Back to the present…
Sebastian was beyond serious when he told Izabelle that she should blame him and be mad or mean to him. He had truly wanted her to at least throw a tantrum or lose her temper and get back at him.
But here she was, holding him like he was the one who needed her comfort and care and not the other way around.
When she pulled away, she took his hand and led him to the gazebo. And once they were in the shade, she turned around slowly and looked up at him. She shook her head slowly, finally giving him her response to his earlier words. "I would never… you came for me… saved me…" she whispered out with much difficulty.