Chapter 5

Kaira sat at the bar on the edge of the party her father had insisted she attend. He claimed it would seem suspicious if she didn’t make an appearance, so here she was, with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying one of the few indulgences she allowed herself. She noticed the servants casting judgmental glances her way as she munched on a cookie, but she couldn’t care less about their opinions tonight.

Her gaze drifted to her father, Mathias, along with Evelyn and Julian, laughing together over something their business partner was saying. So much for “making an appearance,” she thought, shaking her head. Her stepmother was nearby, deep in conversation with a law firm owner. Kaira knew well enough that this party was just a network of favors, disguised as a celebration. A soft melody played in the background, briefly drawing everyone's attention to the father and daughter on the dance floor.

Evelyn and Mathias were the first to dance. Evelyn was skilled, and her movements impressed the guests, though Kaira’s expression remained flat as she continued eating. She’d grown accustomed to their little performances by now. Watching Evelyn, who supposedly claimed to be pregnant, dance so energetically was almost amusing. It wasn’t concern—just curiosity.

Next up, Julian took to the floor with Evelyn, both drawing admiration for their moves. Soon, other guests began asking Evelyn for a dance, which she graciously accepted with a warm smile. “Quite a show, isn’t it?” A familiar voice startled Kaira from behind. She jumped, hand pressed to her chest.

“You fucking scared me!” she blurted out, shooting a glare at Sebastian.

“I didn’t think you were one for cursing,” he said with a teasing smile. She found herself growing comfortable with him—too comfortable, maybe. For someone she barely knew, he seemed surprisingly easy to be around.

“Not a fan of parties, are you?” he asked, though it was obvious he already knew her answer.

“Yes, I’m not really a party person,” she replied curtly, reluctant to share more.

“Then dance with me, my lady,” he said, extending his hand. She shook her head firmly.

“No, I’m a terrible dancer.”

To her surprise, he nodded, accepting her refusal more easily than she expected. Usually, he was persistent, she’d noticed. But suddenly, Sebastian took her by surprise, pulling her from her seat until they were close enough for her to feel his warm breath, their faces just inches apart.

“I told you, princess—I don’t take no for an answer.” His voice was low and steady, leaving her speechless. Without further hesitation, he led her onto the dance floor, drawing the attention of the guests, who murmured in surprise. Sebastian, known for his reserved and gentlemanly demeanor, had never been seen so publicly affectionate, especially not with Kaira.

Evelyn’s face contorted with anger as Kaira took center stage, while Julian’s jealousy was plain. “Focus on me, and hold your head up,” Sebastian commanded. Kaira’s hands were shaking, her palms sweaty, but he took both her hands, resting them on his shoulders while his own hands settled on her waist, drawing her close.

“It’s just us, princess. Breathe,” he whispered, meeting her gaze as they began to move with the music. The guests were awestruck—Sebastian had never shown such familiarity with anyone. Many eyes sparkled with envy, while others took note, realizing the Blackwood family had formed a powerful connection.

As the music stopped, applause erupted, and Sebastian gave her a warm, disarming smile. They bowed to each other, and Kaira quickly retreated to the garden, eager to escape further attention. Sebastian lingered, watching the direction she’d gone with a knowing smile.

“Oh, Mr. Ashford, it’s a pleasure having you here,” Mathias said, seizing the opportunity. If Sebastian was interested in his daughter, Mathias thought, he might as well use it to his advantage.

“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Blackwood,” Sebastian replied coolly, his gaze sharp as if he saw through Mathias’s scheme.

Outside, Kaira took a moment to calm her racing heart, only to be interrupted by Evelyn’s angry voice. “You sneaky bitch,” she hissed, slapping Kaira across the face. Anger flared in Kaira, tired of being treated as a punching bag. Without a second thought, she slapped Evelyn back, catching her off guard.

“You slapped me?” Evelyn gasped, shocked. Kaira stepped closer, her gaze fierce.

“And I’ll do it again if you ever lay a finger on me,” she threatened, her newfound confidence startling even herself. She turned to leave, but Evelyn fell to the ground dramatically, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain.

“Enough of the theatrics. I didn’t even push you,” Kaira said in exasperation, but Julian rushed over, pushing her aside as he knelt by Evelyn, who clung to her stomach, sobbing.

“She pushed me—just because I told her to stop acting like a whore,” Evelyn sobbed. Kaira’s jaw dropped at the blatant lie.

“Stop lying!” Kaira shouted, but Julian silenced her with a slap, leaving her stunned. The one person she once trusted had just turned against her.

“You’re nothing but a selfish tramp,” he spat. “If anything happens to my child, you’ll regret it.”

Claudia arrived just then, her face a mask of fury as she took in the scene. “You vile creature. You want to kill my daughter just like you killed your own mother,” she shrieked, yanking Kaira’s hair and shoving her down with a force that jolted her arm.

As she lay there, watching her so-called family escort Evelyn to her room, she caught Evelyn’s smug wink, leaving her feeling utterly alone amidst the lies and betrayal.

Sebastian's voice came from behind her, low and knowing. "You want to get back at them, don't you?"

Kaira's gaze remained fixed on the disappearing figure of her sister, her emotions simmering just below the surface. She hated how easily Sebastian read her, seeing depths others missed.

"Yes," she confessed, her voice laced with venom. "I want them to feel the same pain I feel.”

Sebastian stepped forward, his eyes locking onto hers as he gently wiped away the tears threatening to spill. His touch was soothing, but his words sparked a fire within her.

"You can't take them down in your current state," he said, his voice soft but resolute. "But I can. I can make them pay, princess."

Kaira's focus snapped to his, curiosity igniting in her eyes.

"How?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Sebastian's smirk was a slow, deliberate curve of his lips.

"Marry me," he said, the words dropping like a bombshell. Kaira's eyes widened, shock etched on her face.