Chapter 12

Sebastian

I watch her walk toward me, each step deliberate and careful, as if she’s afraid she might shatter under the weight of her own decision.

Elizabeth’s green dress clings to her figure, the slit teasing the length of her legs with every movement. The faint glow of the porch light dances across her skin, and I catch myself staring longer than I should.

I wasn’t expecting her to say yes.

When I asked her to dinner, I thought she’d hesitate, maybe deflect or make an excuse. But she surprised me, her soft “yes” echoing in my mind since the moment it left her lips. Now she’s here, her delicate beauty tugging at something I swore I’d buried a long time ago.

I have no room for feelings, just vengeance. Vengeance for the man who killed my daughter's mother. My wife, my love.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. Elizabeth wasn’t supposed to affect me like this.

She’s just a pawn in a game that’s been years in the making.

Tonight is about delivering the first blow, shaking Christopher’s world to its core.

But as I watch her approach, that certainty wavers. Her smile, though small and tinged with anxiety, is beautiful in its vulnerability.

I know she’s nervous, and yet she’s trying—trying to embrace this fleeting moment of freedom.

When her eyes meet mine, I smile back, hoping it’s reassuring, hoping she sees what I want her to see: that she deserves this. That she deserves to live a life untouched by pain and fear.

“Good evening,” I say, my voice steady.

“Hi,” she replies softly, her lips curving into a shy smile.

I offer her my hand, and she takes it without hesitation. Her touch is warm, almost hesitant, and I can feel her pulse quicken as our fingers entwine. I lead her to the car, keeping my pace slow so she doesn’t feel rushed.

*It’s showtime,* I think to myself.

The plan is already in motion.

The paparazzi will be waiting at the restaurant, cameras ready to capture the moment Elizabeth Bell is out with a man who isn’t her husband. It’s the perfect setup. A picture like that will force Christopher’s hand, push him to reveal the cracks in his perfect facade.

As we reach the car, I open the door for her, and she slides into the passenger seat, the hem of her dress rising slightly. My gaze lingers on the smooth curve of her thigh, and I catch myself staring again. I shake my head quietly, trying to refocus.

I settle into the driver’s seat, turning to her with a casual smile.

She nods, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her purse.

The engine hums to life as I start the car.

My hand finds its way to her thigh, resting lightly at first. Her skin is soft, and I feel her tense under my touch before she relaxes. I can’t help myself.

“Where are we going?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s a surprise,” I reply, letting a smirk play on my lips.

It will be the biggest surprise. It will be perfect.

Her eyes flicker toward me, curiosity mixed with uncertainty. She doesn’t press for more details, and I wonder if she trusts me or if she’s simply too tired to ask.

As we drive, her voice breaks the silence. “Thank you, Sebastian.”

I glance at her, my brow furrowing slightly.

“For what?”

“For tonight. For giving me something to look forward to. I don’t know how I would’ve slept in that house without Edward.”

Her words hit me harder than I expect. I grip the steering wheel a little tighter, my jaw clenching.

“It’s no problem, Elizabeth. It’s my pleasure.”

She shakes her head, her gaze distant.

“It’s not just that. I can’t remember the last time I felt… excited about life.” She turns to me, her hand brushing mine briefly. “I don’t know what’s happening, but I feel like I can breathe tonight.”

Her honesty catches me off guard. The guilt I’ve been suppressing starts to creep in, curling around my chest like a vice. She shouldn’t have said that. She shouldn’t have made herself so... human.

She’s supposed to be a pawn. Collateral damage.

But now, as I look at her, I see something else. Something I can’t afford to feel.

I take a sharp right turn, veering off the planned route.

“Sebastian?” She asks, sitting up straighter. “What’s going on?”

“I was going to take you to a restaurant,” I say, my voice calm despite the turmoil in my head. “But I have something better in mind.”

Her brows knit together in confusion, but she doesn’t argue.

I pull up in front of a large, wrought-iron gate. The area is quiet, almost eerily so, save for the faint sounds of crickets and the rustling of leaves. I step out of the car quickly, making my way to her side to open the door.

She looks at me, her expression wary.

“Is this where you kill me?” She asks, her tone half-joking, half-serious.

I chuckle softly, shaking my head. “Not tonight.”

She follows me to the gate, her steps cautious.

“Seriously, where are we?”

“Somewhere I haven’t been in a long time,” I tell her, my voice quieter now.

I push the gate open, the hinges creaking as it swings inward. With a flick of a switch, lights strung through the trees and bushes illuminate the space. The soft glow reveals a sprawling garden, meticulously designed with winding paths, vibrant flowers, and a pond shimmering like glass under the lights.

Elizabeth gasps, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Sebastian…” She takes a few steps forward, her face lighting up with a joy I’ve never seen from her before. “This is... it’s like a fairy tale.”

I watch her, my chest tightening as she spins slowly, taking it all in.

“How did you find this place?” she asks, turning to me with a bright smile.

“I didn’t find it,” I admit. “I built it. For Sarah.”

Her expression softens, and she steps closer.

“I thought it was better than buying her flowers that would just die in a few days,” I continue, my voice tinged with bitterness.

“But she never saw it. She died before I could bring her here. I was too busy loving her while she was busy loving someone else.”

Elizabeth’s hand reaches for mine, her touch gentle. “I’m so sorry, Sebastian,” she says, her voice full of genuine empathy. “Truly.”

I pull in a deep breath, shaking off the memory.

“Enough of the past.” I guide her toward the pond, the lights reflecting in the water like a thousand tiny stars. “I thought this would be perfect for our first date.”

Her gaze lingers on me, searching for something I can’t name.

I reach into my pocket, pulling out a small set of keys.

“What are those for?” she asks, her curiosity piqued.

“They’re for this place,” I say, holding them out to her. “You can come here whenever you need a break. Call it your sanctuary.”

Her eyes widen, and a smile spreads across her face, brighter than any light in the garden. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I reply firmly. “Sarah didn’t deserve this place. It belongs to someone beautiful and kind.”

She surprises me by throwing her arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug. I freeze for a moment, then wrap my arms around her, holding her close.

When she pulls back, her lips brush against mine in a soft, fleeting kiss. It’s sweet, tentative, and for a moment, I forget everything else.

As she leans into me again, her touch ignites something I’ve tried so hard to bury. Her lips press against mine with more urgency, and I can feel her heartbeat against my chest.

For tonight, I let myself forget the plan. Tonight, I let myself want her.