The CEO's Second Choice novel Chapter 6

Elena

After fixing up my makeup, I leave the confines of my bedroom and walk downstairs. Might as well strike the iron while it’s hot. My mother’s words are still ringing in my ears as I descend the stairs. Could I be the wife to Sebastian as she was to my father?

I spot Sebastian’s back and he turns around as soon as he hears the clicking of my heels. At this vantage point, I had to admit that he looked exceptionally handsome; raven hair that was a little long with a fringe that fell in his eyes. His facial hair was a medium stubble beard trimmed to perfection. Tall, yet broad and muscular. Think of Chris Evans.

He looks up at me and an unfamiliar expression crosses his face when he takes in my stony expression. Was he going to try and intimidate or insult me again?

I come to a stop in front of him, “Sebastian,” I say and he holds out his hand, palm up.

“Walk with me, Elena. I think there are a few things we need to discuss, and this time in a decent manner.” He says and a frown crosses my face, but I lace my fingers with his anyway.

The walk through the back gardens at dusk is a strange one. Sebastian takes in the boxwood hedges and flowers intricately placed; and smiles. Then he comes to a stop when we arrive at a bench.

“First and foremost, Elena, I apologize for insulting you on numerous occasions. It was childish of me to call you names, I realize this now. I hope we can move past this and go ahead with this arranged marriage.”

I look at Sebastian in surprise. He was apologizing and looked completely genuine. Was mercury in retrograde suddenly? I nod slowly, “Of course. We might as well make the best of this union.” I respond, “Apology accepted.”

Sebastian smiles, but it does not meet his eyes, “Marvelous. Your father has informed me of his 5 year promise to you; that you wish to study at Harvard. I will agree to this because having something behind your name, besides your name, is of the utmost importance.” He says, and I blanched, my father told him this marriage would only be for 5 years and he agreed to it?

“I’m surprised he mentioned that titbit, to be honest. Yes, I would like to study law. I have been accepted, but father is arranging an extension for me for 5 years.” I tell him and recognition shone in his eyes.

“You know, Elena, I think I might have misjudged you previously.” He says finally then continued walking. I frown at his last comment, then follow slowly behind him.

“What did you wish to discuss, Sebastian?” I ask him, remembering his line earlier.

He turns towards me, “Our marriage will be one for the public eye, so we would have to put on the appearance of a happy couple outside of our villa.” He starts, this was obvious to me. Even my mother mentioned something similar. “However, inside of our villa will be a different story. We do not have to sleep in the same bed or be close for any reason unless our parents come to see us.”

Oh, thank God! They will not expect me to spread my legs for this man. Things were looking up already!

I nod innocently at him, “This I can agree with. Thank you for clarifying, I was worried for a second. Playacting a happy relationship might be a stretch as I hate lying or deceiving others, but I will try my best.”

He raises his eyebrow as he mulls over my words, his eyes clouding over, then he suddenly snaps back.

“Although,” He starts and my stomach drops, “If our families were to ask for an heir, we would need to rethink the situation.”

Ah no! NO! NO! NO! I do not want to be in Sebastian’s bed!

I gulp uncomfortably and peer up at him. An heir. Our families would want us to produce an heir. “I understand,” I answer, uncertain of what else to say.

Then he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black velvet box, “I gave this to Eliana when I wished to marry her. I think it belongs to you now.” He says and opens the box, revealing a gorgeous engagement ring; a princess cut diamond in the middle with smaller diamonds surrounding it. Then he takes it out and slides it onto my finger.

“Perfect fit,” He says with a wistful laugh and looks at me. Something odd passes between us as he gazes at me. Then he clears his throat and cocks his head towards the mansion. “Let us get you inside before you catch your death. It is slightly nippy this evening,” He says as he intertwines his fingers with mine, and leads me back into the mansion.

I stare at the ring on my finger and feel myself blushing. The man had impeccable taste in rings. We come to a stop outside the front door and he turns to me, “I must bid you farewell for now, Elena.”

I smile at him, “Of course, I will see you at our wedding then,” I start but then suddenly I frown, “Why did you come into the bridal shop today, by the way?” I ask, remembering our banter from this morning .

“I was going to invite you out to supper this evening to discuss what we just had, but then my arrogance got the best of me. I apologize.” He replied and I couldn’t help but smile. I still could not believe that he had apologized to me earlier.