WHY IS SHE SMILING?!

POSITIVE

Lucas, Marcelo and Daphne stood at a side as they watched. Marcelo shifted uncomfortably. Lucas had told them about the result.

An eerie silence descended throughout the room.

The paper fell from Harper's hand and he staggered back. Marcelo made to go near him but Lucas held him back.

"Don't, let him be for now". He said.

Marcelo looked at him for a while and then stood aside.

The trio stood watching Harper who just staggered lifelessly. Without saying anything, he walked into his room.

Daphne sighed heavily. "Poor Sebastian". She sniffed

Lucas secretly eyed her before facing Marcelo who seemed to be in deep thoughts.

"You should stay with the chairman, I'll be at the company". He said.

"Why?" Marcelo asked before he could stop himself

"I need to make sure things are in order". Lucas replied simply

Marcelo opened his mouth to say something but he stopped and nodded instead. Lucas patted him on the back and walked out.

Marcelo went straight to Harper's room leaving only Daphne who took out her phone to make a call.

• B PROVINCE •

The following days were alot worse than what kind little Isabella could imagine.

He wouldn't eat, nor would he say anything to her. He just remained in the room, lying on the bed.

Heck, he never even told her his name or say 'thank you for saving me'.

Most times when she tried to approach he, he snapped at her.

Nevertheless, Isabella bought him some clothes which was up to her budget, she also bought some medicine which she always left on the table beside the lamp.

She had to sleep on the couch since it was only one room she had but she didn't get enough sleep most times because she would secretly check up on him.

Sometimes when he had a fever, she would stay up all night just to tend to him and leave very early so that he won't see her.

Isabella sighed as she stirred the boiling stew in the pot absentmindedly. She had taken a leave off work so she had the whole day to herself.

She heard shuffling footsteps behind her and she looked back to see Sebastian.

He was staring blankly at her with the usual cold face.

The bandage was still around his head and he was wearing a blue top and black pants.

Isabella blinked, this would be the first time he was walking out of the room.

Silence reigned as both individuals stared at each other. Sebastian with a blank look and Isabella with a surprised look.

It even shocked her more when he said.

"I'm hungry".

Isabella who was absentmindedly stirring the stew spilled some on her hand and she winced, bringing her back from her shocked state.

She brought her palm to her mouth as she gently sucked on the part the hot stew spilled on.

She looked at Sebastian with no words to say then cleared her throat.

"Stew... I mean. I'm almost done cooking. If you can wait for just a little while". She said carefully.

Without saying anything, Sebastian walked back to the living room and sat on the couch.

Isabella watched him with a smile and then happily went back to cooking.

Sebastian stared at the room which was hardly furnitured. There was no TV too. He almost scoffed.

Fate was so cruel to him. First his mother died, second his fiancee cheated on him not once but lots of times, someone planned to kill him and he survived only to be brought to this low class neighborhood.

WOW. Just WOW.

Isabella came in holding a tray of food and a glass of water which she set down on the table.

Sebastian watched her blankly. "And then there's the kid". He thought inwardly

Isabella looked at him and smiled widely.

Sebastian's brow twitched.

"Why is she smiling?'

He hated it, the fact that she still smiles even in this situation.

There was nothing to smile about in this world. This world is a cruel place, a very cruel, evil and bitter place and she has the guts to smile.

Isabella stood up still smiling, oblivious of the anger she was igniting in someone.

"I hope you enjoy it. I'm not really good at cooking". She scratched her head shyly.

Sebastian rolled his eyes and picked the spoon, he scooped some food and brought it to his mouth.

Immediately the food touched his tongue, his taste buds celebrated in jubilee for they have tasted something satisfying.

Sebastian tried not to make any reaction. He took a spoonful and another one, then another until the plate was empty. He drank the water and stood up, he went back into the room.

Isabella just stood rooted to the spot, her cheeks rose, her eyes twinkling with amusement and she laughed heartily.

She remembered how he's cheeks had bulged with every spoonful of food he took. He looked so cute even with his cold look.

She covered her mouth immediately to stop herself from doing something stupid. She took the plate to the kitchen and washed them.

All this while, Sebastian watched her from the door with the same blank look.