Chapter 12

Rachel’s Pov

I slammed the bathroom door behind me, knuckles white with rage.

My pulse hammered in my ears, skin still tingling where Sebastian had touched me.

I would not tolerate disrespect.

“This marriage was a colossal error,” I hissed, marching toward the closet. I snatched my suitcase and flung it open. “I never should have agreed.”

Sebastian’s voice sliced through the tension like a dagger.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

I froze.

His tone was icy, lethal.

“Especially now that you know my secret,” he added.

I turned slowly, gripping the suitcase handle. “You deceived me, Sebastian,” I shot back. “I don’t care about your secret. I’m finished.”

He moved closer, his dark gaze unreadable. “And where exactly will you go?” he asked, voice dangerously soft. “Back to Alexander?”

I stiffened. “Don’t.”

His jaw clenched.

“I never want to hear that name from you again,” I warned. “Alexander means nothing to me.”

Sebastian let out a cold laugh. “You expect me to believe that? After eight years with him, you just walk away and marry me?”

I held his stare, my fingers trembling faintly. “Yes,” I stated firmly. “I left him. I wanted no part of him or his family.”

Sebastian crossed his arms, skepticism written across his face. “Why?”

I drew a sharp breath, struggling to contain my emotions. “Because they destroyed me,” I said, my voice wavering. “Alexander betrayed me. His son, Liam, shot me with an arrow and left me for dead.”

Sebastian’s eyes turned stormy. “An arrow?”

I nodded, gesturing to my shoulder. “Right here.”

His expression shifted, something indecipherable flashing in his gaze.

“You married me to secure your inheritance,” he said slowly, as if connecting dots. “And to get revenge on Alexander.”

I lifted my chin. “Yes.”

A heavy silence fell between us.

Then, unexpectedly, Sebastian exhaled and stepped back. “I misread you,” he admitted.

I frowned. “What?”

His gaze softened slightly. “I thought you were just another one of Alexander’s pawns. But now I see…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I was mistaken.”

I paused. “Is that an apology?”

Sebastian smirked, but it lacked its usual arrogance. “I suppose it is.”

I blinked, caught off guard.

Then, his expression turned grim. “I can help you.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Help me how?”

Sebastian’s voice was steady. “Get your revenge.”

A knot tightened in my throat. “Why?”

His jaw flexed. “Because I have my own reasons to despise Alexander and his entire family.”

The way he said it sent a cold shiver down my spine.

I swallowed hard. “I don’t know if I can trust you.”

Sebastian’s eyes darkened. “I won’t harm you, Rachel.”

I studied him, searching his face. For the first time, I saw something genuine beneath his arrogance—something raw, almost protective.

“I need to take control of my company tomorrow,” I said finally, breaking the silence. “That comes first.”

Sebastian nodded. “And I need to maintain my disguise.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You mean pretending to be disabled?”

His lips curved. “Yes. I expect we’ll have visitors soon.”

I scoffed. “Wonderful.”

Then I crossed my arms. “Since we now share a purpose in this marriage, I expect you to keep your distance.”

Sebastian’s smirk returned.

“That will be difficult,” he murmured, closing the space between us.

I retreated.

He chuckled, amused. “But since I’ve already claimed you,”—his eyes dropped to the mark on my neck—“I suppose I can exercise some restraint.”

I glowered at him, cheeks flushing.

A sudden knock at the door made me jump.

Sebastian turned and opened it without hesitation.

I heard a sharp intake of breath.

“Master Sebastian!” The butler’s voice trembled with shock. “Why are you—out of your wheelchair?”

I stiffened.

The butler… knew?

Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, completely unbothered. “Rachel knows now.”

I gaped at him. “Wait. He knew?”

The butler hesitated, eyes shifting between us.

Sebastian smirked. “Of course. He’s not just a butler.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Then who is he?”

Sebastian’s voice turned grave.

“My bodyguard. My assistant. And the man helping me uncover the truth.”

I frowned. “The truth about what?”

Sebastian’s expression darkened.

“The truth about whether Alexander and his family were involved in my mother’s death.”