<h4>Chapter 112: Chapter 112 I Refuse To Experience Twice</h4>


    Sebastian’s pov


    "I’m afraid I already have ns for Saturday," I said, keeping my voice polite but firm.


    Miss Hazel’s face fell, disappointment shing across her features before sheposed herself.


    She leaned forward, dropping all pretense of ying hard-to-get. "That’s perfectly fine, Alpha Sebastian. I can amodate your schedule, whenever you’re avable. Perhaps we could give each other another chance?"


    I let my smile fade slightly. No point in prolonging this charade.


    "Miss Hazel, you’re an exceptional woman," I said directly. "But we’re notpatible. I hope you’ve at least enjoyed dinner."


    "I did enjoy it," she admitted, eyes fixed on mine. "I thought we might have a future together. I like you."


    "I’m sorry."


    "Could you tell me what I did wrong?" she pressed, voice tinged with bewilderment. "I thought things were going well."


    I shook my head. "It’s not about you. It’s my personal preference."


    Her scent soured with disappointment. "May I ask what type of woman you’re looking for, then? Your standards must be incredibly high."


    I opened my mouth to respond with something vague, something easy.


    But then—her face slipped into my mind. Cecilia.I thought about how cute she looked that day, eatingsagna at my ce.


    And God, how I wanted her. I wanted her mouth on mine, not out of romance, but out of raw, aching need.


    I wanted her fingers in my hair, her legs wrapped around my waist, her skin burning under my hands.


    I wanted to hear her gasp when I pushed her too far, and then pull her back into my arms just to feel her tremble against me.


    I cleared my throat—tightly, sharply—dragging myself back with effort. "Someone with a good appetite," I answered, feeling my expression soften involuntarily.


    Cecilia’s pov


    I had demolished most of my dinner when I looked up to check on Alpha Sebastian’s progress with his date.


    Their table was empty.


    Where had they gone? I frowned, scanning the restaurant.


    I called over the waiter to settle my bill.


    Before he could reach me, a well-dressed man approached my table with a confident smile."Excuse me, miss. May I get to know you?"


    "No, you may not," I replied without looking up.


    "Perhaps we could just—"


    "Not interested."


    I paid quickly and texted Alpha Sebastian: Alpha Sebastian, you and Miss Hazel seemed to be connecting well. I’ll be heading home now.


    I felt someone tap on my table twice.


    Assuming it was another would-be suitor, I fired off my prepared responses without looking up. "Taken, not interested, go away."


    "...What exactly do you mean by ‘taken’?" a familiar deep voice inquired.


    I froze, my finger hovering over the send button—toote.


    The message had already gone through.


    Slowly, I raised my head to find Alpha Sebastian standing before me.


    He nced at his phone, reading my just-sent message with narrowed eyes. "Is your only aspiration in life to leave work early?"


    I pretended to consider this seriously. "Well, early retirement sounds nice too."


    Alpha Sebastianughed, shaking his head. "With that unmotivated attitude? Dream on."


    He walked away, and I grabbed my purse to follow him.


    As we descended to the parking area, I didn’t dare ask what had happened with Miss Hazel. Their romantic prospects were none of my business, and I’d already interfered enough in his personal life.


    Unfortunately, Alpha Sebastian had other ideas.


    "What did you think of Miss Hazel, Cecilia?" His cool voice drifted from the back seat. "Since you’re apparently my dating consultant now."


    Of course. The torment arrives right on schedule.


    I answered honestly, "She’s beautiful and elegant. Youplement each other well. From what I observed, you both seemed pleased with each other. I think further exploration of the rtionship would be worthwhile."


    The car fell into a silence so profound I could hear Tang’s anxious breathing from the driver’s seat.


    When the silence stretched too long, I cleared my throat. "...These are just my observations, of course. They may not be urate. What matters is your opinion, Alpha Sebastian."


    Still nothing from the back seat.


    Alpha Sebastian sat with his arms crossed over his chest, his expression carved from marble, cold and unyielding.


    The oppressive atmosphere continued all the way back to the apartment building.


    I steeled myself to share the elevator with him again, watching the numbers climb agonizingly slowly. 4, 5, 6, 7... hurry up!


    "Ding!"


    Sweet sound of freedom.


    "Goodnight, Alpha Sebastian!" I practically bolted out the doors.


    Just as the elevator began to close, a long-fingered hand shot out to stop it.


    The doors reopened.


    Alpha Sebastian emerged, moving with predatory grace as he caught my wrist and pulled me back toward him.


    His arm circled my waist with unmistakable dominance, pressing my back against his chest.


    Heat radiated between us, his breath warm against my ear as he murmured, "I’ve been thinking, and I feelpelled to share my thoughts with you."


    My heart pounded so violently I could barely breathe.


    The atmosphere between us crackled with tension, building like a storm about to break.


    "Can I... decline?" I whispered, so softly I barely heard myself.


    Alpha Sebastian tightened his grip on my waist, beginning to turn me to face him.


    Suddenly, the apartment door flew open and Harper burst out. "Cecilia, you’re finally back! You have to hear this recording—it’s absolutely mind-blowing—"


    Seeing Harper felt like spotting a life raft in a stormy sea.


    I broke free from Sebastian’s hold and rushed toward her. "Harper! What were you saying? Let’s talk inside!"


    I grabbed her shoulders and steered her back into the apartment.


    "What’s going on?" Harper whispered urgently. "Are you two...? I can leave right now if you want to continue..."


    "Get back here!" I yanked her back when she tried to retreat.


    I covered her mouth with my hand and whispered severely, "He’s not thinking clearly. Can you please be the rational one here?"


    Seeing my serious expression, Harper dropped the teasing.


    We huddled by the door, listening for movement outside.


    After a moment, we heard footsteps retreating down the hallway.


    Is he gone? I exhaled in profound relief.


    Harper gave me a sidelong look. "Cecilia, you can’t possibly tell me you don’t see that Alpha Sebastian is interested in you."


    "That’s not interest—it’s just biology interfering with rational thought," I countered.


    "...Are you nning to be a celibate monk or something?" Harper eximed.


    "You don’t understand. Do you know what I was doing after work? I was watching him on a date his mother arranged."


    "...What?!"


    Harper looked stunned.


    I let out a humorlessugh. "The rumors today got out of hand. Luna Regina called this afternoon and asked me to ry to her son that he needed to attend this mating arrangement. I understand the message perfectly."


    "I should be grateful that his mother is gracious enough to deliver such a polite warning. If I don’t take the hint, the next time won’t be so civilized."


    "You think he’s interested in me—physically, emotionally, whatever—but it doesn’t matter which it is. They all end the same way."


    "—And I won’t go through that again. "


    Harper’s expression softened with understanding.