Two years ago…
Elizabeth
When I say I'm gifted, I don't mean it with pride—I mean it's a God-given thing. This morning, I gave myself a new look. I trimmed my hair into a neat bob that brushed my neck and let a heavy fringe fall across my forehead. The bangs covered my thin brows, framing my face in a way that made me look like some spotlight queen.
Sebastian hadn't seen it yet—he had slipped out at dawn for the gym.
Last night, he told me today was special: his godfather's seventy-third birthday. Nothing extravagant—just a small picnic in the park with him, me, Antoni, and Bianca. Later in the evening, Natasha's bridal shower awaited.
Since the day was still fresh, I wandered into Sebastian's garden. It welcomed me with a breath of nature's beauty. Farming is a quiet love of mine, though I rarely get the time. I hadn't touched soil since coming back from Brazil. So I rolled up my sleeves and went to work.
I planted a few herbs for future use, tended some wilting plants, and helped the household staff trim, cut, and water. At first, they tried to stop me—worried I was too delicate, too pretty, maybe even allergic. But when I showed them my skillful hands, the way I turned soil and tended shoots, they stepped back and let me be.
I've always had a soft spot for lilies, white roses, and Queen of the Night flowers. Before long, my hands were dirt-stained, my hair slightly tousled, and sweat glistened along my brow. But I was content.
By the time the sun climbed higher, I realized I had better get dressed for the picnic.
I pushed open the door into the mansion, still rough and earthy from the garden—only to freeze.
Sebastian was already there.
He stood by the mirror, fastening his Rolex onto his left wrist. He was dressed in a fitted black shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly, faded blue jeans, and a black bandana knotted at his head. Sharp. Effortless. Dangerous.
He looked up—and his eyes locked on me.
"No fucking way." His voice dropped low, almost a growl.
My heart skipped.
"What happened to my girlfriend?"
He wasn't supposed to see me like this—not with dirt on my skin, my nails messy, and my brand-new hair look revealed in such a wild state.
I raised my chin, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, her? She didn't tell you? She already left. I'm her rebound."
I love playing drama with Seb. It always makes the moment sweeter.
He tilted his head, still emotionless, clearly playing along. "No. I need her back. Not some substitute."
I shrugged, inspecting my dirt-stained nails like they were precious jewels. "Then maybe you should talk to her about it. I can't help you bring her back."
A silence stretched—then he broke, his lips curving into rare laughter.
"You crazy little mouse," he murmured, shaking his head. Then he stretched out a hand toward me. "Come here."
"Nope." I frowned, folding my arms. "Hm-hm. You're not permitted to touch her until your ex's approval."
Sebastian didn't budge. His hands stayed buried in his pockets, his tall frame blocking my path to the stairs like he was guarding the only exit. "You're actually playing cheeky with me now, huh?"
I tilted my head, fighting back a grin. "Maybe."
His eyes trailed upward, studying my hair like a man appraising art. "You sure look gorgeous in that bob and bangs. But…" his voice softened, "I still miss your long hair."
"I know you loved the old length," I admitted, brushing a hand over my cropped strands. "But this works, at least until it grows back." I squinted at him. "You're already set to go?"
"Yeah." He flicked a glance at his Rolex, then fixed those piercing brown eyes back on me. "You should get ready too. The old man despises unpunctuality."
I gave a quick nod and tried to slip past. He finally stepped aside, letting me through. "Still at the park?" I asked over my shoulder.
"Hm." His voice was already fading as he moved toward the kitchen.
"I'll shower quick!" I called, darting up the stairs to our bedroom.
From below, his voice rang out, deep and deliberate: "Baby, don't use the citrus or jasmine. I prefer your usual lavender. Thank you."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Anything for you, love!"
"Did we miss anything?" Seb's voice carried easily, pulling all eyes toward us at once.
Bianca winked at me. I gave her a small wave in return, my smile widening.
Antoni lifted his wrist to check his watch, his brows shooting up. "Dude, you're forty minutes late."
Seb rolled his eyes and dropped the basket. "Oh, shut up, Antoni. It's the old man's birthday, not a board meeting." He slid onto the blanket, tugging me down beside him.
The old man finally looked up from the tablet in his hands, eyes twinkling. "Hey, young man, I'm right here. Tell me—does seventy-three look old to you?"
Bianca and I burst into laughter. She'd warned me that their squabbles were something else, and she hadn't exaggerated.
Seb smirked. "With all that gray hair? It screams it."
Mikolaj's hand flew to his head, mock horror written all over his face. "Not today, Sebastian." Then his gaze softened as it landed on me. "Angelic damsel—you look spectacular."
Heat crept up my cheeks. "Thank you, sir."
He clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "Oh, please. Trash the title. Call me Daddy, or Mikolaj if you like."
"Mikolaj," I repeated softly, almost testing the name on my tongue.
