Love Song
Sebastian Stan x Female Reader Story
Summary : A romantic comedy story between Sebastian Stan and female reader where we witness their journey after they said I do.
Having been contacted by Sebastian, reader felt her life finally became normal. She couldn't lie to herself. She really still loved him. Moreover, Sebastian started to treat her and her family the way he used to treat her before they were married. His gesture touched her heart and soul the way they've never been touched before. However, Sebastian still couldn't put words into action and that made her doubt his love for her. Will he come through and will be able to proof his love to her? Or will he remain indifferent and selfish?
Pairings : Sebastian Stan x Female!Reader
Chapters : 21/23 (might add more)
Chapter list>
Warning : angst, divorce mention, fluff - a lot of sweet fluff 😉
Word count : 10.4k
This is a sequel to my first Sebastian fic Always You. If you want to understand more about Sebastian's and reader's relationship, please read it first. But it's not necessary to understand this story. Check it here.
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Chapter 21 - Always Be My Baby
We were as one, babe
For a moment in time
And it seemed everlasting
That you would always be mine
Now you want to be free
So I'm lettin' you fly
'Cause I know in my heart babe
Our love will never die
No..
You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Oh darlin' 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feelin' this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Oh darlin' cause you'll always be my baby
Always Be My Baby - David Cook/Mariah Carey
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La Venta Dr, Poway, California - June 16th 2023 - 11 am
Ever since that first contact with Sebastian, Y/n felt like her life slowly returned to normal. It didn't feel normal for her not being able to hear his voice or see his face everyday. Like it or not, she felt like he was a permanent fixture in her life. Whatever their status were, he was still going to be a part of her life, one way or another.
Yes, she contemplated on still getting a divorce from him no matter how hurtful it made her feel. It was clear he would never stop being an actor and she was still unsure that she could handle being a celebrity's wife. The events that happened during their honeymoon really left a trauma in her heart, and she knew it would take a while for her to overcome them. So they did what Sebastian suggested, they contacted each other everyday and took things slow.
It was 2 days after their first contact and she was helping her stepmom to bake some cupcakes. Her stepmom used to work at a bakery but had retired since two years ago. They were testing some recipes to bake for Starlene's upcoming birthday.
She had decided to throw a little party for Starlene. It was summer and her brother - who lived and worked in Canada - planned on visiting them just in time for Starlene's birthday. She also decided to invite all of her dad's neighbours and she even invited Shannon, who, as it happened, was filming in LA but promised to come over for a day or two and come to Starlene's birthday. She also invited Sebastian's mother who was ecstatic at her invite. She said she missed Starlene so much and wouldn't miss the party. As for Sebastian, well, he was scheduled to have some days off in the beginning of July and he wanted to come visit during that time. He also made a promise to try his best to come back for Starlene's birthday.
She put some eggs into the big mixing bowl, pushed down the mixer head so the beater was positioned in the bowl and turned the knob to a slow speed. She expected the beater to start moving but it didn't. She checked whether it was connected to the electricity plug and found out that it did. She tried turning the knob again but to no avail. It seemed the mixer was broken.
"Diane.. I'm sorry, I don't know what happened but the mixer won't work." She said, turning to Diane, her stepmom, who was melting some chocolate behind her.
"Oh, here, let me try." She said.
Diane turned the knob of the mixer but the beater still didn't move. She took the beater off and put another one but still the mixer wouldn't turn on.
"Well, another one bites the dust." Diane sighed.
"Oh no. Do you have a spare mixer?" She asked.
"No, this is the last one that I have."
"Oh that's too bad." She said, her face fell.
"I'm sorry Y/n. I hope it's okay that we order the cupcakes for the party from a bakery instead of baking them ourselves."
"Oh of course it's okay, Diane. I just love your cupcakes so much and I wish I could have those for the party. But, it's okay, really. Don't worry about it." She smiled and patted Diane's hand.
That night she told Sebastian about the situation and he was quite sympathetic. She should've seen it coming, however. Sebastian, being the generous soul that he was, bought a new high end mixer for her stepmom. She didn't know how he did it, but the mixer arrived the next day. Diane was so thrilled about it and wouldn't stop complimenting Sebastian.
"Y/n.. he is like the most generous and considerate man I ever know. He's quite a catch. I'm sorry to say this, but I think you should really consider getting back together with him." She said as they tested some cupcake recipes that afternoon.
"I know. But, things aren't that simple." She sighed.
"Well, marriage is never simple. But as long as you love each other, you can get through anything, I truly believe that."
"Even if we want different things?" She asked.
"Yes, despite all the differences, if you truly love each other, you would compromise and find the middle ground. We all have different minds, different needs and wants. Each one of us is unique in our own way. Marriage is about bridging the gap between the differences of two people and learning how to love each other despite it all."
She realized that Diane was right. But she still couldn't shake the trauma off from her mind and for now she was comfortable the way they were. Yes, she missed him, but she loved the normalcy being in Poway brought to her life. She wasn't ready to give that up yet. She knew if she went to Atlanta or New York to be with him things would be different. She would live under a microscope again and she hated that. So for now she was content the way they were.
Apparently, buying her dad a complete entertainment system and her stepmom a high end mixer weren't enough for Sebastian. He still called her dad everyday even though he and Y/n were already on speaking terms. He said her dad reminded him of his own dad. She was so touched by that and so happy that the both of them could be friends.
One day during their daily call, her dad mentioned to Sebastian that he planned on going on a cruise to the Caribbean one day with Diane. He had never gone on a cruise before and was intrigued after watching a program about it on TV. And like clockwork, one day after her dad mentioned that to Sebastian, he gave her dad and Diane an all expenses paid trip to go on a Caribbean cruise in August, surprising all of them.
