The drive back from her parents' house was quiet at first.
The city hummed softly outside the car windows, the streetlights painting streaks of gold across Lillian's face.
"I can't believe I made you survive my mother's interrogation," Lillian said, trying to keep her tone light.
Sebastian glanced at her, one brow arched.
"Survive? I think I handled it perfectly."
Lillian laughed, a short, nervous burst.
"Perfectly? You deflected about three of her questions with a smirk and avoided the fourth entirely. That's not perfect, Sebastian. That's…" She trailed off, shaking her head.
"That's charming," he finished for her, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Clearly, you underestimated my ability to navigate hostile territory."
"You mean, you charmed her," Lillian corrected, hitting his arm lightly.
"And don't act like my father wasn't watching every reaction you made. He knows more than he's letting on."
Sebastian chuckled quietly.
"Your father? I think he was mostly curious. I gave him what he wanted—sort of."
"You mean vague answers about your family," Lillian teased, glancing at him with a smirk.
"You were practically a locked vault in there."
He met her gaze, the corners of his lips tilting upward.
"Some things are better left mysterious, Parker."
She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed.
"And mysterious apparently makes you irresistible to everyone… including my mother."
Sebastian gave a mock sigh.
"Well, I'll take that as a compliment. Should I also thank your father for the grilling?"
"Please do," she said with a soft laugh.
"I think it was more terrifying for me than for you."
He reached across the console, brushing her hand gently as they stopped at a red light.
His touch was light, grounding.
"You're adorable when you worry about everything," he murmured.
Lillian's heart skipped.
"I wasn't… that worried."
"Right," he said smoothly, a playful glint in his blue eyes.
"Sure. Not worried at all."
She nudged him lightly with her elbow.
"Stop teasing me."
"Never," he said with a soft chuckle.
Back at the mansion, Lillian's heels clicked against the marble floor as she followed Sebastian inside.
She had been here before, many times, and yet it never failed to feel like stepping into a different world.
"Home sweet home," Sebastian said, loosening his tie as he walked ahead of her.
"Relax. It's just us now."
She smiled, grateful for the privacy.
"I'm glad it's over… the parents meeting, I mean."
Sebastian poured them both a glass of wine, setting one in front of her.
"You're glad it's over, but you seemed fine in there."
"I was fine… mostly," Lillian admitted, taking a sip.
"Mostly terrified. Your presence helps."
He leaned against the counter, watching her carefully.
"You looked nervous at the start, but then you relaxed. That's what mattered. You don't need to be nervous in front of me."
"Good, because I think your smirk made me question everything," she said, laughing softly.
"That smirk is useful," he said seriously.
"And also very distracting."
"Distracting? I thought I was supposed to be the one distracted by you," she shot back, her voice teasing.
"Touché," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
Later, they settled on the terrace with the city lights stretching beneath them.
The air was crisp, and Sebastian handed her a throw blanket.
She wrapped it around her shoulders, shivering slightly.
"I have to admit," Lillian said, leaning back into the chair,
"I was nervous about what my parents would think of you. But… it went better than I expected."
He reached for her hand, brushing his thumb across her knuckles.
"You think I worried?"
"Not really," she said softly, squeezing his hand.
"You seemed… calm. Charming. Untouchable."
"Untouchable?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"I like the sound of that. But I'm very touchable when it comes to you."
Her cheeks warmed.
"Stop talking like that. You know exactly what you do to me."
He smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair.
"Exactly. That's the point."
Lillian rolled her eyes playfully, then laughed, leaning her head back.
"You're impossible."
"And you love it," he countered smoothly.
She gave him a mock glare.
"Don't push it."
He leaned slightly closer.
"I'm not pushing. I'm observing. And right now, I observe that you look incredibly happy that your parents approved of me."
She hid her smile behind her hand.
"Maybe a little," she admitted.
"I didn't expect them to like you so much. Especially after all the… questions."
"I survived them," he said with a smirk, "so clearly I'm impressive. Or terrifying. Either way, I win."
Lillian shook her head, laughing softly.
"I guess you do."
The conversation softened after that.
They talked quietly about mundane things—plans for the week, the trial prep—but even the smallest words carried warmth.
"Do you think your parents actually liked me?" he asked after a pause.
"I think your confidence impressed my dad," she said thoughtfully.
"And my mom… well, she's secretly thrilled. I think she's already imagining wedding plans."
Sebastian's eyes flicked to hers, amusement dancing across his expression.
"Wedding plans? You really overestimate your mother's influence."
"Do not," she said, playful but firm.
"She's terrifyingly persuasive."
"I'll take my chances," he said softly, reaching across the table to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Because if I'm being honest… I'm happy they approve. I'm happy you're happy."
Lillian's heart skipped again.
She leaned closer, resting her head lightly against his shoulder.
"I am happy," she whispered.
"And I'm not going anywhere," he said, brushing his fingers gently over her hand.
She looked up at him, smiling softly.
"Thank you. For everything. For… today. For them. For you."
He gave her a small, fond smile.
"For you, always."
A quiet moment passed.
The city lights twinkled beneath them, and Lillian felt a peace she hadn't in weeks.
The trial, the media, the past—all of it seemed distant here, with him.
"And to think," she murmured, leaning back into her chair, "I was nervous about tonight."
"Look at us," Sebastian said softly, tracing circles on her hand.
"Conquered parents, survived questions, and still managing to look ridiculous in love."
Lillian laughed softly, shaking her head.
"Ridiculous, maybe. But happy."
"Exactly," he said, leaning back and letting her hand rest in his.
"And that's all that matters."
She rested her head back against him, content.
"I like this. Just us. No pressures, no trial, no reporters. Just… us."
"Then we'll have more nights like this," he murmured.
"I promise. Playful, private, ours."
She smiled softly, heart light.
"I'd like that."
And for the first time in days, Lillian Parker felt entirely safe—seen, cherished, and loved.