LOGINSebastian The question hung in the air, raw and exposed, and the second it left my lips, I wanted to swallow it back down. I felt Bella stiffen in my arms, her back still pressed against my chest, her breathing hitching in a way that told me she’d heard every word, every desperate undertone of what I’d just asked.She didn't move for a long time. The clock on the wall seemed to tick louder, counting down the seconds until I either ruined everything or finally broke through."What do you mean?" she finally whispered, her voice barely audible. "What exactly are you asking me to feel, Sebastian?"I couldn't find an excuse. I was done with the games, done with the misdirections, done with the cowardice. My hands tightened on her waist, and I pulled her just a fraction closer, my lips brushing the sensitive skin behind her ear."You know what I mean," I said, my voice dropping into that gravelly register that made my own head spin. "I’m talking about this. The way you can’t look me in
Bella I was tired of reading into every look, every touch, every accidental brush of skin, only to have the rug pulled out from under me. I’d let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, the tide had turned. But looking at Sebastian now, seeing that familiar, guarded mask slide back over his features, I realized I was just setting myself up for the same old disappointment."Why are you asking?" Sebastian finally said, his voice flat. He was avoiding me, looking anywhere but at my eyes."Because you’ve been acting like a stranger!" I snapped, the words rushing out. “Strange questions about weddings, these constant 'anonymous' gifts, dragging me out here to pick out clothes for someone… it’s all so weird, Sebastian. And I can’t tell if you’re trying to build something or just keeping me on a leash."He went silent. He didn't defend himself, didn't laugh it off, didn't offer a charming explanation. That silence was the worst part. It felt like an admission. My heart sank, a cold, sharp
Sebastian My phone buzzed against the mahogany desk, a notification from my assistant that felt like a weight lifting off my shoulders. Alina has left the city. I let out a breath I felt like I’d been holding for weeks. The threat was neutralized. The chess piece was off the board. I looked over at the small box hidden in my jacket pocket—that represented everything. I was planning it. I was finally, actually doing it. I had the location, the timing, the entire setup in my head, but God, I was terrified. What if she said no? I felt like a kid again, standing on the edge of a cliff, not knowing if I was going to fly or plummet.And then there were the gifts.I’d been baffled for days. Every time she mentioned these mysterious deliveries, I’d acted oblivious because, honestly, I was. I just assumed she was dropping hints, playing games to get me to step up my romance game. I thought she was just poking at me, trying to see if I’d finally start acting like a man who was fighting
Bella The days following our lunch at the waterfront felt like waking up in a different life. It was like someone had peeled back the heavy, grey curtain that had been hanging over our relationship and let the sunlight finally pour in. Every morning, like clockwork, a new gift would arrive. It started small, a bouquet of those specific, rare lilies I used to pick with my mother, then a box of vintage, handmade chocolates that I hadn't tasted since I was a little girl living in a different city. Then came the books, first editions of my favorite childhood stories, the ones I thought had been lost in my last move.I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that it was Sebastian. Who else could it be? Yet, whenever I caught him in the kitchen or saw him leaning against the doorframe watching me with that soft, secret smile, I’d bring it up."You’re really going to act like you don't know who’s sending these?" I’d tease, gesturing to the latest delivery sitting on the counter.He’d just shr
Sebastian I had been standing in the threshold for what felt like an eternity, my blood turning into molten lead in my veins. Every fiber of my being was screaming at me to walk across that carpet and put my fist through Julian’s smug, arrogant face. I wanted to drag him off his knees, I wanted to wipe that look of entitlement right off his features, but I held back. I watched Bella—my wife—standing her ground, holding her head high, and for the first time, I saw how much she didn't need me to fight her battles. She was handling him with a razor-sharp way that made my pulse race in a different way.But when he threatened her? When he stood up and started talking about "doing things" to her? That was the breaking point. The restraint I’d been holding onto snapped like a dry twig.I stepped into the room, my boots heavy against the hardwood. Julian froze, his head snapping toward me, his face twisting into a mask of irritation.He stood up straight, trying to regain his composure, t
Bella I stepped into Julian’s office, the air conditioner humming a little too loud, making the room feel like an icebox. Julian was already on his feet the second I crossed the threshold, his face lighting up with this wide, hungry smile.He leaped around the desk, his hand outstretched, his grip lingering on mine for a second longer than was professional."Bella," he beamed, his voice dropping into that smooth, practiced tone he always used. "You finally decided to grace me with your presence. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about our little venture."He held my hand tight, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. I pulled away as politely as I could, smoothing down my blazer, trying to ignore the prickle of irritation at the base of my neck."I’ve been busy, Julian," I said, keeping my voice clipped and strictly professional. "Work has been… chaotic. I don’t really have the luxury of spare time lately."He chuckled, a low, smooth sound that just made my skin crawl. "Busy, h
Bella I woke up slowly.The harsh fluorescent lights above me stabbed into my eyes the moment my eyelids fluttered open.Pain greeted me before awareness did.A dull ache pulsed through my entire body, but it was nothing compared to the pain in my abdomen. Every tiny movement seemed to pull at som
Bella The question hit me so hard that for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.Before I could even process it, Damien cleared his throat and his voice carried across the entire office.“This is Anna Sanders,” he announced. “She’ll be taking over the Vega project from now on.”For a second, I just s
Bella I followed behind them quietly, though my steps gradually slowed.By the time I reached the guest room, Damien had already helped Anna onto the bed.He lowered her carefully, one arm supporting her back while the other remained around her waist. Even after she was seated comfortably, he didn
Bella Wasn’t that bracelet meant for me?The thought struck hard, cutting through the lingering haze in my mind.When they finally noticed my presence, introductions were made with little fanfare. Anna greeted me warmly enough and soon afterwards everyone moved towards the dining room for dinner.







