By the time I arrived at the gathering, the room was already buzzing with the usual mix of mafia business and socializing. I scanned the room, trying to spot Louis. Part of me hoped that he’d come to his senses, that he’d approach me with some kind of apology or explanation, but deep down I knew better.
And then I saw them.
Louis and Jane, standing together at the far end of the room. He had his arm casually draped around her shoulders, talking to one of the other members, completely ignoring me as if I didn’t exist. The sight of them together made my stomach churn, but I kept my composure, holding my head high as I walked deeper into the room.
I had to do something to distract myself, to push away the swirling storm of emotions inside me. I needed to feel something—anything—other than the pain of betrayal.
That’s when I saw him: Sebastian, Louis’s second-in-command. He stood off to the side, a drink in hand, watching the scene unfold with his usual cool detachment. He had always been a bit of a mystery to me—loyal to Louis but never too involved in the drama. He was attractive in a rugged way, with dark hair and piercing eyes that always seemed to be analyzing everything around him.