Page 65 of Bastian

“Fine. You’re right.” He chuckles.

“I know I am.” I give him a ‘duh’ look.

We then walk towards the dining area, where four more security and staff members are waiting for us, when we get close enough, the cream-colored double doors of the State Dining room are pulled open, and the first thing I notice is the wool rug that serves as a carpet that features a border of wreaths surrounding a field of mottled light blue accented by clusters of oak leaves. I also notice that the carpet’s design mimics the plaster molding of the ceiling. Then I take in the silk window draperies that are ecru in color, accented with stripes of peacock blue. God, my little sister would love this. Not because blue is her favorite color, all shades of blue, but because her curious mind loved history, and every inch of this place has history.

A pang in my chest reminds me of how deep I buried my sister in my subconscious with everything else that hurts me. But as much as I tried, she always rises to the surface, just like all thoughts of the man who no doubt orchestrated this dinner and the beautiful little girl who stole and keeps stealing all the broken pieces of my heart. Ignoring the hurt that floods my senses, I continue looking at the dining room, not only as a momentary distraction but also because I’m a home decor freak, and I love the renovations this room underwent during the last administration. The last first lady had style, and it shows.

The room has kept the essence of every administration before this one, yet I know by reading an article that Sebastian did order the change of the decor.

It seems more modern and classier with gold, white and black tones.

Yes, that is definitely Sebastian’s doing.

All class and luxurious taste of this man.

“Mommy!” The loud, sweet screeching of a very excited little girl steals my attention, making me look her way, and when I come back down to the reality of this moment, I’m taken back.

The dining table is served as if it is being held for a large formal dinner, and dinner for five has already been served. “You came!” Ellaiza stands in her seat dressed head to toe in pink. Her bodyguard keeps a tight hold on her, so she doesn’t fall off the chair.

Looking at my girl I think about how the little sneak not only got me to sit down at the same table with her Judas of a father but also her dog on a leash, who doesn’t like me all that much by the way he’s staring daggers at me.

One shouldn’t feel joy when others dislike them, but I do. It’s hilarious how, at times, my existence perturbs people.

Is that toxic?

Why, yes, but that’s me.

Nothing can be done now, nor do I want to change any part of myself.

I offer Ellaiza a small smile. Just for her. Only ever her. “Wouldn’t miss this phenomenal dinner you planned for the world.” She grins and looks at her father, who I try hard to ignore, although I felt the burn of his stare on me from the second I stepped inside the room.

I also noticed Benjamin has left my side and placed the gifts I bought for Ellaiza on a table in the far corner before heading back over to me, at the same time, I watch from the corner of my eye as Sebastian stands from where he is sitting at the end of the table, comes over to me, and pulls my chair back so I can take a seat next to him and right in front of Ellaiza.

I want to argue, but it’ll only ruin the little girl’s night, and I’d rather suffer through this evening sitting next to President A-hole than watch the brilliant smile drop from Ella’s face.

From the corner of my eye, I take in his attire. He’s in a pair of dark blue suit trousers and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. The top buttons of his shirt are undone, revealing the taut lines of his collarbone and hinting at his chest muscles.

It should be a sin for someone so rotten to be so damn beautiful.

Taking the offered seat, I feel Sebastian’s hot breath on the back of my neck as he whispers. “You look ravishing tonight, darling.”

“I know.” I clip. I know I look stunning, and I don’t need him to point it out. I chose a modest strapless pearl white dress that molds to every curve of my body. It is semi-sexy but not indecent. I paired it with clear open-toe heels, and light makeup with red lips, and my hair is falling in soft waves down my back.

I thought of wearing one of my go-to suits, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I look cold and, sometimes, downright mean while wearing them, which I love, not going to lie, but for Ella, it felt wrong, so I opted for something pretty and a bit modest without being too conservative.

Yes, so I don’t need Sebastian pointing out how good I look, and I also don’t need my stupid, traitorous body reacting to this man’s words.

Nope.

Sebastian laughs, not the fake laugh he uses in his speeches or events, but the one that used to stop my heart dead in my chest with just the beautiful sound. Bastard.

“Modesty never did look good on you, love.” He whispers before sitting back down next to me. Turning my head, I smile sweetly at him, yet it is oh so fake, and then I remain silent. I hope my eyes tell him what my mouth can’t at the moment.

A big fuck you.

He smiles right back at me while his gray-blue eyes twinkle with mischief. His eyes lingered for a moment in a way that had heat spreading through my body. I avert my eyes because I can’t handle the rising need to fall into those blue depths and lose myself in them. His eyes always did have that effect on me.

“Okaaaay… now that we’re all gathered here, and my guest of honor has arrived, we can all dive in.” The little diva spreads her arms wide with a grin on her face. Her father and Benjamin chuckle while her bodyguard shakes his head as if this is nothing new. My heart aches thinking about how many of these moments they got with her and how many I missed.

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