"Is he really che…" No, she wouldn't entertain that thought. The Seb she knew would not do that to her.
He wouldn't, yeah? Or, would he?
"Damn, girl, you definitely look like what you are going through. Stop stressing yourself over a man that does not want to be found. When he is ready to come home, he will".
That was Lila. The ladies were at the Cross's residence. Her best friend had tried everything in her power to make her leave the house, but she refused. Not like she was overly concerned about Seb's whereabouts, she just wanted to be home when he got back, to see things for herself and confirm her suspicions.
"You have not been sleeping, have you? Babes, loosen up. Your assistant called and said you've not been to work the past few days. I know how much you love your work, and you're neglecting over that man? Seb? Lila continued voicing out her concerns.
"Lils, I'm scared. It is not like I'm that worried about him, I mean, the man has been acting distant of recent. But, I think I am being cheated on".
That was the first time she said that out loud, and sincerely, she felt at peace a little bit once she did. Whoever said 'a problem shared is a problem half-solved' ate with that.
"Okay, girl. That's the first step right there. Admitting and speaking out. I know how you feel babes, trust me I do. Remember when we were in high school and I had an inkling David was cheating on me? That's exactly the scenario here, just that in this case, your husband".
Valeria remembered David all too well, and the thought of how Lila handled him brought a smile- however little- to her face.
"Babes, if you think Seb is cheating, the right thing to do now is start preparing for a divorce for when you finally confirm. You know I want the best for you, and in any other case, would have appeased you. But, not a cheating man, please".
Val knew her friend had a good reason to worry, if not anything, she is a lawyer, and had seen enough to make her concerned.
But, another part of her was telling her to stop over-thinking. That little part of her was telling her to not make everything about her and wait till Sebastian is back before jumping to conclusions.
Sighing, she stood up to get wine and popcorn from the kitchen, "Thanks, Lils. Let's take a break from talking about my almost-collapsed marriage and gossip. After all, you came here to cheer me up, didn't you?
She returned to the living room with a tray filled with chocolates, popcorn, candy, and a bottle of wine in the other hand.
"You know I want the best for you. And if you think you are done talking today, that's fair. We will take the storm on as it comes. Should I get the cups? Lils answered back to her.
"There's no storm, Lils, there you go again with your analogies. And yes please, do get the cups. You know where they are, don't you? Val answered back while displaying a ghost of smile on her face.
Lila was the only person that could make her laugh in situations like this. She had the bestest friend in the world.
"Yes, your majesty. Is there anything else I can do to help you, Your Royal Highness? She even bowed a little and they both bursted out laughing.
Halfway into watching 'Grey's Anatomy', Lila gasped and turned to her.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Guess who came into my office seeking a divorce yesterday?
"Who?
"Alex, from college".
"Alex, who? Oh, my God. Alex? My ex-Alex? Wow!
"I know right. Apparently, his wife, Julliette Rain, or whatever he called her name, went on an alleged business trip without telling him, and that is even the littlest thing she did. Can you believe he caught her cheating, not once, but twice?
"Shit! To think I thought men were the chronic cheaters. Wait, did you say Julliette Rain? That's the name of the socialite Seb went on a business trip with. What are the odds?"
They turned back to the screen, while munching on the laid out snacks, and in no time, they were done and her friend was ready to leave.
Once she was at the door, she turned around to her and hugged her, pouring her emotions into the hug, almost bringing Val to tears.
"Okay, Val. You have to promise to sleep and as hard as it is, not think too much about this whole thing. And also, call me if you need anything, and I mean anything at all".
"I will, babes. Thank you so much for all you do".
"You don't have to thank me, Val. I know you would do the same if not more, if it was me. Alright, I have to be on the road now, so I cam get home before dusk".
"Bye, love ya"
"Love ya, too". She blew her a kiss as she sauntered off towards her car. Val didn't leave the porch or stopped waving till Lila's car was no longer in sight.
Sighing heavily, she went into the house to clean up the mess they made and retired for the night.
She got into bed, and for the umpteenth time, prayed to God, to keep Seb safe. As much as she thinks he is off with a woman, she also could not shake the nagging part of her mind that thinks he is in danger off.
She slept off while thinking.
The sun peeking through the blinders was what woke her up. Today, she would be laying in bed all day, she had decided she won't cook and that she will order pizza, and will only go downstairs when her order gets here.
After ordering pizze, groggily, she stood up from the bed. Her whole body aches. Stretching, she strolled towards the bathroom to brush and wash her face.
Once she was done, she went back to the room, into her closet, to get a tank top and shorts for the day.
Just as she was about climbing back into bed, the door bell rang.
'That must be the pizza' she mumbled aloud.
Sauntering downstairs and towards the door, which she pulled opened, she was surprised.
It was indeed the pizza but, the sight of Seb's car pulling into the driveway greeted her also.