Chapter 5 - The Billionaire in Charcoal
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That was when the man standing near the altar took three slow, deliberate steps forward.
Sebastian Sterling.
He had agreed months ago to officiate the ceremony as a personal favor because he sat on the board of the art foundation where I worked as the head restoration director.
He was thirty-eight years old, heir to the Sterling Global shipping empire, with sharp gray eyes, silver-streaked dark hair, and a dark charcoal suit that cost more than Ryan’s entire car.
We had met once before, at a museum gala a year ago. He had asked me to dinner that night with quiet confidence. I had politely declined, holding up my left hand to show my engagement ring.
He had simply looked at the ring, smiled, and said, "That is an excellent reason to say no, Victoria. But if things ever change, my offer doesn't expire."
He had never brought it up again. Until now.
Sebastian walked past the frozen groomsmen, his polished leather shoes echoing softly against the marble floor. He stopped right beside me, his towering presence immediately commanding the room.
He looked at the ring sitting on the pew, then looked down at me with calm, gray eyes.
"You don't owe anyone a performance today, Victoria," Sebastian said, his deep voice smooth and grounding.
I swallowed past the lump in my throat. "I know."
"And you certainly don't owe anyone your tears while you're standing in shock," he added quietly.
I stared at him, my heart pounding against my ribs.
Sebastian leaned down slightly, his sharp jawline inches from my ear, and whispered words meant only for me:
"Victoria, before you make a decision today, remember one thing: the person who loses someone honest is never the one who should feel ashamed."
He straightened up and adjusted his silver cufflinks.
Then he looked over at Ryan, who was glaring at him with a mixture of confusion and sudden jealousy.
"Mr. Vance," Sebastian said coldly to Ryan, "I suggest you take your new bride-to-be and exit this sanctuary before the church staff ushers you out."
Danielle stepped forward, her teeth gritted. "Who do you think you are?! This is my family's private matter!"
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Sebastian didn't even look at her. He simply reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out an iPhone, and made a quiet gesture to the back of the church. Two imposing men in dark suits immediately stepped out from the shadows near the entrance.
"If you don't walk out on your own feet," Sebastian said smoothly, "my security team will assist you."
