Author's POV
Sebastian adjusted the scarf around his neck, its soft fabric brushing against his skin. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, admiring the casual yet striking look of his white V-neck T-shirt paired with black trousers. The jean jacket added a touch of rugged charm, while the scarf provided a hint of elegance. For once, he felt free from the confines of his usual business attire. Tonight wasn’t about boardrooms or deals; it was a family dinner—a rare chance to embrace normalcy. Confident yet relaxed, Sebastian couldn’t ignore how effortlessly handsome he looked, ready to step into a different world.
Sebastian adjusted the scarf around his neck, feeling the soft fabric brush against his skin. He glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror of his Ferrari before pulling out of his mansion's driveway. For a moment, he hesitated, thinking about how different this evening was from his usual life filled with power suits and business meetings. Tonight was special—he was going to his flower’s home, Petal’s home, for dinner. No boardrooms or corporate masks, just a glimpse into the normalcy he craved.
The streets blurred as he drove through the city, the hum of his car’s engine grounding his wandering thoughts. As he neared Petal’s neighborhood, a small smile played on his lips. He had stopped at a high-end store earlier to buy a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates, knowing it would be impolite to come empty-handed. Sebastian Alexander Knight was many things—arrogant, possessive, and commanding—but impolite was not one of them.
Meanwhile, at Petal’s house, the air was buzzing with quiet excitement. Penelope, Petal’s mother, hummed a tune in the kitchen as she placed the finishing touches on the dishes. Petal had been a whirlwind of energy that afternoon, chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, and baking desserts. By the time dinner was ready, the clock struck 7:00 PM, and Petal found herself retreating to her room, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within her.
The hot shower she took washed away the exhaustion from hours of cooking. Steam clouded the bathroom mirror as she stepped out, wrapping herself in a towel. Standing before her wardrobe, she opted for a gray skirt that ended just above her knees and a black full-sleeved top. The outfit was simple, but it suited her perfectly. She tied her hair into a neat ponytail and applied a touch of lip balm, glancing at herself in the mirror. Even without makeup, her beauty shone through, a natural glow that needed no enhancement.
By 7:45 PM, Petal was comfortably sprawled on her bed, engrossed in her favorite comic. The world of superheroes and fantastical adventures distracted her from the fact that the man she secretly held feelings for would soon be at her doorstep.
Sebastian pulled into the driveway, the low purr of his car silencing as he turned off the engine. Grabbing the champagne and chocolates, he stepped out, his confident stride carrying him to the front door. Before ringing the bell, he straightened his scarf and adjusted his jean jacket, mentally preparing himself.
The door swung open, and Petal’s father greeted him warmly. “Sebastian, come in, come in,” he said, gesturing him inside.
“Thank you, Mr. viotto,” Sebastian replied, stepping into the cozy home. His gaze softened as he looked around, taking in the warmth of the space.
“Here,” he said, handing over the champagne and chocolates. “A small token of appreciation for having me over.”
“You didn’t have to, but thank you,” Mr. viotto said, accepting the gifts.
Sebastian’s eyes scanned the room, his impatience growing. He exchanged polite pleasantries with Penelope, but his mind was elsewhere—searching, waiting, for her. Penelope noticed his distracted demeanor and chuckled lightly. “Petal helped me all afternoon with dinner. She went upstairs to freshen up. Let me call her.”
Before Penelope could utter a word, Sebastian interrupted. “Pen, I’ll go get her myself.” His tone left no room for argument, and Penelope, though slightly surprised, nodded and resumed setting the table.
Climbing the stairs, Sebastian felt his heart race slightly. It wasn’t like him to feel nervous, yet the thought of seeing her in her own space, her sanctuary, made him oddly vulnerable. When he reached her room, he noticed the door was slightly ajar. He peeked inside and froze.
There she was, lying on her stomach, her legs bent at the knees, swinging lazily as she read her comic. The soft light from her bedside lamp highlighted the delicate curves of her body, and her skirt had ridden up just enough to reveal a glimpse of her creamy thighs. Sebastian’s mind wandered against his will, imagining scenarios he shouldn’t. He clenched his fists, grounding himself with a sharp breath.
“Get a grip,” he muttered under his breath before raising his hand to knock.
The sound startled Petal, who quickly sat up, her comic slipping from her hands. In her rush, her skirt slid further up, revealing more of her legs. Sebastian’s gaze betrayed him, lingering for a fraction too long. Petal followed his line of sight, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson when she realized where he was looking. Hastily, she tugged her skirt down, smoothing the fabric over her legs.
“Uncle!” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of embarrassment and surprise.
Sebastian finally met her gaze, his expression unreadable, though his eyes held a flicker of something she couldn’t quite place. “Your mom is asking you to come downstairs,” he said, his voice low and husky. “Come, let’s go.”
Petal nodded, standing up and smoothing her skirt once more. She cleared her throat, trying to shake off the awkwardness. “I’ll just grab my phone,” she said, turning toward her nightstand.
Sebastian’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, taking in her simplicity. The way she carried herself, unassuming yet captivating, was a stark contrast to the women he was used to. As she turned back to face him, he offered his hand, a rare gesture that caught her off guard.
“You look...beautiful,” he said softly, his voice carrying a sincerity that made her heart skip a beat.
“Thank you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated before placing her hand in his, and the warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine.
Together, they descended the stairs, the momentary tension between them dissipating as they joined the others in the dining room. The table was laden with dishes, the aroma filling the air and making Sebastian realize just how much effort had gone into preparing this meal.
