Chapter 9

Sebastian listened quietly. His gaze darkened, but he didn't argue anything. His indifference led people like Timothy, Gretchen, Malcolm, and even the maid at the Gray Manor to treat Alyssa as if she didn't matter. Timothy received a phone call and left in a hurry. After he was gone, Sebastian instinctively picked up his phone, but there were no missed calls from Alyssa. He dialed her number, and the cold automated message again greeted him. "I'm sorry, the number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later…" Sebastian tossed the phone aside with frustration. He stood and walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window and lighted a cigarette. Alyssa's words from early that morning still echoed in his mind. She had said she had regretted it. A bitter taste rose in his throat, and he coughed heavily. Suddenly, a woman's voice sounded behind him. "Seb, you should cut down on smoking. It's bad for your health." His heart tightened momentarily, and