Begin Again

chapter sixteen

I RIP MY arm from Sebastian's grip, narrowing my eyes at him. Unlike the moment we'd had at Lucky Strike weeks ago, I don't feel rapid heart beatings or clammy hands. Instead, I feel pure, red-hot anger. As well as a longing to pummel my fist into his face, but alas, I know that won't fare well with the guests in attendance.

"It's a free country, Seb," I reply in a snark manner. He rolls his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "If you think you can control me now, you're wrong."

"What do you mean?" He furrows his brows in confusion, staring at me. "You're acting like I've always controlled you or something."

"Are you an idiot?" I ask, completely floored by his oblivious attitude. "Actually, don't answer that. Because you are, you've always been."

He frowns, taking a small step toward me. "I'm not some angel, alright? I know that, but I thought you'd listen to me for once."

"Riddle me this, why did you not want me to come here in the first place?" I throw the question at him with a raised brow, waiting for his excuses to spill from his lips.

"It doesn't matter anymore," he snaps. "You'll see for yourself soon enough." His tone is one of defeat, shoulders sagging in misery. My pissed-off attitude almost fades when I catch the sad look on his face. I've never seen Sebastian look as remorseful as he does standing before me. It almost makes me feel sorry for whatever he's been trying to hide from me.

"Listen, I'd love to stay and finish this chat, but I need to get back to–"

"Your boyfriend?" Sebastian finishes, the word boyfriend rolling off his tongue in evident disgust.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I give him a challenging look. I didn't miss the flicker of animosity that flashed over his eyes when Miles and I walked up the front steps of Helena's house. "He's not my boyfriend; even if he was, you have no right to object."

"Sebastian!" We are thankfully interrupted by the sound of a shrill voice calling out his name. Turning, I catch sight of a gorgeous dark skin woman; her long braids piled high into a bun. Immediately, I relax, smiling when I recognize her as Camilla Harrier.

Sebastian gives Camilla a forced smile, letting her engulf him in her arms. Her grin is spread widely, her melodic laughter bouncing around the room. She squeezes him tightly before pulling away.

"Congratulations on–" With a stern look from Sebastian, Camilla clamps her lips shut, giving me a sheepish smile. I frown, wondering what she had been about to say.

"Evie, I've missed you." I don't have time to inquire about the weird moment they'd just shared, laughing as Camilla embraces me. I'd met her through Sebastian, as they'd been friends since diapers. She has been one of his only friends that I can stand to be around. Camilla doesn't let wealth turn her into a sour person; she is sweet and empathizes with others.

She looks gorgeous in her yellow gown, the color doing wonders against her skin. I've always been envious of her effortless beauty.

"It's been so long," I say, smiling at her. I notice from the corner of my eye that Sebastian has begun to walk away, not bothering to spare me another glance. Camilla follows my line of vision, her lips parting ever so slightly.

"I take it the breakup wasn't amicable?" she asks breezily. When I shake my head, she gives me a sympathetic look. "I know you probably hate him, trust me, I don't blame you. But Sebastian has had one of the worst years of his entire life."

An astonishing look crosses my features. "What are you talking about?"

Camilla looks despondent, biting down on her lower lip as we both watch Sebastian become swarmed with older-looking partygoers, and I instantly recognize one of them as his mother. She has her arm wrapped around his bicep, a proud smile on her lips as she looks over at her only child. If I hadn't known Sebastian for as long as I do, I would've easily mistaken the grin on his face for one of happiness, but I can see the pinched corners. He's in pain.