Chapter 25

At 7:30 PM, the airport was packed. People hustling in every direction, all in their own little worlds.

Stephanie stood by the exit, bouquet of tulips in hand, nerves fluttering.

She was dressed in a beige coat, her hair pulled up in a neat bun, giving off this sweet, innocent vibe–like she belonged in a Hallmark movie.

A chill breeze swept by, and she instinctively hugged her coat tighter around herself, feeling the cold creep in.

They’d agreed to meet at 8:00 at the exit.

When the clock hit 8, she spotted him.

His tall frame cut through the crowd like a statue, and seeing him instantly flooded Stephanie’s mind with memories–like a movie skipping through scenes too fast to keep up with.

She remembered the way he held her, comforted her, how he could make her feel so safe… and so small at the same time.

He wore a black mid–length coat and a gray scarf, exuding this polished, refined look that could’ve belonged to a model in a high–end magazine.

But only she knew the cold, ruthless side of him–the one that hid behind that well–groomed exterior.

Sebastian. The man who took her in, raised her…

Their eyes locked, and immediately, she felt that chilling, authoritative gaze pierce right through her. Without thinking, she lowered her head.

His presence was like a shadow, suffocating, heavy. And that familiar scent of his… it wrapped around her like a trap.

She held the tulips out toward him, her hand shaking. “You… you like these,” she said softly.

Guilt and fear twisted in her chest.

Sebastian didn’t take the flowers. He just stood there, his presence pressing in on her, making the air feel thick and suffocating.

The buzz of the crowd seemed to fade away, and for a second, it was like they were the only two people in the entire world.

Her hand, still holding the flowers, trembled. She hesitated for a second, then reached up to adjust his scarf. “It’s been a long

time.”

words hung in the air, soft but heavy, like a delicate shift

as quickly, his large hand shot out and grabbed her wrist. Before she could process what was happening, he pulled her

huh?” His voice was low, dark with something

had been almost three years since she left him, and in all that time, she hadn’t

help wondering if her defiance was his fault–maybe he’d spoiled her too much,

voice trapped in her throat.

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Chapter 25

right through her, his eyes reading her like an open book. “Now, start thinking about what

was thick with menace.

voice shook as she tried to

say anything, he released her wrist, grabbing her

car. When he saw them approach, he opened the door with

nod.

froze when she saw the car. “You… you shipped your car here?”

one he always drove in Fiorenza.

in Long Harbor hit her hard. It made it

wave of dread settled

his presence towering over her, making her feel even smaller. She swallowed, her nerves a mess under his gaze.

cut through the tension.

still trying to hold it together,

grabbed her again, pulling her into the car

Stephanie shifted as far as she

distance

life, and Sebastian’s big hand closed

he effortlessly yanked

squirmed, her voice trembling. “Don’t… don’t

remained calm, giving a low

bright red. “I’ve grown up. This is…”

them in such a public place making her feel exposed, almost like she

cheek, sending a shiver down

look him in

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