There was something clearly territorial in Sebastian' eyes.

Elaria felt her patience snap. She hadn't wanted to see him in the first place-wasn't that what lawyers were paid for? They were supposed to handle the divorce, not drag her into messy confrontations.

She went to shut the door, but Sebastian was faster. He stuck his foot between it and the frame, forcing his way inside with practiced ease.

As soon as the door clicked shut, she found herself wrapped tightly in his arms.

His grip around her waist was firm, almost desperate. Without giving her a chance to fight back, he kissed her hard-borderline frantic. She couldn't even break free; they stumbled toward the couch in a mix of resistance and reluctant surrender.

The couch cushions sunk under them, giving him the upper hand.

Sebastian had never acted like this before.

The room was flooded with warm light, her soft voice breaking the charged air, but none of it cut through the haze in his mind. Not until a faint red mole near her collarbone caught his eye-only then did he seem to pause.

His breathing was rough, and when he leaned in to whisper in her ear, his voice was hoarse, nearly broken. "You like me, don't you?"

Her whole body froze.

Because yes, she had liked Sebastian. Since she was twenty. He knew that. He had always known it. But he had never bothered to ask. And now, of all times, he decides to bring it up? Was he kidding?

She wasn't about to answer that.

So when she kept silent, he simply pressed her further.

Still tangled on the couch, Elaria gripped his hair, her voice faint from the close contact. "Sebastian, chill. It's not even my ovulation window. No matter how hard you try, nothing's gonna happen."

That got him to look up.

His dark, intense eyes locked onto hers. Her pale, delicate face with that slightly damp black hair spilling over the coffee-colored cushions-everything about her looked like a prelude to temptation. The oversized black shirt hung on her in tatters, barely doing its job.

She was the kind of beautiful that made men forget reason. And yet, Sebastian's eyes reddened slightly.

He reached down, gently resting a hand on her stomach.

Soft. Flat.

Elaria tilted her head back, voice trembling. "I'm not trying to get pregnant."

"I know."

His voice was even rougher than before.

Still, his hand lingered, warm and steady, like he was trying to memorize her shape. Time felt like it slowed to a crawl. Then he leaned in, kissing her again, the emotion in it so thick it weighed heavy.

Every touch, every move screamed of longing.

But just as quickly, he stopped. He was breathing hard, sprawled over her, clearly fighting back whatever storm was building inside.

He'd never lost control around her like this-never been this close to forgetting himself altogether.

Elaria pushed him off.

She looked worn but kept her calm as she reached into her nearby bag and pulled out the divorce papers, tossing them against his chest. Her voice was low and raspy. "You can hold the twenty percent in your name. I'll just take the dividends. God knows you understand what I've put into Halden & Co. these past four years. The real question is, do you think it's worth it?"

"It is," he said quietly.

"But I'm not giving it up."

His eyes darkened, unreadable.

She looked down at herself, then seemed to make a decision. Hooking an arm around his neck, she pressed up against him. "Sign the papers, and I'll give you what you want. You seem like you could use the stress relief."

His brow creased. "Where'd you even pick up stuff like that?"

Elaria gave a bitter smile. "Honestly, Sebastian? It kinda feels good to be the one bargaining now. I spent years breaking my back for you. And how did that pay off? Getting tossed out of Halden's front gate. So yeah, I figured I might as well ask for money."

Sebastian shifted, pulling away. He sat up straight, reached into his coat pocket, and fished out a pack of cigarettes. Lighting one with smooth precision, he took a drag.

He almost never smoked indoors.

That said enough. Elaria was pissed. That jerk had been all over her on the couch for ages, and now she looked like a total mess, while he still looked like he walked out of a fashion ad-coat on, shirt perfect, face smug.

Something felt off about Sebastian.

He had to be nursing a broken heart.

But honestly, she had no business digging into his love life anymore. Any woman with clarity knew better.

Elaria didn't bother kicking him out. Watching him puff away like some moody artist didn't interest her either. She pulled her damp hair back, secured it with a claw clip, slipped on her slippers, and headed for the kitchen to make herself a bowl of plain noodles.

She wasn't bad in the kitchen, actually. Just that after marrying Sebastian, there weren't many chances to cook.

Now that she lived alone, simple meals were all by her.

In a little while, the smell of scallions filled the kitchen-warm and comforting, like real life.

Sebastian sat on the couch and caught a glimpse of her from behind. That black shirt was dangerously short, her legs fully on display. She looked tempting without even trying. But then she bent over the cutting board, slicing green onions and ginger with practiced ease-oddly domestic.

