Chapter 18 Sebastian was coming apart at the seams - sullen , volatile , impossible to reason with . Even Mason Blackwell , his longtime friend and business partner , noticed the shift and flew in from overseas . At Riverton Whiskey Bar , Mason studied the man slouched across from him - hollow - eyed , unshaven , radiating a mix of decay and rage and could hardly reconcile him with the poised , untouchable head of the Langford empire he once knew . " Sebastian , what the hell is going on with you ? " Mason frowned . " The acquisition deal is dragging on , you're picking fight's left and right , and now you're going after some no - name architect ? This isn't you . " . Sebastian tossed back a full glass of whiskey , the burn scalding down his throat , his bloodshot eyes gleaming . "I found her . " " Found who ? " Mason blinked . " Vivienne . " Even now , her name was a blade , tearing him open from the inside . Mason froze , his eyes widening . " She ... she's alive ? Where ? " " She's here . " Sebastian let out a broken laugh . " Thriving . And there's a damned guardian angel at her side . " Mason studied him for a long moment , then said quietly , " So all of this - the chaos , the outbursts - it's her ? Because she's alive , and she has someone else ? " Sebastian didn't answer , just poured himself another drink . " Sebastian , " Mason's voice sharpened , " what is this supposed to be ? You spent years keeping Serena by your side , even brought her overseas . You never married her , but everyone knows what she means to you . Wasn't she the woman you claimed was your true love ? Wasn't that why you- " Don't mention her ! " Sebastian's growl came sharp and feral , like a wounded animal . " Fine . I won't . " Mason leaned back , his tone turning cold . " But tell me this - what are you doing now , with Elena ? Whether she's dead , alive , with someone or alone - what does it have to do with you ? You two ended years ago . You have Serena as your fiancée . " " I never loved Serena ! " Sebastian snarled , his voice raw , feral . " Oh , you didn't ? " Mason let out a humorless laugh . " Then what was all of that back then ? You nearly drove your wife to her death- over what ? A rush ? A passing obsession ? " Sebastian's body went rigid , his face draining of color . Mason pressed on , every word a hammer blow . " Tell me the truth . These past years with Serena - have you been happy ? Did you get the love you thought you wanted ? Has it felt any different from when you were with Elena ? " He leaned forward , eyes sharp as glass . " No - let's be honest . Tell me you never once felt this : with Elena was ... easier ? Lighter ? Freer ? " Each question struck Sebastian like a steel rod to the chest . Was he happy with Serena ? No. Only exhausted . Only numb And with Elena ? He had never stopped to think about whether he was happy . But now , looking back - his life had been ordered , seamless . The lights at home were always on . His meals , his clothes , his schedule Chupfer 18 W WebNovel 4.3 FREE Google Play OPEN I knew you were trouble when you walked in 90.00 % were always cared for . When his stomach flared up , there had always been a bowl of warm , carefully prepared broth waiting on the table . He had never once appreciated it . a What he'd called her " silence " and " dullness " had been his greatest freedom - his margin to breathe . And he had smashed it with his own hands . " Look at yourself . " Mason's voice softened with something like pity . " Jealous , half - mad , unraveling ... Sebastian , if this isn't love , then what the hell is it ? " " You're not just angry because something you used to own no longer belongs to you . You're not just possessive . You're in pain because you finally figured it out - you love her . " " No ... no , I- " Sebastian tried to deny it , but the protest came out faint , hollow . " Stop lying to yourself ! " Mason's voice cut like a judge's gavel . " You've been in love with her all along . You were just too damn blind to see it . You thought that rush you had with Serena was love - it wasn't . It never came close to what Elena gave you , quietly , day after day , until she became part of your very existence . ' All this rage , this jealousy , this madness - it's not about losing property . It's because you finally realized you're in love with the wife you nearly drove to her death . And you can't stand it . " BOOM . The words detonated in Sebastian's chest , blowing apart the last of his self - delusion , tearing down every wall he had built to keep the truth out . Yes . If it wasn't love , why had her " death " haunted him for five If it wasn't love , why had her indifference unseated him ? years ? If it wasn't love , why had another man's presence driven him to the brink of madness ? Everything made sense now . It wasn't guilt that had kept her ghost beside him . It was love . He had loved her . He had loved her for far longer than he had ever admitted , loved her even as he crushed her underfoot and pushed her into the abyss . And he had realized it too late . Far , far too late . The truth crashed over him like a tidal wave , leaving him hollowed out , bloodless , slumped in his chair - nothing left but soul - deep despair and a regret that would never stop devouring him . Chapter 18 In "Someone Loved is Never Lost" by CrushReel, readers are immersed in a captivating CEO drama that explores the intricacies of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of corporate power struggles and personal relationships, this ongoing novel delves deep into the lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of both the boardroom and the heart. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience intertwine with complex character dynamics, making for a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. CrushReel's unique storytelling style brings a fresh perspective to the CEO genre, offering a blend of emotional depth and strategic intrigue that sets this novel apart from others in its category. What makes "Someone Loved is Never Lost" special is its ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes corporate drama with heartfelt human connections, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels. Available to read at CrushReel, this novel promises a literary experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating each new chapter.