Sebastian's POV
The burgundy wine caught the dim cellar light as Grandfather poured from one of his most treasured bottles. I stared at the rare vintage, surprised he had chosen to open something so precious, though I understood the significance of this moment.
The stone walls muffled the celebration continuing above us, creating an intimate sanctuary where only the soft clink of glassware disturbed the peace. Up there, guests were still toasting my new position, but down here in the depths of our family estate, everything felt suspended in time.
"To the newest official leader of our legacy," Grandfather announced, lifting his crystal glass with a grin that held layers of meaning I wasn't sure I was ready to decode.
Our glasses met with a delicate chime, and I allowed the rich liquid to coat my palate. The complexity should have impressed me, but my thoughts were scattered, pulled toward a woman who had become the center of my universe.
