking puzzled. "I'm not too messy, right?"

Naomi smiled. "No. Miss Fathia is always beautiful."

Fathia chuckled and resumed her run. "Sebastian!" she shouted happily after making sure that the man was really there. He was standing behind her, in a formal but stiff suit that Fathia liked.

When Sebastian turned, he was never prepared for the fact that Fathia could act so freely. The girl lunged at him, luckily, Sebastian didn't tumble and touch the carpet beneath him. "Fathia," he exclaimed, his annoyance suppressed.

"Sorry." Fathia lowered herself a bit since she was taller than Sebastian. "I thought you might have forgotten today."

Sebastian shook his head slightly. "There's no way I could forget. You've been texting me reminders for the past week that I need to come home today."

Fathia's laughter unknowingly seeped deep into Sebastian's heart. In his heart, he realized how that laughter suddenly warmed him up. It gave him the courage to touch the girl, adjusting her long hair. He slipped it behind her ear, then whispered, "Happy birthday, Princess Fathia. Wish you all the best."

"Thank you."

"What do you want as a gift?" Sebastian slightly adjusted his hold on Fathia to make her more comfortable. It seemed like Fathia didn't mind. She chose to tighten her grip around him, just like a koala clinging to a tree.

"Don't need anything. I want to go to Dad, Mom, and Felice's graves with you. That's more than enough." Hesitantly, Fathia touched the edge of the man's temple, who was now close to her. Feeling no resistance, Fathia traced it tenderly. "Also to celebrate Felice's birthday. You know, our birthdays are the same, right?"

In his closed eyes, Sebastian nodded. There was no way he could forget today. "With my pleasure, Princess."

Then, Sebastian began to lower Fathia's body, but she resisted. This made Sebastian furrow his brows. "What's the matter?"

What Sebastian wasn't prepared for was when Fathia's small, always pink lips swiftly kissed him.

"Thank you for being a caring brother to Fathia."