Chapter 1: Dangerous Purity

They all say love is pure and obsession is dangerous, but have you ever thought about something like dangerous purity? That's the kind of feeling I have for Sebastian.

This is our sixth year together: five years of dating and one year of marriage, but I don't know why I still have a crush on him. This is absolutely insane; he is already mine, right?

A soft laugh escaped my lips as I bit on my pen, shamelessly staring at him.

"Are you okay, Sophie?" Sebastian asked, snapping me out of my thoughts, and I froze.

I slowly looked around the conference room and noticed that everyone was staring at me in complete amazement.

I shut my eyes in embarrassment.

What exactly is wrong with me? We are in a company meeting, and I'm busy daydreaming.

I forced an awkward smile and gave them a slow bow.

My gaze moved to my best friend Laura, who was giving a presentation.

She furrowed her brow, silently asking if I was alright.

I gave her a slow nod, and she sighed and continued her presentation.

I met Sebastian's gaze, and he smiled gently. My heart dropped, and I quickly returned it. I like the way he looks at me and his gentle smile; it is very comforting.

He gradually shifted his attention to Laura's presentation, and I did as well, but my mind was preoccupied with when Sebastian and I would finally decide to have children. Whether a girl or a boy, I want them to have his charming hazel eyes and adorable smile.

But based on the child stuff, I really want a child, but Sebastian said once this project is over and he proves to his father, Mr. Logan Mandoza, that he's capable of running this branch of the company. When Mr. Logan hands over the company to him, then we could bring a child into the world to experience a peaceful lifestyle. Of course, I'm okay with his every decision because I trust him so much.

"Excellent work, Laura... I just hope the president loves it," Sebastian said to Laura, and everyone erupted into applause.

She displayed that cute smile of hers and walked over, lowering herself into her seat at my right side.

"Nice job, sweetheart," I whispered, giving her a wink.

She chuckled, shaking her head. "It can only be nice when Mr. Logan accepts it," she whispered softly, clearly doubting her capacity. I nodded in agreement because I know the kind of man my father-in-law is.

Mr. Logan is the richest man in New Mexico City and a no-nonsense man. He owns companies in several countries, but this is the headquarters. He's always cold to Sebastian. The reason why? I had no idea.

"Make sure you all put your minds into this project; there will be a bonus for everyone if it works out," Sebastian announced.

And we all erupted into joyful applause.

The meeting ended, and everyone returned to their various duties.

I waited as they all left and quickly walked towards Sebastian, who was still sitting and flipping through a file. I swiveled the chair and lowered myself onto his lap, wrapping my hands around his neck.

He chuckled softly. "What now, my love?" he whispered, staring at me with those eyes that could undo me at any time. I swallowed hard, my body already pleading to be touched by him.

Since this project started three months ago, he hasn't touched me. I understand that he's busy, but isn't he also feeling the desire like I am? Or am I not attractive to him anymore, like when we were dating?

I leaned in to kiss him, and he shifted his head. My heart sank, and I shut my eyes, trying to steady myself.

"Sophie, this is an office, okay? We can't do this here," he whispered softly.

I nodded; I had never argued with Sebastian before. I'm okay with his decision because I know they are all for the betterment of our future, but still, I desire him so badly.

"Sebastian, since it is Friday and you won't need to work tomorrow, what about we have each other tonight?" I whispered softly, my eyes searching his face, my heart pounding so fast as I anticipated his response.

His eyes locked on mine, unreadable, and then he nodded.

"Fine, let's do it tonight," he replied with a soft smile.

A surge of happiness spread through me, and I quickly gave him a soft kiss on his lips, stood to my feet, and headed to the door, swinging it open.

I froze. Why is Laura standing outside?

My brow furrowed in confusion. "What's wrong?" I asked.

She chuckled and quickly wrapped her arm around mine. "You know I can't stay a second away from you," she said softly, resting her head on my shoulder as we made our way to my desk.

I couldn't help but laugh at how cute she always is. Laura has been my friend since high school; I met her during my mother's funeral. Her father and mine are colleagues, and we both lost our mothers 10 years ago in a tragic incident that happened in a shopping mall, killing about 50 people. Unfortunately, our lovely mothers were among them. She's two months older than me, but she always acts like a cute baby girl. She's so lovely.

***

It's already 6 PM; everyone is leaving, and some are wrapping up their work. I walked towards Sebastian's office. I knocked twice before pushing it open.

He was busy typing on his laptop, so worn out and determined. My heart ached; I just wished Mr. Logan could see him differently and consider giving him this company; he is offering his best.

"Sebastian, should I wait for you?" I asked, already expecting his usual answer, which is, "You can go without me." But since we made plans tonight, I believed the answer wouldn't remain the same.

But he shattered my belief by giving me the same answer: "You can go without me, Sophie," he muttered bluntly without staring at me.

I took a deep breath and smiled before making my way to the door.

"Please, I might come a bit late, but our plans won't change," he said gently.

I returned my gaze to him; his attention was still fixed on his laptop. A surge of relief spread through me as a soft smile spread across my face, and without hesitation I made my way out of the company building.

I took a cab, my mind completely focused on what meal I could make and which lingerie I was going to wear, or whether I should get a new one. I was still lost in my thoughts when my phone started ringing.

I stumbled and pulled it out of my handbag, my breath catching in my throat at the caller ID: Father-in-law.

I rubbed my eyes to be sure, and yes, it was really him. I swallowed hard, my entire body trembling. Why is he calling me all of a sudden?

I slid to answer.

"G... good evening, Mr. Logan," I said softly, my voice trembling.

"Sophy," his deep voice came out softly, sending a shiver down my spine.

"You and Sebastian should be present for my birthday party tomorrow night."

My eyes widened—damn it, we totally forgot.

"Okay, sir," I replied quickly, and he hung up.

This is the best time for Sebastian to make a good impression.

I quickly dialed his number; it rang—no answer.

I tried again—no answer. The third time—no answer.

My heart beats as fear creeps in. What's wrong? Why is Sebastian not picking up? Suddenly, the memory of how I waited for my mother that day and she never came rushes through me. No, no, I can't let anything happen to Sebastian.

"To the Mandoza Tech Company," I said quickly to the cab driver, my heart pounding so loudly.

He said nothing and made a U-turn.

Sebastian, please stay safe, because if anything happens to you, I won't be able to survive it.