"Y/n.. he's like a dream son-in-law. I'm so happy that you married him. Just go back to him. He loves you so much. You'll never be able to find someone like him again." her dad said after he found out Sebastian had bought him the Caribbean cruise.
"Oh, dad." She rolled her eyes. Sebastian really knew how to get into people's hearts. His gesture reminded her of what he did early in their relationship. How he bought her everything that she had mentioned and more. Apparently he was using the same strategy but this time he bribed her family instead of her.
His splurging on her family habit continued throughout the week. The day after he bought her dad the Caribbean cruise, he bought him blu-rays of all of Harrison Ford's movies, each one signed by Harrison Ford himself!
"Sebastian, this is amazing! This is.. unbelievable! I can't thank you enough." Her dad gushed into his cellphone during their daily calling session.
"What?! Oh my, really? That's.. yes.. of course I want to talk to him!" Her dad said enthusiastically.
Apparently Sebastian was at a shoot with Harrison Ford and had offered to have Harrison talk to her dad. She smiled and shook her head as she looked at how happy and ecstatic her dad was. Harrison Ford was nice and they all ended up having a video call session with him.
"Seb, thank you for what you've done to my dad and stepmom this week. I really appreciate it." She said during their daily call session.
"Oh my pleasure, honey. You know I love splurging on other people. Especially my own family." He replied.
"I know, and thank you for that."
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Which reminds me, I haven't given you or Starlene anything. Is there anything that you want? Either for you or Starlene?" He asked.
"Seb, you don't have to. Really. You know how I feel if you splurge on me."
"Well.. if not for you then for Starlene. What does she need now?" He insisted.
"She just needs her dad." She said wistfully.
"Oh, sweetheart, I'll be there. Sooner or later I'll be there. I promise you that."
"You're still coming next week, right?" She asked.
"Umm.. about that. I'm sorry honey, but I was thinking of postponing to come until July 11th or 12th so I can be at Starlene's birthday. Because the shooting schedule is kind of tight and I hate to be the cause of the delay. I mean, Marvel allowed me to have days off monthly and not every two weeks, if you know what I mean. So I thought I would use the days off for Starlene's birthday."
"Hmm.. okay. That makes sense." She couldn't help but feel disappointed at his answer. She was really looking forward to see him again. Her bed felt cold for much too long without him by her side.
"I'm sorry sweetheart. I hope you're okay with it?" He asked.
"Yeah, of course. It's important that you can be here on Starlene's birthday, so as long as you can come for that, it's okay."
"Thank you honey, I promise I'll be there."
"I'm holding you to that promise, Seb."
"Don't worry, I'll be there. In the mean time, I think I know what to give Starlene."
"What?" She asked curiously.
"Oh, it's a surprise." He chuckled.
"Seeb.." she protested but he just laughed in response.
Sebastian's idea for a surprise for Starlene came in the form of a huge Sesame street bouncy castle with slides and life size balloon Elmo inside. Y/n's jaw dropped when the local toy store dropped off the bouncy castle at her dad's front lawn.
"Seb.. are you kidding me?!" She said to him through her cellphone as she watched the toy store staff filled the bouncy castle with air.
"What? You don't like it?" He asked innocently.
"It's not that but it's so huge it covers almost all of the front lawn." She stated.
"Oh I'm sorry, I should have asked how big your dad's front lawn is." He said dejectedly.
"Yeah well. Starlene loves it though." She smiled as she watched Starlene crawled towards the bouncy castle, her eyes huge as saucers as she looked at the huge pictures of Elmo on the side of the castle.
"Aawww.. well that's the most important thing." He responded.
"Yeah it is. Thank you, Seb. But maybe consult with me first next time you want to buy something like this?" She asked.
"Of course, honey. I'm sorry."
Despite being scolded by her for buying Starlene something like the bouncy castle, he kept showering Starlene with gifts everyday. He bought her a three story Barbie house complete with all the furnitures and the Barbie dolls. He bought her 50 toddler books with various themes. He bought her all of Sesame Street characters plush dolls, and huge ones at that. He also bought her many different dresses and clothes. He even bought her a bicycle and a rollerblade.
"Seb, she can't even walk yet and you already bought her a bicycle and a rollerblade?!" She protested during their calling session.
"I know, but one day she will and you won't have to think about buying her a bicycle and rollerblade again." He defended himself.
"Oh Seb." She could only respond.
After almost two weeks of non stop splurging to her family, she started to feel rather jealous. It wasn't like he never splurged on her before. But, considering it was her that he was trying to get back together with, she felt it was rather peculiar that he hadn't given her anything yet. But she decided not to mention it to him because she was rather embarrassed to admit that she expected to get something from him, anything, even if just flowers.
As if he could read her mind, one day after Sebastian's rollerblade for Starlene arrived, a bouquet of flowers and a package came for her. The bouquet was of purple hyacinth. It came with a card that said "Please forgive me." She smiled and felt her heart melted as she read the card. Hyacinth as it happened really symbolized asking for someone's forgiveness. He was really thoughtful when picking the flower for her.
After putting the hyacinth in a vase she opened the package and shook her head in disbelief. He had sent her a book, her favourite book, Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder. He left a note at the front page.
Read the bookmarked page.
So she turned to the bookmarked page and found that he had highlighted a paragraph.
You can never know if a person forgives you when you wrong them. Therefore it is existentially important to you. It is a question you are intensely concerned with. Neither can you know whether a person loves you. It's something you just have to believe or hope. But these things are more important to you than the fact that the sum of the angles in a triangle is 180 degrees. You don't think about the law of cause and effect or about modes of perception when you are in the middle of your first kiss.
She sighed as she read the paragraph. He had left another note at the bookmarked page.
My dearest Y/n,
I'm sorry for all that I have done. I'm sorry for all that I have said. And I'm sorry if I can't be the man you wish for. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and love me again the way you used to. And I hope when you do, you will let me know so I won't have to wonder anymore.
