The late afternoon sun streamed through the glass walls of Lores Custom Works, filling the garage with soft, golden light. Sabatain and Emilia say in his office.
They ate together, laughter spilling between bites. For a moment, life felt simple
Until Devon, his assistant, walked in looking uneasy.
Boss… Miss Sarah's here to see you.
Before he could respond, Sarah appeared in the doorway tall, confident, and undeniably beautiful. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her perfume floated into the room like memory itself. But time had changed her eyes once bright and sweet, now calculating.
She froze when she saw Emilia sitting beside Sebastian.
Oh, Sarah said, her smile faltering. I didn't know you had company.
Sebastian looks up slowly. His eyes harden not cruel just distant.
Emilia looks up too, curious but calm, recognizing her name from past conversations
Emilia smiled politely. Not company I'm his wife.
Sarah blinked, stunned for a beat before forcing a laugh. Wife. Right… congratulations, Sebastian. You always said you wanted a family. She stumbles through her words, trying to sound confident.
Her tone carried sugar, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of bitterness.
Thanks, he said flatly. What brings you here?
I just needed to talk to you. Alone, if possible.She tries again. I didn't come to cause trouble, Sebastian. I just wanted to see you to apologize, maybe.
Emilia quietly gathers the files on the desk, giving Sebastian space but staying close enough to show solidarity.
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then Sarah spoke, her voice lower now. You look… different. Her eyes shimmered with something unreadable regret, maybe. Or something darker. You've changed, Sebastian. You've grown cold.
You..you really built all this.?
Not alone, he replies, his gaze sliding to Emilia, filled with gratitude.
I always knew you'd make it, she said, stepping closer. I just… didn't expect you'd do it without me.
Sebastian's laugh was dry. You didn't expect I'd survive without you, you mean?
Sarah forces a deep breath, holding her composure. Then I wish you well. She turns to leave, but her voice cracks slightly. For what it's worth… you deserved better back then.
Sebastian doesn't answer. He just nods once.
Outside, Sarah pauses near her car, fingers trembling as she grips the door handle. Her eyes blur with tears, and a thought slips in a whisper
He has to know… about Gracee.
But fear wins. She exhales, gets in the car, and drives off leaving behind the man she once broke.
Inside the office, Emilia glances at Sebastian.
You okay? she asks softly.
He nods, a faint smile touching his lips. Yeah. Just finally closing a chapter.
He nodded, his shoulders relaxing .. Just ghosts trying to rise again. But I already buried that part of me.
Emilia smiled,,a proud smile and leaned into his chest. Good, she whispered. Because I'm not sharing my man with any ghosts.
That earned her a soft chuckle as his arms circled her waist. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the familiar scent of her shampoo lavender and something faintly sweet
---
By the time they got home, the sun was sinking into a gold and rose horizon. The twins had already been picked up by Tasha, who had texted Emilia that they'd both fallen asleep after playtime.
The house was calm, Sebastian dropped he's keys on the table and stretched. You know, he said with a teasing smirk, you looked like you wanted to throw something at her.
Emilia arched an eyebrow, He laughed, deep and genuine, the kind of sound that always made her heart swell. You're dangerous.
I'm a wife who doesn't tolerate nonsense. She tilted her head. Big difference.
He grinned and crossed the room, his hands sliding around her waist from behind. And I love that about you, he murmured against her neck.
---
Minutes later, the two of them were curled up on the couch. Emilia rested against his chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his arm as the low hum of the TV played in the background.
Do you ever think about it? she asked quietly.
About what?
The people who walked away before the good part.
Sebastian thought for a long moment, his gaze lost on the flickering screen. Then he kissed the top of her head. Sometimes. But then I remember if they hadn't left, I wouldn't have found you.
Emilia tilted her head, smiling. Smooth.
True, he said simply. You're my luck, Em. My calm.
Her heart melted at his tone steady, honest, unpolished. He wasn't saying it to charm her; he meant it. Every word.
Say that again, she murmured, her voice almost a whisper.
He smiled, pulling her closer. You're my calm
Later, after checking on the twins both sleeping peacefully in their little beds, Hope with her thumb in her mouth and Elian clutching his tiny blanket Emilia stood by the doorway, watching them.
Sebastian joined her, his arm slipping around her shoulders. They stood in silence, their children bathed in soft nightlight glow.
They look so much like you, she whispered.
He smirked. I was thinking they look like you
They both chuckled, Especially Hope. She has that same stubborn little frown when she sleeps.
Emilia laughed That's your frown, Mr. Lores.
Sure it is, he teased, kissing her temple.
They walked back to their bedroom, the world outside forgotten. The room smelled faintly of vanilla.
Sebastian closed the door softly, turned to her, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, no words,
He reached for her hand tracing his thumb across her palm.
Emilia's eyes softened.
He kissed her then slow, deep, unhurried like he had all the time in the world. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, and his hand slid to her waist, drawing her against him.
When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers. You're my home, Em.
She smiled, her breath mingling with his. don't ever leave.
Never, he whispered, kissing her again this time deeper and, fiercer
The house remained still, their laughter and soft whispers fading into the rhythm of their hearts , two souls that had walked through through fire, now wrapped in peace.
And for the first time in a long time, Sebastian slept without the weight of the past pressing down on him.