Chapter 8 - The Penthouse Sanctuary
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By midnight, the reception had finally wound down. Guests were spilling out into the cool Manhattan air, taking yellow cabs back to their hotels, still talking about the most incredible wedding party New York had seen in a decade.
My parents had taken a car back to New Jersey. My mother had tried to talk to me before leaving, but I had simply hugged her, kissed her cheek, and said, "We'll talk next week, Mom."
I stood under the awning of The Plaza, the cold October wind whipping my white veil around my shoulders.
A sleek black Maybach pulled up to the curb. The driver immediately stepped out and opened the rear door.
Sebastian stepped up beside me. "Where are you staying tonight, Victoria?"
I paused. The apartment in Brooklyn was registered in both my name and Ryan’s. All my clothes were there, but the thought of going back to that space—where Danielle had stayed, where Ryan’s things were scattered—made my stomach turn.
"I'm booking a suite here at the hotel," I said quietly.
"Nonsense," Sebastian said smoothly. "My penthouse on the Upper East Side has a private guest wing that hasn't been used in months. It's secure, quiet, and completely free of paparazzi."
I looked at him, searching his face for any ulterior motives.
"I am an gentleman, Victoria," he added with a soft, reassuring smile. "You will have full privacy, a king-sized bed, and a hot shower. My housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, will have fresh clothes waiting for you in the morning."
I let out a long breath, feeling the exhaustion of the day finally settle into my bones. "That sounds like heaven."
Ten minutes later, we were gliding up a private elevator to the top floor of a limestone building overlooking Central Park.
The penthouse was breathtaking—floor-to-ceiling glass, dark hardwood floors, minimalist art, and warm amber lighting.
Sebastian guided me to the guest suite, which was larger than my entire Brooklyn apartment. On the bed lay a plush white silk robe and a set of lavendar toiletries.
"Get some sleep, Victoria," Sebastian said softly, leaning against the doorframe. "Tomorrow, the world is going to start asking questions. But tonight, you rest."
I looked at him, my heart overflowing with something I couldn't quite name. "Why are you doing all this for me, Sebastian?"
May you like
He looked at me for a long moment, his gray eyes dark and intense under the soft lights.
"Because a woman like you should never have to fight her battles alone," he said quietly. "Goodnight, Victoria."