Love,
Your eternal admirer
She smiled as she read the note.
Yes, ever since they started contacting each other again she hadn't yet said that she loved him or missed him yet. She still needed some time until she was ready to say them to him. She needed to be sure if she was ready to come back to him and deal with everything else that came by being with him before she could say them. It seemed he was starting to get bothered by it.
The fact made her feel mischievous. She knew it wasn't right, but she was somewhat happy to make him wonder about her feelings for him. Receiving the message from him made her feel even more mischievous that she decided not to let him know about her feelings for him for as long as she could. She wanted to know how far he would go to win back her love. And for the next nine days she found out exactly how far he would go.
On the second day he sent her a bouquet of white orchids and a note that said he missed her. Along with the bouquet was a poetry book by Mahmoud Darwish and he highlighted the following passage.
How do I say I miss you in a way that will make your heart ache as mine does.
She couldn't help but shed a tear upon reading the passage. He had no idea but she missed him terribly as well. Unfortunately she wasn't sure yet whether she could express her longing for him just yet. Somehow, she still needed some time. So, she didn't say anything to him except how much she appreciated the flowers and books he had sent her. She did, however, told him that she had forgiven him. But she couldn't yet say that she still loved him so much.
For the next eight days, Sebastian sent her a bouquet of flowers daily. Every single bouquet of flowers that he sent was meaningful, and he made sure she knew that by writing the meaning of them in an attached card. Declarations of friendship, trust, admiration and of course love and longing accompanied bouquets of colorful tulips, roses, carnations and zinnias. With every bouquet that came she felt her broken soul slowly mended and the feeling of emptiness in her heart gradually disappeared.
She would've been satisfied with him just sending her the flowers, but of course he just had to do more. Along with the flowers he kept sending her books and in every single one he highlighted at least one passage to convey his feelings for her. Being the bookworm that she was, this gesture touched her heart and soul in a way that she never experienced before. It became a highlight of her day to receive the books and read the passages that he had highlighted.
Day 3
You might not have been my first love but you are the love that made all other loves seem irrelevant.
- Rupi Kaur, Milk and Honey poetry book
Day 4
And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you.
- Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars
Day 5
In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
You have bewitched me body and soul and I love, love, love you.
- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Day 6
You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. I have loved none but you."
- Jane Austen, Persuasion
Day 7
I want to be the friend you fall hopelessly in love with. The one you take into your arms and into your bed and into the private world you keep trapped in your head. I want to be that kind of friend. The one who will memorize the things you say as well as the shape of your lips when you say them. I want to know every curve, every freckle, every shiver of your body.
- Tahereh Mafi, Unravel Me
Day 8
I want morning and noon and nightfall with you. I want your tears, your smiles, your kisses...the smell of your hair, the taste of your skin, the touch of your breath on my face. I want to see you in the final hour of my life...to lie in your arms as I take my last breath.
- Lisa Kleypas, Again the Magic
Day 9
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.
- Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets
On the tenth day he pulled out all the stops and sent her the complete works of Shakespeare. He highlighted many passages from the famous playwright's plays and sonnets and asked her to read them in a certain order so that the passages formed a cohesive letter.
The course of true love never did run smooth.
When you depart from me, sorrow abides and happiness takes his leave.
I love you more than words can wield the matter. Dearer than eyesight, space and liberty.
For where thou art, there is the world itself. And where thou art not, desolation.
I would not wish any companion in the world but you.
Thee will I love, and with thee lead my life.
The moment she finished reading the passages, a tear dropped from her eyes. He truly truly loved her and she truly loved him too. All of the things he had done to her and her family had healed her trauma and she finally felt like she was ready to tell him about it. She was ready to tell him how much she still loved and longed for him.
Unfortunately, something she didn't expect came up and her mind once again took over in an attempt to protect her heart.
It was July 10th when it happened, 3 days before Starlene's birthday. They were on their daily calling session when he broke the bad news to her.
"Sweetheart, I'm really sorry but I think I won't be able to go there in time for Starlene's birthday."
"What?! But why? What happened?" She asked, her heart dropped to her stomach. She really was looking forward to see him again.
"I have to do a re-shoot with Harrison Ford on the 12th and 13th. I already asked for a reschedule but Harrison can't do it on any other dates. I'm really really sorry, sweetheart."
There it was, she was reminded again of one of the reasons why she left him. His f*****g job! Somehow, his job always, always forced him to choose between his family or his job. And every single time he always chose his job.
"Oh, right. Fine. You know, you don't even have to bother coming here, Seb. Just finish the whole five month shoot and don't make promises to come before then. Especially if you can't keep them!" She replied as anger started to consume her.
"Oh honey, don't say that. I miss you and Starlene so much and I don't think I can wait five months before I can see you both again. I promise I'll come over there after the shoot is done. I'll be there on the 15th."
"Seb, stop making promises that you can't keep!" She snapped.
"I'm.. I'm sorry, honey. I really am."
She sighed. Her plans on telling him how she felt went out the window as anger and disappointment overcame her.
"I'll make it up to you, sweetheart, I promise." He pleaded.
"Words are nothing without action, Seb." She said coldly and with that she hung up the phone, leaving him hanging.
He tried calling her back multiple times but she just wouldn't accept it. He needed to know how angry she was at him so she ignored all his calls and messages.
After what seemed like the twentieth time, he finally stopped trying to call her and just sent her a message.
I'm really sorry, sweetheart. You have the right to be angry with me and I accept that. But I hope you'll forgive me by the time I visit. I'll be there on the 15th.
Love,
Your eternal admirer
She sighed as she read the message. She really meant it. Words meant nothing without action. Despite everything that he had given her and her family, despite all the sweet words and beautiful flowers he had sent to her, all of them meant nothing to her if he didn't put his words into action and visit them. So she decided to ignore him and just see whether he really came on the 15th.
