Restarting Life: Back From the Dead novel Chapter 16

Sebastian’s hands settled firmly on Felicia’s shoulders, his voice low and serious as he spoke, “Felicia, I don’t feel the same about Fiona anymore. Right now, the only person I care about is…”

You.

Before he could finish the sentence, the dream shattered abruptly, leaving a hollow silence.

Sebastian’s eyes fluttered open, still heavy with sleep. Believing he was still caught in the dream’s grasp, he blurted out without thinking, “Felicia Lane, I like you!”

For a long moment, no answer came.

Zoey, who had quietly entered to wake him, paled noticeably. She bit her lip, cursing Felicia silently under her breath. Then, forcing herself to regain her usual calm demeanor, she offered a gentle smile and spoke softly, “Sebastian, did you just say the wrong name? I thought you hated Felicia the most. Why haven’t you come looking for me these past few days to get back at her? I’ve missed you.”

Her smile was faint but warm as she settled beside him, her hand resting lightly on his chest. Slowly, her fingers inched their way upward, almost brushing his face.

“Sebastian, is Felicia upstairs? If she saw you like this, wouldn’t she be upset?” Zoey asked, her eyes glancing toward the staircase, secretly hoping Felicia would appear.

But before she could process anything further, Sebastian’s mood darkened. He shoved her roughly away, his voice sharp and cold. “Who let you in without my permission? Who told you it was okay to provoke Felicia whenever you wanted? Just who do you think you are, showing up here like this?”

Without hesitation, his foot slammed down hard on her hand, the pressure nearly crushing her bones.

Zoey screamed, her face draining of color as pain radiated through her trembling body.

“Sebastian, I’ll be good. I’ll listen to you. I’ll do whatever you want. Please, don’t hurt me anymore. It really hurts,” she whispered, showing him her swollen, battered fingers—a silent test but also a genuine plea.

Sebastian strode past her without so much as a glance. “If your hand hurts, it’s because you deserve it. I don’t need you anymore. You can leave.”

His words cut through Zoey like a blade. She struggled to hold herself together, but her weak body trembled with the pain of rejection. Accepting this was nearly impossible.

“Sebastian, didn’t you say I look like Fiona? You said you liked me for that reason. You promised you’d keep me by your side forever. How can you break your word now? I don’t want to be apart from you. If you want, you can treat me like I’m Felicia. I won’t mind at all, as long as I can stay with you!”

With tears streaming down her face, Zoey moved closer and wrapped her arms around Sebastian from behind. She pressed her face against his back, soaking his shirt with her tears, desperate to hold on to him no matter what.