The Legal Wife

CHAPTER 3

Several months have passed since that night, and I still feel every touch of the man I was with that night.

We never had a chance to formally introduce ourselves, but there was one name that kept echoing in my mind.

Sebastian…

I don't quite understand where that name came from—whether it was from the man I was with that night or whether I was just fascinated by the beauty of the name Sebastian.

But…

There is one thing I am sure of.

No matter what I do, I can't get that night out of my mind. And as I breathe in this world, I can't shake the fear in my heart that one day, our paths might cross again.

“Diana, have you packed your things yet?” I adjusted my posture when Daddy knocked on the door.

“Yes, I just finished packing my things,” I replied.

I left my bedroom door open while packing my things to take home. I am currently staying at my parents' house, where I sought refuge after my one-night stand with a stranger.

I went home out of fear, but now that I realize my life doesn't end here, I'm ready to return to my own home and move forward because I still have many dreams—not just for myself but for my family.

“Are you sure you can handle yourself now?” Dad asked, concern evident in his voice and eyes as he looked at me.

I didn't tell them what happened, what Sebastian and I did. I made up another excuse so they wouldn't suspect why I suddenly came home.

“Of course, Dad. I just needed a few months to prepare myself for living alone.” My companion sighed before walking closer to me.

“Diana, you're not alone. You may be far from us, but you'll never be alone because you have us. You have a family to come home to every time you are tired. There are people willing to open their arms and embrace you when you need them. So, don't say you're alone because there are many who love you.”

I wanted to cry, but I chose to smile and hug Dad. Because of his words, I didn't want to leave. I wanted them to be by my side, but I knew I had to stand on my own two feet because there is no forever in this world.

Everything is temporary and will end.

“Thanks, Dad. When I have free time, I'll visit you. The house I bought is a bit far away, but don't worry—you can go there too!” I said happily. “There's no furniture yet. I'll arrange it before you visit. I'll show you that I'm ready to get married.”

“Married? Why? Do you have a boyfriend?” I was stunned for a moment by Dad's question.

Suddenly the memory of what happened to that man came to my mind so I quickly shook my head to dispel it.

“Not yet, Dad! I'm just, you know... preparing.”

“Oh, you stupid kid. Okay, finish packing so we can take you to the train station,” Dad ordered.

“Okay, I'll come down later when I'm done packing.”

I am so lucky to have come into this family. I can ask for nothing more than a long life for them.

Once I was ready, my entire family accompanied me to the train station to the location of my new home.

I also switched schools for work, hoping it would improve my life, and now marks the beginning of my new chapter.

I sighed a few times before looking in the mirror.

“Pull yourself together, Diana. You need to look presentable in front of your students,” I said to myself.

I tried to calm down, even though my nerves had been acting up for a while.

I sighed again, biting my lip hard to stop myself from crying for the same reason.

I need to forget that.

I have to face the future that awaits me. Dwelling on the past will not allow me to move forward.

But I still couldn't accept what had happened to me. I was so disappointed in myself for letting such a thing happen to that stranger.

It's like I've become a prostitute.

Taking a deep breath, I said, "You need to calm down, Diana. Everything will be fine. Keep fighting."

I smiled faintly at my reflection. "You can achieve your dreams."

Even though I was nervous, I forced myself to be cheerful in front of my students, momentarily forgetting my burdens as I fully focused on teaching.

However, halfway through the class, one student caught my attention.

“Teacher,” the child called out with difficulty.

“Yes? What's wrong?” I asked worriedly.

My eyebrows furrowed as I noticed the child holding her stomach. A wave of panic hit me, and I quickly walked over to her to see what was happening.

“Teacher, my stomach hurts,” she said tearfully.

My chest was tight, but I tried to stay calm and thought about what to do.

Kneeling in front of her, I noticed her face was pale.

“Does it hurt too much?” I asked softly, and she nodded repeatedly. “Can you wait until school is over, or do you want to go home?”

“I want to go home, Teacher,” she said weakly. I quickly took out my phone to call her guardian.

Luckily, her guardian's number was written on the back of her ID, so I was able to call them. However, after a few rings, no one answered.

I took a deep breath and decided to take her home myself to make sure she could get a good rest.

If she stays in school, her condition may worsen.

“Dahlia, does your stomach still hurt?” I asked gently when we arrived at her house.

“Just a moment, Teacher. Maybe later it'll be gone,” Dahlia replied weakly. “Thank you so much for bringing me home, Teacher. You're my favorite right now.” She leaned forward and hugged me.

I smiled at her gesture. She looked prettier now, her face more vibrant than before.

“You're always welcome, Dahlia. Get some rest so you can attend class tomorrow, okay?” I said with a smile as I looked around. “By the way, who are you with here? Where are your parents?”

I noticed that only the staff of the house welcomed us earlier. It seems that her parents were not there.

“My father—oh, he's here! Daddy!”

I stood up when Dahlia ran to the man who had just entered the house.

“Hey, baby, how are you? Your nanny called and said you came home early. Why? Are you feeling unwell? Do you want to see your doctor?” I heard the man ask one question after another.

I couldn't see his face as he turned slightly, but I felt uneasy.

That voice...

“No, Daddy, don't worry. I'm okay now,” Dahlia replied happily.

“Are you sure? By the way, who drove you home?”

I was about to answer when the man opened his eyes, and our eyes met.

“Teacher Diana. She's so kind, Daddy,” said Dahlia.

I froze where I stood, unable to move as I stared at the man in front of me.

He seemed stunned too.

My eyes widened as recognition hit me.

It can't be... him.

The guy I had a one-night stand with.

I quickly turned around, grabbed my bag, and hurried towards the door, but before I could step out, someone stopped me.

My body went cold when I felt his touch.

“Wait a minute,” said a deep voice behind me.

Memories of that night came back—the voice, the body...

I didn't know what to do. I had to leave!

My heart was beating so fast with fear and shock.

“I need to go,” I stammered, trying to walk again, but he held me tightly in place.

He was too strong, and I couldn't get away.

“Wait. Thank you for bringing Dahlia home. Sorry I didn't answer your call earlier. I was in a meeting,” he explained.

My breathing became heavier as I realized who he was—Dahlia's father, the man I met at the resort.

‘Did I destroy the family? What kind of nonsense did you do, Diana?!’

I want to yell at myself for what I did.

I closed my eyes tightly and faced him, head bowed.

“Nothing. I'm glad she's okay now,” I murmured.

He let go of my arm, and I turned to leave, but before I could take a step, he spoke again, shattering my world.

“By the way... you're that girl, right? From the resort?”