Chapter 2: Seen Distractions

I straightened, forcing my shoulders back. Drew in a slow breath "I do," I finally uttered in a clear but flat voice. The priest let out a smile.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

He turned to Felix. "You may kiss the bride."

Felix took a slow and steady step forward, ready to claim what he thought was his. I caught sight of Anna and Laura, who were practically begging me not to let him touch me.

"Mr. Felix," I said softly, a shy smile spreading across my lips, "can we not do this in public? I am a little shy." He paused, examining my face as if he didn't trust me.

"I'm completely yours," I added, keeping my tone light. "We can do this later, at home."

That was all it took. He grinned, proud of himself. I scoffed quietly. Old pervert... Just you wait. I’ll rip you off of everything you think you own.

After a few minutes, the wedding came to an end, and a young man approached us.

Immediately my breath seized . Damn it, he's the young man from the club last night. Why is he here? He has the same smile and the same intoxicating scent... He looks different and more handsome dressed in a black fitted suit… But why on earth is he here?

He tugged his hands into his pockets.

"Congratulations, Dad," he said flatly.

My eyes widened in shock; my knees almost buckled beneath me. He's Felix's son? That means he's going to be my stepson? This is totally insane… What's happening here?

Then he slowly turns to me, and I hold my wedding gown tight, fighting my entire body to stay calm. A devilish smirk spreads all over his face... This was different. This isn't the charming smile he always lent out; it felt as if he could tell what his presence was doing to me.

"Congratulations, stepmother," he said softly.

My heart ceased.

What the heck, stepmother? He is most likely in his thirties. Calling me "step...mother" makes me feel old, but that's not the main issue; the real issue is that I'm currently drawn to him. Goddamn.

"Sebastian, why are you here?" Mr. Felix said coldly. He doesn't seem pleased to see him based on his tone and facial expression.

He scoffed and nodded slightly. "I came to congratulate you, Dad... Is there any problem with that?" He answered calmly.

Silence stretches between them as their gazes lock as if in a silent battle. I look at them confusedly. What am I supposed to do in this damn situation?

I should just head straight over to my friends. I turned slowly.

"Stepmother, where are you going to?"

I froze immediately and closed my eyes in frustration. I don't think I'm okay with that name—not from a child, much less from a man who could be five years older than me or more. I forced an awkward smile before slowly turning to face him.

He turned to Felix immediately. "Dad, I've been thinking about what you said last time. And I think it's best to come home," he said softly, nodding his head as he stared at me. Wait, what? It's best to come home? I swallowed hard. No...no, I disagree because it won't be nice if he fucking comes home...that would ruin my plans because I don't trust myself around him.

"Are you sure about that, and will you always listen to me?" Mr. Felix asked in disbelief, his eyes gradually becoming emotional. What the heck are these two like?

"Yes, Dad, I would do everything you said, including…" He smiled as he turned to face me. "Respecting my little stepmother," he added, winking at me. My breath caught... Why...why is this happening to me?… This is not nice.

"Fine, the maid has always been cleaning your room," Mr. Felix said, satisfied, tapping Sebastian on the shoulder.

Then he slowly turns towards me. "This is my son, Sebastian. I hope you are fine with him living with us," he asked gently. When did I get to make a decision?

Their eyes fixed on me, waiting for my answer. Goddamn it, I need to be honest right now because no, I can't let this man get any closer to me because he's a damn distraction from my mission.

"No, I don't want him to live with us."

"Why?" Mr. Felix asked immediately.

"He's a grown man and should be with his wife and kids by now… We have to spend the night together. Remember, we don't need distractions," I said quickly, my voice firm.

Silence stretched between us, and Mr. Felix held his jaw as if trying to make sense of what I had just said. Sebastian's eyes locked on mine, his expression unreadable, and I fought my body to stay calm as his evergreen eyes pierced into my eyes, sharp as if he could read every bit of me from my eyes. I quickly looked away as I felt heat building beneath me. I'm a total mess-up right now. And he chuckled and turned to his father.

"Then I will just leave... since my stepmother isn't okay with that," he said, instantly displaying a disappointed tone. Damn, he's playing the emotional blackmail card right now. Felix instantly snapped out of it and turned to face me.

"All the rooms in my mansion are soundproof, and Sebastian has a fiancé; he will settle down soon," Mr. Felix defended quickly.

My chest tightened. I felt like I was losing my mission before it even started. I stare at Sebastian, a wide smile spread across his face, and then he slowly turns to his father.

"Dad, I will see you tomorrow," he said softly, acting like a good son… Although I don't really know him, but I can tell by the way he behaves that he isn't being completely truthful with his father.

He turned to face me. "See you soon, little stepmother," he said, giving me a brief salute before departing.

I bit my lower lip hard, fighting my racing heart to fucking stay calm right now.

Felix laughed and nodded, impressed with his reaction. "He never changes; he's always as playful as before...Trust me, Sophie, you'd like him," he said casually, leaning in and kissing my forehead before walking towards the guests.

Like him? If only he knew that my heart is always in a fucked-up state when his son is around, then he wouldn't say that.