Chapter 21 Barbecue Chapter 21 Barbecue Xylia reacted quickly, immediately covering up the part of her body that had almost been exposed. "I'll take a look." Sebastian helped her sit on the bed. 0 +20 Free Coins Xylia was about to refuse, but before she could say anything, Sebastian efficiently wrapped her up in the blanket, turning her into a snug little bundle, with only her feet left dangling helplessly over the edge of the bed. She wasn't wearing slippers. Fresh out of the shower, her fair toes curled nervously, a soft pink hue blending with their natural whiteness, making them look delicate and smooth. However, the slight swelling on her left ankle disrupted the overall perfection. Sebastian picked up her left foot, his rough, warm palm contrasting sharply with her petite, pale ankle. Xylia's face heated up. Even during the most passionate days of her past marriage, Jayden had never touched her feet. She instinctively tried to pull away, but Sebastian's voice was firm. "Don't move." "I'm a doctor," she argued. "Doctors can't treat themselves." His tone was calm but absolute. With that, he placed his other broad hand on the top of her foot and gave it a precise twist. A sharp pain shot through Xylia, intense yet fleeting. Xylia was skilled in holistic medicine and bone-setting. She could tell that Sebastian's technique was professional, with no ulterior motive. The moment he realigned her bone, he let go. "Thank you," she murmured. Sebastian's expression remained indifferent. "It's my responsibility." There they were again-those words. Xylia was at a loss for words. The subtle intimacy that had momentarily faded now hung in the air once more. "But you could have chosen someone better," she said helplessly. "You're the best," he replied without hesitation. "I've been married before." Xylia's voice was quiet. "And I have a son." "That just means you bring good fortune. Marrying you would be the luckiest thing to happen to me." Xylia kept trying to refute him, but every word he said struck right at her heart. She didn't believe being a divorcée made her any less valuable. As long as she saw herself as worthy, then she was. Whoever married her would be the lucky one. She lowered her gaze, briefly wondering if maybe just maybe-she should settle for this. But then again... She was doing just fine on her own. She had a career, financial stability, and no pressing need for Sebastian in her 1/3 3:59 pm Chapter 21 Barbecue +20 Free Coins life. She had already been hurt once by love. She wasn't about to jump into it again so easily. "I'll think about it," she said vaguely. "Don't rush me." Sebastian, however, seemed genuinely pleased. "Thank you for giving me a chance." Then, his smile faded slightly, his voice dropping. "By the way... Your ex-husband's son is outside your apartment." Xylia's expression shifted slightly. "Can you make him leave?" Sebastian noted the lack of concern in her eyes and relaxed a little. "Yes." She hesitated, then changed her mind. "Forget it. I'll go see him." sebastian's lips had just begun to curve into a smile, but it vanished instantly, his gaze darkening. (ylia didn't notice. She was about to get up when she suddenly realized she wasn't properly dressed. She hesitated. "Uh... can you tep out for a second?" Sure." Sebastian left without question. As he stepped out, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts, seemingly about to nake a call. ylia didn't think much of it and quickly changed into her clothes. By the time they reached the apartment entrance, there was no sign of Yrian. Sebastian made a quick call. "The Castros picked him up before we got here." le looked at her apologetically. "Sorry, I just found out." ylia waved it off. "It's not your fault." ebastian checked the time. "Want to grab a late-night snack before heading back?" ylia didn't usually eat late at night, but Yrian did. He used to be obsessed with barbecue ever since trying some takeout Irene had ordered. He would always beg for it in the middle of the night, and Irene would make her prepare a 'healthier' version for him. She had put in the effort, but when she finally served it, Yrian had taken a few bites, then scoffed that it wasn't as good as takeout and pushed it aside. 'Fine. Barbecue, then," she said, wanting to see what was so great about it. Sebastian paused, then nodded. "Alright." Xylia took him to a nearby barbecue stall. It was the dead of winter, but the vendor had set up several tents with heating equipment inside, making it warm and cozy. One of the tents was empty, but the ground was littered with discarded skewers and crumpled napkins from the previous customers. The. 273 3:59 pm G P Chapter 21 Barbecue table was a mess. Xylia froze. She had never been to a place like this before. +20 Free Coins Before her family went bankrupt, she had been a pampered socialite. Afterward, she had either lived at the Castro residence or eaten in hospital cafeterias. This world-the noisy, messy chaos of a street-side barbecue stall-was completely foreign to her. Regret crept in. It was too unkempt. She couldn't help but wonder if Sebastian would find it disgusting. "Uh" Before she could say another word, Sebastian reached out and took her hand. "Wait." 3/3 3:59 pm GP