Chapter 25 At , the airport was packed . People hustling in every direction , all in their own little worlds . Stephanie stood by the exit , bouquet of tulips in hand , nerves fluttering . She was dressed in a beige coat , her hair pulled up in a neat bun , giving off this sweet , innocent vibe like she belonged in a Hallmark movie . A chill breeze swept by , and she instinctively hugged her coat tighter around herself , feeling the cold creep in . Theyd agreed to meet at 8:00 at the exit . When the clock hit 8 , she spotted him . His tall frame cut through the crowd like a statue , and seeing him instantly flooded Stephanies mind with memories like a movie skipping through scenes too fast to keep up with . She remembered the way he held her , comforted her , how he could make her feel so safe … and so small at the same time . He wore a black mid length coat and a gray scarf , exuding this polished , refined look that couldve belonged to a model in a high end magazine . But only she knew the cold , ruthless side of him the one that hid behind that well groomed exterior . Sebastian . The man who took her in , raised her … Their eyes locked , and immediately , she felt that chilling , authoritative gaze pierce right through her . Without thinking , she lowered her head . His presence was like a shadow , suffocating , heavy . And that familiar scent of his … it wrapped around her like a trap . She held the tulips out toward him , her hand shaking . You … you like these , she said softly . Guilt and fear twisted in her chest . Sebastian didnt take the flowers . He just stood there , his presence pressing in on her , making the air feel thick and suffocating . The buzz of the crowd seemed to fade away , and for a second , it was like they were the only two people in the entire world . Her hand , still holding the flowers , trembled . She hesitated for a second , then reached up to adjust his scarf . Its been a long time . Her words hung in the air , soft but heavy , like a delicate shift in the atmosphere . For a moment , the tension around him lightened . But just as quickly , his large hand shot out and grabbed her wrist . Before she could process what was happening , he pulled her against his chest . Feeling bold , huh ? His voice was low , dark with something dangerous under the surface . It had been almost three years since she left him , and in all that time , she hadnt reached out once . Sebastian couldnt help wondering if her defiance was his fault maybe hed spoiled her too much , like everyone had said . Stephanies heart raced , her voice trapped in her throat . I … I … 1/3 Chapter 25 He saw right through her , his eyes reading her like an open book . Now , start thinking about what youre gonna say to me . His tone was thick with menace . The knot of anxiety in Stephanies chest only tightened , and her voice shook as she tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill . Before she could say anything , he released her wrist , grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the exit . Outside the airport , Elliot was already waiting by the car . When he saw them approach , he opened the door with a polite nod . Stephanie froze when she saw the car . You … you shipped your car here ? That was his car the one he always drove in Fiorenza . Seeing it here in Long Harbor hit her hard . It made it clear : he wasnt planning on leaving anytime soon . A cold wave of dread settled deep in her chest . Sebastian glanced down at her , his presence towering over her , making her feel even smaller . She swallowed , her nerves a mess under his gaze . Elliots respectful voice cut through the tension . Stephanie , still trying to hold it together , nodded stiffly . Before she could say anything else , Sebastian grabbed her again , pulling her into the car like it was nothing- Sebastian climbed in after her , his expression unreadable . Stephanie shifted as far as she could to the other side of the seat , but it didnt matter . No matter how far she tried to distance herself , he was still there , looming large . The car roared to life , and Sebastians big hand closed around her wrist , his grip firm and unyielding . Before she could even react , he effortlessly yanked her onto his lap . Stephanie squirmed , her voice trembling . Dont … dont do this … Sebastian remained calm , giving a low hum . Her face flushed bright red . Ive grown up . This is … Everything about this situation felt wrong . She was sitting on his lap , the closeness between them in such a public place making her feel exposed , almost like she couldnt breathe . Sebastians cold fingertip traced the line of her cheek , sending a shiver down her spine before it paused at her chin . She couldnt bring herself to look him in the eye . She knew the kind of person Sebastian truly was beneath that cool , controlled exterior . Instinctively , she feared him . But when it came to Sebastian , there was no escaping . He leaned in , his voice teasing . So , youve grown up , huh ? Youve become independent ? Ready to spread those wings and fly away as far as you can ? Stephanie felt like a little kid again , unsure of how to respond . I 2/3 76 % Chapter 25 Sebastians voice lingered , amused . Did you have fun these last few years ? The word fun hit her like a punch to the head . She hadnt felt even a hint of regret in the past few days . Shed been sharp , direct , even fierce with everyone else . But now , facing Sebastian , it all crashed down . The bitterness shed been carrying twisted inside her , and before she could stop it , her eyes welled up with tears . She sniffled , wiping her nose . It hasnt even been three years yet . Her voice sounded small , like a kid whod been wronged , vulnerable and upset . Sebastian chuckled , a mocking laugh that made her flinch . Two more months . Does it really matter ? Just two months left . That was all . Two months shy of the three years since she left Fiorenza . Stephanie turned her head , trying to break free from his gaze , but Sebastian wouldnt let her . His grip tightened on her , forcing her to keep her eyes locked with his . Anything you want to share with me ? Stephanie sighed deeply , her voice quiet and resigned . I do … Ive got a lot to say … What shed gone through in those years wasnt something she could explain with a few words . Every time shed been bullied , every time shed felt helpless , shed wanted to call him . To make them all pay . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!