Sebastian’s POV
I didn’t understand why the heaviness in my chest wouldn’t go away.
Instead of feeling relieved, each passing day only seemed to make things harder.
Mildred had been hovering constantly—asking about the flowers, the venue, her dress, the honeymoon. She wanted to get married as soon as possible.
I should say yes.
I should be excited.
I had waited years for her return. For this.
But now, it all felt wrong.
Celeste.
I haven’t heard from her since the engagement party.
I didn’t have a choice but to go.The collaboration between Whitmore Company and Savarre Studio was officially happening.I had asked Ms. Savarre countless times to assign someone else to handle the Whitmore meetings, to let another designer take the lead. But no—she always insisted it had to be me. Saying she trusted me more than anyone else in the company.So even if I wanted to step back, I never really had the option.I didn’t even get the chance to explain to her why this was so difficult for me.And now here I was—standing at the entrance of the hotel where the banquet was being held to celebrate the partnership between the two companies.I smoothed down the silver gown I wa
Eloise’s POVHe wanted to try?What the fuck does he even mean by that?I slammed both hands on the table, my eyes narrowing into sharp daggers.“Listen, Mr. Whitmore, I let your earlier rudeness slide. But if you try—even try—to ruin my life, or my work, I won’t hesitate to fight back.”It was a warning I meant with every fiber of my being. But Sebastian? He didn’t even flinch.Instead, the bastard had the audacity to smirk at me. To look amused, as if my rage was something that entertaine
I barely had time to calm my nerves.The hour passed in a blur of half-hearted preparations. Colette reviewed the investor portfolio with me, pointed out talking points Ms. Savarre had highlighted, and walked me through the seating arrangement—all of which I barely absorbed.My mind wasn’t in it.Because the moment I stepped into that meeting room, I knew he’d be there.Watching.Waiting.And like clockwork, the door opened.I didn’t have to look up to know it was him.The air changed.The silence grew tense.
Eloise’s POVI stood in front of the window, a mug of black coffee warming my hands, trying to find solace in the view of the Seine from the fourth floor.But the comfort was fleeting.I barely slept last night. Every time I closed my eyes, his face haunted me.That kiss.His eyes.The way he said my name like it was both an apology and a promise.Damn it, Sebastian.I thought the feeling would fade because I was with Ashton—but I was wrong.The more I tried to forget him, the more he clung to me like a ghost that wouldn’t stop returning.
Sebastian’s POVI missed her…I missed her so damn much.I couldn’t stop myself earlier. The longing had built up so deeply, so painfully, that when I finally saw her standing there—so close, so real—I broke.I kissed her.I knew it was wrong.I knew she would hate me even more for it.But I couldn’t stop myself.I had been holding myself back for so long. Watching her from a distance, hearing about her through others, punishing myself for all the things I didn’t do…But nothing could’ve prepared me for that moment.Seeing her eyes widen.Feeling her body tense beneath my touch.The way she pushed me away like I was poison.And maybe I was.Maybe I still am.But damn it—every part of me wanted her back.I ran a hand through my hair and leaned against the hood of my car, parked just a few blocks from her condo. I didn’t even know how I got here. My mind had been on autopilot ever since she walked away.No, since I let her walk away. Again.I should have said more.I should have begged.
Eloise’s POVPresent TimeMy whole body was trembling as soon as I got far enough from Sebastian.I leaned against a wall and let everything I was feeling pour out of me.The nerve of that man!He shouldn’t be here. He should have never shown his face to me again.I thought he had chosen Mildred. He had been waiting for her.So why… why is he here now?And that kiss…My sobs grew louder as the memory of his lips pressing against mine played over and over in my head.It wasn’t a kiss of goodbye.It wasn’t even a kiss of guilt.It felt… real.Genuine.Just like the ones we used to share.And that made it worse.I covered my mouth with my hand as if it could stop the flood of emotion threatening to drown me. I felt stupid. I felt betrayed. I felt like a fool all over again.I thought I was over him.I thought I was healing.But one look from him—one kiss—and all the walls I built came crashing down.No.No, I can't let this happen again.I wiped my tears and stood up straighter. This was