Sebastian didn't easily give up on trying to make amends to her. When he said he would make it up to her, he truly meant it.
The morning after he told her the bad news, he sent her a huge bouquet of pink carnations and purple hyacinth along with an apology letter and an envelope containing what she truly didn't expect.
My dearest Y/n,
I'm sorry again for not being able to come for Starlene's birthday. You have no idea how devastated I am about that. I hope eventually you'll understand and forgive me.
As I said before, I want to make it up to you. So, I made some arrangements for you to go on a day trip to San Diego today to have some me-time. You don't have to worry about Starlene. I talked to your dad and stepmom and they would take care of her. You can find the itinerary and the things you will need for the day in the attached envelope. Don't worry about transportation. I've rented a car and a chauffer for you.
I hope you'll have fun. You deserve it so much.
I love you and please enjoy your day.
Love,
Your eternal admirer
Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped as she looked at the itinerary and contents of the envelope.
He had booked for her to have a complete spa treatment at Rancho Valencia that morning, a Forbes 5 star spa and resort located about 15 miles from Poway. Along with the spa treatment, he sent her a three thousand dollars Macy's gift card so she could go on a shopping spree after the spa treatment at Macy's Fashion Valley, one of the biggest shopping malls in San Diego. But the most jaw dropping of them all, he had bought her a ticket to see David Cook's concert at the Music Box, San Diego that night.
David Cook was one of her favourite musicians. She couldn't believe he still remembered and she was mindblown on how he was able to score a ticket for her at the last minute.
As soon as she finished digesting all the mind blowing gifts he had given her, she immediately gave him a call.
"Good morning my love." He greeted her.
"Good morning, Seb." She smiled.
"How are you today?"
"Oh, I'm currently in shock." She said teasingly.
"Oh, why is that?" He asked, feigning innocence.
"You remember the millionaire guy I told you about?" She asked, referring to an imaginary guy who she often referred to whenever Sebastian sent her a gift. It was an inside joke they had going on since before they were married.
He laughed out loud. "Yeah, what about him?"
"He sent me the most amazing gift ever! I really don't know what to do with this guy." She teased.
"Oh, he did? What did he send you?"
"He arranged for me to have the best day ever in San Diego. I mean.. a spa treatment? A shopping spree? A concert of my favourite musician?! He's just unbelievable. You know, you should take a page from his book if you want me back and forgive you." She teased again.
Her words made him laugh even harder.
"Oh honey, he really is unbeatable, huh? I really should try harder to win you back."
"Yeah, you should. I'm this close to saying I love you to him."
"Aaawww.. you love him?"
"Maybe.."
"Well, even if you love him I bet you love me more."
"Oh, what makes you so sure of that?"
"Just a hunch." He teased.
"Well, just so you know, I'm not letting you off the hook this easily." She huffed. "I mean it Sebastian Stan. No amount of gifts, flowers, beautiful words could sway me into your arms unless you put your words into action."
"Ouch. That hurt." He said.
"Well.. that's just the truth." She snickered.
He sighed. "I know. But I bet you'll change your mind tonight."
"Seb.. what are you planning?" She asked curiously.
"It's a surprise, honey. Now why don't you go and get ready. The chauffer will come at 9. And also.. I arranged for someone to accompany you. I don't want you to go alone."
"What?! Who? Who did you ask to go with me?" She asked, dumbfounded.
"Oh you'll see.. she should be there soon." He chuckled.
"Oh, Seb.." She could only say.
---
La Venta Dr, Poway, California - July 11th 2023 - 8.45 am
She was sitting at the dining table feeding Starlene some baby cereal. Her dad sat across from her eating his breakfast while Diane sat next to him, eating her breakfast too. She was ready to go and have the best day ever when all of a sudden she heard the sound of someone knocking at the front door.
"Excuse me." A familiar female voice said from behind the door.
"That must be the chauffer or the companion Sebastian told me about." She said as she stood up and walked towards the front door.
When she opened the door her jaw dropped and she squealed in excitement.
"Shannon! Oh my God! I didn't expect to see you!" She said as she embraced Shannon in a tight hug.
"Seb asked me to accompany you today." Shannon smiled as she released herself from her embrace.
"Oh, I should have known." She chuckled.
"Yeah, well, I was planning on coming tomorrow because I still have a shoot today. But he begged for me to come today so I can accompany you for the whole day. He even talked to my director and begged him to give me the day off. Seb sent my director a nice bottle of wine and a box of cake that my director finally allowed me to go." Shannon chuckled.
"Oh wow. He's really persistent." She laughed.
"He is, especially when it comes to you." Shannon winked.
"Oh Shannon, I've missed you so much!" She reached out and hugged her again with tears in her eyes.
"I've missed you too, Y/n." Shannon said as she rubbed her back.
"Oh Y/n.. are you crying?" Shannon asked as she let her go. Her eyebrows furrowed in concern.
"A little. I just miss you. There's so many things I want to tell you." She replied.
"Well you'll have a whole day to tell me everything." Shannon winked and she smiled.
"Are you ready? We have a full day ahead of us." Shannon continued and reminded her.
"Oh yeah. I'm ready. Just need to finish feeding Starlene for a few minutes. And anyway, the chauffer isn't here yet." She said, glancing behind Shannon's back.
As if on cue, a limousine pulled up right in front of the house.
"Is that the car he rented for us today?" Shannon asked, her jaw dropped.
"Yeah I guess it is. You know how much he loves splurging." She shook head in disbelief. He just had to book a fancy car didn't he? She should have guessed he would pull all of the stop in pampering her today.
After she finished feeding Starlene and Shannon finished eating her breakfast, they got into the limousine.
"Bye Starlene! Bye dad! Bye Diane!" She rolled down the window of the limousine and waved at them who were standing on the front porch, watching her leave.
