189 Confessions and Complications
189 Confessions and Complications.
“Because it is. The real question isn’t whether you’re good enough for Sebastian Sinclair.” Vera fixed me with a serious look. “It’s whether you’re ready to let yourself be happy again.”
I read the message again, feeling the sincerity behind each word. Taking a deep breath, I realized I had a choice to make. I could let fear rule me, keeping me safe but alone. Or I could take a chance on Sebastian–on us.
Vera rushed to pull me into a tight hug before I could even set down my purse. “I’ve been dying to hear about everything. The divorce settlement, your new collection, and –” she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, “that mysterious man who keeps popping up in your life.”
My phone buzzed with an incoming text. When I glanced at it, my heart skipped a
beat.
The memory of earlier today flooded back, making my heart race all over again. “I went to his place to drop off the outfit I designed for that charity school event he’s attending.”
I looked down at my hands, twisting nervously in my lap. “My father’s a criminal. My family name is disgraced. I’m divorced, damaged, and I come with more emotional baggage than anyone should have to deal with. The Sinclairs are an institution. They’re…” My voice caught as the magnitude of my inadequacy overwhelmed me. I couldn’t even continue speaking.
“Just Hazel Shaw.” I swallowed hard. “Daughter of a convicted fraudster. Ex–wife of a cheater. Sister to a manipulative sociopath who stole my first fiancé. My history is a trainwreck, Vera.”
I sighed, taking a sip of wine for courage. “He confessed.”
“Because I’m terrified,” I admitted. “Every time I’m around him, I feel this pull that I can’t explain. And after everything with Alistair…”
“If they’re half as intelligent as he is, they’ll see what he sees in you.” Vera refilled our wine glasses. “Did you know that wealthy families often prefer self–made partners for their children? Someone who understands the value of work, who brings
fresh
189 Confessions and Complications
perspective and drive. You’re an asset, not a liability.
“He what?” Vera nearly spilled her drink, sitting bolt upright. “Sebastian Sinclair actually said the words? When? Where? How? Tell me everything!”
“But it’s my baggage.” I stood up, suddenly too restless to sit. “Sebastian comes from a dynasty. The Sinclairs are practically royalty. His family has connections to national security, for god’s sake! What would they think if he brought home someone like me??
“That makes sense,” Vera said, softening her tone. “But avoiding Sebastian? Why?”
“None of which is your fault,” Vera insisted.
I laughed, following her to the plush sectional sofa where a bottle of wine and two glasses waited. “You’ve been watching too many romance movies.”
I sighed, unconvinced. “You make it sound so simple.”
“Oh, Hazel.” Vera’s face softened with sympathy. “After everything you’ve been through -the betrayal, the public humiliation, giving your own blood to keep Alistair alive all those years only for him to abandon you–don’t you think you deserve someone who cherishes you? Someone who sees your true worth?”
“And then I pretty much fled his house.” I covered my face with my hands. “God, I’m a disaster.”
“And… he told me he’s had feelings for me since we were children.” The words felt surreal coming from my mouth. “That he’s been watching over me all these years.”
“I don’t deserve him,” I whispered, more to myself than to Vera.
“Of course it does. Love is scary even when you haven’t been hurt before.” Vera’s voice was gentle now. “But ask yourself this: are you going to let Alistair take your future happiness too? Hasn’t he taken enough already?”
I placed my glass on the coffee table, suddenly feeling the weight of my insecurities. “I’ve been avoiding him since the divorce was finalized. After seeing Alistair collapse at
I needed space to think.” the courthouse, I just
I sank back onto the sofa. “When Sebastian told me how he felt, I wanted to throw myself into his arms. But then all these doubts came rushing in.”
“I don’t know if I am,” I whispered honestly. “When I think about opening myself up
189 Confessions and Complications
again, being vulnerable… it terrifies me.”
“That I don’t deserve someone like him. That I come with too much baggage. That someone from his world would eventually regret choosing someone from mine.” My voice grew smaller with each admission. “I mean, think about it. He’s Sebastian. Sinclair. I’m just…”
“Someone like you?” Vera’s voice rose in indignation. “You mean a brilliant designer who built her own successful brand? A strong woman who survived family abuse and betrayal and came out stronger? Hazel, you’re amazing.”
