HER POSSESSIVE BILLIONAIRE
Chapter 19: Somewhere safe.

Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Somewhere safe.

Sebastian helped Eleanor in before getting behind the wheel. They drove in silence for a while, the only sound was the soft hum of the engine.

Finally, Sebastian spoke up. "I think it’s best if we lay low for a while, Eleanor. We can’t let the press get wind of our whereabouts."

Eleanor nodded, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery. "Where are we going?"

Sebastian smiled. "Somewhere quiet. Somewhere we can think."

They ended up at a secluded beachside Villa, surrounded by palm trees and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore. Sebastian helped Eleanor settle in, showing her to a beautiful room with a private balcony.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the Villa, Sebastian suggested they take a walk on the beach. Eleanor agreed, and they strolled hand in hand, the sand cool between their toes.

Sebastian glanced over at Eleanor, taking in her profile. She looked so peaceful, so serene. He felt a pang in his chest, a feeling he couldn’t quite explain.

Eleanor turned to him, catching his gaze. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the air thick with tension.

Then, without thinking, Sebastian reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind Eleanor’s ear. His fingers grazed her skin, sending shivers down his spine.

Eleanor’s eyes fluttered closed, her face tilting up towards his. For a moment, Sebastian thought she might kiss him.

But then she opened her eyes, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Thank you, Sebastian," she said softly. "Just for being here for me."

Sebastian smiled back, feeling a warmth in his chest. "Anytime, Eleanor."

Just then, Sebastian’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. "It’s my uncle," he said, frowning. "I should take this."

Eleanor nodded, and Sebastian answered the call.

"Sebastian, I need a favor," his uncle said, his voice urgent. "Liam was supposed to attend the Harrison Gala tonight, but...well, you know. I need you to fill in for him."

Sebastian’s eyes met Eleanor’s. "I’m not sure, Uncle. I don’t know if I’m the right person for the job."

"Nonsense, Sebastian. You’re the only one who can do this. And there’s one more thing - you need to bring a female partner."

Sebastian’s gaze locked onto Eleanor’s. He could see the question in her eyes.

"Who did you have in mind, Uncle?" Sebastian asked, already knowing the answer.

"Well, I think Eleanor would be perfect. She’s Liam’s wife, after all. It’s only fitting that she attends in his place."

Sebastian’s eyes never left Eleanor’s face. "I’ll ask her," he said finally.

Sebastian hung up the phone, his eyes still locked on Eleanor’s. "It seems we have a Gala to attend," he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

Eleanor’s eyes sparkled with amusement, but then her expression turned skeptical. "And I’m the lucky date?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

Sebastian nodded, his smile growing wider. "My uncle thinks it’s fitting that you attend in Liam’s place."

Eleanor’s eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "Why would your uncle want me to attend? He hates me."

Sebastian’s expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over. "I know, Eleanor. But apparently, this Gala is a big deal. It’s a multi-million dollar contract, and my uncle can’t afford to mess it up."

Eleanor’s voice was laced with skepticism. "So, he’s willing to put aside his hatred for me just to secure a contract?"

Sebastian hesitated, his eyes darting away from Eleanor’s. "I think it’s more complicated than that, Eleanor. My uncle...he’s a pragmatic man. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect the family’s interests."

Eleanor’s eyes flashed with anger. "And what about me? What about my interests?"

Sebastian’s expression turned gentle, his eyes softening. "Eleanor, I know this is hard for you. But please, just hear me out. My uncle may not like you, but he’s willing to put aside his feelings for the sake of the family. And I...I want to support you, Eleanor."

Eleanor’s gaze searched Sebastian’s face, her eyes looking for any sign of ulterior motives. But all she saw was sincerity and kindness.

"Okay," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I’ll attend the Gala with you."

But just as Eleanor was about to smile back, Sebastian’s phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen and then looked up at Eleanor.

It’s my uncle again," he said, his voice neutral. "I’ll just put him on speaker."

Eleanor’s eyes widened as she listened to Sebastian’s side of the conversation. It seemed that Liam’s father had more to say about her attendance at the Gala.

Sebastian pressed a button, and Mr. Marcus’ voice boomed through the speaker.

"Sebastian, I need to make one thing clear," Marcus said, his voice cold and detached. "I don’t want Eleanor at this Gala. She’s a liability, a ticking time bomb waiting to ruin our reputation."

Eleanor’s eyes flashed with anger, but she remained silent.

"But," Liam’s father continued, "I have no choice. She’s Liam’s wife, and her presence is necessary to secure this contract. So, I expect her to be on her best behavior and not to embarrass us."

Sebastian’s eyes met Eleanor’s and he could see the anger and frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"Thank you, Sebastian," Mr. Marcus said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I knew I could count on you."

Sebastian pressed the button again, ending the call. The atmosphere fell silent, the only sound is the distant crashing of waves.

Eleanor’s eyes never left Sebastian’s face. "I don’t know if I can do this, Sebastian," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t know if I can face your uncle’s hatred and condescension."

Sebastian’s expression turned gentle, his eyes softening. "Eleanor, I’m sorry. I know this is hard for you. But please, don’t let my uncle get to you. You’re stronger than that.

Eleanor took a deep breath. She knew he was right, she’s stronger than Marcus’s hatred. "Okay. But I’m not doing it for your uncle. I’m doing it for you, Sebastian."

Sebastian’s face lit up with a warm smile. "We need to get ready for the Gala," he said, his voice firm.

Eleanor nodded, and together they headed back to the Villa to prepare for the night ahead.