"Bye dear! Have fun!" Her dad waved back and smiled.
Starlene, who was being held by her dad, stared at her then extended her hands to her. "Mama.. mama.." She cried out and started to cry.
"Oh no." She shook her head.
"It's okay, Starlene! You're safe with grandpa and grandma!" She called out.
"Yes Starlene dear. We're gonna have some fun today! Let's go to the bouncy castle and play with Elmo." Her dad said and he immediately turned around, rocking Starlene in his arms as he tried to soothe her cries.
She took a deep breath. Starlene was never away from her for too long. The longest she was away from her was probably when she had her me-time back in Amsterdam. Her motherly instinct took over and she contemplated on going back and have Starlene come with her.
"Y/n.. I know what you're thinking, but today is your day. You need some me-time. Don't worry about Starlene. Your dad and stepmom can take good care of her." Shannon said as she placed her hand on hers in encouragement.
"I know. It's just.. today is going to be the longest day that she's away from me. And I can't help but worry, you know." She sighed.
"Oh Y/n. She'll be fine! Nothing is gonna happen to her. Trust me. Besides, she's getting bigger, sooner or later she'll be away from you even much longer than today. You have to learn to let her go."
"I know." She took a deep breath and let it go. Shannon was right, she should try to let her go and just enjoy the day.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Are you ready to go?" The chauffer rolled down the black divider that divided the driver's area with the passenger area at the back and turned to them.
"Oh yeah, let's go." She smiled.
The chauffer nodded and the limousine soon moved and drive away, taking them to their first stop, the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa.
---
Fashion Valley Mall, San Diego - July 11th 2023 - 3 pm
Spending the morning at the Rancho Valencia spa and the afternoon at the Fashion Valley mall proved to be just exactly what she needed. The spa was beautiful, the treatments she received were top notch that she never felt so relaxed and tranquil in her life. She arrived at the spa still feeling worried about Starlene but she left with such a relaxed mind that she almost forgot she had a daughter.
After the treatments at the spa were done they went to Fashion Valley mall to grab some lunch and did a little shopping.
At first she felt kind of anxious to go to a public place like the mall. She was still traumatic with the whole events with Sebastian's fans, so she tried to disguise herself by wearing a hoodie, a cap and sunglasses. However, Fashion Valley was one of the biggest shopping malls in San Diego and with the scandal becoming a household topic across the world for the past couple of months she was bound to be recognized.
Several people turned to look at her when she walked past, but she was glad none of them gave her judging stares, they were just curious about her. Until she met a young woman at Macy's changing room who blatantly gave her a stare. They were queueing to use the changing room and the young woman was queueing to use the changing room next to her.
She looked away after the woman gave her eye contact but whoever were behind the changing rooms took so long to try their clothes that she couldn't help but glance back at the woman.
"Excuse me.. sorry. I.. I don't mean to bother you but.. are you Y/F/N Stan? Sebastian Stan's wife?" The woman finally asked.
"Umm.." she hesitated in answering her.
"Oh, you don't have to answer if you don't want to. I understand. It's just.. if you're her, then I admire you. I saw the clarification interview you did with Sebastian. After everything that Sebastian's fans had done to you, you were still chill about it and you even said you could understand them. I mean. You have so much class and I admire you for that." The woman smiled.
The young woman's words felt like a healing balm on her heart. She never thought anyone would think of her that way, especially after everything that had happened.
"Oh.. that's so nice of you to say that. I.. I appreciate it." She smiled and the woman smiled back.
"So you really are her?" She commented with a twinkle in her eyes.
"You caught me there." She chuckled.
"Well, I'm happy that you're still with Sebastian and that everything was just a misunderstanding. You guys are the perfect couple ever. I wish someday I can find a man that looks at me the way Sebastian looks at you." The woman commented again, surprising her.
Apparently people noticed that about him and she felt her face reddened a little.
"Oh, thank you. Really. I appreciate it." She smiled.
"No problem." The woman said, smiling back at her.
After the encounter with the young woman, she felt somehow more free. So she spent the rest of the time at the mall not worrying too much about the people that noticed her and focused herself on the shopping experience.
With three thousand dollars worth of gift cards in her purse she really had a lot to spend. But being the generous and thoughtful person that she was she ended up not buying much for herself but instead she treated Shannon to some gorgeous dresses, accessories and make up items. She also bought some things for her dad, her stepmom, Starlene, her brother, her mother-in-law and even Sebastian.
It was almost 6 pm when they were finally satisfied with their purchases. They stopped at Fashion Valley food court for some light dinner then off they went to Music Box for what she was sure going to be the highlight of her day. Her feelings turned out to be true and even exceeded her expectations.
---
Music Box, San Diego - July 11th 2023 - 8 pm
The concert was going to start at 9 pm. They arrived at Music Box a little before 8, just in time to see the opening band start.
Sebastian had secured a VIP ticket for them so they had access to a special area at the venue where they could sit and relax with access to the bar. The area was still quite close to the front of the stage so she could still see David and his band clearly. She was glad Sebastian had bought the VIP ticket for them because she didn't think she was strong enough to stand at the festival area after spending the whole afternoon on her feet and shopping. Her legs were aching terribly.
As it happened, Sebastian also secured backstage passes for her so she could meet David Cook himself and take some pictures with him. She was scheduled to meet him after the concert was done. She was nervous yet excited about it. She couldn't believe she got to meet two of her idols in one year. She felt really lucky.
The opening band was a new rock band from Nashville. She wondered if they knew Zac somehow. Come to think of it, it wouldn't surprise her if David also knew Zac because David also lived in Nashville.
