Later that evening, Chloe found herself seated at an intimate, candlelit table in one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. The soft hum of quiet conversations and the clink of glasses created an ambiance that felt almost surreal.
Sebastian had gone all out, and though she was reluctant to admit it, the gesture caught her off guard. She had expected their "thank-you" dinner to be a businesslike affair, but the romantic setting suggested otherwise.
"You've been quiet," Sebastian said, his voice cutting through her thoughts. He looked at her from across the table, his usual guarded expression softened ever so slightly.
"Just… taking it all in," Chloe replied, glancing around. "This isn't what I expected."
He raised an eyebrow. "What did you expect?"
"I don't know," she admitted. "Something colder. More transactional."
Sebastian leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I'm not a complete monster, you know."
"Debatable," she quipped, earning a quiet chuckle from him.
The waiter arrived with their entrees, and for a while, they ate in comfortable silence. It was strange, Chloe thought, how the tension between them seemed to ease when they weren't surrounded by board members, investors, or scheming ex-partners.
Halfway through the meal, Sebastian spoke. "You handled yourself well today."
Chloe looked up, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. "Thanks. You weren't so bad yourself."
He smiled faintly, but there was something in his eyes—something almost vulnerable. "I don't say this often, but… I couldn't have done it without you."
Chloe's fork paused midair. "Did Sebastian Kane just admit he needed help? Stop the presses."
He rolled his eyes, but his smile lingered. "Don't get used to it."
"Too late," she teased.
For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the weight of the day forgotten. It was a rare moment of peace in the storm that was their marriage.
---
The Walk Home
After dinner, Sebastian insisted on walking her back to the car. The city lights cast a warm glow over the streets, and the cool night air was a welcome contrast to the restaurant's cozy atmosphere.
"You didn't have to do all this," Chloe said, gesturing to the restaurant behind them.
Sebastian glanced at her. "I wanted to. You've done more than you realize."
She laughed softly. "For someone who claims to hate being tied down, you're surprisingly good at playing the doting husband."
He stopped walking, turning to face her. "Chloe, I never wanted this. Not the marriage, not the charade. But…" He hesitated, as though the words were foreign to him. "I don't regret it."
Her breath caught. "You don't?"
He shook his head, his gaze steady. "You've been… unexpected. And I think I needed that."
Chloe wasn't sure how to respond. Sebastian Kane, the cold and calculating billionaire, was baring a side of himself she'd never seen before.
Before she could overthink it, she said, "Maybe this arrangement isn't the worst thing in the world."
He smirked, his usual confidence returning. "Careful, Mrs. Kane. I might start thinking you actually like me."
She rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. "Don't push your luck."
As they reached the car, Sebastian opened the door for her. "Goodnight, Chloe."
"Goodnight, Sebastian," she replied, sliding into the seat.
As the car pulled away, Chloe couldn't help but replay his words in her mind. For the first time, she wondered if this marriage of convenience might turn into something neither of them had expected.
---