His sharp eyes dropped to my hands. "Are those for me?"
I glanced down at the bouquet, suddenly shy, before offering them to him. "Yes. I wasn't sure… I thought it might be strange—women giving men flowers." I laughed nervously.
He took them without hesitation, grinning wide. "Strange? No, my dear. For the record, it's the best thing you can do—for anyone. Any gender. And I love it."
Beside me, Sebastian was already unloading bottles. "I brought ten champagnes for the mix-up."
"Jesus Christ." Antoni shook his head, tightening his arm around Bianca's shoulders like a lopsided coat. "You haven't changed a bit."
Mikolaj leaned toward me conspiratorially, lowering his voice though everyone could hear. "Careful, sweetheart. This boyfriend of yours can turn juice into wine, wine into vodka, and heat into water."
I widened my eyes, playing along. "Seriously?"
Before I could say more, Sebastian leaned into my ear, his breath tickling. "Don't listen to him, baby."
But Antoni wasn't finished. He grabbed another bottle, reading its label with mock seriousness. "At fifteen, he seduced our science teacher's daughter—in the chemistry lab. Just for the record."
I choked, my eyes snapping wide. "What!?"
Seb groaned, running a hand down his face, while Mikolaj and Bianca were nearly doubled over laughing.
"In a… he… what? Whoa."
I stared at Seb, half-gaping, half-laughing. He was murmuring under his breath, urging me to brush it off, while Mikolaj seemed only half-invested, scrolling lazily on his tablet. Bianca's wide eyes mirrored mine, like we'd both been hit with the same jolt.
"You were wild when you were a teenager," I gasped.
Seb shot Antoni a sly look. "Oh yeah? You think I'm the only bad guy here?" He turned to Bianca, smirking. "At eleven, your man bawled over a lost candy in the kiddies' park."
"Kiddies' park?" Bianca puffed out a laugh. "Ridiculous."
Antoni shrugged, casual as the wind. "It was the first gift a girl ever gave me."
Bianca leaned in, still teasing. "So… you actually cried over it? In a kiddies' park?"
The way Antoni bit his lip and swallowed told the truth, and the rest of us erupted into laughter.
I seized the moment, turning back to Seb with narrowed eyes. "So… were you caught red-handed in that chemistry lab?" My voice was scandalized, but inside, I was almost too curious. Jesus Christ, am I actually interested in this dirty conversation?
Seb scratched the back of his head, visibly uncomfortable. "Well… not like I was actually caught, but um—"
Antoni cut him off, grinning like a devil. "The principal walked in when he was about to cum."
Mikolaj nearly choked on his drink, coughing into his hand, while Bianca and I both froze, jaws dropping, eyes wide.
Seb shot Antoni a glare so sharp it could cut steel, his face turning crimson. But Antoni just leaned back, grinning wider—until Bianca elbowed him hard in the ribs.
"Come on, baby," Antoni winced but laughed through it. "It's the truth. He got suspended for two weeks."
"Jan," Mikolaj finally intervened, adjusting his glasses with exaggerated calm. "There are kids running all over this park. Don't pollute their little brains."
Antoni lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, papa."
But Sebastian wasn't one to let a jab slide. He leaned forward, his tone dripping with payback. "Hey, Toni—remember your sixteenth birthday at that bar? You slept with half the girls in your literature class. The dean walked in, didn't he?"
Antoni barked a laugh, shaking his head. "That's a Shakespeare tale, dick! I'm not King Solomon."
"Fucks? Dicks?" Mikolaj suddenly pointed toward a little red-haired boy staring at us with wide, shocked eyes. "Too much swearing for that one over there."
The boy blinked, clearly fascinated by our chaos.
Sebastian softened his voice, gesturing gently. "Hey, buddy, go find your momma."
The kid hesitated, then scampered off, still glancing back like he'd just witnessed forbidden history.
"Yeah, stop eavesdropping. It's bad," Antoni whined.
Bianca and I couldn't contain our giggles, while Mikolaj shook his head helplessly. "You two are something else. Too much to handle. I still remember how you both slept with half my young maids before moving out to live your lives."
My mouth parted slightly. So they really were that notorious? I wanted to ask, but Mikolaj kept going. He turned his gaze to Bianca and me. "They were prodigals. But I'm glad they're becoming responsible now. Thanks to you two."
"Well, I'd like to become more responsible, if you ask," Antoni said suddenly. He stood up, then—before any of us could blink—he dropped to one knee.
I froze, my eyes darting between him and Sebastian. Wait. No. Is he really…?
"Um… my darling…" His voice trembled, nerves written all over his face. I caught the confused look on Bianca's face, too—clearly she hadn't seen this coming. "I… I've been thinking about this for the past month. I wanted it to be a birthday surprise for Dad too, so I thought, why not today and—"
"Where's the ring, idiot?" Mikolaj cut him off, impatient.
