The sunlight had just begun to peek through the blinds.
Lillian stirred, eyelids fluttering open.
The bed was empty.
For a moment, she smiled, thinking he had gone to get ready for work.
But the bedroom was quiet.
Even the ensuite bathroom had no sound of running water.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed, bare feet touching the cool floor.
"Sebastian?" she called softly.
No answer.
Her frown deepened.
She pulled the covers closer around her shoulders and walked down the hall, down the stairs.
The house was silent.
Too silent.
Her heart started to pick up pace.
She reached his office door.
It was slightly open.
Peeking inside, she stopped.
Sebastian wasn't at his desk, papers untouched, laptop closed.
He wasn't standing.
He was sitting in his chair, turned slightly, staring out the window.
Motionless.
His hands rested loosely on the armrests.
His back was straight, but tense.
Something about him made her chest tighten.
"…Sebastian?" she whispered.
He didn't respond.
She stepped inside.
The air felt heavy, thick.
She knelt beside him.
His gaze stayed on the skyline.
"…What's wrong?" she asked softly.
Finally, he spoke.
"It's my father," he said quietly, almost to himself.
Her stomach clenched.
"…Your dad?"
He nodded.
"…He doesn't have long. I have to go… in a few days."
Her hand brushed his arm.
It was tense under her touch.
He swallowed, jaw tight.
"…I don't know how to feel about it. About him. About… facing him."
"…Because of your relationship?" she asked gently.
He nodded.
"…Always complicated. Always has been. I… I don't know what to do with it. Or with myself."
Her heart ached seeing him like this.
Without thinking, she stood and sat on his lap.
Her arms wrapped around his neck.
He froze, then slowly, his hands came up, resting on her waist.
She pressed her cheek to his chest.
"…It's going to be okay," she whispered.
He let out a breath she hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"…When do you leave?" she asked after a moment.
"Two days," he replied.
"…Can I come with you?" she asked softly, looking up at him.
He shook his head, a small frown forming.
"…I wish you could. But… he doesn't like strangers. Especially not…" His voice trailed, heavy.
"…Especially not someone close to me."
"…It's okay," she reassured him, squeezing his shoulders.
"…You'll manage. You'll handle it."
He let out a quiet laugh, almost bitter.
"…I'm going to miss you," he admitted, voice low.
Her lips curved into a soft smile.
"…I'll message. Call. Every chance I get. You won't even notice the time passing."
He closed his eyes briefly, letting her words sink in.
"…You're ridiculous," he said, half-smile breaking through.
"…Maybe," she whispered, resting her head against him.
"…But I mean it. I'll be here. Waiting for you."
He hugged her tighter.
"…I don't know what I'd do without you," he admitted.
"You don't have to find out," she murmured.
"…Not now. Not ever."
They stayed like that for a long moment.
Silent.
Together.
Connected.
Finally, he leaned back slightly, resting his hands on her hips.
"…I wish things were different," he said quietly.
Lillian tilted her head, brushing her fingers through his hair.
"…I know. But you can't control him. Or the past. You can only control… us. Right now."
He closed his eyes, letting the weight of her words sink in.
"…Promise me something?" he asked softly.
"Anything," she whispered.
"Promise me… you'll keep me grounded while I'm gone," he said.
"…Even if it's just… a message. A call. Something. I don't want to feel… untethered."
"I promise," she said firmly.
He rested his forehead against hers again, breathing deep.
"…Two days… it's not enough," he murmured.
"It's enough," she said softly.
"…To hold each other. To plan. To remember we have this. We have now."
He let out a slow breath, closing his eyes.
"…I needed that," he admitted.
"…I really did."
She hugged him tighter.
"…Then you got it," she whispered.
He finally looked down at her, vulnerability flickering in his eyes.
"…I'm going to miss everything. You. This. Us."
"And I'll be here," she said softly.
"…Waiting for you. Always."
He kissed her forehead, quiet and lingering.
"…Thank you… for staying. For being you."
"Always," she whispered.
They stayed like that, letting the city hum around them.
Time passed.
Silent.
Unspoken.
Shared.
"…I should get ready," he said finally, reluctantly.
"I'll help," she offered immediately.
He shook his head, just holding her for another heartbeat.
"…Stay a little longer."
"Always," she promised, resting her hand over his heart.
The office clock ticked softly.
Two days.
Too short.
Too long.
Too full of uncertainty.
They sat in silence together for a while.
She finally leaned back slightly, resting her forehead against his.
"…I should get ready," Sebastian murmured reluctantly.
Lillian tilted her head, a small smirk forming.
"…For work? Already?"
He gave a short laugh, almost bitter.
"…Somebody has to keep the empire running."
She took his hand, tugging him gently toward the bedroom.
"…Come on. You can't face the office brooding all morning. I'll help you get dressed."
He groaned but let her guide him.
"…You're enjoying this way too much."
"…Maybe," she teased, her eyes sparkling.
Once inside, she helped him with his shirt and tie.
Her fingers brushed lightly over his chest as she adjusted the collar.
"…You know," she said, "you could look less intimidating and more… approachable."
He raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"…Approachable, huh? I thought terrifying was my brand."
She rolled her eyes, tugging at his tie.
"…Terrifying for the interns, yes. But for me? You're ridiculously cute when you try not to brood."
He chuckled, letting her straighten his cuffs.
"…Ridiculously cute, huh?"
"…Exactly," she said, leaning in slightly.
"…And don't try to deny it."
He shook his head, laughing softly.
"…You're impossible."
"…And you love it," she countered, brushing her hands along his arms.
He leaned down, voice low.
"…Maybe I do."
After a few more adjustments, Lillian stepped back.
"…Alright, mister CEO. You're ready. Shall we go?"
He glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"…Together?"
She grinned.
"…Of course. You're not leaving without me."
"You driving today?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes."
They walked to the car side by side.
She opened the door for him first, smirking when he raised an eyebrow.
"…Chivalry isn't dead, even if you're a grumpy CEO."
He chuckled, letting her slide in next to him.
"…I'll allow it this once."
During the drive, his hand brushed her's occasionally on the console.
"…Morning touch, huh?" she whispered, smiling.
"…Habit," he replied softly, eyes on the road.
"…And I like it."
The car ride was short, but the quiet moments, soft smiles, and gentle touches made the morning feel intimate despite the world waiting outside.
When they arrived at Sovereign, Lillian parked and turned to him.
"…Ready to conquer the day?"
He leaned back, fingers brushing hers.
"…With you by my side? Always."
They stepped into the building together, a quiet sense of unity surrounding them. Work could wait—they had each other, even if just for a few hours before the chaos began.