With his signature arrogant gesture, Sebastian pulled the black cap as low as it would go over his forehead and topped it off with dark sunglasses. The perfect way to stay invisible—or at least convince himself that he was.
A few steps ahead stood a young woman. Her name was Eliza Moore. She was petite and slender, with long black curly hair tied in a messy bun, a beanie pulled low over her forehead, a thick scarf, and an oversized coat. Her old snow boots were slightly scuffed but clean. And her eyes—large, dark, full of light.In her hands she held a sign: LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS
Helping Families in Need Below it, smaller text: Charity Project – Together as One Registered Association
Next to her sat a small donation box."Thank you… really, thank you so much," Eliza smiled at everyone who stopped. "Everything goes straight to families with children."A man dropped twenty pounds into the box.
"You're doing a beautiful thing."Eliza blushed and smiled shyly.
"Every bit of help matters. Thank you."Meanwhile, Sebastian reached the restaurant counter.
"That sandwich," he pointed indifferently."Yes, sir, coming right up," the server replied.Sebastian turned, scanned the area with his gaze… and saw her.He rolled his eyes. "Of course," he muttered under his breath. Then to the bodyguard:"Bring the food outside. I'm not waiting here forever. I'm going to the car."The bodyguard nodded and stayed to handle the order.Sebastian headed for the exit, walking straight past Eliza.At that exact moment, his phone rang."Yes, Mom," he said into the phone. "I've landed. Getting into the car now. I'll be home in an hour."And right then… Eliza straightened the donation box, pressed it tightly against her body, and glanced around nervously. She desperately needed the toilet and knew she couldn't hold it any longer.She took a step to the side—and in the same instant, he appeared in front of her.Sebastian. In his expensive coat, with the expression of a man used to the world stepping aside for him. Black cap pulled low, dark sunglasses hiding his eyes.Instinctively, she stepped into his path.
"Um… sir, please…" she blurted quickly.Sebastian flinched and took a step back, as if he were afraid of catching poverty, as if something unacceptable might touch him."Easy," he said coldly. "What do you want?"Eliza swallowed hard. "Please… just for a moment. I really need to use the restroom. Could you… watch this for me?" She nodded toward the box.Sebastian stared at her, then let out a short, incredulous laugh."You're joking, right?"He tilted his head, his gaze sliding over her from the cheap boots up to the beanie—right through the dark lenses of his sunglasses.