Chapter Thirty-Four

Alina’s POV

“She does a lot of things for attention all the time” Vanessa said through laughter as if it were the most normal thing.

The older Mr and Mrs Wolfe looked between us, so did Sebastian’s sister.

“And I suppose you do too?” Mrs Wolfe asked.

Vanessa looked like she had been slapped across the face, and I looked away, embarrassed.

Eventually, she left after breakfast and I had never felt more relief from my day off.

That was before Mrs Wolfe called me over.

“You asked to see me ma'am.” I said politely. It seemed that no matter how good you are at hiding it, people still can tell when you’re uncomfortable.

She nodded. “Yes, need to talk to you. You see, I will be hosting a group of elite women today. I need you to stay locked up wherever you usually stay.”

“Excuse me?” I looked at her uncomprehendingly. What kind of meeting is this?

“All I am saying is that I don't want you to be seen by any of those women. You are ready an embarrassment to this family, I don't want you to create room for gossip.”

My jaw dropped and my eyes widened in surprise. “You are never letting that go are you?” My face was now adjusted, my survival mode turned on and I was ready to play the game as long as she would keep it up.

“Why should I?” Sebastian’s mother asked in an uncharacteristically cold voice. “I’ve done enough by keeping you posted, haven't I?” Her eyes narrowed with disapproval.

“At least I am not the only one with a controversial past.” I shot back, knowing there would come a point when she would finally snap and I was determined to be there for that time.

“What are you talking about?” She looked genuinely confused for once. I guess this was the first time I really had hit her with a blunt accusation.

“Oh nothing Ma,” I answered with forced calm, trying to control the sudden surge of anger in the pit of my stomach. “I guess I know about your daughter’s liquor addiction, I’m sorry about that”

Sebastian’s mother’s expression immediately turned from confusion, to horror, to fury. “How dare you! What are you implying?”

I smiled calmly. “Well, I'm just saying you might know that I wouldn't be the only topic of discussion if spotted. You would also like to know that people gossip, they say she didn't go to any fashion school in Paris, everyone says she was in rehab.” I let it sink in for a second or two.

Mrs Wolfe’s hands began to tremble visibly and she took several deep breaths until her voice came out steady again. “Are you threatening me child, is that what you are trying to accomplish?”

“No, dearest mother-in-law, I am only saying that maybe we should take precautions. There's no need for us to bring shame onto ourselves and our name, especially with these women around.” I finished,.

She shook her head in disgust but her hand raised high as if to slap me across the face but I held her back. “I wouldn't do that if I were you,” I warned.

She gave a short laugh of disgust. “You really think you have anything to threaten me with? You are nothing,” she spat. “Act clever all you want, but it's only matter of time before more of your dirty past gets out and you will lose everything you have built up.”

I wasn't going to lie, her words had sent shivers down my spine, but I stood my ground. “We'll see.”

As soon as I left the room back to that of Logan’s I slumped against the door and slid down to the floor. The air conditioning had kicked on and I could feel perspiration gathering on my brow. How dare her?

Suddenly my phone began buzzing, I quickly grabbed it, and it had was a no-caller id. I left it.

“What are you doing on the floor?” Sebastian asked once he entered the room, noticing me there. He walked over and stops next to me. “Did something happen?”

“How is that any of your business?” I asked coldly as I stood up, brushing myself off. “Your mother threatened to send me out of the house. Do they realize that I don't even want to be here? Let me go Sebastian. I have a life waiting for me!”

“Mom threatened you? That's ridiculous! Why would she do that?!” he sounded concerned and his forehead creased as he looked at me.

I shrugged, feeling annoyed. “Are you even listening?”

“Alina Moreau, you are not leaving here until you give me an heir to the Wolfe’s name!” Sebastian’s voice rose with each word, becoming more and more angry, he looked like he wanted to grab me by the shoulders and shake me til I listened.

“You don't own me Sebastian Wolfe!” I retorted angrily, “and I don't want to be here.”

“You can't possibly believe that I will let you go like that” He paused, looking at me like I was some strange specimen. “Do you want me to call Mom, ask her to explain herself?”

I glared at him. “What do you really want? Why are you doing this to me?”

He didn't say a word, he just kept staring at me, but then a strange look passed over his face, I wondered whether he'd heard the question I had asked. After a few seconds, he cleared his throat and replied. “I...don't want you to leave. I have told you what I want.”

I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing. “You don't want me to leave? Seriously?”

His face hardened and he clenched his teeth together, yet nothing.

“You know what Sebastian, you are the most selfish person I have ever met, and you are such an asshole that it's pathetic sometimes.” I said, unable to hold back my sarcasm. He flinched and I could swear the color drained completely out of his face.

For once, he actually looked guilty but not for long, fury quickly replaced it again. I had pushed him far enough now I needed him to react.