Chapter 5 Sebastian Raymond

RACHEL

Colored lights flashed across the club, painting everything in shifting colors. People were everywhere. Loud music played, and the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. The strong scent of alcohol hit my nose. My head already felt heavy from the noise and the heat.

We ordered some drinks and drank to our satisfaction. I was tipsy. My vision blurred slightly, but I could still think clearly... mostly.

Lena wasn't with me anymore. As a regular club-goer, she was already on the dance floor, moving effortlessly, laughing, and drawing attention from everyone around her. She tried to convince me to come along, but I remained adamant. It already felt like a miracle that I had come here at all... maybe next time, I would summon the courage to dance like her.

"Would you mind if I sit here, milady?" a voice said behind me.

When I turned, my gaze fell on a man. He had a cute face and the physique of someone who practically lived in the gym. I squinted to get a clearer view of him. His cologne was sharp but relaxing. Subconsciously, I inhaled more of it.

"I'm married," I raised my hand, showing him my ring, then looked away.

He chuckled. My words didn't stop him from sitting beside me. He settled in and clinked his glass with mine. I didn't respond, only watching him cautiously. I didn't invite him to stay, but he stayed anyway.

"Really...? You don't look married," he said.

I cackled dryly. "Oh! My bad. Next time, I'll wear a wedding dress when coming here," I replied without a smile. My head was beginning to ache from all the drinking and laughing.

He burst into laughter. "Oh, fucking what!" he muttered between laughs. "That's not what I mean... You got that all wrong."

Staring at him again, I widened my eyes. "Then tell me-what do you mean?"

"I mean... " You look young and beautiful..." he stuttered.

"Oh! So only old and ugly women get married?"

He laughed harder, clutching his stomach. "Gosh! You're so funny. Who are you?"

I sipped my drink, ignoring his question. My eyes scanned the dance floor, searching for Lena. The alcohol was starting to take effect, and that meant it was time to leave.

"I'm Sebastian," he introduced. "Sebastian Raymond." He paused. "May I know the name of the woman who made me laugh for the first time in a week?" He stretched out his hand, smiling brightly.

For a few seconds, I stared at his hand, blinking but not taking it. Hissing softly, I picked up my glass and took another sip.

He pursed his lips, withdrew his hand, and clapped his palms together. "I guess you want to remain anonymous for now," he mumbled.

Still, I remained silent. None of his attempts were getting to me. He was a man. The one who made me come to the club tonight was also a man. They brought nothing but pain and destruction. There was no way I would open up to one again.

"You look like you've got a lot on your mind," he asked, breaking the silence. "Wanna share?"

If there was one thing I would applaud Sebastian for, it would be his persistence and boldness. Despite my attitude, he didn't give up. And his questions were tempting. I wanted to let it all out-my vulnerability, my emotions-but I knew that wasn't me. I wouldn't reveal my pain to a stranger. It was the alcohol speaking, and my friend wasn't around to pull me back.

My throat tightened as I tried to hold it in.

In a blink, my eyes stung, and tears streamed down my face. I gasped. "I'm such a fool..." I sobbed, covering my face.

He leaned forward, his surprised gaze scanning my face. "What...? Are you... Are you crying?" His tone was filled with shock.

"When he cheated with different women, I had no problem with it. I endured. I compromised because they said marriage is all about compromise and sacrifice," I began. "Do you know what he told me this morning?" I let out a bitter laugh. "He said he wanted an open marriage, and he brought another woman into our home."

"What!" Sebastian exclaimed. "Is he a psycho? Is he nuts?" He tapped his temple and scoffed. "How shameless can he be?" His expression darkened as he spoke.

With my eyes half-closed, I chuckled. "I'm the shameless one. The one holding on to a tiny hope that he would change. The coward who couldn't walk away the first time. The fool who kept thinking he would choose me again." My voice grew hoarse and emotional. "I'm such a fool, Sebastian. A fool... a big fool."

"No, you aren't." He shook his head. "You love him, and that isn't a crime. If anyone should feel bad, it's him."

"I... I don't know what to do. How do I make him look at me? Now Clara is in my house. She's going to live with us. What if he forgets about me completely?"

"I don't think a man like him deserves you. He doesn't," he said firmly. "You deserve better. A man who will worship you and love you like you're the next thing to God." He paused briefly.

"You should leave him," he added.

Everything went silent as he said that. The only thing I could hear was the echo of his words. What the hell did he mean by divorce? He was asking me to leave my husband? For what?

I snorted. "Why would I leave him?"

He was taken aback, but quickly composed himself. "He's making you cry."

"I know he's making me cry, but how is that enough reason to divorce him? That's like handing him over to those bitches," I muttered.

He opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. "Don't, please," I snapped. "Don't say another word." I stood up and grabbed my bag.

He froze for a moment, then his lips curved into a small smile as he nodded. "You haven't told me your name."

"I don't tell strangers my name-especially ones who don't mind their damn business," I retorted.

He snickered and stood up. "You can always talk to me again." He slipped his card into my hand.

I tried to refuse it, but he insisted, so I took it. I would throw it away once I got outside. Then I stormed off.

⸻

Sebastian's eyes followed her as she walked out of the club. His lips curved into a slow smile. With his hands tucked into his pockets, he ran his tongue over his lips and nodded.

"So that's her...," he muttered to himself. His gaze lingered on her as she walked out.