Chapter 2 THE ONE NIGHT STAND

With her heels clicking on the marble floor, Isabella emerged from the gala into the cool night air. The strange connection of the evening had nearly slipped her mind. However, a voice interrupted her as she turned to leave.

"Are you on your way already?" From behind her, Sebastian's deep voice called. With his hands in his pockets and a calm demeanor, he stood near the grand entrance.

She turned to see him, startled but not furious. "I should be," she uttered, her voice beginning to show signs of fatigue from the incident. "This has been a long day for me."

"So why don't you allow me to ease your burden a bit?" He stepped forward and spoke in a smooth, almost playful voice. The hotel has a bar. We can unwind and get a drink. Do you think business can wait a little while longer?

Isabella paused, sensing the attraction to him. She had never truly let go of the tension from earlier, and it was now building and simmering beneath the surface. She thought about leaving, but the truth was that she was attracted to him, and she had a desire to see where the relationship would take her.

Observing her hesitancy, he remarked, "You're not the type to be easily swept away." "But I think we should change that."

The way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. Even though she wasn't the type of woman to give in easily, something felt different tonight. "Fine," she said, giving a small smile. "One drink."

As they made their way to the hotel bar, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that the moment was the start of something she hadn't prepared for. Why, though, did it feel so natural?

The intimate, private and softly lit bar was the ideal place to have a conversation, or more. Away from the bustle of the gala, Isabella and Sebastian took seats in a quiet booth in the corner. The underlying tension between them was evident despite the intimate setting.

As usual, their conversation started off innocently enough. However, the more they conversed, the more they broke down the barriers of formality, exposing aspects of themselves that neither had anticipated disclosing. Isabella talked about her goals, the compromises she had to make, and her difficulties with her business. Sebastian then discussed his difficulties, but he was cautious and measured in what he said.

She saw the vulnerability he rarely displayed, the way his eyes softened when he spoke. That felt important to a man like him. It was no longer just business.

They became closer as the evening went on and the drinks continued to flow. The chemistry between them quickly transformed from casual to electric. The glint in his eyes changed, something darker and more intense flickering behind them.

She spoke barely above a whisper, leaning in a little without thinking. "You're not like the men I typically encounter."

"In a different way?" His lips curled into that seductive smirk as he spoke softly.

With her heart thumping a bit more quickly, she remarked, "You really seem interested."

There was a brief, heated silence before he leaned in, his breath brushing her ear. He whispered, "Let's stop acting like the situation isn't happening," and planted a passionate, raw-need kiss on her lips.

Isabella's heart pounded as they separated. It was no longer business. It was something else.

The kiss was just the start. Neither of them had prepared for the flurry of passion that ensued. Since they were moving in unison and their bodies were responding to instinct rather than reason, they didn't talk much. The night unfolded like a dream, filled with a haze of touches, passionate looks, and kisses that grew hotter by the moment.

It was the kind of night that could permanently alter someone or ruin them. However, neither of them cared. Everything else vanished from the connection because it was so time-sensitive and captivating. Their worlds collided, and for once, they were both just two people, lost in the moment.

When the dawn finally crept through the windows, Isabella stirred, finding the bed cold beside her. When she opened her eyes, she briefly believed that the whole night had been a dream. But she soon realized that Sebastian was no longer there; only the subtle hint of his cologne remained in the air.

She placed a brief and straightforward note, "I'm not the relationship type," on the pillow. I hope you get it.

As she gazed at the note, a wave of bewilderment and disappointment settled in her chest, and her heart fell. Did he only have a one-night stand?

Isabella was motionless in bed, gazing up at the ceiling. She kept thinking about what had happened the night before, but the more she considered it, the more doubtful she grew. What had it actually meant? Was it a brief moment of indulgence for him, or had something more been there?

She snapped out of her reverie when her phone buzzed. Her best friend Charlotte had sent her a message.

"Are you alright? Sebastian Kingston was the subject of rumors I heard. You must exercise caution.

A knot formed in Isabella's stomach. The situation's reality started to set in. Sebastian was not your usual amiable businessman. He was known for his reputation as a billionaire, and she felt unprepared for the complications that could arise from being in a relationship with him.

Her eyes widened as she glanced through social media and came across a picture of her and Sebastian leaving the gala, both of them appearing to have just revealed a secret. She shuddered when she saw the headline above the picture: "Billionaire CEO's Latest Playmate?"

The weight of the repercussions made Isabella's stomach turn. She had entered the story, but at what price?

Isabella experienced a mix of disbelief, disgust, and shock as she read through the post's comments. She was just another name on a long list of women who had fallen into the billionaire's trap, and the world had already started to judge her.

Her mind was racing as she gazed at her phone. Now what was she to do? Although she usually didn't mind being in the spotlight, this moment felt different to her. It was a personal matter. The situation was real.

She couldn't stop the flood of emotions that hit her: anger, regret, and a deep, gnawing confusion. Their relationship had been more than a passing fancy. Something was there. She knew it. But it seemed Sebastian didn't see it the same way.

Her phone rang. Sebastian was the one. Was there any chance for a second chance, though?