Chapter 3

Sebastian gave a small nod. Liam let out a faint smile before walking off to give the couple-putting on a perfect show for the world-their space. As Liam left, Sebastian glanced at Elaria's outfit, his brows knitting slightly. "Why are you dressed like that? Go change. We're heading to the house for dinner later." Dinner, in this context, meant putting on their fake marital bliss. Just another performance for Mr. Richards and the shares he held. Sometimes, Elaria thought Sebastian was a walking contradiction. He had the face of a gentleman, but deep down? Ruthless to the bone. He was built for the game of power and profit. That was fine. She'd cooperate-up until their asset split was done. Everything, for now, revolved around mutual gain. She changed into a formal outfit in her office and joined Sebastian in their private elevator. No one else was inside. Sebastian checked the time, tone neutral: "After talking with Liam, I figured you would've dropped the divorce idea. Today's one of your fertile days. Get ready when we get back. I'll try to make it quick if that's what you want." Elaria gave a small laugh, bitter and self-deprecating. Even when talking about having a baby, he sounded like he was discussing company logistics. Four years. She'd put up with this kind of marriage for four damn years. Her voice was colder than his now. "Same deal-I get half the estate, and you get your freedom." Sebastian's face sank slightly, clearly annoyed, just as the elevator jolted to a stop. The doors slid open. Standing outside was a young woman in a white dress, looking innocent and sweet. Bianca. She stepped in lightly, looking nervous as she asked, "The staff elevator's down. Ms. Grace, would it be alright if I used this one?" Three people. But there was only tension between two of them. Elaria silently pressed the door button, saying nothing. But her meaning couldn't have been clearer. Bianca's face flushed red, embarrassment written all over her. She bit her lip and turned pleading eyes to Sebastian, hoping he'd speak up for her. Sebastian, instead, replied calmly, "Let Ms. Grace decide." Crushed, Bianca stepped back out. The moment passed, but it left a bad taste in Elaria's mouth. Not a word was spoken until they were in the car. Buckling his seatbelt, Sebastian casually said, "There's nothing between me and her. You're reading too much into it." Elaria turned to look at him, her tone calm, her eyes unreadable. "Got worried about her now?" "Sebastian, I seriously think you should get a checkup." He thought she meant for fertility, and said matter-of-factly, "There's nothing wrong with my fertility." Elaria scoffed, her voice laced with mockery. "I meant go to a clinic and make sure you didn't pick up anything nasty from your hookups." That hit a nerve. He yanked off his seatbelt and hauled her onto his lap. Good thing the Bentley had a roomy driver's seat-he didn't have to hold back. Elaria was shoved up against the steering wheel, the hard edge digging into her back. "You lost it?!" she shouted, struggling against him. This man-her cold, distant husband-was all over her now, despite always playing saint. Furious, she twisted his hair hard enough to rip it out by the roots. That made him pause. He looked up at her under the parking garage lights, lashes casting shadows on his sharp face. For a split second, there was something soft in his gaze, almost... tender. It made her freeze. And then he grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her fiercely. Not just kissed-his teeth sank down on her tongue, breaking the skin. Blood mixed with lust. Stunned, she stared at his face-so close, so handsome. Disgust flashed in her eyes, sharp and clear. Still leaning in, Sebastian caught his breath, voice rough and restrained. "So, am I clean enough for you, Mrs. Richards?" Elaria shoved him off, hard. She climbed back into the front passenger seat, hands trembling as she straightened out her outfit. Her chest was still rising and falling sharply from Sebastian' sudden aggressiveness. That rush of unfamiliar desire unsettled her, but Elaria did her best to maintain a calm facade. "Don't worry, I'll ask my assistant to schedule the check-up." Sebastian had been aroused too, but Elaria's distant expression killed the mood quickly. He clicked his seatbelt into place and stepped on the gas without saying a word. His phone buzzed constantly during the ride-at least a dozen missed calls lit up the screen. Elaria guessed it was Bianca. Since she had already decided on divorce, she didn't bother asking. Sebastian glanced sideways at her. ***** Half an hour later, the sleek black Bentley rolled slowly into a sprawling estate. When they arrived, Sebastian gave his phone a quick look and said flatly, "Work stuff." Elaria didn't respond. Annoyed, he looked like he was about to say something-only to be interrupted as the butler opened the car door with a smile. "Mr. Richards, everyone's inside waiting for you and Mrs. Richards. The family dinner's about to start." Sebastian nodded politely, even reaching out to hold Elaria's hand, playing the loving husband to perfection. To her, it felt hollow. They entered the dining room side by side. Mr. Richards had two sons-Anthony Richards, the eldest, and Charles Richards, Sebastian's father. The large round dining table was packed. Mr. Richards must have heard rumors about Bianca. He gave Sebastian a few subtle jabs before turning to Elaria with vague platitudes about compromise and staying united. But really, he just wanted great-grandkids. Sebastian glanced over at Elaria and joked lightly, "Guess we better get to work on that tonight." The old man frowned. "Four years married and not a thing to show-some effort that was!" Sebastian brushed it off with a few smooth words. Elaria kept her eyes on her plate, nibbling on food with a calm face. No one knew she was almost infertile-because of Sebastian. Right then, his phone buzzed again. Without a word, he stepped into the front yard to answer it. From his tone, it was pretty obvious it wasn't work-related. A piece of fish landed in Elaria's bowl. Mr. Richards spoke slowly, his voice laced with unspoken meaning. "Men are like cats, easily tempted. But they do settle down eventually." Elaria didn't even flinch. "Sure-after you've got them stuffed and mounted." One of the maids let out a snort of laughter. Feeling stifled, Elaria left the table early to take a breather out back. By the pool, under the cold moonlight, a tall figure stepped into the glow. He looked a bit like Sebastian-his cousin, Daniel Richards. Daniel always held a grudge against Elaria. She was the reason he lost so badly. And with Sebastian tangled up in an affair, Daniel was more than happy to fan the flames. He handed her a stack of photos-all of Sebastian and Bianca looking way too cozy. A cold smirk curled Daniel's lips. "Recognize her?" "She's Bianca. Father's Clarence Thompson-the painter. Big name. Her mom and Sebastian's mom go way back too. You? You're just some orphan. What chance do you think you have against her? Better watch out or you'll get chewed up and spat out by that wolf... But it's not too late to partner up with me." Elaria flipped through the pictures, then casually tossed them in a nearby trash bin. She looked up at this man she'd sparred with so many times before, her tone light and breezy. "Thanks for the warning-but I can handle it." Daniel snorted. "I'll be waiting to see him toss you aside." Elaria gave a small, relaxed smile. What Daniel didn't know was-she didn't care anymore. She didn't plan to keep Sebastian either. This fake marriage was hanging on by threads until the deal was done. Once she had what she wanted-money and the shares-Sebastian would be just another chapter closed. Love, hate, none of that would matter. Elaria turned toward the hall again. And then she saw him. Sebastian stood silently under the corridor light. In that glow, his sharp features and polished elegance gave him the look of a man born to rule. That face... used to make her heart race. Used to pull her in deeper and deeper. Now, his eyes were darker than the night itself.