"Wife material" suddenly felt like a real thing.

He stared, brows drawing together. Somehow, a version of Elaria like this... probably made a lot of men dream.

With that uncomfortable thought, Sebastian stubbed out his cigarette and started nosing around her place.

It was small, but well-kept.

She'd even transformed a room into a tiny studio.

He pulled back the cloth on her easel. There was a half-finished painting-stars and ocean, not him. Back then, when she painted, it was always him.

His fingertips brushed across the canvas. The strokes made his heart twist.

After a long pause, he stepped softly into the cramped kitchen and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. They hadn't been this close in forever.

His lips brushed her neck, his voice low and rough: "So... this is the life you want? A tiny place under 150 square meters, doing grocery runs, quietly turning into someone no one notices?"

Elaria didn't even flinch. After being married to him for four years, she'd dealt with this kind of closeness a lot.

This? This barely counted. Been there, done that.

Without pausing, she stirred her noodles and said coolly, "Yep. That's exactly the life I want. And once the divorce is final? It's gonna be even better. I could upgrade to 2000 square meters, hire ten maids, and if I feel like it, bring home a good-looking guy and party all night."

Sebastian's face changed. He bit her neck.

"You're still my wife," he said through gritted teeth.

"Not for long," she replied.

Then, just like that, he spun her around.

He looked at her-really looked at her-with those unreadable eyes. After a beat, his voice came out husky: "If that's really the main issue between us... Elaria, then I can give you that too."

Once upon a time, that might've worked.

But now? She'd built up immunity to Sebastian's charm. Sweet talk and smooth moves meant nothing. She'd already fallen hard once, paid the price, bled for it.

She turned back to her noodles, while he suddenly insisted on another bowl.

He clung to her, saying he was hungry.

Her hand paused mid-stir. The image of him and Bianca flashed in her mind. Her lips curled. "Yeah, I bet you're starving, Sebastian."

He reached out and ran his calloused fingers over her stomach. Tonight, for some reason, he was drawn there.

After a moment, his voice dropped even lower. "I didn't touch her."

Elaria didn't respond.

That night, Sebastian didn't leave. Even the dog tugging on his pants couldn't change his mind.

In the end, Elaria had to give up half her bed.

Right before sleeping, he pinned her down, fingers lacing tight with hers, and kissed her like his life depended on it.

Only on their wedding night had he ever acted like this.

Early in the morning, the street-spraying truck drove past the apartment building with a familiar tune playing-"Almost Lover" Elaria had always liked that song.

A faint bit of morning light filtered into the bedroom, the curtains swayed gently.

Sebastian was already gone.

He hadn't forced her into anything last night, just woke up repeatedly and kissed her over and over again...

It was like he'd been holding back for too long. In those half-awake kisses, she vaguely heard him whisper, "Elaria, let's start over."

"Start over..."

Those two words held so much weight to her. But the pain they'd been through still haunted her. That night at Eclat Haven, the storm in his eyes also shook her. She was scared-scared that it would all end up being just another dream.

For three or four days after, Sebastian kept showing up.

Nothing dramatic-he'd come by late at night, eat a bowl of noodles with her, hold her to sleep without crossing the line, and leave before she woke up. It felt like how it used to be back when everything was still fresh.

Then one day, he just stopped coming.

He didn't call. She didn't call either. She was neck-deep in plans to open her own studio-starting small, with a gallery, and maybe eventually branching into art auctions.

She did talk to Mrs. Harmon about her ideas. The woman praised her, "Mrs. Richards, you're really capable."

Elaria didn't bring up anything about her and Sebastian. Things were still in limbo between them-not something to go announcing to the world.

Days slipped by, one after another.

Before she knew it, fall had hit hard. The leaves had turned yellow and brittle.

That day, she got a call from one of the caretakers. The woman sounded hurried, "Your grandma had a fall-nothing too serious, but she's at Heartwell Medical Center. You should come quickly."

Elaria was in the middle of discussing a storefront space, but the second she got the call, she rushed to the hospital.

Nothing mattered more to her than her grandma.

She could still remember-years ago, in the dead of winter, she was just a five-year-old waif trembling on the street, so thin she was all bones. Her grandma had picked her up, brought her home, warmed her up by wrapping her in blankets, and slowly nursed her back with food.

They only had each other back then. Her grandma had suffered through so much just to raise her.

Once she got married and had the means, Elaria bought her a big house and hired two people to look after her.

