He looked thinner than I remembered.
His eyes held no light, just deep exhaustion.
A heavy gloom seemed to cling to him.
But the moment his gaze landed on me, something shifted.
A spark ignited in those dull eyes.
Then his expression tightened with clear frustration.
"Alayna. So I have to hunt you down now?"
—
I expected to feel something seeing him again.
Heartbreak, maybe. Or anger.
Instead, I felt completely empty.
Just… nothing.
My face showed no emotion.
"What do you want, Mr. Harrington?"
My cold, formal tone made his jaw tighten.
Irritation flashed across his features.
He frowned deeply.
"How long do you plan to keep this charade going?"
I nearly laughed out loud.
After everything, he still thought this was some game?
Sebastian, as usual, had his own version of reality.
"You're only with my rival to punish me, right?"
I shook my head slowly.
"You should consider therapy. Nobody wants your drama here."
He wasn't used to my icy demeanor.
My calm rejections only fueled his anger.
"Alayna, my patience isn't endless. Don't test me. I know I hurt you before. I'll say I'm sorry. But that doesn't justify your behavior."
A bitter laugh escaped me.
"When did you ever give me permission to have feelings, Mr. Harrington?"
Sebastian fell silent, his brows drawn together in clear frustration.
I held his stare steadily.
"Your apologies can't change what happened. Not that it matters. We're divorced. Please stop appearing in my life."
I moved to step past him.
His hand shot out, gripping my wrist tightly.
His voice dropped low and dangerous.
"No. You begged to marry me. Since I never agreed to let you go, you're not leaving."
His hold was firm. I couldn't pull free.
"Release me!"
Sebastian ignored my protest and started dragging me toward his car.
"I'll forget any of this ever happened."
I bent my head quickly and sank my teeth into his wrist.
He cursed loudly, his grip loosening enough for me to jerk away.
"I told you—it's over!"
That word seemed to trigger something in him.
His face darkened with pure rage as he reached for me again.
Suddenly, Natalia was there.
Her purse swung hard and connected with his head.