Chapter 12

It was late when Elaria drove home. She pulled into the parking lot and unbuckled her seatbelt, about to step out when her eyes froze for a second. Across the way, under a sycamore tree, Sebastian' car sat quietly. He leaned against it, dressed all in black, head tilted up, a cigarette lazily held between his fingers. That sharp jawline and those chiseled features made him look painfully attractive. The soft blue smoke curled around his clean-cut face before the night breeze nudged it away. With the shade of the trees and cloak of darkness, he seemed almost like part of the night itself. When he noticed her, Sebastian's gaze sharpened, and after a few seconds, he flicked the cigarette away, crushing it underfoot, then started walking toward her. Elaria didn't want to deal with him. She got out and made a beeline for the elevator. Behind her, his footsteps followed at an unhurried pace. Just as she reached her apartment, Sebastian blocked her path. "Elaria, can we talk?" "Talk about what?" she reached into her bag for her keys, tone cool and distant. "What's left between us to even discuss?" All those late nights, his soft words and kisses-they all felt like a dream now. Good thing she never really let it fool her. She opened the door, and Sebastian stuck out his foot, stopping it from closing. In a blink, she was pushed up lightly against the wall. He placed his hands on either side of her shoulders, eyes locked on her. For once, his gaze was dead serious. He leaned in, like he was about to kiss her-like he used to. Elaria turned her head sharply, dodging him on purpose. Sebastian stared at her, his voice hoarse. "What's going on?" Under the warm hallway lights, her features looked even softer without the sharp edges of Halden & Co.'s vice president persona. She looked... easier to reach. His Adam's apple moved as he swallowed. His voice dropped to an aching murmur, "Elaria, it's not what you think." She shot back coldly, "Oh yeah? Then what is it?" She couldn't even respect herself anymore. Her husband had fallen for some girl and didn't bother hiding it-parading around like they were some power couple. And now he was here, trying to act like he still cared? That was laughable. And humiliating. Her words trembled, but they cut sharp, "Sebastian, I told you. We're done." "That night-you asked me if I liked you. I didn't answer." He finally looked her in the eye. "But I will now. Yeah, I did like you. But not anymore. Now, I find the thought of it disgusting. Is that what you wanted to hear?" As soon as she said it, her eyes glistened faintly. "That's it." Her voice stayed steady. "Don't come back again." She gently pushed the door open and walked inside. Soft yellow light from the hallway spilled onto Sebastian's frame, sketching out an aching loneliness. Elaria closed the door, leaned back against it, and looked up at the crystal chandelier, blinking away the sting in her eyes. Snowball ran up and tugged at her pants, barking anxiously. She crouched down, stroking his silky fur, saying softly, "You hungry, little guy? Let me get you something." The dog gave a couple more short barks. After feeding Snowball, Elaria went to get her bathrobe. As she reached for it, her fingers brushed against a black dress shirt-it was his. She used to wear that shirt on cold nights, wrapped in his arms. Back then, part of her had softened. Elaria stared at the shirt for a while, then pulled it out and tossed it straight into the trash. A moment later, the sound of running water filled the apartment. The moon sank lower in the sky. Outside, the sycamore trees rustled in the night breeze, their whispery movements sounding like silent sobs. Inside a sleek black SUV, Sebastian sat in the backseat, lost in photos on his phone. One was their wedding picture-Elaria smiling sweetly, head resting on his shoulder. She had only been 22 then. No big job title, no public company paperwork. Just pure youth, untouched and real. Sebastian reached out unconsciously, fingertips brushing over the image of Elaria on his phone screen. Her smiling face felt like it might melt through the cold glass-soft, familiar, gone. She used to look at him like that, with light in her eyes. Now? She didn't love him anymore. He couldn't even pinpoint when it had started slipping away-her affection, her warmth. When had he lost her? ***** Fast forward three days, inside the CEO's office at Halden & Co. Sebastian's mood was downright awful. On his desk sat a court summons-the plaintiff: Elaria. She was officially suing for divorce and division of joint assets. He lounged back on the sofa, legs crossed lazily, fingers flicking the edge of the paper. Barely above a murmur, he turned to Ms. Woods. "Did she hire a lawyer?" Ms. Woods didn't sugarcoat it. "She brought in one of the best-Mr. Shaw. He's well-known, and from what I hear, even Mr. Collins might not stand a chance against him." Sebastian shot her a sideways glance, voice still cool. "Who said I'm planning to fight her in court? That's her idea. I never agreed to a divorce." Ms. Woods blinked. Wait, what? He placed the document back on the coffee table, long fingers tapping the corner thoughtfully. The sunlight caught his profile-serene brows, sharp nose, an effortlessly perfect picture. After a pause, he spoke casually. "Set up a dinner with Mr. Shaw. My treat." "And hmm... spread the word." Ms. Woods felt her chest tighten. Sebastian was done playing nice. As a woman herself, she couldn't help pitying Elaria for everything she'd given in this marriage. As expected, after Sebastian made his move, Mr. Shaw refunded Elaria's retainer, even called her personally with an apology and offered to take her out for an apology dinner. Elaria declined. Not because she wanted to hold a grudge, but because she simply didn't have the time to waste. She told Annie to keep searching for another lawyer. Annie, pressing a tissue to her nose, sniffled in her soft voice, "No one in Caelmoor's brave enough to take us on. I mean... unless someone's got Sebastian beat in power." Elaria let out a bitter smile. Well, Sebastian had clearly made up his mind-he was coming for her. Four years of marriage, and this was all she got? Nothing? She didn't blame Annie. She just told her to keep trying. The lawyer who took the case would get a generous cut-2% of whatever she got from the settlement. Three days later, Annie finally found someone willing to step in-a young up-and-comer. Elaria arranged to meet at a café. It was a fancy little place tucked under tall phoenix trees. Sunlight sprinkled in through the leaves, throwing golden specks onto the polished floor. On a lazy afternoon, the whole place looked like something out of a painting. Elaria sat across from the young attorney, documents in hand, ready to dive in-but he beat her to it. "I'm really sorry, Mrs. Richards." Her hand paused on the envelope. She looked up, quiet. He took a sip of coffee, then found the courage to speak. "I didn't do my homework. Didn't realize who you were." More embarrassed than anything, he added, "Honestly, no one in this city dares to go against Sebastian. Taking this case would just ruin my entire future. And... legally, this battle's stacked against you." After he finished, he bowed deep, apologetically. "I'm truly sorry." Elaria showed no anger. In this city, everyone's just trying to survive. The young lawyer left with a look on his face like he'd just seen what raw power really meant. No doubt Sebastian had taught him one hell of a lesson-about force, and about money. Elaria stayed behind. She quietly sipped what was left of her coffee, letting the quiet wrap around her. Then- A voice she hadn't heard in a while broke through: "Meeting someone here?" Elaria looked up. There he was-Liam.