Chapter 8

"Ancient, ugly, and crippled old geezer?"

Listening to Beauchamp's mockery over the phone, I instinctively looked up at Sebastian standing right in front of me.

Sebastian's posture was impeccable, his face devastatingly handsome like God's finest work. Those fathomless eyes gazed at me quietly, his entire being radiating an undeniable, powerful presence.

I couldn't possibly connect him with the "ancient, ugly cripple" Beauchamp described.

Clearly, Sebastian's disguise to stay under the radar had been remarkably successful.

A faint smile tugged at my lips as I spoke coolly into the phone. "What kind of man my husband is doesn't concern you, Mr. Jennings."

My voice wasn't loud, but in the quiet living room, every word rang crystal clear.

Sebastian heard me say 'my husband,' and something imperceptible flickered through his deep eyes.

Ignoring Beauchamp's fury on the other end, I continued coldly, "Instead of wasting time on my private life, Mr. Jennings, you'd better keep your first love in check and stop having her plant those passive-aggressive articles to harass me."

With that, I hung up without hesitation and blocked this new number too.

That Beauchamp was like a persistent ghost.

I lowered my phone and looked up to meet Sebastian's probing gaze.

"Beauchamp's call?" he asked.

"Yes." I nodded, not wanting to elaborate. "Someone irrelevant."

Sebastian didn't press further. Those penetrating eyes lingered on my face for a few seconds, as if trying to read all my thoughts.

Under his scrutiny, I felt inexplicably flustered and quickly changed the subject. "Um... I'm a bit hungry."

From this morning until now, I haven’t eaten a single thing. At his reminder, my stomach immediately voiced its protest.

Sebastian seemed to smile, his austere expression melting like ice and snow.

"The butler has prepared dinner."

He led me to the dining room, where an elegant spread of four dishes and a soup already graced the long table—all flavors I loved.

I looked at him in surprise.

"How did you know I like these?"

"Lucky guess." His answer was light as he pulled out my chair.

I studied him, my mind churning with questions.

Once could be a coincidence, twice could be a coincidence, but this many times?

He seemed to know me very well.

Dinner passed in relative silence.

In the enormous dining room, only the soft clink of cutlery broke the quiet.

I stole glances at Sebastian across from me. His dining manner was graceful and unhurried, every gesture exuding innate nobility.

How absurd that such a man could be rumored to be "ancient, ugly, and crippled."

After dinner, the butler brought dessert and fruit.

Just as I was about to eat, Sebastian spoke suddenly. "I'm going on a business trip for a few days tomorrow."

I paused, then nodded. "Alright."

We'd only just gotten married—we barely knew each other.

Where he went, what he did—he didn't need to report to me.

"Feel free to use anything in the house."

He looked at me, adding, "If you need anything, contact my assistant directly, or call me."

He emphasized his private number again.

Watching his serious expression, a strange feeling stirred in my chest.

"Okay, I understand."

He seemed to have more to say, but in the end, only nodded before rising and heading upstairs.

I sat alone in the dining room, looking at the table full of food, my emotions a tangled mess.

This flash marriage and cohabitation with Sebastian—it all felt like a dream.

Sebastian was wrapped in mystery. He treated me well for no apparent reason, yet with an undeniable forcefulness.

Could I really trust him?

I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away.

Whatever his motives, at least for now, we were allies.

That was enough.

After finishing dessert, I returned to my room.

Coming out after my shower, I wore a bathrobe, my hair damp against my shoulders.

Passing the master bedroom door, I noticed it was slightly ajar, with weak light spilling out.

I stopped inexplicably.

Just then, the master bedroom door suddenly opened from inside.

Sebastian emerged with only a towel wrapped around his waist, his upper body completely bare.

He'd clearly just showered. His body was still shrouded in steam, his short black hair dripping wet. Water droplets traced down his defined collarbones, disappearing into his firm pecs.

Lower still, a perfectly sculpted eight-pack and those devastatingly sexy V-lines...

My breath caught instantly. I didn't know where to look.

My cheeks felt like they were on fire, burning impossibly hot.

This was pure human perfection!

And that blind fool Beauchamp had called him "ancient and ugly"?

Sebastian clearly hadn't expected me to be standing at his door either. He froze momentarily before those deep eyes locked onto my face.

He toweled his hair while walking toward me on those long legs, his voice low and husky from the shower—sexy as hell.

"Need something?"

Enveloped in his scorching masculine energy, I was so nervous I could barely form coherent words.

"Nothing! I was just... passing by!"

Like a startled rabbit, I immediately turned and practically fled back to my own room.

The instant I closed the door, I leaned against it, my heart still pounding wildly, my mind replaying that intensely impactful scene over and over.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, abs, V-lines...

I covered my burning face.

Oh no. I think... something's wrong with me!