“Nobody’s perfect,” I murmured, though my treacherous heart fluttered at his words.
“Your history shaped you, but it doesn’t define you,” Vera said firmly. “And from what I’ve seen, Sebastian doesn’t care about any of that. He cares about you.”
“What if it goes wrong?” I asked, voicing my deepest fear.
“It is when your best friend walks in looking like she’s just been thoroughly kissed. Vera’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Something happened with Sebastian, didn’t it?”
I grimaced at the memory. “I panicked. Told him I needed time to think.”
The heat rushed to my cheeks instantly. “Why would you assume that?”
“I know that. But it’s not just about comparing them.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “When Sebastian looks at me, it’s like he sees someone worthy. Someone deserving. And I don’t know if I’m that person.”
“It’s complicated,” I mumbled, staring into my wine glass.
That comment hit me like a physical blow. Was I sabotaging my own chance at happiness? Had Alistair’s betrayal damaged me so thoroughly that I couldn’t recognize genuine love when it was offered?
“Because you’re blushing like a teenager!” She laughed, tucking her legs underneath her. “Come on, Hazel. We’ve been friends forever. I know that look.”
“Glowy?” I accepted the glass, unable to hide my smile. “Is that even a word?”
“I knew it!” Vera slapped her hand against the sofa cushion. “The way he looks at you- like you’re the only woman in the world. So what happened next? Are you two official now? Please tell me you kissed him.”
189 Confessions and Complications:
“Trust me, Hazel, there is nothing ordinary about you.” Vera stood up and blocked my pacing. “So what did you tell him when he confessed?”
“That’s beautiful,” Vera said softly.
## Hazel’s POV
“You’re not a disaster,” Vera insisted, pulling my hands away. “You’re just scared. After what Alistair did to you, anyone would be.”
“And?”
Vera reached over to squeeze my hand. “Of course you’re worthy. After everything you’ve been through-”
“It’s terrifying,” I corrected her. “What if I can’t live up to his image of me? What if I’m just… ordinary?”
“Sebastian is nothing like Alistair,” Vera interjected firmly.
“But his family-”
I stared at her, struck by the simple truth of her words. Alistair had already stolen years of my life, my trust, my first wedding day. Was I really going to let the ghost of his betrayal rob me of a chance with Sebastian too?
Vera leaned over to read the message, then threw up her hands. “If that text doesn’t convince you, nothing will. The man is literally perfect.”
Sebastian: *I understand your hesitation. Take all the time you need. But know this- can wait a little longer.*
my feelings won’t change. I’ve waited for you my entire life. Id. But know this-
I paced the living room, arms wrapped around myself. “You don’t understand. When Sebastian confessed, he told me he’d been waiting for me his whole life. That even as children, he knew I was special.”
My smile faded slightly. “I didn’t give him an answer.”
“Just what?” Vera challenged when I trailed off.
“What doubts exactly?” Vera sat beside me, genuine concern in her eyes.
“What’s complicated? The man worships the ground you walk on!”
189 Confessions and Complications.
“You what?” Vera’s expression transformed from excitement to disbelief. “Hazel Shaw, a gorgeous, powerful billionaire confesses his undying love for you, and you left him hanging? Have you lost your mind?”
“Please. You
life is better than any movie these days.” She poured generous amounts. of deep red wine into both glasses. “So spill. What’s got you looking so… I don’t know… glowy?”
“And?” Vera was practically vibrating with excitement.
you think he “What if it goes right?” Vera countered. “What if Sebastian is exactly who is a good man who’s loved you from afar for years? What if this is your second chance at happiness?”
“Girl time at last!” Vera’s apartment greeted me with the comforting scent of vanilla candles and freshly baked cookies. After the stressful weeks I’d had, this sanctuary felt like exactly what I needed.
“Maybe not.” Vera grinned. “But Sebastian Sinclair comes pretty damn close. And he wants you, Hazel. Just you.”
“That’s just it,” I cut her off. “Look at everything I’ve been through. My father’s in prison for fraud. My family is a complete mess. I’m freshly divorced from a man who publicly humiliated me by leaving me for my dying stepsister.”
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