CHAPTER FIVE

CALLIE

I was really satisfied to see Ethan’s expression. Oh, this was priceless. Exactly what I hoped for.

Sebastian, ever the opportunist, stepped forward with a smirk on his lips. “I’m sorry, Ethan, I don’t understand your question,” he said. “Callie is here with me. She’s my girlfriend.”

As he spoke, his arm slid around my shoulders, pulling me close. I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips as I glanced at Ethan. He still looked like he was trying to process what he was seeing.

“Shall we?” Sebastian murmured, brushing past Ethan without waiting for a response.

I matched his pace as we walked into the parlor, his hand still comfortably resting on my shoulder.

And then I saw her… Sophie. She was resting on the armrest of the couch, with a glass of wine in her hand. The moment her gaze landed on me, her eyebrows shot up.

“Callie?” she said, her voice filled with surprise.

I met her gaze, letting a smirk curl on my lips. “Sophie,” I replied coolly, before turning my attention elsewhere.

The sound of footsteps drew my attention, and I turned to see an older man and a woman approaching us. This had to be Mr Thompson, Sebastian’s father and his stepmother.

“Sebastian,” Mr Thompson greeted warmly. “Glad you could make it.” His gaze shifted to me, and his smile widened. “And who is this lovely young lady?”

I stepped forward, meeting his gaze with a polite smile. “I’m Callie,” I said, extending my hand. “Sebastian’s girlfriend. It’s lovely to meet you, Mr Thompson.”

“Callie, welcome. It’s a pleasure to have you here,” he said, shaking my hand.

His stepmother’s eyes shifted between Sebastian and me. “Well, Sebastian, you’ve certainly surprised us,” she said.

Sebastian gave a casual shrug. “I thought it was time to introduce Callie to the family.”

“Quite the introduction,” she said as her eyes landed on me. “Callie, I hope you enjoy your time here. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“Well, I just finished dishing the food,” she said with a smile, gesturing towards the dining room. “Why don’t we all sit down and eat? It’s been a long day, and I’m sure you’re both starving after the drive.”

“Perfect timing,” Sebastian said, slipping his hand to my back. “Lead the way, darling,” he murmured.

I followed the group into the dining room, which was as extravagant as the rest of the estate. As we took our seats, I noticed Ethan and Sophie sitting across from us. Both seemed to radiate a tension that was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Good. Let them stew.

I took a sip of water, trying to hide my smile as I caught Ethan stealing a glance at me. His brows furrowed, and Sophie seemed equally intrigued. But I didn’t care. I was enjoying this far too much to let their little side drama affect me.

Just as I was beginning to relish the awkwardness, Ethan finally broke the quiet.

“Did Dad know that Callie works for you?”

My heart skipped a beat. Oh God.

He leaned back in his chair. “In fact, she’s Sebastian's current PA, isn’t she?”

The room fell silent.

My fork froze mid-air, and I could feel the weight of every gaze in the room. My chest tightened as I glanced at Sebastian, who, to my surprise, remained unfazed.

Mr Thompson finally spoke, his tone surprisingly lighthearted.

“Really?” he said, looking between Sebastian and me. “That’s lovely! It just proves you can find love anywhere. Although…” He chuckled. “I hope you two aren’t turning my workplace into a honeymoon destination.”

The tension eased as Mr Thompson laughed out loud, even his stepmother smiled faintly.

I glanced at Sebastian, who seized the moment effortlessly.

“Oh, no worries, Dad,” he said with a grin, reaching for my hand. “We keep things strictly professional at the office.” He paused, then leaned in and planted a quick peck on my lips. “Except for when we don’t,” he added, shooting Ethan a triumphant look.

Ethan’s jaw clenched, and his defeated expression was almost enough to make me laugh out loud.

Game, set, match. For now.

**********

It had been three days since Sebastian and I arrived, and to my surprise, I’d been enjoying every moment. More than I should. Sebastian was… more than I imagined. He was thoughtful, attentive, and…dare I admit it?...loving.

He made me laugh in ways I hadn’t in a long time. The way he held my hand, how he stole kisses when no one was looking, and how his gaze lingered on me. It all felt so real. Too real.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for him. This was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, but now… I wasn’t just falling for him. I was already in love with him.

“Callie,” Ethan’s voice called from behind me. I stiffened but didn’t turn around, hoping he’d take the hint and leave me alone.

He didn’t.

I sighed as he approached. “What do you want, Ethan?” I asked, not bothering to hide my irritation.

“What’s going on?” he demanded, stepping in front of me to block my path. “Enough with the games. I know this is all an act.”

I raised my eyebrows, crossing my arms. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, come on, Callie,” he said. “It’s been three days since you and Sebastian got here, and you’re still keeping up this… charade. You can drop it now. I know you’re not really his girlfriend.”

I stared at him, feigning confusion. “Ethan, you’re delusional. I am Sebastian’s girlfriend. Maybe you should try wrapping that fact around your skull.”

His expression faltered for a moment. “I’m sorry. For everything. For hiding my relationship with Sophie. I was stupid, okay? But that’s over. I don’t like Sophie anymore. I… I like you.”

My jaw dropped as the words left his mouth. Was this guy serious?

“You’re insane,” I said, taking a step back. “Completely out of your mind.”

“I mean it, Callie,” he insisted, his voice growing desperate. “I want you to stop this act with Sebastian and come to me. I’ll treat you better than he ever could.”

I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “You have no idea what you’re saying, do you? Let me make this crystal clear for you, Ethan. I wouldn’t come to you if you were the last man on Earth. You had your chance, and you blew it. Now stay the hell away from me.”

I turned to leave, but stopped, looking back at him with a glare. “And by the way, we’re decorating the Christmas tree. Get your sorry self inside and help, or don’t bother showing up at all.”

With that, I shot him one last disgusted look before walking back towards the estate.

I entered the living room, where the Christmas tree was placed. Sebastian turned at the sound of the door, his face lighting up as he sighted me.

His hand gently brushed my arm and he leaned down to press a kiss to my cheek. “You’re back,” he said softly.

“Of course,” I replied, feeling a flush creep up my neck. I glanced at the others and picked up a silver bauble from the table, determined to keep myself busy with decorating. “Can’t let you all have all the fun.”

Sebastian chuckled, his hand lingering at my back before he stepped aside to let me join. I found a bare branch and hung the ornament, then turned back to find the next spot… only to freeze.

Sebastian was kneeling. On one knee. In the middle of the room.

My heart stopped when I saw the small velvet box in his hand, he opened the lid to reveal a stunning diamond ring.

“Callie,” he said softly, “will you marry me?”

What. The. Hell.

I’ve only known this guy for one week…