The smell of fresh coffee lingered in the air as I unpacked my last suitcase. Sebastian's penthouse was too pristine, too perfect. Every surface gleamed, every piece of furniture looked untouched, like no one actually lived here. I folded the last of my clothes and placed them in a drawer.
This was my new home, though it felt more like an extended business trip than a marriage.
Sebastian walked into the room, his suit jacket slung casually over his shoulder. His tie was loosened, and for a moment, he looked almost human. Almost.
"Settling in?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"Trying to," I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
His eyes scanned the room, then landed on me. "We have a charity gala tonight. You'll need something formal."
I glanced down at my jeans and T-shirt. "I didn't exactly bring a ball gown."
He pulled out his phone, tapped a few buttons, and without looking up, said, "I'll have something sent over."
"Great," I muttered under my breath.
He didn't miss a beat. "You knew what you signed up for, Lila. We're in this together now. The sooner you adjust, the better."
Adjust. As if this arrangement was something as simple as moving furniture.
The dress arrived an hour later, delivered in a sleek black box. It was emerald green, with a neckline that dipped just enough to be elegant but daring. I held it up to my body and stared at the mirror. I didn't look like myself. I looked like someone trying to fit into Sebastian's world.
The car ride to the gala was silent. Sebastian sat beside me, scrolling through his phone. The city lights flickered outside the window, but I couldn't focus on them. My thoughts were a mess, tangled with doubts and anger.
As we pulled up to the grand entrance, he finally spoke. "Tonight is about appearances. We need to look united. Strong."
"Right," I said, my voice flat.
He turned to me, his eyes sharp. "Lila, I'm serious. Max and Olivia will be there. They'll be watching us closely. Don't let them see any cracks."
The mention of their names made my chest tighten. I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.
The ballroom was a sea of glittering chandeliers and polished floors. Waiters moved through the crowd with trays of champagne, and the hum of polite conversation filled the air. Sebastian's hand rested lightly on the small of my back as he guided me through the room.
I caught glimpses of familiar faces—powerful people I'd only ever seen in magazines or on TV. They nodded at Sebastian, their smiles polite but wary.
"Smile," he murmured. "You're the wife of a billionaire now. Own it."
I forced a smile, though it felt like my face might crack.
Then I saw them.
Max and Olivia stood near the bar, laughing like they didn't have a care in the world. Olivia looked stunning in a red dress that clung to her like it was made just for her. Max stood beside her, his hand resting possessively on her waist. My stomach churned.
"Eyes on me," Sebastian said quietly, pulling my attention back to him. "Don't give them the satisfaction."
Easier said than done.
We hadn't been there long before Olivia made her move. She swept across the room, her smile sharp as a blade.
"Lila," she said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "What a surprise."
I clenched my teeth but managed a polite, "Olivia."
"And Sebastian," she continued, turning her attention to him. "I have to admit, I didn't see this coming. You and Lila? Quite the power couple."
Sebastian's smile didn't falter. "Power recognizes power."
Max joined her then, his expression smug. "So, Knight," he said, his tone dripping with disdain, "what's your angle? Trying to diversify your portfolio?"
Sebastian's hand tightened slightly on my back, but his expression remained calm. "Always thinking in business terms, Max. Maybe you should try it. Might save your company from falling further behind."
Max's jaw tightened, but Olivia stepped in, her smile still firmly in place. "Well," she said, her tone icy, "I wish you both the best. Really."
As they walked away, I let out a shaky breath.
"They'll push harder now," Sebastian said, his voice low. "Be ready."
Later that night, I found Sebastian in his office, staring out at the city. A glass of whiskey sat on the desk beside him, untouched.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, not turning around.
"No," I admitted, stepping into the room.
He gestured for me to sit, and I hesitated before lowering myself into the chair across from him.
"They're going to retaliate," I said after a moment. "Max and Olivia. They won't let this go."
"I'm counting on it," he replied, finally turning to face me.
The light from the window cast shadows across his face, softening the hard edges but not enough to make him look approachable.
"Why do you hate them so much?" I asked, the question slipping out before I could stop myself.
He took a long sip of his whiskey, his eyes unreadable. "Because they deserve it."
"That's not an answer," I said, leaning forward. "This isn't just business for you. It's personal."
For a moment, he didn't respond. Then he set his glass down and leaned against the desk, crossing his arms.
"My family used to be one of the most powerful in the city," he said quietly. "Until Victor Dalton decided we were a threat. He ruined my father, drove him to the brink. And when my father couldn't fight back anymore…"
His voice trailed off, but I didn't need him to finish.
I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say.
"This isn't just about revenge, Lila," he continued, his voice colder now. "It's about justice. About making sure they pay for what they've done."
I nodded slowly, understanding more than I wanted to. Max and Olivia had taken so much from me, too. But as I looked at Sebastian, I couldn't help but wonder how far he was willing to go—and whether I was ready to follow him there.