**Sebastian's POV**
I leaned against a coconut tree, watching the couples walk one by one.
My attention was drawn to the next pair—Jasmin and Jacob. They were talking, and it seemed like they were enjoying their conversation because Jasmin couldn't stop smiling.
I suddenly felt irritated with them. I clenched my fist inside my pocket to stop myself from rushing over to them and pulling Jasmin away from that Jacob guy.
I will let it pass.
I'll allow you to be with Jasmin for now, but I won't let you get near her or touch her again after this! So make the most of your time while you still can!
I stopped watching the wedding and walked away. I wandered aimlessly until I reached the river.
I sat on a large rock and watched the water flow.
I remembered when my mom brought me to her hometown. I was about ten years old then. We used to go to the river and swim.
We were so happy back then, but I couldn't deny how much pain she was feeling at the time. Even though she smiled and laughed, I knew she was hurting... hurting because of my dad.
Who wouldn't feel hurt when the perfect family you thought you had suddenly gets destroyed by a misunderstanding, mistrust, and excessive obsession?
We were so happy back then because we were complete, but in an instant, all the happiness turned into sadness and pain.
Even now, I still remember the conversation I had with my mom. And that was the last...
The event that changed my life was when I found my dad holding a knife, with my mom lying lifeless and bleeding on the floor.
Even though she was barely alive, she was still worried about him. That's when my perspective on love changed. I built walls around myself and promised never to fall in love because I didn't want to end up like my dad.
He became a monster because of how much he loved my mom. He was obsessed with her. He wouldn't let her go out without him, always wanted her to stay at home, and became jealous of everything. It reached the point where he started hurting her.
So I made a promise to myself that I would never become like my father. I would never turn into a monster like him.
I sighed as the memories flooded back.
I picked up a small rock and threw it hard somewhere.
"Ouch!"
I stood up from the rock I was sitting on when I heard someone cry out behind the two large rocks.
I was about to approach when I froze as a head popped out from between the rocks.
Her long, curly hair was messy. I couldn't see her face clearly because her hair covered it.
I took a step back when she suddenly jumped onto the rock, spreading her arms like a witch—
A witch????
I stepped backward and swallowed hard. I almost tripped on the rocks as she walked toward me.
Shit! Shit! Shit!!!
Before she could grab me, I quickly ran back to Grace's house.
I thought witches only came out at night??
Shit!!! She almost got me! My heart was pounding like crazy...
When I got back, the wedding was over, and everyone was eating. I walked over to the water station, grabbed a glass, and gulped it down to calm myself.
That damn witch!!
I wasn't scared, just surprised. Who wouldn't be startled when you're lost in thought, reminiscing about your past, and someone suddenly pops out looking like that??
"Where did you come from?" I turned to see Jasmin.
I placed the glass on the table and faced her. "Miss me?"
"I just asked where you came from, not that I missed you!" she replied snarkily.
She was about to leave, but I grabbed her hand to stop her.
I leaned closer and whispered, "I saw a witch by the river!"
"What witch are you talking about!?"
"Haist! Never mind. Let's eat; I'm starving," I said and pulled her toward the table.
"Let go of my hand! How can I get food if you're holding my hand!?" she complained, trying to free her hand.
"I'll get it for you. What do you want? My lips, my body, or me? Because I'll give myself to you completely—nothing more, nothing less... full package."
She rolled her eyes at me. "Let go of my hand! And keep your body to yourself; I'm not interested," she said irritably.
I took a deep breath and faced her. "Oh, come on. Don't pretend you're not interested. Just let me hold your hand. What if someone else takes you—uh, I mean, the witch?"
"No! If you want to hold hands, find someone else willing to do it with you!" she insisted, still trying to pull her hand away, but I tightened my grip.
I leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "You're the only one I want. And I like you. Remember this: you are mine, Jasmin." Then I smiled at her.