BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Book 2 Chapter 4: Unspoken Echoes

Book 2 Chapter 4: Unspoken Echoes

The apartment felt emptier once Luke left for work, leaving Sebastian and me in a bubble of unspoken tension and curiosity. Deciding to break the stillness, we agreed on a run in Central Park. I slipped into leggings and a sports bra, and when I emerged into the living room, I caught Sebastian's gaze tracing my figure. He quickly averted his eyes, but the brief moment sent a ripple of awkwardness through me.

Central Park was bustling with life, a stark contrast to the restrained energy between Sebastian and me. As we ran, I felt a sense of liberation, the freedom of movement reigniting a part of me long dormant. In the penthouse gym, I had often found myself more focused on admiring Luke's physique than on my own workout. His dedication, the way his muscles moved – it was mesmerizing. But now, with Sebastian by my side, I was determined to reclaim a piece of myself, to find strength in my own strides.

Sebastian, after a few vigorous laps, suggested a break. We settled on a bench, engaging in the simple pleasure of people-watching. Realizing I had forgotten my water bottle and feeling a growing thirst, Sebastian offered his with a smirk. "You can drink from mine if you don't mind where my lips have been," he teased.

I rolled my eyes at his comment, accepting the bottle. After a sip, Sebastian's words carried a flirtatious edge. "You know, that's almost like a kiss – my lips were there."

I laughed it off. "Yeah, no. That's not even close to the same thing."

His smirk widened as he leaned in slightly. "Well, don't be shy if you ever thirst for something else."

I pushed him gently, trying to maintain a playful yet firm boundary. "Sebastian, stop. You know I'm your brother's wife. I might not remember him, but he's still my husband. I married him because we loved each other, even if I can't recall it right now."

His expression shifted at my words, turning away, a hint of something deeper lurking behind his gaze. "Uh, Sebastian, you look like you want to say something about that. Do you disagree?"

Sebastian began to fidget, rubbing his neck. "Let's just keep running, Emma. I think we've rested enough."

But I wasn't ready to let it go. "Sebastian, stop dodging the question. What were you about to say? I'm trying to remember things here, and if you or Luke are hiding something, how am I supposed to get my memories back? I need to know whether it's good or bad."

He avoided my gaze, his usual confidence waning. "It's nothing, Emily. Just me being a jerk, you know how I am."

I pressed on, sensing there was more. "No, Sebastian, that wasn't it. Tell me. I'm trying to piece together my past, and I need all the pieces, regardless of their nature."

Sebastian sighed, a heavy weight seemingly on his shoulders. "Emily, it's... it's nothing important."

Sebastian's reluctance was palpable, his usual flirtatious demeanor replaced by a seriousness that made the air around us heavier. "No, it clearly wasn't nothing," I insisted, my voice firm. "I thought you were my friend, Sebastian. You need to tell me. I won't let this go until you do."

He exhaled sharply, a mix of frustration and resignation. "Fine, Jesus, Emily, you really won't let things go, will you?" I offered him a challenging smile, urging him to continue.

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of nervousness. "Fuck, Luke's going to kill me for spilling this... It's not that he's trying to keep it a secret, exactly. The doctor advised him not to stress you with certain memories, particularly those you struggled with. Revisiting them might negatively affect your recovery."