Sebestian's POV I closed the door to her room gently, letting the faint sound of the latch echo in the quiet hallway. For a moment, I stood there, my hand still gripping the doorknob, unsure if I should go back in. The image of her lying there, so small and broken, burned into my mind. She had barely spoken, yet her silence said enough. Turning away, I walked down the hall. My footsteps felt heavier with each step. The soft glow of the rain outside spilled through the windows, streaking shadows across the floor. The storm outside matched the one inside me. I couldn’t stop seeing her face—her tear-soaked cheeks, the way she flinched when I tried to calm her like she expected even my kindness to come with a blade. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She deserved better than this world. Better than him. Dropping into the chair in the sitting room, I leaned forward and rested my elbows on my knees. My head fell into my hands a
Sebestian's POV She’s here.The thought echoed in my mind as I sat in the dim stillness of my study, staring blankly at the tumbler of untouched whiskey on the desk before me. Olivia. After all these months of watching her from afar, she was finally within my reach. Not through my careful planning, but through a twist of fate.I should be elated. She was safe, under my roof, where no one could harm her. No one, especially not him. Alexander. My jaw tightened at the thought of that man—his arrogance, his cruelty. She trusted him, gave him her heart, and he crushed it without a second thought. If only she knew the things I’d seen him do, the depths of his deceit. He didn’t deserve her, but then, who did?Certainly not me.I pressed my fingers to my temples, trying to silence the thought. I’d wanted to protect her for so long, to be the person who could shelter her from the world’s cruelty. Yet here I was, lying to her by omission. She didn’t know who I really was, what I’d done. If she
Sebastian’s mansion was as grand as Olivia remembered from the night before, though she had been too disoriented to truly take in the details. The spacious living room, adorned with modern art and minimalist furniture, exuded an air of elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the moonlight to pour in, casting silvery shadows across the polished floor." Umm, do you want a coffee?" Sebestian offered with a hope to spend more time with her. Thinking for some moments, Olivia finally agreed because she was also tired of resting. Sebestian left with a genuine smile, which he doesn't do often. Sebastian returned to the room carrying a tray with two steaming cups of coffee. He placed them on the low glass table in front of the plush couch where Olivia sat.“I thought we could talk here,” he said, settling into the chair opposite her. His Italian accent softened his words, making them feel deliberate and careful.Olivia picked up her cup, the warmth seeping into her hands. “Thank you,” sh
The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of Olivia’s bedroom, casting golden hues over her modest but cozy room. The faint hum of life outside—cars passing, birds chirping, neighbors starting their routines—was a gentle reminder that another day had begun. Olivia stirred under her blanket, her eyes fluttering open. For a moment, she stared at the ceiling, feeling the weight of everything that had happened pressing down on her chest. The betrayal, the humiliation, and now this confusing chapter of her life—her thoughts swirled like an endless storm. She sighed deeply, her fingers brushing strands of hair away from her face. How did it all come to this? she wondered. Alexander’s face flashed in her mind, quickly followed by the memory of Sebastian’s intense gaze. She didn’t know what to make of him yet. He had helped her when she was at her lowest, and while she appreciated it, she couldn’t ignore the peculiar feeling he stirred in her—a mix of gratitude and unease. Pullin
Olivia sat curled up on her couch, a soft blanket draped over her legs. The faint glow of the television illuminated her living room as the familiar soundtrack of her favorite series played in the background. She took a sip of her hot chocolate, trying to push away the swirling thoughts about her new job. Working for Sebastian’s company felt like a new beginning, but it also filled her with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. As she tried to lose herself in the show, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. Olivia frowned. It was an unknown number. She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to pick it up. What if it’s work-related? she thought, reaching for the phone. “Hello?” she answered, her voice tentative. “Olivia,” came the familiar voice on the other end, dripping with mockery. “So, you finally resigned. I have to say, I saw this coming.” Her chest tightened. It was Alexander. “I wasn’t sure you’d actually have the guts to walk away,” Alexander continued, his tone lace
The morning sun painted Olivia's small apartment in soft gold as she stood in front of her mirror. Her blazer was crisp, her pencil skirt fitted perfectly, and her hair neatly tied back in a bun. Yet, her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her collar. Today was her first day as an assistant to Sebastian Massimo—a man whose charm and poise both intrigued and unsettled her. Her phone vibrated on the table. A message from Mia lit up the screen: "Good luck today! You’ve got this! Call me if you need a pep talk!" Smiling faintly, Olivia replied, "Thanks, Mia. I’ll let you know how it goes." She picked up her bag, took a deep breath, and stepped out of her apartment. --- Sebastian sat at his desk, his eyes locked on the monitor in front of him. The screen displayed a live feed of Olivia’s assigned desk, the angle discreetly capturing her workspace and the immediate surroundings. The camera was seamlessly hidden within the desk lamp he had personally arranged for her. He le