She shook her head as the thought entered her mind. She hated that she could somehow thought of Zac. The person who turned her world upside down. She knew it wasn't entirely Zac's fault that she ended up in the mess she was in. But if only she didn't come visit him at his concert, then she wouldn't be in this predicament, being on a break with Sebastian. But then again, their situation was complex. There was Stephanie in the mix as well Sebastian's fans and well.. Sebastian himself who just couldn't seem to understand how important it was to her that he chose her over his job for at least once in his life.
"Y/n.. you okay?" Shannon's voice brought her back from her negative thoughts.
"Oh.. yeah.. I'm okay. I just.. thought of Zac for a bit. You know he lives in Nashville and this band as well as David also lives in Nashville. I just couldn't help but thought of that." She explained.
"Oh okay. Have you heard from him again?" Shannon asked curiously.
"Zac? Oh no. He kept his promise. He never contacted me again. The last time I saw him was the day Seb almost found out that he was in the hotel room with me and Starlene." She replied.
"Oh, that's good. He brings nothing but trouble." Shannon commented.
"I know." She grimaced.
"Y/n.. I'm sorry to ask you this.. you don't have to answer if you don't want to.. but I need to ask this, it's for your own good." Shannon said with her eyebrows furrowed.
"Oh okay. What is it, Shannon?" She asked, wondering why Shannon suddenly turned serious.
"Do you still have feelings for Zac?"
"What?!" Her heart dropped to her stomach listening to Shannon's question.
"I'm sorry. It's just. It seems to me somehow you still have a soft spot for him. I just wonder.. if you were allowed to choose, would you choose Seb or him?"
"Oh Shannon.. I.. Zac.. he.. well.. My longest relationship ever was with him, and that even included Seb. I mean.. romantic relationship that is. You know he impacted my life greatly."
"I know and I understand. But if you could choose? Who would you choose? This is just me you're talking to. I'm not gonna tell Seb about your answer. I promise. I'm just.. kind of worried about you."
"Oh Shannon. I.. Zac hurt me a lot when he first left. He left me alone in the middle of the night in China town. That's not what a gentleman would do, right? I know Seb would never do that to me."
"So, you still choose Seb?"
"I.."
"Even though he prioritized his acting job over you?"
"Oh Shannon.. I guess.. nobody is perfect. At least he ended up having the guts to propose to me. And he was so sweet to me after the whole thing with Ana blew up. He.. he is still sweet now. Even though I think he still needs a kick in the butt every now and then." She chuckled.
"Well, I'm glad you say that. He's head over heels in love with you and you both need to get back together."
"You think so?"
"Yup."
"If he's head over heels in love with me then why won't he just sacrifice his job and choose me? At least once in his life?" She said sadly.
"He did Y/n. He chose you when you were sick with covid and pregnant with Starlene. Don't you remember?" Shannon smiled.
Shannon was right. He did choose her back then. He chose to break the contract with Ana, his PR girlfriend, resigned from the big agency he was in and chose to cancel his appearance at a fan convention so he could be by her side.
"You're right, Shannon. He did choose me." She said as the realization hit her.
"Yeah, I'm sure if you're in another emergency situation he would choose you again." Shannon commented.
"Well, I'd kill him if he doesn't." She chuckled.
"And you have the right to do that." Shannon laughed.
"Yeah.. it's just. I feel if I'm not in an emergency situation he would choose his job over me. Like what he has done so far. I mean.. he even sacrificed Starlene and won't come to her first birthday." She said bitterly.
"Oh Y/n.. I'm sure he had tried his best to reschedule the shoot to another date. But this is Marvel we're talking about and Harrison Ford. I can see why Seb couldn't get out of it."
She sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Oh hey, the opening band is done. Let's just focus on the show and forget everything else. I'm sorry if I brought up something so serious." Shannon said, reaching out and placed her hand on top of hers.
"It's okay, Shannon. I know you mean well." She smiled and Shannon smiled back.
Moments later David Cook took the stage. She stood up and clapped along with the others, welcoming him onto the stage. Soon he strummed the first notes from his latest single and she found herself standing up and singing along, the aches on her legs seemed to have vanished.
David performed 14 songs that night, mostly songs from his latest album but also some of his older singles. After he was finished performing the 14th song, he changed his electric guitar to an acoustic guitar and a stool was placed in the middle of the stage. He sat on it and tuned his guitar a little while waiting for his band members to sit behind him as they were preparing to change the setting to an acoustic setting.
"So.. thank you everyone for coming here tonight." He addressed the audience and everyone cheered and clapped including her.
"For our last song we're going to perform something special." He smiled as he looked around the audience and turned his face to look at her general area.
"This next song was requested by a certain millionaire guy whose wife is somewhere in the VIP area." He said as he scanned the faces in the VIP area.
Y/n's jaw dropped to the floor as she heard what David just said. By millionaire guy could he mean Sebastian? She wondered.
David locked eyes with her and recognition was clear in his eyes for a second. He winked at her, making her blush furiously. She hid her face from him with her hand, feeling so embarrassed.
Yes, by millionaire guy he really meant Sebastian. She couldn't believe Sebastian would do something like this. But then again, he was always so all out whenever he gave her a gift. Including this.
"He asked me to tell his wife that no matter what happens, she will always be his baby." David continued saying.
Her heart melted at that and she peered at David from behind her hand, curious if he was still looking at her. And sure enough, David was looking at her. He smiled at her again and she was sure her face was as red as a tomato.
David started to strum his guitar and the first few notes of the song Always Be My Baby - which was originally a Mariah Carey song that David covered during American Idol - came out from the speakers.
We were as one, babe
For a moment in time
And it seemed everlasting
That you would always be mine
Now you want to be free
So I'm lettin' you fly
'Cause I know in my heart babe
Our love will never die
No..
