The Seventh Miserable Bride

Leah arrived at the bar. Like his shadow, Leah had followed Sebastian Simons closely for two years now. She would not even need a cellphone if she wanted to locate Sebastian.

Leah knew almost everything about Sebastian. Apart from Sebastian himself, she was the next person who truly understood him.

"Are you in a bad mood? I see that you're chugging liquor like water again."

She sat down beside Sebastian and let out a long sigh.

Sebastian was silent, he looked ahead and his gaze was inscrutable as if he was lost deeply into his own thoughts. Leah observed and reaffirmed herself, "Well, it seems like you're really in a bad mood."

"She's back."

Leah was shocked, "Who?" She suppressed her initial shock and probed further, "Is it Yasmine?"

Sebastian nodded and said, "Yes."

He took a sip of wine and smiled self-deprecatingly, "She's living a good life now. I'm pleased to know that she has someone else in her life now, an excellent gentleman, no less."

"But you still can't forget about her."

Sebastian did not speak. Leah immediately hugged and comforted him, "You must be very sad now, right? I know you are. President Sebastian, let's be together. Now that she belongs to someone else, then allow me to heal your broken heart. There's no better person to do this with..."

"Leah, you know that I can't fall in love anymore. I have lost my will and ability to love someone again, I don't want to hurt anyone."

"I don't mind, Sebastian, I really don't. As long as I get to be by your side, even if we will always be like what we are now, it will be a decision I won't regret..."

Sebastian pushed her hand away from his waist and said, "But I do. I'm okay being alone like now, at least I don't have to be accountable for another person's happiness."

After that, he put down his glass and left without looking back.

The next morning, Gabriel took Yasmine to visit Yaslor Corporation to propose a business cooperation plan.

When Yasmine knew that she was going to meet Sebastian, she was extremely nervous. When she arrived at the destination, she could only stare dumbfounded at the gigantic banner that had 'Yaslor Corporation' written in front of the building.

Sebastian brought along a group of staff to greet Gabriel. Yasmine could see a young lady with long hair and fair skin standing behind Sebastian. As if sensing that she was being observed, the young lady looked over at Yasmine and let out a slight grin.

"Would you like to visit the Production Department first or the R&D Department?"

Sebastian asked Gabriel. Gabriel thought for a moment and said, "Let's take a look at the R&D Department."

The group came to the R&D Department on the second floor. After the R&D Director patiently explained their research and findings to Gabriel, she smiled and said, "Do you know that this lady behind me used to be an excellent employee of an R&D Department? Our company's signature 3 + 2 combination products are her inspiration. She is a rare talent indeed!"

The crowd burst into hearty laughter. Yasmine explained humbly, "Director Smith, this is too flattering. That was an achievement made possible only by the contribution of the entire team."

"Look, isn't she excellent? She will never take credit for herself despite her achievements. When I became the general manager, I immediately promoted her to my special assistant on the first day."

There was another burst of pleasant laughter. The high-level executive who toasted to Yasmine yesterday applauded, "It seems that Miss Lorris is indeed a rare talent. I don't know if she would consider an alternative offer, President Sebastian could surely use a passionate learner like you."

"Hey, stop enticing my key employee in my face!"

Gabriel joked. He looked at the lady standing behind Sebastian and asked, "It seems that President Sebastian already has a secretary."

"She doesn't have to be the president's secretary. Talents can be placed just anywhere in this company. Haha!"

Amidst the chatters and laughter, the group arrived at the production department. Yasmine was curious about the mechanical sounds of the machinery in the department. While the rest were talking, she attempted to pick up one of the products on a machine out of curiosity. As soon as she extended her hand, someone grabbed and pulled her arm backward, "It's dangerous."

Sebastian gently cautioned her as he let go of her hand.

"Leah, please guide Miss Lorris there to view the completed products."

Leah nodded, "Okay."

She made an invitational gesture, "Miss Lorris, please come with me."

Yasmine followed Sebastian's secretary to view the completed products. She thought to herself, "Why did Sebastian change his career? Why did he establish Yaslor Corporation instead of working in his family company?"

"Miss Taylor, would you like to have some water?"

The sudden call from behind made Yasmine's body stiffen. She turned around and stared at the secretary's face and asked in confusion, "What did you just call me?"

"Miss Taylor."

Leah smiled and explained, "You must be surprised. I know your real name. Not only do I know your name, but I am also aware of your relationship with President Sebastian."

"I have nothing to do with him. You must have mistaken me for someone else."

Yasmine turned around and returned a product sample to its place. She was eager to return to the group.

"I've been wondering what kind of woman could force President Sebastian to the edge. I think I finally have an answer."

Yasmine clearly heard what Leah said, but she did not look back at all.

The visit lasted for two hours, and Gabriel finally had a general understanding of the business model in Yaslor Corporation. The high-level executives who accompanied the group all returned to their respective workstations while Yasmine and Gabriel entered Sebastian's office.

"President Sebastian, I'm very interested in your new product. Let's talk about our cooperation now."

Gabriel said to Yasmine, "Bring out the contract."

Sebastian waved his hand and said, "Let's not rush to the contract. Please take a look at our production plan first."

He retrieved a document from his desk and said, "This is a series of plans I came up with after conducting detailed research with the senior management of the company. If Yaslor Corporation and Goldeap Corporation were to cooperate, we suggest that you send a trustworthy employee to our company before the product is released on the market. This is so that any opinions or ideas can be communicated at any time. Otherwise, once the product design is finalized, it won't be as easy to amend it anymore. Since we have established a mutual partnership, the product must be one that we both are satisfied with. I wouldn't hope that a disagreement would drive a stake between us in the future. Director Smith, what do you think?"