Sebastian sat alone in his expansive study, a place of quiet power and meticulous order. The soft patter of rain against the window added a rhythmic undertone to the heavy silence. A single lamp illuminated the room, casting long shadows that seemed to dance in response to his thoughts. In front of him lay a pristine glass of wine, untouched and forgotten, much like the moral boundaries he had long since discarded. His mind, sharp and calculating, was fixed on one name: Alexander. Alexander’s actions had been unforgivable. He hadn’t simply hurt Olivia; he had humiliated her, broken her spirit, and left her to face the aftermath alone. The thought of her tear-streaked face, her trembling voice as she recounted her pain, stirred something dark in Sebastian. He wasn’t a savior by nature, nor was he noble. But Olivia’s anguish had ignited a fire in him—a fire that now burned solely for revenge. Sebastian leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he let his thoughts coalesce
Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks as he entered the Grand Conference Room, his every move precise and deliberate. The room was designed for deals of magnitude—its polished mahogany table stretched the length of the space, while the walls were lined with understated art pieces that whispered power rather than shouted it. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the city skyline, the bustling streets below seemingly insignificant from this vantage point. He glanced at the sleek clock on the wall: 2:50 PM. He always arrived early, ensuring everything was prepared. Today was no exception. On the table in front of him were several leather-bound folders containing the finalized terms of the deal. Every clause had been analyzed, every potential loophole meticulously closed. Sebastian sat at the head of the table, his posture straight, his demeanor calm. This wasn’t just another business meeting—it was the execution of a carefully laid plan. He opened one of the folders, his sharp eyes scanning t
The soft hum of music enveloped the elegant hall, punctuated by the gentle clinking of crystal glasses, which resonated in the air like a symphony of celebration. Warm, golden lights hung from above, casting a soft glow over the intricately decorated room, accentuating the rich colors and delicate textures of the attire worn by the guests mingling below. Laughter resonated like a familiar melody, weaving effortlessly between clusters of friends and acquaintances, their glittering outfits sparkling as they moved.In the corner of the hall, Isabella stood, her soft smile reflecting the joy that surrounded her. She was engaged in conversation with Ethan, her laughter bright and unguarded, the kind that bubbled up spontaneously and filled the space with warmth. Her posture was relaxed, an unmistakable indication of the comfort she felt in the moment, and her eyes sparkled with a rare sense of ease, as if the weight of the world had momentarily lifted.A few steps behind stood Salvatore, h
After engaging in quiet conversation for a while, their intimate exchange was suddenly interrupted by the sharp, metallic click of the doorknob turning. Both Salvatore and Isabella froze mid-sentence, their gazes snapping toward the sound, hearts pounding in their chests. The heavy door creaked ominously as it slowly swung open, spilling a sliver of warm, inviting light into the otherwise dim and claustrophobic room.In an instant, they shot to their feet, a mix of relief and tension coiling tightly within them. Footsteps echoed softly through the corridor outside, punctuating the silence with a rhythmic cadence. It was then that Ethan appeared in the doorway, his brow furrowed in concern and his eyes scanning the room with suspicion.“What happened? Why were you locked inside?” he asked, his voice slicing through the heavy air, a hint of urgency in his tone as he glanced suspiciously around, searching for signs of trouble.Salvatore stepped forward protectively, instinctively placing
“I’ll call Ethan,” Salvatore said, his voice thick with growing concern as he extracted his phone from his pocket. Beside him, Isabella stood with her arms crossed tightly, her brow furrowed in worry, her normally bright eyes dimming under the weight of the situation. The room was enveloped in a dim glow from a single floor lamp in the corner, casting long, uneasy shadows that danced menacingly across the walls. An undercurrent of tension hung heavily in the air, palpable and suffocating, as Salvatore’s fingers swiftly navigated to Ethan’s contact.The phone rang once… twice… three times—still no answer.Salvatore’s jaw tightened, a muscle twitching subtly as he sighed heavily. Without breaking eye contact with the screen, he hit redial.Again, it rang. Each chime pierced the quiet, echoing through the stillness of the room, amplifying the unspoken worry that loomed between them. Four rings. Five. Voicemail.He lowered the phone, staring at the screen as if willing it to somehow light
