Chapter 6 - To Us

The morning sun blazed brightly into our room, signaling the arrival of a new day after our wedding night. However, I couldn't be sure if I was truly prepared for what lay ahead. I lay awake, torn between wanting to escape and not being ready to confront the consequences, to witness the unexpected. I wasn't ready to see the change in his eyes, to see the realization of how his world had been turned upside down. He wouldn't see April; he would see me.

I let out a deep sigh and carefully slipped out of bed, making my way to the bathroom to freshen up. As I glanced back at him, I couldn't help but smile, seeing him sleep so peacefully. I gently brushed a strand of hair from his face, my heart heavy with the love I felt for him. With a final look, I stepped into the bathroom to continue my morning routine.

I slipped out of the room as quietly as I could, being careful not to disturb Sebastian's peaceful slumber. The grand staircase greeted me as I descended, the plush carpet beneath my feet offering a reassuring sensation. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm and inviting glow on the polished wooden banister, guiding my path.

Upon reaching the kitchen, I was met with a whirlwind of activity. The staff, impeccably attired in their uniforms, moved with a sense of purpose and expertise. The clinking of utensils, the sizzling of food on the stovetop, and the gentle hum of various appliances filled the room with a symphony of culinary preparation. It was evident that they were wholeheartedly devoted to crafting a delightful morning meal.

As I entered, their focus shifted to me, and the warm smiles on their faces were a clear reflection of respect and acknowledgment. In unison, they greeted me with the utmost courtesy, "Good morning, Madam." The sincerity in their voices underscored the significance of the role I had now embraced.

I responded with a grateful smile, realizing that this was a moment of transition. The day ahead held a mixture of uncertainty and hope. Seated at the breakfast table, I couldn't help but find solace in the comforting aroma of the meal being prepared, a reminder that amidst change, there could also be familiarity and warmth.

"What would you like for breakfast, dear?" Greta inquired, her smile warm and inviting.

"I'm not too particular; anything you've made is fine," I replied.

"Alright, I've prepared your favorite pancakes. I'll bring them to you in five minutes," she said, turning to go back to the kitchen.

"Actually, wait... I'll wait for Seb. I prefer to have breakfast with him, and I don't usually eat right after I wake up," I explained, pausing her in her tracks. She nodded understandingly and returned to the kitchen.

As I waited for Sebastian, the aroma of pancakes wafted through the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. The kitchen staff continued their work, efficiently preparing the morning meal.

After a short while, Sebastian made his appearance in the dining area. His disheveled hair and sleepy eyes gave him a boyish charm that contrasted with the formality of the surroundings. He offered a warm smile as he took his seat opposite me.

"Good morning, Bee," he greeted, reaching for a croissant from the basket on the table.

"Morning, Seb," I replied, returning the smile. "I thought we could have breakfast together."

He raised an eyebrow in pleasant surprise. "That sounds nice. What do we have here?" he asked, glancing over the array of dishes on the table.

"Greta made pancakes," I informed him, pouring some maple syrup into a small dish.

"Excellent choice," he said, helping himself to the pancakes. As we started eating.

Sebastian's presence brought a sense of normalcy to the surreal situation we found ourselves in. The clinking of cutlery and occasional exchanges with the staff created a backdrop of routine, grounding us in the midst of the unexpected journey we had embarked upon.

Sebastian finished his breakfast, and as he looked at me, he mentioned that he would be heading to the office. A subtle unease crept over me, sensing a distance growing between us. I approached him, and he reached out, taking my hand and pulling me closer.

"Do you not want to spend time with me?" I asked, searching his eyes for an answer. He shook his head, dispelling my concerns. "Never, Bee," he reassured me, his hand gently tracing over my face. I leaned into his touch, the unfamiliar tenderness both comforting and perplexing.

He sensed my hesitation and suggested, "You can come to the office with me." His invitation held a promise of shared moments, and despite the uncertainty, I welcomed the idea of being close to him. Sebastian's suggestion to come to the office with him was a welcomed relief, and I nodded in agreement, appreciating the opportunity to spend more time together.

"Really?" I inquired, seeking reassurance.

"Absolutely," he affirmed, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I'd love to have you around."

As we prepared to leave, a nagging thought lingered in my mind: What if he was only ensuring I was okay with this arrangement but harbored reservations himself? What if, deep down, he wanted to escape—from me, from marriage, or from us?

The uncertainty clung to me as we gathered to leave. Despite Sebastian's reassurances and the warmth of his smile, the nagging thought persisted in my mind. What if his invitation for me to accompany him to the office was merely a gesture to make sure I was okay with the arrangement? What if, beneath the surface, he harbored reservations about our newlywed life? The fear that he might want to escape—from me, from the commitment of marriage, or from the 'us' we were meant to become—loomed over our every step.

As we reached the office, a noticeable transformation swept over Sebastian. The easygoing demeanor I had come to know was replaced by the stern and authoritative aura of a boss. There was an undeniable allure to this change, an attractiveness in the way he seamlessly commanded the workspace. My gaze lingered on him, and I couldn't deny that the glimpse of this authoritative Seb stirred something within me.

Suppressing the emotions that swirled within, I walked alongside him. The shift in his persona added a layer of complexity to my feelings. The stark contrast between the caring husband and the formidable boss ignited a strange fascination. While the professional Seb was undeniably attractive, I found myself yearning for the return of the warm and affectionate man I had married. As we navigated through the corridors of the office, I couldn't help but wonder how well I truly knew the man beside me, a man of contrasting personas that intrigued and puzzled me simultaneously.

he glanced at me. "Everything alright, Bee?" he asked, the hint of a smile softening his stern facade.

"Yes, just adjusting to this different side of you," I replied, my voice carrying a mix of curiosity and a touch of playfulness.

He chuckled. "Well, this is where I wear a different hat. Don't worry; you'll get used to it."

I shook my head saying nothing, but contemplating, Will I, though?