You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Oh darlin' 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feelin' this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Oh darlin' cause you'll always be my baby
I ain't gonna cry, no
And I won't beg you to stay
If you're determined to leave girl
I will not stand in your way
But inevitably you'll be back again
'Cause you know in your heart, babe
Our love will never end, no
You'll always be apart of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Oh darlin' 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feelin' this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Oh darlin' 'cause you'll always be my baby
I know that you'll be back girl
When your days and your nights get a little bit colder oh
(I know that)
You'll be right back, baby
Oh baby believe me it's only a matter of time, time
You'll always be apart of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Oh darlin' 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feelin' this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darlin' 'cause you'll always be my baby
Always be my baby..
She couldn't help but shed a tear as she heard David performed the song. It was her favourite song and the lyrics were so timely to her situation. Sebastian really was the most romantic and thoughtful husband ever.
She glanced at Shannon and found her shooting a video of her.
"Shannon.. what are you doing?" She laughed a little as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Seb wants me to report to him." Shannon winked.
She just shook her head, still laughing and smiling, her eyes shimmering with happy tears. When he said he was making it up to her, he really truly meant it, and she was so grateful for that.
---
She thought that was the only surprise he had in store for her that night, but she was wrong
After the concert was done she and Shannon went backstage to meet David. Apparently she got VIP backstage passes so they had some privacy with David and his band members with no other fans around them.
David and his band members were so nice. They chatted and took many pictures together. He also mentioned how Sebastian reached out to him through his Instagram just the other night and begged him for tickets and backstage passes, telling him that his marriage depended on them.
Her face reddened as she heard what David said. She couldn't believe Sebastian went as far as contacting David personally to get her tickets and backstage passes. He even told David about the fact that their marriage had some problems. Even though Sebastian didn't tell David the details, but just a vague explanation, she still felt so embarrassed by that. She made a mental note to talk to Sebastian about that. As much as she loved the surprise he had given her, she wasn't comfortable that Sebastian was telling a complete stranger about their situation. Even if the stranger was her idol.
Before she knew it, it was time for them to leave. It was getting really late and she was sure her dad and stepmom wouldn't appreciate her coming home too late.
"Thank you so much for tonight, David, the show was awesome, I had the best time! And thank you for allowing us to see you." She smiled wide as she shook David's hand.
"Oh it's my pleasure, Y/n. By the way, Sebastian asked me to give you something. Hold on." He said as he turned around and went to his dressing room.
He came back and returned carrying a brown package in his hand.
"There you go. I promise I didn't open it." He winked.
"Oh my, I'm really sorry for this David. Sebastian should just send it to me directly." She said as she received the package, which she suspected seemed to be a book.
"Oh it's no problem Y/n. He said he wanted to give you something to close the night and make it perfect for you. What could be more perfect than me giving it to you." David chuckled.
"Thank you again, David. I really appreciate it." She smiled wide.
"No problem, Y/n." David smiled wide.
She entered the limousine that night still reeling from everything that just happened. It felt like a dream come true for her. She couldn't stop smiling until they arrived at her dad's house.
She arrived a little after 1 am. The chauffer dropped off Shannon at a hotel near downtown Poway so she was alone when she arrived.
Starlene was thankfully already asleep, so was her stepmom. Only her dad was still awake, waiting for her to come home.
"Oh Y/n dear, you're home. How was it?" Her dad asked as she came in through the door.
"It was amazing, dad!" She gushed.
She quickly told him about everything including how she met David backstage. But she was too embarrassed to tell him how Sebastian requested a song to David to play for her, so she omitted that part from her story.
"Well, I'm so glad you had a lot of fun. You should do that more often. I rarely see you smile with a twinkle in your eyes like you are now." Her dad smiled.
"Oh Dad. I guess I really needed some me-time. Maybe I'll do it again someday."
"You should. It's good for your mental health." He stated, giving her a meaningful look.
"Yeah, thanks, Dad. How was Starlene? Was she cranky?" She asked in concern.
"A little. She just cried when she was hungry or tired."
"Okay, that's normal. Was she looking for me?"
"Yeah, she wanted to nurse several times and would snuggle on Diane's or my chest. But we just gave her the bottle and she thankfully accepted without much fuss." He explained.
"Okay, that's good. Thank you so much for taking care of her today, dad." She said as she gave him a hug.
"No problem, dear. Now let's go to sleep. I'm really sleepy." He said as he yawned and stretched his body.
"Okay, good night, dad." She smiled and gave him a peck on his cheek.
"Good night, dear." He smiled.
After cleaning herself up and changing into her sleeping attire, she climbed into bed bringing her cellphone and the package that David had given her earlier.
She wanted to send Sebastian a text message after opening the package. She decided not to call him that night because it was dawn where he was, she suspected he would still be asleep.
Her eyes widened as she opened the package and found a novel inside. He had sent her The Notebook. The famous romance novel that told a story of a couple, Noah and Allie, which had been turned into a movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
She opened the first page and as usual he had asked her to read the passages he had highlighted. But he also added a little opening greeting.
My dearest Y/n,
You are special.
You are the most beautiful woman in the world.
You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
I am still yours, my queen, my timeless beauty.
You are, and always have been, the best thing in my life.
You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side just as I have treasured our life together.
You are the answer to every prayer I've offered. You are a song, a dream, a whisper, and I don't know how I could have lived without you for as long as I have. I love you, more than you can ever imagine. I always have, and I always will.
What we have is rare. It's too beautiful to just throw it away.
We're meant to be together. We always have been.
We'll never be over.
I'll never leave you. What we have is forever.
We'll find a way to be together.
I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. And, my darling, you will always be mine.
Her heart swelled in happiness and happy tears pooled in her eyes as she read all of the passages he had highlighted. Receiving this from him really was the perfect way to end the day.
As if on cue, her cellphone buzzed. Sebastian had just sent her a message. He was apparently still awake.
Dearest Y/n,
You are my Allie.
And I want to be your Noah.