In the far corner of the dimly lit room, partially obscured by a tall, cluttered shelf, sat a girl who seemed to exist within her own serene world. Her posture was unnervingly still, reminiscent of a statue carved from exquisite marble, yet there was an unmistakable aura of quiet intensity that surrounded her. She wore a form-fitting white bodycon dress that hugged her silhouette with delicate elegance, the pristine fabric untouched by the dust and grime of her gritty surroundings. Her hair tumbled down in soft, cascading waves, the strands catching the faint glimmers of light that managed to pierce the room's shadows—each one shimmering like spun silk.She appeared completely absorbed in her own thoughts, oblivious to the presence of others around her. With her head slightly tilted downward, her gaze remained fixed on the worn wooden floor, as if it held secrets only she could decipher.Not far away, hidden in the embrace of the room’s partial darkness, stood Salvatore. He felt his b
The bass thumped relentlessly through the walls of the dimly lit hall, its reverberations creating a pulsating heartbeat that matched the frenetic energy of the scene. Colored lights danced and flickered across the enthusiastic crowd of students, whose laughter mingled with the beats of the music as they swayed, twirled, and captured moments in selfies. The Fresher’s party was in full swing—a vibrant whirlwind that welcomed the new batch of students into the exhilarating world of campus life. Salvatore and Ethan stepped through the entrance, momentarily pausing to absorb the electric atmosphere. Salvatore exuded a confident air, his neatly styled hair and tailored outfit setting him apart from the casual crowds, while his amused smirk hinted at his eagerness to dive into the festivities. Beside him, Ethan adjusted his glasses, his eyes wide with a mix of trepidation and curiosity, clearly both enchanted and slightly overwhelmed by the chaotic interplay of music and conversation swir
It had been a week since college began, and the city buzzed with excitement—tonight was finally the night of the Freshers' Party, an event that promised to be a whirlwind of introductions and new friendships.Salvatore stood in front of the mirror, his heart racing as he carefully adjusted the collar of his navy-blue shirt. The fabric felt crisp against his skin, and the faint scent of his cologne—a fresh blend of citrus and cedar—lingered in the air, filling him with a sense of confidence. As he gave himself one final look, he ran his fingers through his hair, ensuring every strand was in place.From the kitchen, the soft clattering of pots and pans accompanied Olivia’s warm, encouraging voice as she reminded him not to forget his wallet. Her tone was nurturing, a blend of motherly concern and excitement for the night ahead. “You’ve got your wallet, right?” she called out playfully.“I’ve got it!” Salvatore replied, his voice eager. He grabbed the wallet from the desk, feeling its fa
The next day at school, Salvatore strolled through the bustling hallways with his usual calm demeanor, the noise of excited chatter filling the air alongside the faint, lingering aroma of cafeteria coffee. He scanned the crowd and soon spotted his friends—Ethan, Liam, and a few others—gathered near their lockers. They were animatedly discussing the upcoming Freshers party, their voices rising and falling in enthusiasm.“Dude, it’s next week!” Ethan exclaimed, practically bouncing on his heels, his eyes alight with anticipation. “The theme's gonna be epic! Just picture us strutting around in bell bottoms and flashy shirts!”“Or picture you embarrassing yourself on the dance floor again,” Liam retorted with a playful grin, the banter sparking laughter among the group.Salvatore chuckled softly at their banter as he approached them, feeling a sense of belonging. But the moment was interrupted by an unexpected sensation that made him pause.Across the hallway, near the staircase, Isabella
The dining table was set as it always was, exuding warmth with steaming dishes, gleaming cutlery, and the gentle flicker of candlelight casting playful shadows on the walls. Yet, there was an unshakeable sense that something was amiss.Salvatore occupied his usual spot at the table, but his demeanor was noticeably off—his back rigid, and his gaze far away, as if he were peering through the window into another world. His fork moved listlessly across his plate, tracing circles rather than delivering food to his mouth.Sebastian, seated beside him, sliced into his meat with deliberate precision, studying Salvatore in silence. Across from them, Olivia offered a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting both warmth and concern.“Long day?” she ventured, trying to keep her tone light and conversational, but the tremor of worry underlined her words.Salvatore blinked, coming back to the present as if surfacing from a deep sea of thought. “Yeah. Just tired,” he replied, his voice a little too monoton
The class had commenced, but Salvatore's mind remained adrift. He sat at his desk, elbow propped up, his eyes half-focused on the front of the room, where the professor’s voice melded into a monotonous hum that played in the background, drowning out any sense of engagement. His thoughts clung to a moment that had unfolded just before—the moment she walked in. Isabella. She hadn’t made a grand entrance; there were no dramatic flourishes, no shaky nerves or bright smiles typically found among freshers. Instead, she had entered with an almost ethereal calmness, her posture poised and unyielding, her expression an unreadable mask that intrigued him. His friends were quick to notice her, as they always were in this first week of university life when the thrill of ragging was in full swing. They peppered the newcomers with questions designed to elicit embarrassment, but it was clear they were merely testing the waters, nothing vicious or malicious. Then, it was her turn. Just her voi