Chapter 290

Cecilia’s pov

I felt the mattress shift as Sebastian carefully extracted himself from our tangled embrace.

Through half-open eyes, I watched him move silently across the room, his powerful frame silhouetted against the morning light filtering through the curtains.

I could still feel him in every part of me. Last night definitely left its mark.

As he disappeared into the bathroom, I buried my face in the pillow that still held his scent, letting myself sink into a rare moment of unadulterated peace.

The shower turned on, and I thought about joining him.

Then my phone buzzed. It was Harper. She was already in the penthouse.

So much for post-hookup cuddles.

By the time I emerged from the bedroom, dressed in comfortable leggings and an oversized sweater, I found Harper sitting in the living room, dark circles prominent beneath her eyes.

She was simultaneously scratching Muffin under his chin while trying to convince Tang to show her his chest tattoo.

“Tang, just pull your shirt up a little higher,” Harper was saying, her hand already reaching toward him.”I can’t see the pattern clearly p>

Tang politely backed away, tugging his shirt back down.”It’s nothing special, Harper. If you like tattoos so much, maybe book an appointment instead of bugging me at 9 a.m p>

The second she spotted me, Harper abandoned her tattoo investigation and practically lunged across the room.

She grabbed my wrist and dragged me to the balcony, sliding the glass door closed behind us for privacy.

“So,” she said, raising a brow. “Sneaky midnight rendezvous, huh?” She pointed to my slightly swollen lips. “You look freshly kissed p>

I raised an eyebrow, nodding toward her obvious dark circles. “And you look like you lost a custody battle to your insomnia p>

“Yvonne told me you met Sebastian’s mother last night,” she said, keeping her voice carefully measured. “She mentioned something about Luna Regina inviting you to a ’holistic healing weekend’ in the woods p>

I narrowed my eyes. So she knew about Yvonne’s little scheme.

“Don’t worry, you’re invited too,” I replied with a sweetly venomous smile.

Harper must have caught my tone because she immediately went into damage control mode.

“Look, Cece, Yvonne was just trying to help. This thing with Alpha Sebastian isn’t something you can dodge forever.

Yeah, her methods are… aggressive, but getting everything out in the open has its advantages.

If his mother likes you, great. If not, better to know now than six months in. Honestly, I thought the direct approach made sense. That’s why I didn’t stop her p>

I sighed heavily, the irritation slowly draining from my body. They meant well, even if their methods were questionable.

Still, I couldn’t just let it go without some kind of explanation.

Harper stared at me expectantly, like she knew there was more and was waiting for the real story.

I leaned against the balcony railing and crossed my arms.

“Okay, here’s what actually happened p>

I gave her the quick version. Just enough for her to understand the mess I got pulled into.

How Sebastian and Yvonne, without meaning to, ended up telling the same story.

How that story made me ‘Green,’ the mystery woman who saved Luna Regina’s life.

Harper looked stunned, clutching Muffin like a furry stress ball.”That’s… wow p>

“Yeah. Wow is right p>

“So Sebastian wants you to keep playing this ‘Green’ role until his mom fully warms up to you, and then you drop the truth?” Harper said, trying to wrap her head around it.”From his side, it’s protection. From yours p>

She frowned.”It feels like you’re living on borrowed time p>

She started pacing, clearly in lawyer mode. “If he tells her this weekend and you’re already in as her savior, that sets you up. If she takes it badly, you’re still the one who pulled her from danger. If she’s cool with it, you lock in your spot as his mate. Either way, it’s a smart move p>

She stopped pacing and gave me a small shrug.

“Messy? Yeah. But smart p>

“Low risk. If it works, you move forward. If it doesn’t, you’ve still got an out. It’s like testing the waters before diving in headfirst p>

I nodded, feeling some of my anxiety dissolve. When Harper laid it out like that, it made strategic sense.

“That’s actually… pretty brilliant,” I admitted.

“Obviously,” Harper said.”And since Luna Regina invited Yvonne and me too, we’ll be right there with you. No one messes with my best friend.

Anyone tries to come for you, I’ll introduce them to my litigation skills… and maybe break a nail throwing a punch. Worth it p>

I moved forward and wrapped her in a tight hug, careful not to squish Muffin between us.

Harper patted my shoulder reassuringly. “And hey… If his mom ends up judging you for being human, like Luna Dora did, that’s not your problem. That’s on them. They’d be the ones missing out on someone amazing p>

“You’re right,” I agreed, feeling genuinely better. “Let’s go eat before Tang assumes we’re out here staging a soft coup p>

We headed back inside where Tang had laid out a breakfast spread. Avocado toast, smoked salmon, and a suspiciously fancy fruit salad.

A few minutes later, Sebastian emerged from my bedroom. His eyes immediately landed on Harper, who was happily demolishing a plate of food.

“Good morning, Harper,” he said smoothly.”You’re here bright and early. Something on your mind p>

“I heard your mother invited me to the holistic healing,” Harper replied between spoonfuls of chia pudding. “Just wanted to officially RSVP. Yvonne and I are coming. Wouldn’t miss it p>

“How… enthusiastic of you,” Sebastian remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Absolutely,” Harper said, pointing her spoon at him. “It’s not every day I get to be your mother’s miraculous spiritual catalyst. I mean, I did steady her when she almost face-planted, so I’m expecting at least a handwritten thank-you card. Possibly a luxury candle p>

“Seems reasonable,” Sebastian said. He didn’t rise to it.

He just smiled like he knew exactly what she was doing and actually respected her for it.