. The buzzing of hushed voices and the

nd hear the whispers that follow me wherever I go. The na

or betrayed, but al

d to force a smile and pretend to care. If Celeste keeps him distracted, that'

cking sharply against the floor,

d presence in the room. He's standing behind his desk, flipping through a folde

ay, but when he does, it's

today?" I ask, my voice steady, t

w venture. A tech mogul crossing into the oil industry. It

imposing desk and leaning casually against the front

own off by h

at suppose

licker of something dan

is office. Apparently, your husband

ns, but I refus

k I'm okay, Sebastian. Thank you for your concern." My voice i

taking slow steps toward me,

make my ch

iage?" I ask, my v

feels like they're peeling away every layer, stripping me bare. When

y arms, and I feel a sl

p back, shak

, my voice firmer now

doorframe, and I hate how vul

is he

s he wan

eps back, gi

, his tone flat, as though it's a gen

way he looked at me just now-the way he mad

is overwhelmi

sharply, snapping m

ake my head, t

eeling the heat

Celeste?" He repeats, hi

do that. If Christopher is busy with her, he's

immediately regret it. How pathetic do I sound,

th pity. There's something else ther

e that," he says quietly, h

ulders, desperate t

y, "are you ready

a change in his tone now. "B

"What c

says smoothly. "It's happening t

my puls

t I informed? This is my project, Sebasti

tightening, but there's a flick

my money being invested. And, in case yo

ap, sharp and pointed. It carries a weight I c

iffly, forcing the words out

harder against the polished floor. My chest feels

much? Why does it matter what

the door behind me, leani

onversation, his word

skin, the way he looked at me like he co

him, how he stirs something i

ear. And worst of all, I hate the tiny part of

I whisper to myself, shaking my

escape. The thought of Edward and me far away fr

pulling me out of my thoughts.

ll, so be there. Dress cod

eading the words, feeling

k-just assumed I'd be there. I bang the phone down

tian

adable, and the next, he's in my space, making my pulse

Whatever game Sebastian is playing, I will be ready. But as I gather