Maya's POV
Seeing Bianca again sent ice through my veins. Those calculating eyes seemed ready to tear me apart, to expose every vulnerable piece of my soul. Fortunately, the bride was swept away for last-minute preparations before the ceremony could begin.
"Sterling Wineries? Where exactly did you pull that from?" I questioned.
Sebastian gestured toward a server weaving through the reception area with a tray of drinks. He snagged a bottle and displayed the label bearing the name Sterling.
"From what's about to become our greatest ally tonight," he said, filling two glasses completely. "You look like you could use this right now."
"Clever choice, using a name that already has recognition. But do you have any actual knowledge about wine?"
"Cellarmastery is a lot like people," he answered, that dangerous smile playing at his lips as he moved closer until I could feel the warmth emanating from him. "The finest ones require patience... first you appreciate the bouquet..." His gaze dropped momentarily to my mouth. "Then you sample just enough to let the taste develop..." His voice became barely audible. "...and finally you enjoy every drop, feeling the warmth spread through you, right until the very last... second."
"You obviously know nothing about wine," I managed, fighting to maintain my composure. "Though I have to admit you're incredibly charming."
I had braced myself for the ceremony to be torture, but reality exceeded my worst expectations. Seated in the pew, my fingers intertwined desperately with Sebastian's, I struggled to keep my expression blank while Bianca and Julian proclaimed their undying devotion. Every declaration of "you're my soulmate" made me want to leap up and shout "Liars!"
Each word felt like a physical blow. When I dared to close my eyes, memories flooded back of Julian speaking those identical words to me.
My grip on Sebastian's hand became crushing, my own knuckles white with strain. "Keep holding on like that, darling, and I'll need medical attention," he murmured.
"Sorry. Just experiencing a complete mental collapse."
"I can tell. Should I pretend to pass out and create a distraction?"
"No. Actually... maybe. Worst case scenario, dump wine all over her gown."
He laughed quietly, and I noticed he didn't refuse the suggestion.
Following the ceremony, the reception became an ostentatious display of fortune. Ambient lighting cast everything in golden hues, an elaborate spread covered multiple tables, and servers glided between guests with champagne in crystal glasses.
This was where Bianca cornered me, wine glass clutched like a lifeline in her trembling hands. "Maya! I'm absolutely thrilled you decided to come," she gushed with nauseating sweetness. "It shows incredible maturity that we could put our differences behind us."
Put differences behind them? As if I were the unreasonable one for harboring resentment.
Julian approached, his eyes traveling over me slowly. "You seem changed, Maya."
The way he said it suggested I had no right to appear this way. Radiant. Confident. Unbroken. They had anticipated finding me shattered.
"I appreciate that."
Bianca's smile widened when she spotted Sebastian. Her assessment was predatory, like a buyer evaluating merchandise. "How unexpected. Dating again already?"
Before I could respond, Sebastian released a low laugh. "Fiancé," he corrected effortlessly, his arm encircling my waist with casual ownership. His stare met Bianca's with unmistakable challenge. "Interesting comment, Bianca. Apparently Maya isn't the one stuck in yesterday."
Though Bianca's smile remained fixed, her eyes sharpened dangerously, her champagne glass trembling slightly in her grasp. She attempted to conceal her fury, but the hit had clearly struck home. She was seething.
I, meanwhile, had to suppress the urge to beam with satisfaction.
"So this engagement is legitimate?" Bianca crossed her arms defensively. "How strange... there hasn't been any mention of you two in social circles."
"We value our privacy," Sebastian responded coolly.
Chloe, another former college acquaintance, materialized with her usual entourage of gossips.
"Is this the wealthy heir everyone's discussing?" she inquired with venomous curiosity.
"Sebastian Sterling," he introduced himself with polished ease.
"Sterling?" Lydia arched an eyebrow skeptically. "I'm not familiar with any unmarried Sterlings in Ohalhaven Bay."
"That's hardly shocking," Sebastian replied, his courteous smile edged with contempt. "Considering I'm no longer unmarried."
Julian attempted damage control. "Sterling... as in Sterling Wineries? The internationally acclaimed brand?"
Terror coursed through my spine. This was an examination.
Sebastian, whatever his true identity, was nothing more than an escort. How could he possibly understand premium wines?
"Precisely," Sebastian confirmed without hesitation. "Though my focus remains on our family's global portfolio. The vineyards rarely require my attention."
Bianca's eyes widened with surprise. "I collaborate with numerous luxury wine companies and you've never appeared at industry functions."
"My base is primarily in Eastridge," Sebastian explained smoothly. "Incidentally, Julian, how's that development at Lunardocks Harbor progressing? Word is you're facing significant regulatory obstacles."
Julian's complexion drained of color. "How could you possibly know that?"
Sebastian merely shrugged with practiced indifference. "Information has a way of finding me."
My mouth fell open as Sebastian squeezed my hand gently, a silent reminder to maintain my composure.
When had he managed to investigate Julian's business troubles?
Bianca interjected, clearly irritated. "This engagement seems remarkably sudden." She regarded me with poorly concealed sympathy. "Given everything that happened, I honestly never imagined you'd be able to... recover so completely."
Her emphasis on recover made it sound like an impossible feat.
"You're underestimating Maya," Sebastian interrupted sharply. "She's far more remarkable than any of you comprehend."
Bianca smiled with condescension. "Naturally she is. I'm genuinely happy for both of you. I was concerned you might struggle to... move forward. But honestly..." She glanced at Sebastian appraisingly. "You two appear so... mismatched. Like you belong in entirely separate universes."
"Perhaps," Sebastian said, his smile slow and devastating as he drew me closer, "you simply never recognized her true value."
Emotion clogged my throat, tears threatening as I recalled Bianca's cruel prediction that no one would ever desire me. I certainly hadn't expected someone like Sebastian to prove her wrong. A sophisticated, attractive man. The fact that it was all performance didn't matter because Bianca would never discover the truth.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked, his gaze intense and knowing, as if he sensed my need for rescue. "Absolutely."
Sebastian guided me onto the dance floor, his hands settling possessively around my waist. Across the room, I glimpsed Bianca's furious expression as she whispered urgently to Julian.
"Don't allow them to affect you," Sebastian murmured against my ear. "You're extraordinary, Maya."
A harsh laugh escaped my lips. "I sell wedding dresses for a living. She's a nationally recognized publicist living everything I ever wanted. Travel, fame... Julian..."
Sebastian met my eyes directly, without trace of pity. "If your dream life involved marrying a lying snake, then your aspirations need serious revision."
I stared at him in shock. Then, despite myself, I felt my mouth curve upward.
"You're impossible."
"But devastatingly attractive," he countered with a wink.
I laughed despite everything, shaking my head in disbelief.
"Your eyes are blazing," he observed quietly. "Not with joy, but with suppressed rage."
"I have no idea what you mean."
"This strong, invincible woman performance is destroying you inside," he whispered. "You deserved none of what they put you through."
Overwhelming emotion crashed over me, and I fought desperately to prevent tears from falling in public. How could he read me so accurately?
"I need to leave this place," I breathed.
"I have a room upstairs in the hotel. If you want to maximize your investment... we could abandon this tedious celebration and create our own entertainment."
"That sounds perfect," I agreed without hesitation.