Page 440 of Billionaire Temptations

Her words kept playing over and over in my mind. “You’re a monster. I never want to see you again.” The truth was that she was right. I was a monster, and I let my anger and jealousy get the best of me. I’d never lost control like that before, especially over a woman. I blew it. The best thing that had ever happened to me now hated me. Was she even capable of hate? Her eyes told me everything. That look of hurt, anger, and hatred would be forever etched into my memory. She deserved nothing more than to be happy, and I needed to make sure she was. She’d get over what I’d done, and she’d get over me. But I wasn’t so sure I’d ever get over her. I had ruined her birthday. Fuck, how did I not even know it was her birthday? I should have known. If only I would have opened up to her and told her everything about me, I would have known, and things would have been different.

A couple of weeks had passed since that night, and every day became harder to deal with. I’d stop outside the window of the gallery and look in with the hopes of just seeing her and making sure she was okay. When she got off work, I’d make Eli follow her with me in the back so I knew she made it home and wassafe. Every night, she’d stop and talk to Willie. Sometimes for a few minutes and sometimes longer. He wasn’t the only homeless man she talked to. There was a group of them that hung out in the alley. Almost as if they were a family and she was a part of it. Their faces lit up every time she’d stop and talk to them.

Chloe

Sebastian followed me everywhere I went. I wasn’t stupid, and I could feel his presence. I guess you could say it was the connection we had. Ever since Eli left my apartment that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said about Sebastian having to fight for everything and climb out of the trenches to make something of himself. My mom told me that Sebastian punching Corey was his way of fighting for me, even though it was wrong.

It was Saturday, and I decided to go to Central Park to think. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature always helped me to think more clearly. The work week was extremely busy. Between organizing another exhibition, having dinner with my parents, and visiting with Sienna and Sam, I just needed a day to myself. I felt out of balance, which I was attributing to a man named Sebastian.

I had the cab driver drop me off at the park's west entrance, and I made my way to Shakespeare Garden. It was my favorite spot in all of Central Park because it was quiet and the perfect place to meditate. Walking down the cobblestone path, I admired the beautiful flowers that were in bloom. When I found the perfect spot to settle, I laid out my blanket and set my picnic basket down. I took in a deep, cleansing breath and closed my eyes. Taking in the beautiful sounds of nature, I heardsomething or someone. Opening my eyes, I looked around. Sighing, I closed my eyes and began to meditate. Once again, I heard something.

“Sebastian, I know you’re here,” I spoke in a loud voice. “And I also know how you’ve been following me. So just come on out and stop being so damn stalkerish.”

“How did you know?” he softly asked as he emerged from behind a tree.

“I just knew. You know when someone is following you.”

“I wasn’t stalking you, Chloe. I was just making sure you were safe and okay.”

“Whatever, Sebastian. Since you followed me out here, you might as well sit down so you can see that I’m okay.” I patted the empty spot next to me.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

He sat down next to me, and I couldn’t help but stare at him. He was so handsome but looked so lost.

“What were you doing?” he asked.

“Trying to meditate. You know, you really should try it sometime. You could stand to gain some inner peace.”

He gave me a frown, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“So is that why you do it, to gain inner peace?”

“That and other things. It makes you more grounded so you can live life more in the present.”

“Oh. I’m sorry I interrupted you.”

“It’s fine. Would you like some grapes?” I asked as I reached into the picnic basket and pulled out a small Ziploc bag.

“No. I’m good.”

“You don’t like grapes?” I cocked my head.

“I like grapes.”

“Then why don’t you want any?”

“Because I don’t.” His brow arched.

“Why? There has to be a reason. Aren’t you hungry? Even if you weren’t hungry, a couple of grapes won’t hurt you.”

“Fine. I’ll have some grapes.” He smiled as he reached into the bag and took a couple.

“I’m still mad at you,” I spoke as I popped a grape into my mouth.

“Then you didn’t do enough meditating.” He grinned.

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