She couldn't help it anymore and she finally cried upon reading the message.
She realized then how much Sebastian really loved her. But she couldn't shake the thought that if he really loved her, why wouldn't he sacrifice his job for her and Starlene? Why would he choose his job over attending his own daughter's first birthday party, which will not happen a second time ever.
Her mind and heart went to war with each other as she contemplated on what to do. Her heart considered all of the things he had given to her family, all of the flowers he had sent, all of the beautiful quotes he had conveyed to her, and how he had facilitated the best experience ever for her that day.
Her mind however, reminded her that despite everything, he still wasn't going to show up for his own daughter's birthday party. Isn't that a red flag?
Tears continued falling down her cheek as the conflict continued to rage on inside her.
She wiped the tears from her eyes and stared at her cellphone's screen. Her thumb hovering above the reply button.
After several minutes eventually her mind won and she started to type a response.
Dearest Seb,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful day. I had the best time ever! I really appreciate what you have done for me.
I'm sorry but.. I'm not ready to be your Allie yet. I hope you can understand that.
It took only a second after she sent the message for Sebastian to call her.
"Seb.." she picked up the phone and greeted him, her heart pounding hard in her chest.
"Y/n.. my love.. I love you deeply and I hope you know that." He said.
She realized he was still quoting The Notebook and that made her laugh.
"Oh, Seb. You don't need to quote The Notebook anymore." She chuckled.
"Oh, but I do. My words never seem enough for you. I.. I miss you so much, sweetheart. I love you so much and I.. I can barely function without you. I'm sorry sweetheart. Please.. please come back to me." He pleaded.
"Seb.. " she sighed.
"Please honey.. please.." his voice shook and he started to cry it seemed, she could hear his sobs from the other end.
Her heart ached listening to him crying but she knew she needed to stand her ground. She wanted to know how much he was willing to sacrifice for her before she was ready to come back to him.
"Seb.. I.. I'm sorry. But, like I said. Words meant nothing without action." She said slowly.
Sebastian stayed quiet and didn't respond to what she said. Eventually she could hear him sniffle and he sighed.
"I understand, honey. Like Noah said, you are still my queen, my timeless beauty. You are, and always have been, the best thing in my life. And I love you deeply. Just.. just remember that." He said, his voice shook.
"I know, Seb. Thank you." That was all she could say as she felt her heart screamed internally, begging her to say it back to him but her mind prevented her to do it.
"Good night my love. Sweet dreams." He finally said.
"Good night, Seb. And thank you again." She replied.
She hung up the phone feeling empty inside. If what she had done was right, if what she had done was to protect her heart, then why did it feel so painful and wrong? She thought as she laid down on the bed and started to cry.
Eventually she fell asleep, with a hollow feeling in her chest and the knowledge that she might have lost a part of her soul.
---
La Venta Dr, Poway, California - July 13th 2023 - 3 pm
It was finally the day of Starlene's birthday. Her dad's house was full of people. All of his neighbours had come bringing many children who were running around on the front lawn, playing on the bouncy castle. Everyone whom she had invited had come. Her brother was there, Shannon was there, and her mother-in-law was there too. The only one who wasn't there was Sebastian.
She felt a pang in her heart as she remembered it. Sebastian had been very apologetic. Being the generous soul that he was, he ended up paying for and arranging everything for Starlene's birthday, from the decorations, the food and even the entertainment. She was grateful for that but she still couldn't shake the sadness in her heart that Sebastian wasn't there.
She was on the front lawn with Starlene and her mother-in-law while everyone around them mingled, nibbled on the snacks provided and generally had some good time.
Starlene was standing on the grass as she leaned down and held both of Starlene's hands, helping her to learn walking. Her grandmother, Sebastian's mom, stood several steps in front of them, encouraging Starlene to walk towards her.
"That's it Starlene.. step by step.. you can do it." Sebastian's mother cooed.
Starlene giggled as she took step after step towards her grandmother. Both her hands held on tightly to her. She tried to slowly let her hand go, to see if Starlene was able to make her first step herself. But the moment she let go, Starlene wobbled and fell down onto the grass.
"That's okay, Starlene. Let's try again." She smiled as she saw Starlene's pout.
She helped her to get back on her feet then started to guide her to walk again.
Suddenly Starlene stopped and her eyes widened in surprise.
"Dada.. " she said.
Her heart seemed to stop as she heard her call her dad. She looked up to see what Starlene was looking at and started to laugh.
Someone in an Elmo costume was walking towards their direction. Leave it to Starlene to call Elmo her dad. She thought in amusement.
She knew she didn't book any entertainment in the form of Elmo. So she was sure this was another of Sebastian's surprises.
Elmo walked closer towards her and Starlene let her hands go. Slowly but surely, she took step after step towards Elmo.
"Dada.. dada.." she continued saying as she walked towards whoever was in the Elmo costume.
She shook her head as she whipped out her cellphone and started shooting a video of Starlene. Her first walk and it was towards Elmo. How so memorable. She chuckled.
Elmo stopped walking and knelt on the ground as Starlene came closer to him. He opened his arms wide and Starlene practically ran towards him. Elmo embraced Starlene in his arms and gave her a tight hug.
"Dada.." Starlene said again, releasing herself from Elmo's embrace and placing her hand on his face.
"Oh Starlene my darling little star. I've missed you so much!" Elmo said.
Her heart seemed to stop as she listened to what Elmo just said.
Could it be..
She almost dropped her cellphone when Elmo took off the top part of his costume.
She closed her mouth with her hand, her eyes widened in surprise, as she looked at the man inside the Elmo costume. The man looked back at her, a familiar smile on his face, a twinkle in his beautiful bright blue eyes. The world seemed to stop as she gazed at the eyes of the love of her life and they stared at each other with so much love and longing.
Chapter 22 >
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