Helen's POV
My mind was still racing from the proposal. I needed a break before I made another decision. Lunch would do. The familiar glow of Le Noir flashed in my mind, crystal chandeliers and polished marble floors, a small comfort amid chaos.
Derick leaned against my Mercedes, arms crossed and eyes scanning the street like he always does.
"Take me to the five-star restaurant," I muttered, barely glancing at him. My hand hovered over the door handle too slowly. He opened it before I could.
"Go in." His tone left no room for argument, yet I found myself stepping aside, almost enjoying the subtle tug of control he always had over me.
The car rolled to a stop in front of Le Noir. Soft jazz drifted through the glass doors, mingling with the faint clink of silverware. The dazzling lights reflected against polished marble floors, and the low murmur of controlled conversations filled the space.
Derick slid the chair back before my fingers could even touch it. A faint pulse of surprise skipped through me. Has he always been this much of a gentleman?
A soft voice broke through my thoughts. "Welcome, Miss Vance. What can I offer you?" The waiter's smile was polite, but his eyes flicked briefly toward Derick, curiosity hidden behind his professionalism.
"The usual," I muttered,trying to steady my racing heart.
The waiter hesitated for a second, glancing at Derick. Without a word, Derick replied calmly, almost effortlessly: "I'll have the same." His tone carried that quiet confidence that made it clear he already knew my preference.
"You didn't even ask what I'm getting," I stuttered, tugging lightly at my sleeve.
"I don't need to," he said, lips curving into a small, confident smile. "I know what you like."
I scoffed. Does he thinks he knows me?
A few minutes later, the waiter returned, the scent of grilled salmon and lemon butter wafting toward me. Asparagus glistened on the side, steam curling upward, and I caught the faint shimmer of the sauce reflecting under the chandelier light.
As we ate, a familiar voice cut through the soft hum of the restaurant.
"Helen?"
A familiar voice cut through the soft hum of the restaurant.
I froze. Slowly, I lifted my gaze and there he was. Sebastian. The first man to touch me, to betray me, to make me believe love could hurt so badly. A rush of memories slammed into me: the lies, the betrayals, the nights I stayed even though I knew he cheated until he that with Isabella.
Fuck! I had forgotten. This had always been our spot.
He sauntered over, slow and casual, like he had all the time in the world. "Well, this is a surprise. Fancy seeing you here," he said, eyes flicking briefly toward me, then lingering, as if I had somehow changed.
I tilted my head, studying him. The same sharp jawline, the cocky slant of his head, the easy charm, it was all familiar, all fake, all the reason I had learned to trust no one but myself.
I let my gaze sweep over him. "I did not expect to see your face without a scandal attached," I said flatly.
Sebastian's smirk curled. "Ah, come on, Helen. No need for old grudges. Thought I would… see how my favorite CEO is holding up."
"I see you are still king of lies and excuses. Leave now, or I will call this harassment. You know what I can do," I cautioned, my hands gripping the edge of the table.
Sebastian raised a hand in mock surrender, smirk widening. "Okay, okay. No need to bite my head off."
He started to turn, but his eyes flicked to Derick, who sat silently, watching the unfolding drama between us.
"Helen… do not tell me you have moved on," Sebastian growled. "How could you have another man while you are still with me?"
"Sebastian, I broke up with you a long time ago. Do not ever say we are still together," I snorted, leaning back slightly, forcing calm into my tone. "I do not want you in my life anymore. And you… this man right here…"
I moved closer to Derick, letting my hand brush against his, signaling clearly where I stood.
I moved closer to Derick, brushing my hand against his, letting him feel the claim I could not yet put into words. "He is my man… the best person I could ever want."
What had I just said? Best man? No, not him. My fingers tightened around his, forcing myself to breathe steadily. I hoped he would understand this was just to keep Sebastian at bay.
Before I could think further, Derick's hand wrapped around my neck gently. My breath hitched as he kissed me fiercely, silently declaring that I belonged to him and no one else. I tried to push back, but his strength held me, lips claiming mine in a deep, unyielding kiss.
When he finally released me, I gasped, chest heaving, struggling to catch my breath. My eyes flicked to Sebastian. "I am not leaving you, Helen. You cannot be with anyone… especially someone like this," he spat, jerking a finger toward Derick.
"I can see you are delusional," I hissed. "The better you accept it, the safer it will be for you. You have no idea what this man behind me is capable of."
"My woman asked you to leave," Derick said evenly. "So go while I am still asking nicely."
Huh, when did I tell him I'm his woman?
Sebastian let out a scoff. "And who exactly are you to talk to me like that? She has never been yours." His lips curled. "Helen is not capable of loving anyone. She always comes back… she will crawl back to me again."
The words hit harder than I expected. My spine locked, heat rushing behind my eyes. How had I ever let them make me feel this small?
"Please… make him leave," I whispered, pressing my forehead against Derick's chest. His arm came around me, firm and steady, his palm cradling the back of my head.
"Leave," Derick said, voice low but this time it carried steel.
Sebastian's gaze darkened, a slow smile spreading across his face as he stepped back toward the exit.
"You have no idea what you just started," he said softly. "Wait until the board hears about this." Then he turned and walked out.