As Ava lay curled up in her bed, the weight of Sebastian's words bore down on her like an unbearable burden. The echo of his callous statement reverberated in her mind, each word piercing through her heart with painful clarity. He had made it abundantly clear that he only desired her for her body and nothing more.A rush of self-reproach flooded over her, consuming her thoughts and leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed. How could she have allowed herself to hope for something more? How could she have let her heart believe that there was a chance for love and a deeper connection with Sebastian?Tears welled up in Ava's eyes, blurring her vision as she battled with her own emotions. She despised herself for daring to dream, for wanting to be cherished and loved beyond the confines of physical desire. The ache of disappointment settled deep within her, intensifying the pain of unrequited longing.In the solitude of her room, Ava's thoughts spiraled into a dark abyss of self-doubt. S
Sebastian tossed and turned in his bed, unable to sleep and unable to get his ass up either. He kept replaying the scene from earlier that night, when Ava had stormed out of his apartment after their heated argument. He had never seen her so angry and hurt before. He hated himself for making her cry.He reached for his phone on the nightstand, tempted to call her and apologize. He wanted to hear her voice, to tell her that he was sorry for being such a jerk. He wanted to make things right between them.But he also felt a surge of resentment towards her. Why did she have to ruin what they had by catching feelings? They had agreed to keep things casual, to pretend to be in a relationship for his investors and his ex-girlfriend. They enjoyed each other’s company, had fun, and had amazing sex. They had been friends with benefits, nothing more.He didn’t want to commit to anyone, especially not to Ava. She was too good for him, too sweet, too innocent. She deserves someone who could love h
Determined to make things right, Sebastian wrapped a towel around his waist and reached for his phone once again. This time, he dialed Ava's number without hesitation. He was ready to put his pride aside, to apologize, and to express the truth that had been echoing in his heart: he wanted her, not just for her body, Okay perhaps it was just for that. Or perhaps she meant so much more. One thing was sure. He needed her.As the phone rang, his heart raced, hoping against hope that she would answer. He knew that the road to reconciliation wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to take the leap, to fight for what he believed in. For Ava, he was ready to face his fears and embrace vulnerability, hoping that she would give him a chance to prove that he was capable of more than he had once believed.As the phone continued to ring, Ava glanced at the screen, recognizing Sebastian's name flashing across it. A mix of emotions surged within her—confusion, longing, and a tinge of anger. Part of he
Mrs. Monroe's disappointment softened further as she looked at Ava, understanding the complexities that often accompanied the modeling world. She had witnessed many aspiring models lose themselves in the pursuit of success, compromising their own well-being and happiness. She didn't want the same fate for Ava."My dear, I know this industry can be challenging," Mrs. Monroe said, her voice laced with compassion. "But never forget that you are more than just a model. You are a remarkable young woman with dreams and desires that extend far beyond the runway. Your happiness and fulfillment should always be a priority."Ava nodded, absorbing Mrs. Monroe's words. She knew that she couldn't allow her personal struggles and heartache to overshadow her professional aspirations. She needed to find a way to compartmentalize her emotions and focus on her career, even if it meant suppressing her feelings for Sebastian."I will, Mrs. Monroe," Ava promised, determination glimmering in her eyes. "I w
Sebastian stormed into his office, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. The failed attempts to reach Ava had left him with a sour mood, and he found himself taking it out on his unsuspecting employees.As he entered the bustling workspace, his eyes scanned the room, searching for any signs of incompetence or mistakes that he could seize upon. His sharp gaze fell on Emily, one of his assistants, who was engrossed in her work. Without a moment's hesitation, Sebastian strode over to her desk."Emily, is this how you prioritize tasks? It's unacceptable!" he barked, his voice laced with irritation. His words hung heavy in the air, causing heads to turn in their direction.Emily looked up, startled by his sudden outburst. Her eyes widened, and her face paled. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Thompson. I didn't realize—"Sebastian cut her off, his tone biting. "You should have realized. I expect better from my team. Fix this immediately and be more attentive in the future."He turned on his heel,
Sebastian walked into the dimly lit bar, his mind clouded with frustration and regret. He needed a temporary escape from the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed him since his conversation with Ava. Taking a seat at the bar, he signaled the bartender and ordered a whiskey.The amber liquid was poured into a glass, its rich aroma filling the air as Sebastian contemplated the events that had unfolded. He took a sip, savoring the burn as it traveled down his throat, momentarily dulling his senses.He couldn't help but replay their interactions in his mind, dissecting every word, every gesture. The realization of his own mistakes weighed heavily upon him, the consequences of his fear and commitment issues becoming more apparent with each passing moment.Sebastian had always been adept at compartmentalizing his emotions, locking them away behind a carefully crafted façade. But with Ava, it had been different. She had broken through his defenses, exposing vulnerabilities he had long supp
“What is your bitch doing in my company Sebastian?” Natasha asked in a cold, arid tone that told him she was either pissed or drunk. He would go pissed.Sebastian's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and annoyance at Natasha's directness. He had hoped to avoid discussing Ava with his ex-girlfriend, but it seemed that Natasha had other plans."Now, Natasha, you know Ava and I have nothing more than a professional arrangement," Sebastian replied, attempting to downplay the situation. “Yeah right,”Sebastian sighed, his frustration mounting. He hadn't anticipated this confrontation with Natasha, especially not about his personal life. "Natasha, it's not as simple as you think. Ava and I have an arrangement, a pretend relationship for the sake of certain circumstances. It's not something I planned or expected to happen."Natasha crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Oh, spare me the excuses. You always have a way of justifying your actions, don't you? I can't believe I ever fell for
Sebastian couldn't help but chuckle as Damian returned to his side, his laughter infectious. "Ah, Damian, my friend. It seems we're both caught up in our own tangled webs, doesn't it?"Damian grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Well, at least you have a surplus of drama. Me? I'm just enjoying the single life, no complications or heartaches."Sebastian playfully nudged Damian's shoulder. "Oh, the single life, huh? Don't you ever get tired of the endless nights alone?"Damian shrugged nonchalantly. "Not really. I'm living it up, enjoying the freedom while I can. No commitments, no expectations."Sebastian's smirk turned mischievous. "But isn't there a part of you that longs for something more? A connection, a partner to share your life with?"Damian's playful facade wavered for a moment, a flicker of longing in his eyes. "Maybe someday. But for now, I'm content with the simplicity of my life."Sebastian's gaze softened as he looked at his friend. "Well, Damian, I envy your carefree spirit s