Chapter 3

SEBASTIAN.

Sebastian sighed in frustration as he stepped out of his car and gazed up at the Sinclairs' mansion. His mind wandered back to the previous night, replaying the conversation he had with Eleanor. He hadn't meant to hurt her with his words; he was annoyed and wanted to apologize to her when he had followed her outside and met her arguing with some stranger. For some reason, the scene had made him so furious.

Sebastian sighed again. He had been so angry, hurt, and emotionally dejected at how she had left him that very night. He had thought he found his soulmate, only for her to run away before he could even wake up. He didn't know she would come back to the hotel room and had said those words over the phone out of anger. He hadn't meant to talk to her in that manner and certainly hadn't meant to call what they both had a basic one-night stand.

He stood as the large door was opened by one of the guards. Adjusting his cufflinks, he straightened up, took a deep breath, his expression a masterful blend of confidence and charm.

"Showtime," he whispered to himself, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he walked into the mansion.

"Good morning, Mr. Anderson, and welcome to my humble abode," Lucas said, shaking hands with him as they proceeded to the dining room for their meeting.

"The artwork needed for the hotels in Hong Kong has been settled and arranged for shipment," Sebastian drawled, his words trailing off as he witnessed Eleanor stepping down the stairs, looking appealingly gorgeous in the white top and blue jeans she wore, her brown glistening hair packed up in a messy bun.

"You were saying something, Mr. Anderson," Lucas interrupted Sebastian's unprofessional thoughts of Eleanor. But he was trapped right back in as she passed beside where he sat and kissed Lucas on the cheek, her morning fresh set of strawberry bath bubbles and heavenly alluring scent keeping him in a daze.

She stole one hateful glance at him as she left, leaving only the remains of her fresh scent lingering in the room to his fascination. He continued analyzing the contract with Lucas, his mind constantly drifting back to Eleanor.

"That puts an end to the Hong Kong contract," he stood up, shaking hands with Lucas after hours of deliberation and analysis. "It's a lovely house you have right here. You won’t mind if I take a detour?"

Sebastian didn't know why he requested a tour but was glad when Lucas nodded to the butler to show him around and waved him off in an urgency to take a call.

Sebastian surveyed the area, taking in every inch of detail, his feet stopping as he got a view of the wide garden. Feeling awkward as the butler followed him around, he stated calmly, "You can leave now." He smiled at the butler. "I surely can handle myself and find my way around this gorgeous house."

"But sir—" the butler tried to argue but left after much persuasion.

Sebastian’s eyes were mesmerized by the alluring garden, and as he turned a corner, he stumbled upon a secluded garden path and followed it, his footsteps quiet on the stone pavement. The path led him to a picturesque gazebo, surrounded by blooming roses and fir trees. His eyes fell on Eleanor as she stood there, her back to him, gazing out at the sky, her brown hair harmonizing with the garden.

She jolted when she saw him. "What are you doing here?" Her tone was calmly firm.

Sebastian's eyes met Eleanor's, and his eyes glistened with a scoundrel's intent. "It's a lovely garden you have here, isn't it?" he said.

Eleanor's face hardened, her voice firm but uncertain. "I want you to leave."

Sebastian didn't respond as he took a step forward toward her, watching as she took a few steps backward.

"And what if I don't?" he whispered, taking one last step towards her, trapping her against the wall inside the gazebo, his breath hot against her ear.

Eleanor's eyes flashed with panic as she pushed him away. "Don't make me call Lucas," she warned, her voice trembling.

Sebastian stood his ground, his gaze locked onto hers. He lifted her chin, his eyes burning with intensity. "Sebastian, what are you doing? Lucas might come any time now," Eleanor said, trying to avoid eye contact.

Sebastian caressed her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Already dying to be free from me, Tesoro?" he whispered, his lips inches from hers. "Let's agree, Eleanor. We can't forget the night we had together. We've made mistakes, and it's unfair for us to be dwelling on it."

"As you said, Sebastian, the night didn't mean anything to you. Neither did it mean anything to me," she paused, looking right into his eyes. "So, what you're trying to do here can't work, Sebastian. I'm married for crying out loud." He tightened his grip on the wall as she tried pushing him again. "Please, just leave."

"Is that what you want, Ele?" he asked, watching her answer.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice uncertain and doubtful.

His gaze locked onto Eleanor's, his eyes searching for any sign of the connection they once shared. He saw the faintest glimmer of it in her eyes, and his heart raced with hope.

He closed the few inches between them, their chests pressing against each other, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ele, from the moment I saw you again, I knew I couldn't let you go. I've been trying to convince myself otherwise, but... I can't help how I feel." He paused, his eyes pleading for her to understand. "I know I hurt you, and I'm so sorry for that. But please, don't deny what's still between us."

Eleanor's face softened, her lips parting slightly as she seemed to consider his words.

Sebastian's heart skipped a beat as she leaned in, her eyes locked onto his. He rested his forehead against hers and whispered, "I want you, Eleonora, amore mio."

And with that, he pulled her into his embrace with a strong grip, his lips crashing onto hers with burning intensity, unbothered by the consequences of his action.

As he felt her about to give in to the kiss, her hands wrapped around his neck, and she let out a slight moan. A footstep was heard on the stone pavement, and he felt her pushing him away, her face frozen in panic and terror at the figure approaching.