Sebastian’s POV
After Lily left my office, silence fell again. I walked back to the shelf, picked up my sister’s photo, and just stared. The same pain that’s haunted me for years crawled up my chest like fire. It never got easier. Some nights, I thought I’d learned to manage it, bury it under work, women, or the occasional dose of numbing medication. But it always found a way back in.
I still remember her face—sweet, innocent. Her laughter used to echo through these hallways. The day she died is carved into my soul. If only I hadn’t left her that day. If only I had listened. Maybe she’d still be alive. Maybe she’d be smiling beside me, living her best life.
I shut my eyes tightly, forcing back the sting. Her scream, the blood, the way her hand reached for me before it dropped lifelessly… I let out a low growl, slamming the shelf door shut.
“I’ll avenge you,” I whispered. “I promise, no matter how long it takes.”
“Sir, it’s 2:45,” Drey called from outside. “You need to prepare for the
