Chapter 2

The sharp, pungent scent of oil paint stung my nose, but it gave me a freedom I'd never felt before.

I put together a small art show. On opening night, I didn't expect him to show up.

After all, Lexi had posted a photo of her injured ankle on social media that day.

I worked at the gallery until late. As the lights grew dim, I saw a tall figure standing before my piece, Sunset.

The last light of day bled across the canvas in deep reds, something raw and relentless.

It was Sebastian.

He stood in the shadows, his profile deep and lonely. He didn't notice me and just stared at the painting in silence.

"I want this painting," he said to his assistant.

Later, that painting was hung in the most prominent spot in our bedroom.

The night breeze lifted the curtains, and moonlight spilled across the frame.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder, his breath hot against my skin.

"Natalie, the light and shadow in this painting are unique. Just like you," he murmured.

I watched his profile up close, taking in his familiar scent.

Something in my chest stirred again. If this was a dream, I didn't want to wake up yet.

Maybe the contract didn't matter anymore.

The sound of my dream shattering was crisper than I ever imagined.

The hospital hallway stank of disinfectant, so strong it made me nauseous.

I gripped the notice of my mom's critical condition, leaning against the icy tiles, my legs giving out beneath me.

Heart valve surgery, followed by a cascade of complications. The surgery and hospital bills were a bottomless pit, devouring everything our contract was supposed to cover.

My earnings from art were barely enough to matter, completely powerless in the face of death.

I stood outside Sebastian's office, raising my hand to knock more than once, only to let it fall back in defeat each time. From inside, I could hear the soft thud of his shoes on the carpet.

I drew a shaky breath and finally forced myself to push the door open.

He was seated behind his spacious desk, his eyes cool and distant behind those gold-rimmed glasses.

I slid the payment notice toward him, my fingers trembling so badly I could barely keep hold of the paper.

"Sebastian... could you lend me some more money? Please, I promise I'll pay you back. I can spend the rest of my life painting, working, or whatever it takes..."

I pleaded, my voice thick with tears, falling apart completely.

He lowered his gaze, his long fingers tapping a steady beat on the desk. Each tap sent a jolt straight through my nerves.

He stayed silent for so long, I thought he might just call security and have me thrown out. I'd already braced myself for the worst.

If it came to it, I'd sell my studio, the one thing I cherished more than life itself.

"Alright," he finally said, his voice flat and emotionless.

He opened the drawer and handed me a black card. "If it's not enough, just let me know."

I stared at the card, tears streaming down as all the fear and frustration I'd been holding in finally came out. I stammered apologies and thanks, so overwhelmed I nearly dropped to my knees.

But before I could even move closer, he pulled out another contract from the drawer and slid it across the desk toward me.

It was an addendum to our agreement.

He looked at me coldly. "Sign this, and our marriage will be extended for another five years."

My sobs stopped cold. That thick stack of papers sat under the harsh light, pale as a gravestone.

Five years.

I stared at the icy terms on the contract, each line felt like another chain wrapping around me. I looked up, hoping to find a hint of mercy in his eyes, just a trace.

But there was nothing, only the ruthless logic of a businessman dealing with his goods.

He wasn't saving my mother. He was... buying my time.

My heart tightened, a sharp ache spreading through my chest.

Why? If he didn't love me, if Lexi was already there, why would he pay such a high price just to keep me by his side? What did he really want from me?

Lexi had returned home.

I didn't hear it from Sebastian. I saw it in the entertainment headlines that night.

In the photo, she wore a white dress and smiled brightly, while Sebastian stood right next to her, protectively blocking the paparazzi from getting too close.

That night, he didn't come home until three in the morning.

I sat alone on the living room couch, with the lights off.

In the darkness, the sound of the lock turning felt extra sharp.

He walked in, carrying the chill and the scent of alcohol, and there was a fragrance lingering on him that had nothing to do with me. It was a sweet, luxurious gardenia perfume that belonged to Lexi.

I stood up to take his suit jacket, my movements stiff and awkward. As my fingers grazed his pocket, I caught the soft rustle of paper inside.