Chapter 10

Sebastian’s POV

When I asked Alice to make a dinner reservation for me at Éclat, I had not imagined that something would ruin my evening. But now I sat alone at my table, my eyes permanently fixed on my ex wife and her date.

I had heard about Xavier Cross. Or rather, Cross industries. I had just had the unpleasant opportunity of meeting the man behind the work. Xavier had built quite an impressive reputation in the business world. But tonight he was playing in my territory.

I took a sip of my tequila, trying hard to calm myself. My phone suddenly vibrated on the table. I glanced at the screen. Camille. I sighed. She had chosen the worst moment to call me.

Without thinking twice, I declined the call and put my phone down. But a few seconds later, it started to ring again. I looked at the screen with irritation. Decline again.

I had no patience for her drama tonight. The last thing I wanted was to listen to her complain about something that could easily wait until I returned.

My attention returned to Celeste and Xavier. How long had theyeven known each other?

My phone rang again.  “Unbelievable,” I muttered.

What was so urgent that she couldn’t wait? Having enough, I pushed my chair back and stood. If Camille was determined to ruin my evening, I could at least know why.

I walked toward the restroom, answering the call as soon as I reached a quiet corner.

“Sebastian! Where the hell are you?”

I pulled the phone away from my ear. Camille’s voice was so loud that I could hear her clearly without placing it back against my ear.

“Hello to you too,” I said.

“I’ve been calling you for like forever! Why have you been ignoring my calls?”

“Because I’m busy, Camille.”

“Busy doing what?”

I closed my eyes briefly. “Camille, do we really need to have this conversation right now?”

“Yes, we do! You can’t just ignore me whenever you feel like it, Sebastian. I deserve at least the courtesy of an answer when I call you.”

I briefly glanced over my shoulder toward my target. From where I stood, I could still see Celeste and Xavier through the open entrance.

“I’m in the middle of something, Camille,” I said. “Whatever it is, we can discuss it later.”

“Later? You always say later! First, you tell me you’re busy with work, and now you can’t even answer your phone. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

I rubbed my forehead. “Not everything is about you, my love.”

“Excuse me?”

I remained silent.

“What the hell do you mean by that, Sebastian!?”

“Look, I’m not going to argue with you over the phone. I’ll call you later.”

“Sebastian, don’t you dare hang up on me! Seb…”

I ended the call. Then I slipped my phone into my pocket and walked back into the dining room again. Returning to my table, I pulled out my chair and sat down. Then picked up my glass and finished the remaining drink.

I continued watching Celeste and Xavier talk for a few minutes more, before glancing at my watch. They had been talking for almost an hour. How long did they intend to stay?

Signaling the waiter for another drink, I leaned back in my chair.I would wait until they finished their silly dinner, and then Iwould speak with Celeste.

Another fifteen minutes passed before finally, I saw them rise from their table. I finished my drink with a gulp, then placed some cash on the table, and stood up. I straightened my jacket and adjusted my cufflinks before following them toward the exit.

The parking lot was quiet. Celeste and Xavier continued toward a black Ferrari parked at the far end. I quickened my steps.

“Celeste!”

She stopped and turned. Then her face quickly changed, looking almost annoyed seeing me again. She sighed. “What now, Sebastian?”

I ignored the question on purpose. “We need to talk.” I said, approaching them.

“No, we don’t.” she said harshly.

“Look, just give me five minutes.” I found myself pleading. 

“Five minutes? You had six years, Sebastian. What do you think you could say to me now that will change anything?”

I swallowed. “I’m not trying to change the past. I just want us to catch up.”

“Catch up?” She let out a humorless laugh. “You divorced me because you wanted to be with Camille. Now you want to catch up.”

I was surprised to hear her mention Camille. I stepped even closer. “I know what I did, okay?”

“Then why are we even having this conversation?”

“Because there are things I just need to understand.”

“That’s not my problem.”

She reached for the car door. But I quickly stepped in front of her. “Celeste, stop avoiding me.”

Her eyes shone with anger. “Move.”

“Not until you hear me out first.”

“I don’t owe you anything.”

Before I could say anything else, Xavier stepped in between us.“She said she doesn’t want to talk to you.”

I stared at him, my anger rising. “I wasn’t speaking to you. Stay out of this, Cross.”

But the man didn’t move.

“You need to stop bothering her when she’s made it quite clear that she’s not interested in whatever you have to say.”

Something inside me snapped that moment. I had spent the entire evening watching him talk and laugh with Celeste. Now he was standing between us… again. I had grown tired of it.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” I demanded, my face coming just inches from his.

“Someone who knows when to leave a woman alone.” He said with a straight face still.

Before I could stop myself, I shoved him in the chest. “Stay out of my business, you son of bitch!”

Xavier stumbled backward and Celeste gasped. “Sebastian!”

But the bastard recovered quickly. And before I could anticipate it, his fist landed on my face. I immediately felt pain explode inmy cheek.