Hellbound Heart

Completely oblivious to the two pairs of eyes – silently screaming the word 'KISS' – that were surreptitiously glancing at them, Elle and Sebastian just held each other's gaze. Neither of them moved, nor looked away for an extended moment. It was as though the both of them had fallen into a spell and were frozen in time.

Anyone who would be looking at them in that moment would think that they would definitely kiss, even with the silk fabric that was now covering Sebastian's lower face. But seconds ticked by and nothing happened and neither Sebastian nor Izabelle moved.

Alexander, who was watching from the sidelines, began to grumble within his mind. 'Come on boy, kiss her already! What are you doing dragging your feet like this?!' He muttered wordlessly while Abi silently cheered like a reader rooting for her favorite ship to finally set sail. Her eyes were sparkling and it only made her already youthful face seem even younger looking.

That moment where a drum roll could already be heard in the background came. But just as they thought that the most awaited moment would finally happen, Sebastian suddenly spoke. "I don't think a face veil would suit me." It was as though the sound of glass cracking could be heard.

Alex rolled his eyes and face palmed. 'Good lord…' he muttered like a disappointed old man. And he was about to say something when Abi pulled at his sleeves silently.

When Abi gestured for him to follow her, Alex immediately understood what his wife wanted him to do. Though a little reluctant, he could only follow her obediently like a puppy towards the kitchen.

"Let's give them some space," Abi whispered to him when they reached the kitchen.

Alex sighed. "They're moving slower than I expected. I don't think even we moved this slowly." he continued grumbling.

"But there had already been really such a big improvement since their wedding day," Abi defended them with a pleased smile. "I'm really glad to see that Sebastian is really into Elle with my own two eyes."

"Well, you're right about that at least. There's definitely been a lot of improvement since then. But I still can't believe that the two looked like they were still about to have their first kiss."

"Hmm… now that you mention it..." Abi suddenly gasped, and pulled Alex to the corner and whispered in a very serious expression. "I just remembered… I think I've overheard from someone before that Sebby never kisses anyone... don't tell me, that really is true?!" Abigail's frown was deep and furrowed as she worried about this matter. Rubbing her forehead with her thumb and pointer, she shook her head.

Alex creased his brows as well upon seeing his wife frowning. He pursed his lips as he stroked his chin in contemplation, keeping silent for some time. But then his expression slowly changed. He looked as though something had dawned on him and now understanding shone in his eyes.

"I believe that what you heard must be true. That would be the only explanation behind his action a while ago. Sebby has traumas that he's hiding so perfectly and I'm afraid kissing might be one of his…" Alex trailed off at the sight of a sad and worried frown appearing across his wife's face.

"That's a bit…" Abi shook her head. "If they really have yet to kiss at all, I hope Sebastian has the decency to at least tell Elle about the reason why he is behaving this way."

"Let's hope he did." Alex pulled her into his embrace and consoled her as the couple continued chatting about Elle and Sebastian right in the dark corner of the kitchen.

…

Back in the living room, Elle was surprised to see that Abi and Alexander were no longer with them. When did they slip away from the living room? Did they already go upstairs?

Elle was glancing around to look for the wall clock to check the time, when she saw Abi's family picture hanging at one corner. She was dressed in a yellow gown while Alexander was wearing a black robe embroidered with a golden dragon. Alice was cradled in Alexander's arms and was also dressed In a mini version of Abi's dress while Alexis stood right in front of Abi, dressed in the mini version robe of his father's.

The picture exudes a happy sweet family aura that Elle absentmindedly smiled at the sight of it. She then noticed the masks that were sticking out from the sides of their heads and she was surprised that Alexander and Alexis had worn a mask that looked so cute. It was a mask that looked like the face of a cat that could cover the entire face!

Rising from her seat, Elle went to rummage through the boxes Alexander had brought from their attic. She was so focused while she dug through the boxes, searching for something, while Sebastian just continued watching her silently.

"Aha. I found it!" she exclaimed and grinned animatedly at Sebastian before returning to rummage through the big box again. She was completely oblivious to how Sebastian reacted when she flashed that grin at him.

"Perfect! I've found the perfect one for you." She exclaimed but she did not show him the mask.

Hiding it behind her, she rushed to him and almost literally threw herself next to him. "Let's have you try this on." She added and without waiting for any approval from him, she put the mask on him, without letting him see its front design.

Elle nodded pleasantly as she pulled her head away and looked at him from every angle. "Looks great on you! Let's go with this one then." She decided, looking ever so pleased. And Sebastian just nodded, not even surprised anymore that it did not even tick him off anymore that someone else was deciding on things for him. He used to never tolerate letting anyone make decisions for him no matter how small it may seem.