Athena
As the sight of the mansion unfolded before me, my breath caught in my chest, and a deluge of memories came rushing back, threatening to overwhelm me. It felt as though they had been lying dormant, waiting for this precise moment to resurface and drag me away from Sebastian. Miles away.
The mansion, once a dark, foreboding cage, now seemed to radiate with an otherworldly glow, contrary to my expectations.
It was painted a resplendent shade of white that shone in the evening light. The trees surrounding the property no longer obstructed the rays of the setting sun.
Despite being at a distance, I could see the verdant garden had sprung up in the back.
Yet feet remained frozen to the ground, my mind reeling, and my heart racing at an alarming pace. I longed to move forward, but my body lacked the strength to do so. Just then, Sebastian took my hand, and his touch sent a shockwave of memories coursing through me, including the day he had purchased my destiny for two million dollars and dragged me inside this very mansion.
Strangely, I didn't feel weakened by the memory that had been triggered. Instead, my focus was fixed on the hand that once had forcefully seized my wrist and dragged me into a living hell. Now, that same hand was gently intertwined with mine, guiding me forward on a path that wasn't leading me into darkness, but out of it. Sebastian was there for me this time, holding my hand firmly as if to pull me out of the abyss and lead the way.
"Let's go," Sebastian said with a soft smile, pulling me along as he led the way into the mansion.
As we stepped inside, several maids and servants appeared, their faces familiar to me. What struck me as odd was that none of them showed any fear towards Sebastian, despite his reputation.
"Hello, Alpha," one of them stepped forward. "Welcome home, Luna."
"Thank you, Jake," Sebastian replied, his smile never faltering. "I trust you've taken good care of my home, or else...you know what I can do."
My heart sank at his words, thinking of the worst possible outcome. But then Jake opened his mouth.
"Oh no, I wouldn't dare to act careless," Jake chuckled. "I can't bear the thought of my mother being disappointed in me for being irresponsible and lazy."
Okay! But this was still half of the story.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that you've learned your lesson. Now, you all can get back to work while I take my Luna to our room," Sebastian said with a nod.
"Of course, Alpha. I've made sure that everything is in order to ensure Luna's comfort," Jake replied, and the other servants followed suit, quickly dispersing to carry out their duties.
"Let's go." They disappeared soon and before I could utter a word, Sebastian suddenly picked me up, causing me to gasp in surprise.
"What the--"
"Shh, don't curse, my love. The baby might hear you," he cut me off before I could finish my sentence. He effortlessly carried me up the stairs as if I weighed nothing.
"Why did you do that?"
"Do what?" Sebastian asked, leaning in closer to my face. His blue eyes sparkled with curiosity, and I found myself easily bewitched by his gaze.
My breathing grew heavier as his warm breath caressed my cheeks, sending shivers down my spine. I struggled to keep my composure, my heart pounding in my chest.
"This, suddenly..ahm—Picking me up like this?" I tried to explain, perhaps looking like a fool, especially given that my cheeks were burning red.
"Oh, this? The stairs are long and I won't be taking any risks." He shrugged, proceeding carrying me to our room, "I have to make sure my mate does not have to exert herself unnecessarily. Besides that, I want our baby to be as comfortable as possible."
"Sebastian, he's in my womb." I deadpanned.
"Sebastian, he's in my womb," I deadpanned, trying to ignore the discomfort that was growing inside me.
"So? Who says that babies can't feel discomfort in their mother's womb?" Sebastian quirked an eyebrow, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes. But it was quickly overshadowed by confidence – perhaps even overconfidence.
"Still a bit cocky, I see," I muttered, trying to cover up my sigh. But he heard me anyway, responding with a chuckle that indicated he agreed with my words.
As we climbed the long staircase, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It wasn't my first time in his mansion, but these past few months had made me forget what it felt like to be here.
The walls were now adorned with paintings, each one more beautiful than the last. The chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a warm glow on everything around us.
"What's with that Jake guy? What did you do to make his mother mad at him?" My interest piqued.
Sebastian chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, firstly, he's obnoxiously lazy and clumsy. The last time I was away for two days, I came back to find everything in disarray. It turned out that Jake hadn't done his job properly and hadn't even bothered to make the other servants work efficiently. So, I resorted to the easiest way to teach him a lesson." He somewhat looked proud and there was a curve at the corner of his lips. A smile— The one that resembled a kid's.
