She Accepted Divorce, He Panicked

048 My Brave Little Treasure

Sebastian's POV

I don't know what to make of what happened today.

Olivia has been one of those mean girls since high school, so I wouldn't trust any of her words. But Ava was never close to her. So I couldn't imagine how the misunderstanding could happen... IF that's what it was.

I have never doubted Ava before, no matter what she says. But I don't feel that sure about it now, not after when she lied about telling Jack of Scar's message. Not after Gabriel panicked about "always let Ava know if Scar tries to escape home". Ava can lie. That's a concept I wouldn't accept before.

"Sebastian, what's wrong?" Ava tilts her head innocently as I take her to this corner, a warm smile in her eyes. The eyes that I have trusted all my life.

I want to trust her. But I no longer see the guilt and fear a moment ago about her " innocent misunderstanding".

They disappeared too fast.

"Tell me what happened, Ava,"

I didn't know that guy. The suits on him cost at least six figures. That's how I know

he didn't lie about the dress. He wanted to solve it peacefully. So did I. But I know the truth is uglier than what came out.

And I don't like being lied to. Not at all.

Ava's smile freezes a second, then tears mixed with hurt crawl into her eyes: "What- are you saying, Sebastian? You think I lied, too?"

I don't like seeing pain in her eyes. I have sworn to protect her from it.

"I'm just asking, Ava," I try to soften my voice, "You were there, so I want to know exactly why Lilith Grey was targeted."

Let's just say, Lilith wouldn't be Granny's type. I know that. Scar knows that. And so does Ava. She literally said that to Scar's face. I don't want to assume so darkly of Ava, but I can't help my thoughts sliding in that direction- Was this fuss all about putting Grey under the spotlight?

D48 My Brave Little Treation

Ava never made a direct accusation about the dress, that much is clear. Not that I took Ava's words, but if Olivia Keen heard it, she would definitely say it.

"You...you think that horribly of me?" Ava asks with her voice shivering, staring at me with disbelief.

I can't handle that look.

"Daddy said I could have the new Nightingale piece to celebrate the surgery being successful, and I might have bragged about that to Olivia, is that okay with you?!" Ava rants, tears pouring out.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

At that, I can't ask the other thing I wanted to- Did Scar invite you here, or not?

all

Ava texted me today right before I was about to head over to the party, saying that of years, she lost her invitation this time, and asking for a ride. I didn't doubt her. I just thought it was Scar's way of probing me with Ava again. Something along the lines of now that the divorce is on the table, I can be with Ava now.

Scar was right. If I wanted the truth, I should look into it myself.

"Remember how we met?" I wipe Ava's tears with my thumb in a joking tone, trying to ease the tension, "Scar tricked you into the woods right outside your parents' villa, and you were crying hard when I found you under that huge tree?" "So what?" Ava pushes my hand off with a pout.

"Yep, just like that," I laugh, almost seeing the little girl I saved that day, "when I found you, your face had tears mixed with mud from your hands when you wiped it, but when you saw me, you swallowed your cry in a second and put on a faux brave face, glaring at me like s Ava lowers her head, her ear tips turning red.

"Where did my brave little girl go, hmm?" I tease her, "How old were you at that time? Eight?"

"Seven!" Ava laughs in tears, pushing me away for tissues, "And I'm in tears because you bullied me!"

"I bullied you, huh?" I nod, playing her game with a faux angry face when in fact, I'm just happy to see her smile.

I could never forget the smile on her face I saw the day I saved her. It was the

D& My Brave Little Treasure

brightest, cleanest smile in the world. I didn't know what that was. I just know I wanted to protect that crystal-like treasure.

"I don't care if the whole world doubts me, Sebastian Knight," Ava takes a deep breath, looking at me seriously with reddened eyes, "but when YOU do, it hurts."

"I'm sorry..." I sigh, pulling her into my arms.

I don't want to doubt you, so please, don't give me more reasons to.