Gabriel considered for a few seconds and said, "President Sebastian, you are right. I've thought about it and I think the most trustworthy employee I have would be..." He slowly moved his eyes to Yasmine and said, "It would be you."

"I can't."

"Why can't you do it?"

Yasmine panicked. She did not expect that Gabriel had intended to send her into Sebastian's company. She would do anything to escape that arrangement.

"My aunt needs me to take care of her."

"I'll take care of her for you."

"Still, that won't work."

"Why won't it work?"

"The company needs me."

"Does the company not need me then?"

Gabriel said, "Well, that's enough excuses. Even if President Sebastian knows that I like you, you can't be too disrespectful in front of him. After all, I am still your boss."

Yasmine had run out of words. To be exact, she didn't want to speak too much in front of Sebastian. So, she decided that she would come up with another plan at the hotel later. Bottom line was, she would never stay in B City. She would rather resign than to live there.

"You both could discuss the arrangement later. If you don't have any objections to this proposal, you can sign the contract here."

There was no expression on Sebastian's face from the beginning till the end. This made Yasmine remember the days when she first married him, he had also behaved similarly. But at that time, he would still smile from time to time. Had his face turned numb now? Could he not at least smile a bit at a business discussion?

Gabriel nodded and took out a pen. At the end of the contract, he signed his name. Yasmine could only stare as it happened. She felt the rush to stop Gabriel from cooperating with Sebastian. This way, they could leave B City immediately and she would never meet Sebastian again.

But she knew that it was impossible. Unless she told the truth, Gabriel would never terminate this partnership.

There were three contracts, with the first one already being signed. Gabriel stood up and said, "I'll head to the washroom. Please wait for a moment."

"Okay."

Sebastian gestured with his hand, "Once you exit, turn right."

When Gabriel went out, there was immediately a hint of awkwardness in the office. Yasmine hesitated for a few seconds and finally said, "It's been a while since we last met."

"Indeed, it has." She looked at him and asked, "How are you doing?" Sebastian nodded and said, "I'm fine."

Then, they stopped talking.

After a long while, Yasmine broke the silence again. "Don't you want to ask me if I'm doing well too?"

"There's no need to ask. It's obvious

you're holding up just fine."

Yasmine's heart wrenched as she looked at Sebastian. An air of melancholy surrounded her as she wrestled with how she should react. She did not know whether it was best to cry or laugh it away. "Then, between the two of us, who do you feel is living a better life?"

She asked sarcastically.

"It's probably you."

"That's great to hear. Nothing is more satisfying than letting you see that my life is better than yours!"

"Well, I'm satisfied seeing that too."

"What are you both talking about?"

Gabriel came in and asked without knowing the context.

"Nothing."

Yasmine shook her head with a sullen face. She was mad about Sebastian's attitude.

After signing the contract, Gabriel did not intend to leave immediately. Instead, he began to make a bunch of small talks with Sebastian. "President Sebastian, I heard from your Vice President last night that you had gotten close to a female celebrity recently. Is that true?" Sebastian did not deny it, "Yes."

"Wouldn't your wife have any problem with you mingling around like that?"

"I've never thought to ask her."

Gabriel's eyes widened in surprise, "You didn't ask her? Then, has she never argued with you about this before?"

"She used to, but not anymore."

"Why?"

"Maybe she's just tired."

"Well, that's not too surprising. Women could usually not tolerate men fooling around, but if they do, it's mostly because they're reluctant to leave an extravagant lifestyle."

"She's not that kind of woman. She tried her best to marry into our family, but it was not our wealth that she was after."

"Huh!" Yasmine sneered inside. It seemed that Sebastian had rekindled his relationship with Abigail over the past two years. Otherwise, he wouldn't have defended her in such a considerate manner. "Oh? That's a good woman. You shouldn't have let her down then."

"Maybe."

Sebastian shrugged his shoulders and finally smiled. However, it looked even more unpleasant than a crying face. At least, that was what Yasmine thought.

Gabriel looked at his wristwatch and said, "It's getting late. We shall make our move then."

"Let's have lunch together. I've already had someone to book a table at a restaurant."

"Unfortunately, we still have an appointment at noon. Don't worry, now that we are business partners, there are plenty of opportunities to have our meals together."

Sebastian nodded and said, "Well, take care then."

Yasmine and Gabriel went out of Sebastian's office. Before leaving, Yasmine glared at Sebastian with hatred.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she felt. When she walked out of the lobby, she suddenly stopped and said, "Hold on."

"What's wrong?"

Gabriel looked back in confusion.

"I think I left my phone in the office. I'll go back and get it."

"Are you alright? Why are you always leaving something behind? Hurry up, I'll wait for you in the

^^

car.

Gabriel teased.

Yasmine turned around and ran back. In reality, she did not leave her phone. She just felt that she had to speak her mind before she could leave peacefully.

When she returned to Sebastian's office, Sebastian was standing in front of the French window with his back towards her. It was almost a forlorn sight to witness.

When he heard the footsteps, he turned around and was mildly surprised. He asked, "Why are you back again?"

Yasmine walked straight up to him with her eyes wide open and questioned him, "You were the one at fault, but why do I feel that I'm the one to be blamed? What rights do you even have to treat me so harshly?"

Sebastian was startled for a moment, and asked in a cynical tone, "Are you disappointed that I did not hug you tightly or cry my heart out and told you how much I had missed you when we met? If that's the case, you could just let me know, I'm more than happy to honor your request."

Seeing that Sebastian was approaching her slowly, Yasmine suddenly recovered from her shock and pushed him angrily, "B*stard!"

Tears had soaked her eyes. She turned around and ran out quickly. Sebastian could only stare at the door. Gradually, his indifferent facade faded away, and in its1 place was now a face of hopelessness and

sorrow.