Second Female Leads' Playbook

It had been three days since we had arrived at Coral Cliff. This island was as beautiful as what others said. The sapphire blue sea, the beach, the beautiful estates... No wonder this was a retreat paradise for nobles and the rich. The only misgiving was that it was troublesome to come here. First, one week of carriage ride to the pier and then taking a ferry to the island. The ferry only ran for twice a day.

Tomorrow, Sebastian was going to leave. I still had no idea what business he had all the way here. He did disappear during our first two days here (or maybe I was busy settling down and arranging our trunks, I did not notice him).

Grand Duchess was eyeing him suspiciously during the entire trip (which was hilarious), but she was happy nevertheless. Because she could throw the two of us together. Grand Duchess stayed true to being Mother and Queen Henrietta's friend.

Sebastian invited me to walk around the town today. Invite as in "I heard the Coral Beach is an attraction here."

I went with him. This was going to be our last 'date'. I believed when I return, his plan would be near the end. Then our engagement would come to an end. He would no longer be my fiance. I was very satisfied our last date happened in this beautiful place.

We first went to the town square where there were lots of different shops selling different sea-themed souvenirs and snacks.

I was not really interested in the little trinkets, but the sea-themed desserts and snacks were quite my type. Sebastian bought every snack I laid my eyes on.

If only he was this sweet when we were married. Would things have changed?

At least I got some sweet memory to hang onto after our engagement ended.

After eating to my stomach's content (I bought a box of chocolate for him in return), we went to the beach.

"You don't like sandcastles now?" Sebastian asked.

Thinking back to the time when we were small, I smiled.

"Of course I like them, I just don't know how to build them."

"True. What you built weren't castles but sand dunes."

He seemed to be holding back a laughter. Did I build such bad sandcastles when I was eight? I knew it was not great, but I did not like being laughed at by Ice Prince Sebastian.

"I don't believe you!" I squatted down and started to build a sandcastle.

I failed. Quite hard. I don't think they could even be called sand dunes, just a lump of sand.

I heard a faint chuckle. I looked up and saw Sebastian sitting next to me. He was looking at me, the sunset made his gaze looked warm and gentle. I glanced down at my 'castle' and let my hair hid my face. My eyes felt sore. Why did all my dreams come true when everything came to an end? All my pathetic romantic dreams that I had given up slowly and gradually when reality hit me in my previous life.

I should be grateful I finally got what I wanted. Even though it might be too late. But never mind, at least... at least I still had the memories.

"I'll leave before dawn tomorrow."

He did not need me to see him off. I didn't even have that chance. Everything would end now.

"That seashell is charmed. It will draw unlimited water."

Seashell? He meant the pendant he gave me? Unlimited water? What use does it have when I can only control a drop of water?

"Fire can be put out with drops of water. And the simpler way is to pour the water in the pendant over a fire. The water from the pendant is unlimited."

"Oh right. Silly me." I laughed. How silly was me to get upset. There was always a simpler way.

"You laughed," Sebastian said as if surprised.

That's when I realized I hadn't laughed in a long time.

A long long time.

"Aunt will take care of you."

I looked at him and nodded. It's the end right? He would really be a good king. See he was caring for his soon to be ex-fiancee even now. He knew I was afraid of fire, so he gave me a charmed pendant full of water.

"I am sure I'll enjoy myself here. I like it here. Maybe I will just stay here from now on," I said while destroying my failed sandcastle.

That's when Sebastian hugged me. "People will miss you if you stay here forever," he said in his usual emotionless tone.

Will you?

He pulled me up and before letting go of my hand he whispered, "Trust me."

I looked towards the sinking sun. Tears stung my eyes.

Good bye Sebastian.