Antoni blinked, startled, then scrambled through his pockets. "Yes, yes, yes—the ring." At last, he pulled out a small blue velvet box, flipping it open. The diamond gleamed so brilliantly it almost stung my eyes.
"Baby," Antoni's voice softened, "I want to use this moment to ask for your hand in marriage. Please don't say no—or I'll have to drink poison and die in front of my dad."
We all burst into laughter, even Bianca, though tears were already spilling down her cheeks.
"Yes," she whispered, nodding quickly. "I'll marry you, Antoni."
"God—" Antoni exhaled like he'd been holding his breath forever. He looked upward, eyes wide. "Thank you, Holy Lord. She finally said yes." He spun toward Mikolaj. "What am I gonna do now, Dad?"
Mikolaj groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Do I have to teach you everything? Put the ring on her finger, dummy."
I honestly couldn't tell if this was planned between father and son, but the sight still warmed me. My best friend was getting her dream.
I crawled to Bianca's side and wrapped her in the tightest hug imaginable. "Awwn, I'm so happy for you," I whispered into her ear. "You're on the bridal list now."
She giggled, brushing her tears away. "Yes! It finally happened." She caressed the diamond ring like it was a fragile treasure.
If there's one thing I'm most grateful for, it's her happiness. She's waited for this moment for so long—and it's finally here.
"Yeah," I murmured, smiling through the lump in my throat. "And it's not a dream."
When I finally scooted back to Sebastian's side, Bianca lifted her head with a grin that still glistened with tears.
"Well, honey," she said to Antoni, her voice playful now, "I have a surprise for you too. Are you ready?"
"A hundred percent, my love."
"Okay…" Bianca placed her hand gently on her stomach. "I'm… pregnant."
My jaw nearly hit the blanket. She's what?
I scanned her face, then her frame, searching for the tiniest clue, some sign I might have missed. Nothing.
"No way." Antoni's voice cracked in disbelief.
"Wow," Mikolaj leaned back, his brows lifting. "This is the biggest birthday surprise package ever."
"Jesus—we're having a baby?" Antoni's words tumbled out, his eyes wide as saucers.
"Yes," Bianca nodded, tears of joy welling up again. "A baby."
"God, I love you so much." He pulled her close, and they kissed like the rest of us weren't even there.
The rest of us quietly reached for our glasses, sipping in silence to give them their moment.
"You make me proud, son." Mikolaj's voice softened, rich with genuine warmth. The smile that stretched across his face was almost boyish. "I know your mother is proud of you too, watching from heaven."
Antoni pulled away from Bianca, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. "She sure is." But I caught it—the flicker of fear in his eyes. The weight of becoming a father for the first time had settled in.
"Thank God you're becoming responsible, brother. I'm happy for you. Congrats." Sebastian leaned in, his grin genuine.
"Thanks, dear cousin." Antoni fist-bumped him, trying to keep his bravado intact.
"This calls for a celebration!" Mikolaj declared, already pouring mixed wine into empty glasses. Antoni and Sebastian ripped open packs of snacks, scattering cookies and treats across the blanket.
Mikolaj handed me a glass with a playful glint in his eye. "So, Elizabeth, is it? Or Serena?"
"Both," I said with a grin, giving him a thumbs-up before sipping.
"I've heard a lot about you," he said smoothly.
"Let me guess…" I nudged Sebastian in the ribs. "From your godson?"
"Exactly." Mikolaj's smile widened. "The fact that you're a farmer's daughter—farm girl—intrigues me. I like it."
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I leaned closer to Sebastian and whispered, mortified, "Farm girl? Seriously? You're a detail downloader."
"Ouch." He winced as if I'd smacked him.
"You know, I did my high school in Rio de Janeiro," Mikolaj went on, leaning back comfortably. "Before officially heading to college in the UK."
"Oh wow, really?" I bit into my cookie, intrigued. "So, you must speak Portuguese fluently."
"Nah." He shook his head as Seb and Antoni busied themselves unwrapping shawarmas and barbecues. "I only know how to say Olá. Brazil is a wonderful place, though."
"So, did you meet Mom in college?" Antoni asked while feeding Bianca a piece of snack. "Or back in Brazil?"
"No." Mikolaj's gaze softened, as though recalling a memory he treasured. "We met in Italy, when I was pursuing my master's degree."
Just then, my phone buzzed against the blanket. Sebastian and I glanced at the dark screen together.
"Who's it?" he asked in that protective, borderline-jealous tone of his.
"It's Tasha," I said, standing as I excused myself. "I'll be right back."
The trees around the garden muffled reception, so I walked farther—past the patio and toward the gates until the bars lifted. Tasha's voice was quick and to the point: she just wanted to remind me of the updated dress code for tonight. Perfect timing, honestly.
