The One || Sebastian Michaelis x Reader

Prologue

You were the sole owner of the biggest medical equipment corporation of the last century. Although the equipment was sometimes seen as unethical or dangerous, you were content with the business, striving to empower women in the field and invent more innovative tools.

You didn't inherit anything from your parents as they were lowly peasants who died in a village fire a few years before your twentieth birthday. After their deaths, you were determined to become a person who dominated in a world where you were oppressed because of your gender and to bring a bright light upon your family name.

You dabbled in other dangerous fields of work, but you kept them a secret from those who had no business knowing your hidden gems. You were often seen as unlady-like already and the added pressures would surely make you seem a bit psychotic, but you never cared about what others viewed you as. You were your own person who wanted to take over anyone who thought you inferior.

Even so, you were as polite as could be. You weren't faking for business ventures, in fact, you were genuinely one of the kindest people in England as you gave to charities and volunteered when your schedule allowed it. There were previous evils in the universe you knew about all too well, and you weren't intending on adding to them.

You didn't have friends as you kept yourself quite hidden from the public's view and didn't believe in needing the emotional support from others that normal people required. Truth be told, you thought they would be in danger if you happened to stumble across anyone worthy of your friendship. There was too much risk with the work you were a part of.

Additionally, you lived in a mansion in the middle of nowhere, away from civilization, which only fueled the rumors and whispers that you were a witch and a hermit. You didn't care nor minded whatsoever, as long as no one tried to mess with what was yours. Reputations were something that belonged to anyone but yourself since others created it for you, meaning you didn't give any of your valuable time to them.

With a handful of servants, a Persian cat, and riches that rivaled the queen's, you appeared to have it all, but there was something you were missing; you weren't sure what, but it plagued you each passing day. It was like a tick or ringing in your ear, but still, you were lost for what would relieve the constant tension in your life.

You were looking for a new challenge since it was rare that one came that piqued your undivided interest, that you knew to be true, but when events led you to the Phantomhive Manor, you weren't sure what you were in for or if you could handle everything that came along with it as the challenge that was presented seemed to be more than anyone could handle.