Half an hour later, Elaria arrived at the hospital, heart pounding.

Luckily, it was just a sprain.

She finally let out a quiet breath.

Crouching beside the bed, she gently brushed her fingers through her grandma's silver hair and said softly, "Alright, I'll go get the admission papers sorted."

Maggie, standing nearby, chimed in with a smile, "Miss Grace really is impressive! This room's the best one in the entire hospital. Even the director stepped in when he saw her."

Her grandma's eyes crinkled with joy. "Our Elaria's always been the most capable."

Elaria patted her hair again and headed out.

The VIP ward area had a bit of traditional charm-two aged villas with a garden in between, maple leaves flaming red in the crisp fall air.

She slowed down to take in the scene-

And froze.

At the other end of the corridor-

Sebastian was holding Bianca, with Clarence and his wife trailing behind them. The four walked out in a line. Bianca leaned gently against Sebastian like she was made of glass, and her husband-her Sebastian-looked at her with that soft, tender expression.

Elaria stood there, numb, staring at the man who just a few nights ago held her close and said he wanted a fresh start. Now he was out in public with another woman in his arms, acting like gossip didn't even exist.

She couldn't help thinking: how deep must the love be to turn a blind eye to rumors like that?

Elaria really didn't want to stick around. She turned to leave, but right then, a soft, sugary voice called from behind, "Mrs. Richards."

She turned and looked at the lovely little duo.

Bianca clung to Sebastian, deliberately sounding innocent. "Mrs. Richards, there's nothing between me and Sebastian. I wasn't feeling well, that's why he was carrying me."

Before Elaria could say a word, Mrs. Thompson chimed in with a polite yet totally distant tone, "You must be Sebastian's wife? Bianca and Sebastian grew up together, they've always looked out for each other. I'm sure you don't mind, do you?"

Elaria glanced at Sebastian. He still hadn't let go of the girl in his arms. He just frowned slightly.

She wasn't in the mood for any love triangle nonsense. Honestly, she just found the Thompsons annoying. She gave a cold chuckle. "Mrs. Thompson, your daughter sneaking around with Sebastian is her own business. But dragging it into public? That's just trying to be disgusting on purpose. Whether I mind doesn't matter-what matters is whether your daughter is fine being with a used man like Sebastian."

Mrs. Thompson flushed with anger and snapped, "Figures. Orphans are always so poorly brought up."

"Aunt Thompson!" Sebastian cut in, his voice low but firm. Even at his age, there was a kind of pressure in his tone that instantly made Mrs. Thompson shrink back.

He finally set down Bianca and tried to reach for Elaria's wrist. "Let me explain later."

She brushed him off without hesitation.

Her voice carried a mocking edge. "What's left to explain, Sebastian? Let's stop pretending. There's really nothing worth talking about between us anymore."

Clarence tried to smooth things over. "I think this could all be a misunderstanding-"

"Is that so?" Elaria turned to him. "Then can you promise your daughter won't ever talk to Sebastian again?"

Clarence hesitated.

And here came Mrs. Thompson again, sharp and nasty: "Miss Grace, the unloved one is the real home-wrecker!"

Clarence quickly scolded her, but Elaria didn't bother arguing anymore.

She looked at Sebastian and said flatly, "Think it over. Sign the papers soon so your sweetheart can finally get her title."

Then she turned and left, not a single ounce of hesitation in her step.

Life's fragile like that-she'd wasted enough time already.

Behind her, Sebastian stood still among the red maples, quietly watching her walk away. His expression dark and unreadable.

*****

Evening arrived. Up on the hospital rooftop, the sky was burning with golden clouds, warm and wild in the wind.

Elaria leaned against the railing, taking in the whole Caelmoor skyline, her mind drifting to what lay ahead. She was lost in thought when steady footsteps echoed behind her.

She turned-and there stood Liam.

He came up beside her, matching her stance as he gripped the rusted railing. After a pause, he turned slightly to look at her profile. "Because of Sebastian?"

She didn't say anything.

Liam didn't seem to mind. He looked back out at the sunset, voice calm. "Back then, it made sense that you liked him. Out of all of us, Sebastian really stood out. Even when he was young, he knew exactly what he wanted. I used to think I was ruthless, but he... he beats me by miles."

"He's just as cruel to himself as he is to everyone else."

Liam stopped talking and turned his head, just watching her silently.

The sun cast a glow on her face, and the tip of her nose was a little red-it looked like she'd been crying.

He swallowed hard.

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.