Chapter 13 Chapter 13
I rise from the soft bed, the morning light filtering through the curtains as I slip into my outfit for the day. I choose a navy high-waisted short paired with a crisp navy shirt, the fabric cool against my skin. My white sneakers feel comfortable beneath me, perfect for travel, and my hair falls naturally, loose and flowing around my shoulders as always.
Downstairs, Sebastian waits, dressed sharply in all black — a sleek outfit that fits his commanding presence perfectly. His dark sunglasses hide his eyes, adding an air of mystery as he stands silently, exuding that same quiet power he always does.
My phone buzzes in my hand — it’s Bella. Her message is bright and cheerful: “Have a wonderful honeymoon!” I pause before replying with a small smile, fingers tapping the screen, “This isn’t really a honeymoon…” The words feel heavy, the reality of the situation settling over me as we prepare to board his private jet bound for France.
We settle into the plush leather seats of the private jet, the hum of the engines filling the cabin with a steady rhythm. Sebastian turns to me, a sly smile playing on his lips.
“Have you packed your bikini?” he asks, his voice low and teasing.
I meet his gaze and nod, a small smile curling at the corners of my mouth. “I did.”
His eyes sparkle with something unreadable as he leans back, fingers intertwining. “Good. I have a few things planned for this trip,” he says, the promise hanging in the air between us.
The flight hums softly around us, the cabin bathed in a gentle, ambient light. I cradle a glass of champagne in my hand, the bubbles tickling my lips as I take slow sips, watching the quiet space around us. Sebastian sits nearby, focused on his laptop, fingers moving swiftly across the keyboard. I don’t want to interrupt his concentration, so I remain still, lost in my thoughts.
After a moment, he looks up and breaks the silence, his voice calm and steady.
“Ever been to Paris?” he asks, eyes meeting mine briefly.
I shake my head. “No, I haven’t. You?”
He leans back, a hint of a nostalgic smile crossing his face. “Yes. I have a long history in France,” he says, the weight of memories lingering in his tone.
I don’t press him for details about his past — some things feel too heavy to ask right now. Instead, I listen as he shifts the conversation to the trip ahead.
“We’ll be staying in a luxurious hotel,” he says, his voice calm but carrying a spark of excitement. “I’ve planned a full day at the Eiffel Tower — you’ll love the view.” He smiles softly. “Then, a day at Disneyland. I know you’d enjoy that.”
He glances at me, eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and tenderness. “And of course, some shopping at Dior. I thought you’d appreciate that.”
The way he describes it paints a picture of a trip designed to be unforgettable — a blend of romance, fun, and indulgence.
We touch down in Paris under a soft, gray sky, the city’s timeless charm already whispering through the cool air. Outside the airport, a sleek black car waits, gleaming under the dim light. Sebastian steps forward confidently and greets the driver with a nod. “He’s one of the Godfather’s men,” Sebastian explains, his voice low but steady. The driver opens the door for us with a respectful bow, and we slide inside the luxurious interior—plush leather seats, polished wood accents, and soft ambient lighting—setting the tone for the evening ahead.
The drive through the elegant streets of Paris is smooth and quiet, punctuated only by the occasional glow of street lamps reflecting on the Seine. Before long, we arrive at the hotel—a masterpiece of opulence. The façade gleams with ornate gold detailing and tall crystal windows that catch the light like diamonds. Inside, the marble floors stretch endlessly, polished to a flawless shine. Crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the grand lobby. Velvet drapes cascade beside towering columns, and the scent of fresh orchids lingers in the air.
As we step into the lobby, a poised woman approaches us—a hotel manager, impeccably dressed in a tailored deep navy suit that hugs her slender frame. Her hair is pinned back neatly, and her eyes hold a polished professionalism, yet a spark of genuine warmth softens her expression as she greets Sebastian with a slight bow and a smile. “Monsieur Manchini, welcome back. We are honored to have you and Madame with us,” she says in fluent French with a lilting accent. Sebastian nods in acknowledgment, his expression composed but satisfied.
“Thank you, Madame. We appreciate your hospitality,” he replies smoothly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of quiet authority.
After settling into the hotel, Sebastian mentions, “Tonight we’ll be dining at a restaurant nearby. Wear something classy.” There’s a subtle command in his tone, yet it’s accompanied by an unmistakable excitement.
Evening falls, and I prepare myself with deliberate care. I slip into a stunning red dress, the fabric smooth and flowing, hugging every curve of my body with sensual precision. The neckline plunges just enough to tease, while the hem grazes my thighs, hinting at elegance and allure. Gold jewelry—delicate earrings and a slim bracelet—catch the light, adding a regal shimmer. My hair is straightened sleek, cascading down my back with effortless grace. High stiletto heels complete the look, elevating my posture and confidence. When I step out, Sebastian’s eyes widen, and he whistles softly under his breath.
“You look absolutely breathtaking,” he murmurs, his gaze locked on me with a hunger that sends a shiver down my spine.
He himself is the picture of dark elegance—wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, glossy shoes polished to a mirror shine. His hair is slicked back, and those sharp eyes gleam with devilish charm as he escorts me out.
We arrive at the restaurant, an intimate rooftop venue bathed in soft candlelight and overlooking the glittering Paris skyline. I sip a vibrant cocktail, its sweet tang mixing with the cool night air as we wait for our food. The atmosphere hums with quiet sophistication—the low murmur of other diners, the clinking of fine glassware, and the faint notes of a piano playing somewhere nearby.
A tall young woman approaches us. She wears an elegant grey dress that falls perfectly to her knees, simple yet striking, tailored to accentuate her slender figure. Her short hair frames her face sharply, and when she sees Sebastian, her expression instantly changes. A sultry smile spreads across her lips as she leans in, greeting him with two slow, sensual kisses on each cheek.
I watch silently, heart tightening but keeping my composure, as their brief reunion unfolds under the gentle glow of the restaurant’s lights. Sebastian’s face softens in a way I’ve never seen, and for a moment, the powerful man beside me reveals a secret tenderness meant only for her.