"Hi," a masculine voice interrupted from behind.
I turned, startled. A pair of jet-black eyes locked onto mine. He was tall, tanned, with sandy blond hair—someone I didn't recognize in the slightest.
"I'll call you back, Tasha," I muttered, ending the call. My pulse quickened. "Hi… how may I help you?"
Maybe he was a guest, lost and looking for directions.
"Peter." He extended his hand.
I hesitated, then gave mine reluctantly. "Elizabeth." My name came out guarded, uncertain.
His grip was too firm, lingering long enough to make me yank my hand back.
"Well," he said with an unshaken grin, "I've been gawking at you from the inside. You're stunning—and your accent is beautiful."
So this is it? Some guy flirting with me at my fiancé's family gathering?
"Thanks," I said flatly, already uncomfortable.
He kept grinning, unbothered by my coldness. "I can tell you're not Polish."
"I'm from Brazil," I replied curtly, wishing my words could form a barrier between us. All I wanted now was to get back inside, out of his suffocating presence.
It was like I'd rung some hidden bell inside him. His grin widened as he inched closer, and I instinctively stepped back.
"Wow, nice. I'm an indigene of this humble country anyway."
"Okay, yeah, but I have to go now—"
"Hey, wait." His hand clamped around my wrist when I turned to leave. "Don't rush. I'd like to be your friend. Let's prolong the conversation. Mind sharing your contact info?"
I stared down at his grip until I wriggled free. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I have a boyfriend—and he's here."
"Oh, bullshit." He spat the word with careless arrogance. "That's the excuse almost every woman uses nowadays. I can be your acquaintance. Doesn't mean anything bad."
That was it—the edge of my patience. I still tried to warn him, if only to prevent what might come later. "Listen carefully. I have a boyfriend. I'm not single, and—"
"Come on, pretty." He stepped closer. I retreated. "I just want to feel you."
"Feel me?" My voice sharpened. "Are you insane? Who takes a shot at someone else's girlfriend? I said I'm taken!"
His hand grazed my arm. I slapped it off.
"Shh," he whispered, as if secrecy could erase his audacity. "He won't find out. Just give me your number, and we're good."
"As what?" I demanded.
He smirked. "As your new friend, of course."
"So you want me to cheat on my boyfriend?"
He shrugged casually. "If that's what it takes to have you, then it's fi—"
Crack! My hand flew before my mind caught up, striking his cheek with a slap so loud it stung my own palm.
He staggered, his eyes wide with disbelief. Even I couldn't believe I'd had the nerve.
"What the fuck—did you just slap me?" He checked his chin as if expecting blood.
"No," I hissed, shaking. "I just kissed you. Next time you open your filthy mouth to talk to me again, I'll cook you alive."
"You little bitch!" Rage twisted his face. He seized my arm, wrenching me forward.
Pain shot up to my shoulder. "Let me go!"
And then—
"Let go of my property!"
Sebastian's voice thundered behind us, followed instantly by the brutal crack of his fist slamming into Peter's face. The man crumpled, blood splattering across his lip as he stumbled back.
Seb yanked me to his side, shielding me with his body. When I looked up, breathless, it was him—my rescuer.
His chest rose and fell in sharp, angry tremors, his brown eyes burning like wildfire. He wanted to strike again, to tear the guy apart, but I pressed my hands against his chest.
"Seb!" I pleaded.
The thug spat blood onto the ground, a broken tooth clinking as it fell. He staggered back, glaring through his swelling eye. "You didn't tell me your boyfriend was here."
"I warned you," I snapped, stepping in front of Sebastian. My voice was sharper than I realized. "I told you I wasn't single. I said I had a boyfriend—but you wouldn't listen. You kept pushing, and now you've gotten exactly what you deserve. I hope this teaches you something."
"Get out of my sight before I bury you," Seb growled from behind me, his voice low and lethal.
The man didn't wait another second. He bolted.
My lungs loosened only when he disappeared. I exhaled shakily, but Seb wasn't letting me go. He spun me around, gripping my arms just enough to make me meet his eyes.
"Are you okay? Did he touch you?" His voice was raw, frantic.
I touched his face, wanting him to see calm through me. "No. He didn't. But at least now you've seen why I used to dress like a man three years ago." I gave a small pout, half-joking, half-exhausted.
Sebastian's fury cracked into tenderness. He kissed my forehead gently, lingering there. "You should've let me teach him a lesson."
"You mean killing him?" I whispered against his chest as I leaned into him, listening to the violent rhythm of his heartbeat. "No. I won't let you do that."
His hand stroked my back, steadying me. "Have you forgotten I'm a timer?" he murmured into my hair. "You were gone too long. I had to check up on you."
The thought of him searching for me, counting the minutes, made my cheeks flush even through the fear. Thank God he was here—right on time. I didn't even want to imagine what that creep would've done if he hadn't been.