Chapter 2 09: Replacement
Roxane held Sebastien’s arm and said softly:
– He never had a father since he was born and he always treated you like his father. Even though you are cold and harsh with him, he still loves you very much.
Something flashed in Sebastian’s eyes and his Adam’s apple popped.
– Do you think about your childhood?
Roxane’s eyes sparkled with surprise. “How does he know everything?”
– I have been with my grandmother since I can remember. My parents only see me once in a long, long time. At that time, I really envied others for being able to stay with their parents all the time.
The desire for parental love was instinctive for every child. Roxane had never been with her parents since she was young and had always been with her grandmother. Plus, there were always rumors about him. Rumors ranged from her being a monster to her father’s illegitimate daughter, which was why she stayed in the countryside.
Therefore, she could not help but be tender towards Mathis who had no father and depended on Sebastien.
– But I’m not his father, after all, and I can’t replace his father. He didn’t say he didn’t want to replace Mathis’ father either.
Roxane understood Sebastien’s reasoning. She said:
– I think he knows. He is only transferring his desire for his father to you.
Everyone could see that Mathis was replacing his father with Sebastien.
He reached out and touched Roxane’s face. Sometimes he felt like she was very stupid, but she always had surprisingly deep insights; sometimes he felt she was very intelligent, but she was so obtuse that he felt helpless about it.
– Rest early and good luck for your exams tomorrow. I wait for you to hold on to me every day.
-…
…
The next day.
Roxane’s exams went very well like the day before.
Mathis did not return to Moon Pavilion after visiting the hospital with Sebastian in the morning.
After listening to Sebastien’s words, Deborah, whose leg was better, brought Mathis back.
…
The third day.
The morning.
After Roxane finished her final exam, she walked out of the classroom. The hot sun shone on her as she took a deep breath. As she was about to walk towards the entrance, she heard Christine calling her from afar.
-Roxy! Roxy!
She turned to Christine and asked:
– Christine? Have you also completed your exams?
She nodded. She was panting from running so far. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead. She asked, panting:
-Have you spoken to my brother?
-Ah!Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
She slapped her forehead and said, full of self-guilt:
“I’m sorry, Christina. Something happened the last few days, and I’ve been busy with my exams…
Roxane’s eyes shone with guilt. She really wanted to plead with Sebastien on Christine’s behalf, but she forgot about it.
Christine wasn’t angry. Instead she said:
– I know. It’s because of Deborah, isn’t it?
Roxane was slightly surprised.
– Do you know her too?
– Of course! She was Brother Fernand’s girlfriend, and she even gave birth to his child, Christine said. A disdainful expression could be seen on her face as she continued to say:
– Brother Fernand is dead so she clings to my brother. Although Brother was with Brother Fernand that day…
Christine stopped speaking abruptly, realizing she had misspoke. His eyes shone with guilt.
Roxane understood very quickly this time and asked:
– You say that when Fernand died… Mr. Seb was there too?
Christine hastened to beg for mercy.
– Roxane, please don’t mention this in front of Brother. If he finds out I revealed this behind his back, he will definitely kill me.
A complicated expression crossed Roxane’s face before she nodded.
– Don’t worry. I will not tell anything.
– THANKS! I know you are the best! said Christine, squeezing Roxane’s arm again. Then she said:
– Please go plead with my brother. Raoul has already graduated, but he still hasn’t heard from the company.
Over the past few days, Christine had gone to look for Raoul. She could tell he was in a bad mood, but he still forced himself to smile in front of her. Seeing this, her heart sank for him.
– I’m going to go to the company to look for Mr. Seb now. Why don’t we go together? She suggested.
– No. I don’t want to disturb you both, Christine said hastily, shaking her head. A hint of shyness appeared on her face as she added:
– Besides, I already invited Raoul to eat a spicy fondue.
As Raoul was not well off, Christine did not dare to invite him to expensive places. Each time, they went to the snack bars near the university. She had eaten all the spicy hotpots, casseroles and braised chicken feet around the university.