Second Female Leads' Playbook

Sebastian raised his eyebrow in surprise, a glimmer of shock passed through his eyes.

"There seems to be a mistake, Liana."

"Have you ever heard of a saying about how not to tell a woman that she had made a mistake?" I looked at him with challenge in my eyes.

Sebastian lowered his eyes and read through the bill I gave him once again. No doubt trying to understand the bill I gave him.

I chuckled internally.

"Is there something special about this banquet? I don't remember us ever spending this much on a banquet?" Sebastian looked genuinely confused.

"Oh, it's because this is a Zehan style banquet. I really admire their style." I nodded enthusiastically.

Who wouldn't be? The dazzling crystals and diamonds hanging all over the places. The rich velvet covering the floor. The golden statues and valuable vases decorating the room.

The confused look cleared from his face, understanding took its place.

"I see." He handed me the bill without taking another glance. "Carry out as planned."

He agreed? I stared in surprise. It's such a lavish banquet and so much would be spent arranging such a banquet. Sebastian would never agree with something like this in his previous life. I handed over this 'fake' bill, just to tease and prank him a bit. He agreed with such lavish planning?

"Liana, you have something else to say?"

"But... this bill is extortionate! The amount is ridiculous! How can you agree with it?"

"But you want a Zehan style banquet." He looked thoroughly baffled again.

"This is just a prank! Why would you agree with such lavish spending?"

"You seem to take a liking to Zehan style. You want one so I agree with it. It's not like we're lacking in money," he said with his normal emotionless face, like he did not just agree to spend a ridiculously large amount of money just to please his Queen.

My cheeks felt warm, no doubt in the color of cherry red. I lowered my head and started tugging at my dress.

"Why are you embarrassed all of a sudden?" he asked, exasperated.

"I am not! You annoying guy!"

I stomped back to my seat next to the window and continued reading my latest romance novel.

Suddenly, Sebastian's face appeared in front of me. He was squatting in front of me. I nearly screamed in shock. I quickly looked away and pretended to be reading. He placed his hand under my chin and gently raised my head to look at him.

A small smile seemed to be tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Are you reading?"

I nodded like my life depended on it. What were your eyes for? Couldn't you see the book on my ŀȧp?

That's when I noticed the book I thought I was reading was flipped upside down.

"You're reading?" Sebastian raised his eyebrow skeptically.

My face turned to a brighter shade of red.

"What are you thinking again?" he patted on my head gently.

"Nothing." I could not possibly tell him I feared he might tire of me because I could not express myself well.

"Stop wringing your dress." He placed his hand on my hand. "You'll ruin your dress. This looks good on you."

My face felt even hotter. Here it came again! Why couldn't I express myself as freely as he did?

I had to try. Relationships went both ways. Sebastian was trying, I should too. I should stop hiding behind my shells.

"I like your eye color. The blue. I have always liked it." I quickly touched the corner of his eyes and looked away immediately.

"As much as the sea?" Sebastian tilted his head side way, he seemed to be thinking back into some old memories.

"I think I like it more than the sea." I smiled. "I also like your smile, but you seldom smile."

The question took me by surprise, so I didn't think before answering. Now thinking back to my reply, I wanted to hide in a hole underground. Please earth open up a hole for me!

"I'm not going to let you run away this time." Sebastian slid his hand into mine and held on firmly.

Why did he know I was planning to run away?

I tried to bury my face with the hand not held by Sebastian.

"Don't be embarrassed." He gently stroked my hair. "I am happy. Thank you, Liana."

I looked up just in time to see his indulging and sweet smile. Just for me.

For reasons unknown to me, tears started to drop. One. Two. Three...

He brushed away my tears and kissed me on the forehead.

"I am happy, Liana. Are you?"

I replied by hugging him.

{I wish you happiness.

Have a sweet dream, Liana.}