Chapter 18

My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared at Sebastian.

Did he actually just say that?

Ever since he walked out, I couldn't erase the memory of our kiss—the pressure of his mouth on mine, the heat of his palms against my skin.

Hearing him admit he felt the same overwhelming pull... it left me breathless.

"Rachel," Sebastian murmured, his voice low and intimate. "I know we have an arrangement, but these feelings are real."

I swallowed hard.

"This isn't just about convenience anymore," he continued. "I want you. For real. But I won't push you. Your terms. Your rules."

My lips parted to respond, but instinct took over.

I seized his face and crushed my mouth to his.

Sebastian froze for a heartbeat before responding, his arms wrapping around me.

His kiss held a raw desperation that made my knees weak.

When I finally broke away, my cheeks burned.

"I feel it too," I whispered.

Sebastian's eyes darkened, a slow smile curving his lips before he kissed me again, deeper this time.

One moment blurred into the next until we were tangled together, consumed by a night of fierce passion.

Morning light poured through the curtains as I stirred, feeling unfamiliar warmth beside me.

I opened my eyes to find Sebastian sitting next to me, holding a breakfast tray.

"Good morning, Mrs. Sterling," he said with a wicked grin.

I blinked in surprise. "You cooked?"

"Naturally." He settled the tray across my lap. "You'll need your strength."

I flushed, memories of last night flooding back.

I picked up a piece of toast and took a bite, trying to ignore his intense gaze.

The moment I swallowed, he leaned in and captured my lips in a soft kiss.

"You're distracting me," I mumbled.

"That's the idea," he murmured against my skin.

Before I could protest, he scooped me into his arms and carried me to the bathroom.

Steam enveloped us as warm water cascaded down—though we both knew washing wasn't the real purpose.

His lips trailed down my neck, marking me with possessive kisses until we ended up making love against the shower wall.

By the time we emerged, dressed and refreshed, my entire body hummed with satisfaction. I couldn't stop smiling.

Sebastian gave me a knowing look. "You're radiant."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't get cocky."

We descended the stairs where the butler approached with an envelope.

"A message for you, sir," he said, handing it to Sebastian.

Sebastian scanned the contents and let out a dark chuckle.

"What is it?" I asked.

"An invitation to William and Eleanor's annual ball."

I immediately frowned. "I don't want to go."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"You know why," I muttered. "They'll use it as another chance to humiliate us."

Sebastian stepped closer, tilting my chin up. "No one will humiliate you, Rachel. Not while I'm with you."

I hesitated.

"Trust me," he said.

"Fine," I sighed. "But I need a dress."

Sebastian smirked. "Go shopping. Buy anything you want."

Hours later, I stood in the city's most exclusive boutique, selecting the perfect gown for the ball.

I was examining a deep crimson dress when a familiar mocking voice cut through the air.

"Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in."

I turned to find Eleanor and Sophia standing nearby, arms crossed.

Eleanor smirked. "Shopping for the party?"

I remained silent.

She glanced at the dresses I held. "Need financial assistance? I'd be happy to help."

Sophia laughed. "You should stick to something affordable, Rachel. Wouldn't want you to overextend yourself."

I forced a tight smile. "I'm perfectly capable, thank you."

Eleanor's eyes glinted with malice as she stepped closer. "I'm particularly excited for this year's ball. Perfect opportunity to celebrate with my future daughter-in-law."

She patted Sophia's arm affectionately. "Isn't that right, dear?"

Sophia beamed. "Of course, Mother."

Their pathetic attempt at jealousy almost made me laugh.

"You two adore playing make-believe," I said, shaking my head.

Eleanor's smile vanished. "Excuse me?"

"Calling her your daughter-in-law when there's not even a wedding date." I gave Sophia a pointed look.

Eleanor scoffed. "It's only a matter of time."

"Good luck with that," I said, turning away.

But Eleanor wasn't finished. Her voice turned sharp. "You think you're so superior because you married Sebastian."

She smirked. "He's nothing but a disgrace. A bastard who will never measure up—"

"Enough," I warned.

But she continued. "Everyone knows he's worthless, Rachel."

My hands clenched into fists.

"You should abandon him while you still can," she hissed.

That was the final straw.

Before I could stop myself, my palm connected with her cheek.

The slap echoed through the boutique.

Eleanor gasped, clutching her face. "How dare—"

Sophia grabbed my arm. "You bitch—"

I yanked free. "I warned her."

Eleanor's eyes burned with rage. "You'll pay for this."

She lunged at me.

Sophia joined in, grabbing my hair while Eleanor scratched at my arms.

I fought back, shoving Eleanor away and elbowing Sophia in the ribs. Clothes flew from racks as we stumbled through the store, drawing stares from other shoppers.

"Stop this immediately!" a deep voice boomed.

Alexander.

He pulled Eleanor and Sophia away from me. "What the hell is happening?"

Before anyone could respond, a man nearby remarked loudly, "Why is Mrs. Sterling, the heiress of Sterling Enterprises, brawling in a boutique?"

Silence fell over the store as every eye turned toward me.