"So you snitched on him to his mother?"
"Yes." He grinned.
I couldn't help but laugh. "I can't believe you!"
"What? That was the least I could do. I didn't want to fire him and leave him jobless." He chuckled back but sounded genuine and I'd be lying if I said that this made my heart melt.
Watching him being kind and considerate had been a dream, and now that it was actually happening, I couldn't help but look at him in wonder and become entranced every time. And somehow, I couldn't help but be astonished at how strikingly attractive he was.
God, I was head over heels in love with this man.
Unable to hold myself back, I leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I'm proud of you."
I felt him freeze for a second, but then he gained his composure again, "You are?".
"Yes, I am," I replied, smiling.
Sebastian turned his face towards me, his eyes studying my expression. He seemed to be searching for something in my features, and I held his gaze without flinching.
After a few moments of silence, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. It was sweet and tender, a stark contrast to the rough, possessive kisses he usually gave me.
"I'm glad," he whispered against my lips. "I'm glad you're proud of me." For a moment, all the worries and fears that had been plaguing me since we arrived at the mansion faded away, and I was left with nothing but the feeling of his lips on mine.
He pulled away soon, making sure to not make it uncomfortable for me.
I smiled against his mouth, savouring the warmth and softness of his lips.
I blushed like a lovestruck teenager who just had her first kiss and tried to contain my smile, looking away as it seemed the best way to hide my blush, "Let's get going."
He grinned mischievously, "Okay, madam."
*****
Somewhere in my mind, I had thought that being in this room would be awkward and traumatising but it turned out that Sebastian had already known the possible circumstances and the entirely changed surroundings. The atmosphere was different— He made it different. For me.
"All these books....you have started reading?" I moved towards the bookshelf, looking at the collection in awe, running my fingers over the spines of the books, feeling the texture of the leather and the paper. There were classics, contemporary novels, and even a few non-fiction books that caught my eye. The shelf was beautifully arranged at the corner of the room with books that were arranged, neatly and meticulously.
"Uh-huh," He shook his head, coming to stand behind me, "I thought you might like to read sometimes, that's why I arranged this setup."
"And this hammock, it wasn't here before. So?"
"I thought it'd be comfortable to read while sitting here," He nervously added, trying hard to put it together and read my face, "Besides, you can enjoy fresh air from here. It is good for you and the baby."
"That Yoga mat?"
"It's good to exercise while pregnant. It keeps the baby healthy."
"Oh, but why are there two of them?" I asked, slightly confused.
"I'd give you company."
God damn. He was making it hard for me to not kiss him then and there. This thoughtful sight of Sebastian was way more powerful than the cold one he no longer held on tight.
A smile broke onto my face on its own and I tried to hide it some sort but surely I didn't succeed.
"I guess this new television setup and this book of baby name suggestions is for me too?"
"Yes. You got it right." His excitement didn't let my smile fade, "I have installed a bigger jacuzzi, too. It'll make you feel good."
This room was no longer how it used to be. It did not feel like a cage. The pain and fear it once held, was now transformed into a sanctuary of love and care. Now, It felt like...home. My home.
I did not know what to say. I stood there, speechless and trying to think of how far we have come. The room that once held so much
We even got our baby back...
Sebastian approached me, noticing the tears streaming down my cheeks, "Hey, why are you crying?"
I tried to play it off, "It's nothing, something just got in my eye," wiping away the tears with my hand.
But of course, he didn't buy my excuse and the never-fading concern on his face said it right, "Did you not like something? You can tell me, Athena. I'll get it removed right away if it does not feel right to you. Just tell me once and—"
I took a deep breath and grabbed his hands, "Sebastian, it's perfect. I love it."
"Then why these tears, love?" He signed, his expression softened.
"Because, this is the first time someone has done something so thoughtful and special for me, and it means the world to me."
"Athena..." He pulled me in his warm embrace, "I am going to devote my entire life to you and if you start crying at these simple things, our house will be a sea of your tears."
"That's ridiculous," I chuckled lightly, but I made no move to pull away from his arms. His scent was comforting and his warmth was soothing.
"I know but at least I get to hear this precious giggle." And then he just held me there, letting ourselves bask at the moment while mending our past wounds in silence with each other's closeness.
For me nothing else mattered except for the two of us, lost in our own little world.