The knock at the door was light — almost hesitant.
Rose, still smiling from her evening with Lord Hugo, assumed he must have forgotten something. She smoothed her dress and hurried to the door, cheeks still warm with laughter.
But when she pulled it open, her heart nearly stopped.
It was not Hugo.
It was him.
Sebastian.
Or rather, the man wearing his face.
He leaned casually against the doorframe, a small, almost mocking smile tugging at his lips.
"Good evening, Rose, I have to say, I've never thought you'd move on this fast….. and that too with lord Hugo, not a bad choice… " he said smoothly, his voice carrying that old, velvet weight she had once been so foolish to adore.
Rose stiffened. Her fingers tightened on the door. Without a word, she attempted to slam it shut — but he was faster. His hand shot out, catching the door easily, his strength unnerving. The wood creaked under the strain, but he didn't budge.
Instead, he pushed his way inside.
