Chapter 9

Celeste’s POV 

I had learned to spot trouble whenever I saw it. And judging by the look on Sebastian’s face, trouble had just walked into Éclat in an expensive suit.

Xavier noticed my discomfort and leaned forward. “Is something wrong, Celeste?” 

I shook my head slightly, a weak smile forming on my lips. “No.” 

He nodded and moved to continue with the conversation, unaware that the man we were talking about had just walked into Éclat.

“So tell me,” he said, “Did your ex ever apologized or fight to have you back?”

I scoffed. “Sebastian isn’t the kind of man to apologize, or chase after anyone.”

The words came out more bitterly than I intended it to. I stole a glance again, and Sebastian was still watching.

Xavier’s smile faded when he noticed my tensed state. “Whatreally happened between you?”

I looked down at my plate, unwilling to continue talking about my ex husband who had just entered the restaurant. I knew Xavier had still not noticed him.

Then I sighed. “There’s nothing much to say about it, really.” I said quietly. “One day, Sebastian just decided I was no longer enough for him. Whole thing happened so fast.”

“But you did wanted to stay, right?” he inquired further.

My throat tightened. I was getting really uncomfortable now. And that question hurt me more than it should have. Because the truth was that, in the early days of the divorce, I wishedSebastian would change his mind and let me come back to him.

But I had told myself that I couldn’t go back to him… not with the child I was carrying which he had unknowingly rejected.

Before I could answer, my attention was pulled back to where Sebastian stood, still staring at us. Slowly, I pulled my hand away from Xavier. Shocked by my sudden change in mood, he followed my gaze towards the entrance for whatever might have stolen my smile.

As the two men locked eyes with each other, I began to silently pray that Sebastian would ignore us and simply walk away. Butit was too late. He was already on his way here.

When he stopped just few steps from our table, Xavier looked up at the man. Then he turned to me with a confused look on his face. But he didn’t say anything. And I also remained silent.

“Celeste.” Sebastian then said with an unreadable expression on his face.

The way he said my name, like he was merely acknowledging my presence there, rather than offering any greetings.

“Sebastian.” I responded equally, but struggling internally to put up my straight face.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked in a sarcastic tone.

“Yes,” I answered before Xavier could say anything. “Clearly, we’re having dinner.”

Sebastian’s expression barely changed, but I noticed how his jaws tighten. “I can see that.”

“Then I’m sure you can excuse us, like the gentleman you are.” I said with a fake smile.

He scoffed. “Well, I’m here for dinner myself.”

“Then you may kindly enjoy your meal at another table.”

For a moment, I thought Sebastian would argue. But he just looked at me with that expression of his I couldn’t quite place.“Come on, Celeste. Are you really still mad at me after all these years?”

That moment, I heard Xavier’s soft laugh. Sebastian noticed it too. He instantly turned toward him. “Something funny, friend?”

I shook my head slightly at Xavier, signaling him to just ignore Sebastian. But I was the one ignored.

“Yes, actually.” Xavier responded after taking a sip of his wine.

“Really? And what’s that?” Sebastian said taking a step forward, his hands resting inside his pockets in a bold show of power.

“Well, for starters…” Xavier began, gently placing the glassback on the table, “the fact that you just asked the woman who you cruelly divorced years ago if she was still angry with you.”

I nearly choked on my own drink. “Xavier.” I said, hoping he would just let it go.

But he just smiled and went on. “No it’s funny, really.”

Sebastian’s face turned cold that moment. “And who the hell areyou?”

“Xavier.” He said, stretching out him hand. “Xavier Cross.”

Sebastian didn’t even bother looking at the handshake being offered to him. He just gazed at the man until Xavier finally pulled his hand away, an amused smirk appearing on his face.

The next second, I looked at Sebastian and what seemed like recognition flashed in his eyes.

Then he tilted his head backwards and asked, “Of Cross industries?”

Xavier nodded his head, the smirk on his face transforming into a proud smile. “In the flesh.”

Sebastian then stepped even closer, now hovering over us.Surprisingly, he extended his own hand forward. “Of course, I’ve heard much about your company. Sebastian Rowe of Rowe industries.”

Xavier looked at the hand for a few seconds. I too paused to see what would happen next. I expected him to  ignore it. After all, Sebastian had ignored his own offer just moments ago.

But instead, Xavier rose to his feet to meet Sebastian’s height, then with a firm grip, accepted the handshake. “I’ve heard a lot about you too.”

At first, both men seemed unwilling to release the other’s hand.The tension between them had become intense. I could even feel the air start to grow thick. I guess that’s what you get when two powerful men are in the same room.

I cleared my throat and they both finally let go. I looked between them and wondered whether I should have stayed in my office that evening. At least there, I would be able to show the door to anyone who misbehaved.

“Sebastian,” I said, turning to him, “your table should be ready. I’m sure one of the waitress can show you to it.”

Sebastian turned his attention back to me. After staring for some seconds like he didn’t know what else to say, his eyes narrowed slightly. Then he finally stepped away from our table.

“Do enjoy your evening.” He said with a slight nod, before walking away to the opposite side of the restaurant.

I watched him walk away. But knowing how Sebastian’s mind works, I knew deep within me that this was far from over.