A week passed.
Then the announcement came.
A mid-sized company, once considered a rising star, had collapsed.
Most of their clients immediately transferred their business to Montgomery Jewelry.
The industry buzzed with theories.
Journalists surrounded Sebastian the moment he left his office building.
One reporter stepped forward, microphone extended. "Mr. Montgomery, do you have a statement regarding the recent bankruptcy?"
Sebastian's expression remained cold and unmoved. "Those who scheme in the shadows should expect to pay the price."
That was all he said.
It was enough.
His words confirmed the rumors. He was responsible.
The media investigation intensified.
They uncovered the details of the banquet. The trap. The attempted drugging.
The public was stunned.
The message, however, was crystal clear. Crossing Sebastian Montgomery came with severe consequences.
Yet, despite his victory, his focus had shifted entirely.
"When are we making this official, Alayna?" he asked me repeatedly.
I raised an eyebrow. "Why does it need to be public?"
He looked at me, a stubborn glint in his eyes. "I have the most incredible woman. Everyone should know she's mine."
I gave him a sidelong glance. "Is that so? And who might this woman be?"
In one swift motion, he pulled me into his embrace. "You. It's always been you."
I didn't answer, merely pursed my lips.
After that night, we'd fallen into a rhythm. We were together. But it felt unofficial. It lacked a defined start.
Sebastian had been consumed with dismantling his enemies, oblivious to my hesitation.
I was too proud to mention it. I didn't want to seem needy.
But Sebastian noticed. He always noticed.
On New Year's Eve, he brought me to his estate.
I knew the moment I entered.
The lights were low, casting a warm, intimate glow. The usual brightness was gone, replaced by a deliberate romance.
An elaborate floral arrangement dominated the long table, a single candle flickering at its center. Nestled among the blossoms was a necklace. I recognized it instantly. He'd acquired it at a recent auction. The central diamond was breathtaking, scattering light with the slightest movement.
Sebastian stood waiting at the table's end.
He held a bouquet of white peonies.
He smiled at me in the soft light.
"They say a real relationship should begin with flowers and a confession," he said, his voice gentle. "I'm not a man of elaborate words. So I'll follow the tradition."
He took a steadying breath. "Alayna... I'm in love with you. It isn't a recent development. From the first moment I saw you, you left a mark on me. I was young. An idiot. I thought annoying you was the way to get your attention. I learned, too late, that isn't how you express love."
"Sometimes I think... if I'd been wiser then, if I'd pursued you properly from the start, perhaps you would have been spared so much pain. I will always regret those five lost years. But I am grateful I still have time. Time to cherish you. To make up for everything you've endured."
His hand trembled slightly as he offered the flowers. "Alayna, will you be my girlfriend?"
He looked so vulnerable. We both knew my answer, yet his anxiety was palpable.
A warm, tight feeling bloomed in my chest. I smiled and accepted the bouquet.
"Yes."
The tension shattered. Pure, unadulterated joy transformed his features.
He lifted me, spinning me in a complete circle.
"Sebastian! Put me down! I'm dizzy!" I laughed, my arms locked around his neck.
He finally set me down, pressing a firm, possessive kiss to my forehead before clasping the diamond necklace around my throat.
That very night, he posted a selfie of us.
Our relationship was now official for all his followers to see.
Natalia was the first to comment. "It's about time. Congratulations, you two."
Sebastian frowned at his phone. "Why does she sound like a protective older sister? Since when are you two so close?"
I lifted my chin. "That's female friendship. You wouldn't get it."
From that night forward, we were unequivocally together.
And I had to confess, Sebastian was a phenomenal boyfriend.
He was attentive. He was generous. His emotional support was unwavering.
And yes, his vast wealth certainly didn't hurt.
Immersed in the security of his devotion, I slowly remembered how to love without reservation.
While I was submerged in this new, beautiful reality, somewhere else, in a different city, Chloe was trapped in a relentless, waking nightmare.