Restarting Life: Back From the Dead novel Chapter 12

Yet, if Felicia ever ended up in tears, it was Sebastian who would become the most anxious. The reason was clear: he knew he would have to endure the scolding not only from Steven but also from Fiona. Their disappointment weighed heavily on him.

Despite everything, Sebastian would still allow Felicia to vent her frustration on him in any way she wished, just to see her smile again. Those simple, joyful moments they once shared were now nothing but distant memories.

He fought hard to keep the sorrow buried deep within his heart. Gently, he traced his fingers over Felicia’s face in the portrait, the touch tender and reminiscent, as if he could somehow feel the warmth of pinching her cheeks once more.

Then, unexpectedly, a small, handwritten card slipped out from behind the frame. Sebastian caught it immediately. The neat, delicate handwriting belonged to Felicia.

“Sebastian,” the note began, “if you are reading this, please live a good life for me. Forget all the grudges between us and just find happiness. I ask for nothing else except that you look after my parents well.

“Let all of you finally release the past. Don’t be sad on my behalf. I’m not truly gone—I’ve only gone ahead to be with Steven and Fiona. They must have been waiting for me for so long. How I’ve missed them!

“Life has been unbearably hard. I can’t hold on anymore. Please, just let me leave in peace.”

Toward the end of the message, it was clear Felicia’s strength had given out. A faint stain of blood had marred the card, mingling with her tears. She had tried to wipe it away, but the marks remained, a silent testament to her pain.

Sebastian’s hands shook as he read the heartfelt words. Tears welled up, blurring his vision, and an overwhelming wave of grief crashed over him, threatening to drown his very soul.

Richard and Marissa noticed the card in his trembling hands and gently asked, “May we see it too, please?”

With great effort, Sebastian passed the note to them.

In the end, they honored Felicia’s wish by placing her portrait beside Fiona’s. Though it pained them beyond words, Richard and Marissa reluctantly agreed to have Felicia’s body cremated.

“Sebastian,” Marissa said softly, “it’s time for us to let go. Felicia has left this world. She wouldn’t want us to hold on to her so tightly.”

But Sebastian refused to release her hand. “Mr. and Mrs. Lane, I understand, but… I can’t let her go. Once she’s cremated, she will be gone forever. If she stays here, maybe—just maybe—she might wake up. Even if she doesn’t, she will always be with me. I have already lost Steven and Fiona. I can’t bear to lose her too.”

His gaze lingered on Felicia’s portrait, filled with longing and despair.

Overcome with fury, Richard suddenly struck Sebastian across the face. The sharp slap echoed loudly, reverberating through the entire room, shattering the fragile silence.