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What happened? I stare up at him, waiting for an explanation. But what I see is not him. A monster.

His expression is closed off, almost cruel… and his eyes look disgusted.

This isn’t the Sebastian I know. What happened?

I want to reach out to him, but my body won’t function.

He crouches down and grabs my chin, rough and uncaring. “Did I make you feel good, princess?”

Nodding hesitantly, I sniffle.

“Am I the only one who can make you feel like this?” His tone is mocking.

Again, I nod, tears pricking my eyes. I don’t understand what’s happening. Why is he acting this way?

“I-I don’t feel good anymore. Please,” I say.

For a fleeting second, his features soften. But then his lips curl into a sneer.

“You’re a good liar. Too good.” He lets go of my chin and stands up.

I scramble to my feet, clutching at the bookshelf to keep me steady. “Please, talk to me.” I reach for his arm, but he jerks away.

“It’s over. Never speak to me again.”

“What?”

“Stop pretending, Lil.”

“I’m not pretending. What are you talking about?”

He remains motionless, still not looking back at me. It’s clear he’s fighting with something, but I can’t fathom what it could be.

The pain in my chest intensifies. “Please don’t go. I need you.”

“Are you planning to marry Jason?”

“What?” My heart pounds heavily against my chest. “No, of course not. Why would you even think that?”

He finally looks at me again, his eyes cold and accusing. “Don’t lie to me. I know about your engagement to him.”

My mouth falls open. “That’s…”

“Go ahead. Lie to me, princess.”

“Did Jason tell you this?”

“Is that the only concern you have right now?”

The words hit me like a slap in the face. I never wanted to marry Jason. It was to help my uncle. He said I’d never have to go through with it. How can I explain that?

Tears continue to stream down my face. “It was never real.”

“You said you’re only friends.”

“We are.”

“Stop lying!” He slams his fist against the bookshelf.

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