Chapter 3: Myself Alone

The whole night went as usual, but it was obvious I had been neglecting the signs of how they communicate more closely. Before, I would have been happy seeing Sebastian not treating her like an outsider, but I never knew I was the real outsider. How pathetic.

"I'm feeling sleepy, Sophie. Good night," Laura said and headed to the guest room. I had designed that room personally to meet her taste because she loves green, so anytime she comes over, she could feel at home. Things I had done for her, yet she can't even let the person she knew I love go.

Later that night, just as I predicted, he didn't disappoint me. Sebastian slowly sneaked from our bed and went out after calling my name several times, and I deliberately did not answer. Immediately after I heard the door close, I stood up from the bed, went to the door, and softly clicked it open. He indeed entered the guest room, where Laura is. I don't need to check; I already knew what this was all about. She had come to finish their deal of Sebastian fucking her the way he wants for the position of manager.

Unfortunately for them, I won't keep quiet anymore. I won't let Sebastian decide while I act unbothered. This time, my father-in-law would get involved. That manager position I will take; for the divorce, let it wait for now.

******

We arrived at the Mendoza estate, and many cars were parked outside. My father-in-law was a well-known man here in New Mexico City, and the prestigious families around the city always made sure to attend every gathering he was involved in so they could get on his good side.

Sometimes, I doubt if he is truly Sebastian's real father because he looks more muscular and handsome than Sebastian; Mr. Logan looks more like an elder brother than a father.

I have asked Sebastian many times, but he said his father had him when he was twenty years old. His mother was his father's girlfriend in high school, and she got pregnant, gave birth to him, and then left his father with the child to marry another man.

His reaction that day said it all: he resents his mother and doesn't want to talk about her, so I never asked again.

Sebastian and I made our way toward him. He was dressed in a black suit that fit perfectly, his black hair neatly styled. Sometimes I wonder if he dyes his hair; my dad is just fifty-one, and he has a lot of gray hair.

But Mr. Logan doesn't even have a single one, and he's fifty years old.

"Dad, happy birthday," Sebastian said, excited, almost trying to kneel, but Mr. Logan stopped him by raising his hand, his expression cold. The men talking to him slowly gave him a bow and excused themselves.

"Happy birthday, sir," I whispered softly, plastering a wide smile on my face because this isn't just all about his birthday; I must make sure that the manager position will be mine.

"Sophy," he said softly. I swallowed hard, my heart beating so fast; for real, I'm really not comfortable when he calls me like that; it sounds strange in a way I can't really place.

"You look more beautiful every time I see you. I can tell Sebastian is taking care of you," he said softly, a gentle smile spreading on his lips.

I bit my lower lip as my skin flushed at the fact that someone like him was saying I'm beautiful. But wait, is that a casual compliment? It meant nothing, right?

"Dad, of course, I'm always taking care of Sophie," Sebastian stated excitedly. My brow tightened as irritation spread through my body. Taking care of me? My foot! He shouldn't get me started right now.

"Alright, that's okay," Mr. Logan said, sipping his wine slowly. My eyes betrayed me and landed on how his throat bobbed as he swallowed his drink. I swallowed hard as my eyes stared at his strong hand, his veins visible and attractive.

Damn it, I could swear this man isn't fifty; he might be in his mid-thirties or early forties. Because this body and face aren't for an older man.

I heard from Sebastian that after his mother, his father disliked women, and any woman that dared to come closer to him never ended well.

I shut my eyes and shook my head slightly. Snap out of it, Sophie! Don't complicate your mission, I thought.

"Dad… actually, I—" Sebastian started but was caught short by his cold stare. My grip tightened around my gown as the tension was contagious. Why would he cast such a glance at him as if he wanted to kill Sebastian right here and now?

Mr. Logan placed his empty glass on the table, his hands tugging at his pocket as he turned to face Sebastian fully. "I gave you a target to meet before the year runs out. If you can't do it, I will appoint a new CEO, and you will work under that person," he started coldly, and Sebastian's knees almost gave out.

His fists tightened; he was clearly angry, but it was useless. He needed to do as his father said, no matter what.

"Actually… Dad, it's not about that. I need someone capable to manage the affairs of the company," he stated, his voice breaking.

My heart sank. So this was it. Wow, Sebastian, when did you become like this? What did Laura have that I don't? I gave him my first time; I abandoned my dream of being a doctor just to stay closer to him and give him the necessary support he wanted from me in this company. The first contract he landed when he became CEO, I worked myself to death because he traveled to God knows where; he didn't even tell me the place; he only told me about the task.

But never in his life has he even tried to go this far for me; he could do it because of Laura.

Mr. Logan turned to me, his brow tightened in confusion before he turned to Sebastian. "Isn't that supposed to be Sophy's role?" he inquired.

Sebastian scoffed and wrapped his hand around my waist, pulling me closer. "No, Sophie doesn't want it," he said, tickling me, trying to make me agree.

But that's so stupid of him because that won't be happening.

Mr. Logan sighed and turned to me. "You don't want to be the manager?" he asked softly.

My breath caught in my throat as the only question I wanted landed in front of me. Sebastian's hands were still tickling, urging me to stand by him as always.

But that's the Sophie of yesterday, before she found out who he truly is, because the Sophie of today would only live for herself alone.

I swallowed and sighed; my eyes shifted to both of them, and then I turned to Mr. Logan. "Thank you, Mr. Logan. I have always wanted that position," I said softly. His reaction sent butterflies thumping in my stomach; his face was beaming with genuine happiness. But Sebastian's hands froze around my waist.