Chapter 214

[ 893 words ]

Emilia’s POV

Mila looked up from her own plate. “There’s nothing wrong with eating vegetables, Sebastian.”

“I didn’t say there was,” he replied. “I’m just worried my wife might waste away to nothing if she doesn’t eat properly.”

“Maybe she just doesn’t like ribs,” Tiffany chimed in helpfully. “Not everyone shares your carnivorous streak, brother.”

“My carnivorous streak has kept me alive this long,” Sebastian said. “Unlike some people who think salad counts as a meal.”

Titus set down his fork with a sharp click. “Can we have one family dinner without you starting arguments?”

“I wasn’t starting an argument,” Sebastian protested.

“Sure you were,” Tiffany said with exaggerated sweetness. “Just like you were ’expressing concern’ when you told me last week that I’d never find a mate if I kept talking so much.”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. “I said you’d never find a mate who could get a word in edgewise. There’s a difference.”

“Dad, are you seeing this?” Tiffany appealed to Titus. “He’s impossible.”

“Everyone has their own way of showing they care,” Titus said tiredly. “Why don’t we all just focus on our food?”

“Good idea,” I jumped in quickly, sensing Sebastian’s temper rising. “The food is delicious, Mila. Thank you.”

Mila smiled at me gratefully.

The rest of dinner passed with only minor squabbling. By the time we finished, my head was pounding and the weight in my chest had only gotten heavier.

I escaped to our bedroom as soon as I could, leaning against the window and staring up at the stars. They looked so peaceful up there, so far from all the chaos down here.

I was still standing there when Sebastian came in.

“What’s wrong?” His voice was softer now, concerned. “Is everything alright?”

He put his arms around my waist from behind.

I closed my eyes, breathing in his familiar scent of mint and cedar. For a moment, I almost told him everything. About seeing Damien. About knowing she was back.

But the words stuck in my throat.

“I think…” I turned in his arms to face him. “I think I’ve rested long enough. It’s time I went back to work.”

Sebastian’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re finally willing to come work for me?”

“Don’t sound so shocked,” I said, poking his chest. “You’ve only been pestering me about it for months.”

“I prefer the term ’persistent encouragement.’” He was grinning now. “So, what position are you considering? CFO? VP of Operations?”

“Your personal assistant sounds good.”

The grin faltered. “Wait. You said you wanted to try something different, remember? Something that would challenge you?”

“And what better way to understand a company than starting as the CEO’s assistant?” I countered smoothly. “I’ll learn the ins and outs of every department, see how the whole machine works from the top down. It’s strategic.”

Sebastian studied my face, his green eyes searching. I kept my expression calm, even managed a small smile.

“You know what?” he said finally. “That’s actually not a bad idea. Plus, I get to see you every day. Win-win.”

“Don’t get too excited,” I warned. “I might be a terrible assistant. I could schedule all your meetings at 6 AM just to watch you suffer.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

He laughed, and the sound loosened something in my chest.

“Speaking of which,” he said, his hands sliding down to rest on my hips, “winter’s coming. How about we take a trip before you start? A proper vacation, just the two of us. Then you can begin your reign of terror as my assistant when we get back.”

A vacation. Away from Silverlake City. Away from whatever was brewing with Damien and Abigail back in town.

“Maybe dodging them for a while isn’t such a bad idea,” Eve said quietly in my mind.

“Where?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Your choice. We could go skiing in Switzerland, or head to Hokkaido to see the snow. I know how much you love…”

“Hokkaido,” I said quickly. “Definitely Hokkaido.”

Sebastian tilted his head. “Not Switzerland? The Alps are supposed to be incredible this time of year.”

“I don’t know how to ski.”

He stared at me like I’d just confessed to being an alien. He pressed a hand to his forehead. “Dear Goddess, which planet are you from? Are you even from Earth?”

“I’m from the moon, actually,” I deadpanned. “So if you could build me a rocket and send me back, that would be great.”

Sebastian shook his head with mock seriousness. “I mean, I probably could build one. But then I’d miss you too much.”

“How tragic.”

“Devastatingly so.” He pulled me closer, his voice dropping. “Besides, who would I argue with over breakfast? Tiffany? She actually fights back.”

“Poor baby,” I cooed, patting his cheek. “Stuck with a wife who won’t let you win.”

“I don’t want to win,” he murmured against my neck. “I just want you.”

My breath caught. God, he could still do this to me. Make my heart race with a few words.

I tightened my arms around him and pressed my face into his shoulder. His heartbeat was steady beneath my cheek, strong and real.

“Sebastian,” I whispered. “Do you want to have a baby?”

He went completely still.

Then he pulled back to look at me, his eyes wide. “A baby? Are you… are you pregnant?”

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