Sebastian knew

Severa's POV

I couldn't stop thinking about it.

"She's my girlfriend."

Eugene's voice echoed in my head, over and over again.

Just last night, I was crying in front of him, breaking apart as the pain I had buried for ten years came rushing back. His confession had only made it worse. And now, less than twenty-four hours later, he was calling me his girlfriend?

I scoffed under my breath as I stormed back to my room. That was one hell of a leap.

The worst part?

I let him.

I let him claim me as if I belonged to him—as if those years of hurt, anger, and betrayal meant nothing.

The only reason I hadn't snapped at him right then and there was because it worked. Lucien backed off. That should have been enough.

But it wasn't.

Because now, instead of Lucien, it was Eugene taking up space in my mind.

I reached my door and swiped my key card aggressively, pushing it open. Just as I stepped inside, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me.

I didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"Sev—"

I whirled around. "What?"

Eugene stopped short, surprised by my tone.

His gaze flickered across my face, studying me, before he let out a breath. "Can we talk?"

I narrowed my eyes. "About what? The fact that you just called me your girlfriend in front of Lucien?"

His lips pressed into a thin line. "It got rid of him, didn't it?"

I let out a frustrated laugh. "That's your excuse?"

"I did what I had to do."

I shook my head, turning away from him. "I don't have time for this."

I walked further into my room and grabbed my phone from the nightstand.

"Who are you calling?" Eugene asked, still standing by the door.

"My brother," I said shortly, pressing Sebastian's number.

I was fuming.

Lucien showing up out of nowhere was one thing, but the fact that he had the nerve to act like he had any right to demand my time? That was another. And knowing that Sebastian had a hand in this? That was the last straw.

After a few rings, my brother picked up.

"Sev? What's up?"

"You tell me," I snapped. "Why the hell did Lucien show up at my hotel?"

There was a slight pause. "He told me he wanted to invite you somewhere for Christmas Eve. I thought it'd be a good idea since you're not coming home."

I scoffed. "A good idea?"

"He's a good guy, Sev."

"He's creepy," I shot back. "You don't just send some guy after me like that. Do you have any idea how weird that was?"

Sebastian sighed. "I didn't think you'd react like this. I just wanted you to enjoy the holiday. You barely go out, and Lucien—"

I cut him off. "I don't need you to set me up with anyone, Sebastian. And I especially don't need Lucien."

There was silence on the other end.

Then, Sebastian spoke carefully. "This isn't about Lucien, is it?"

I clenched my jaw. "Sebastian—"

"It's about him."

I swallowed hard, my grip tightening around my phone.

Sebastian knew. He always knew.

"Sev, just be careful," he said quietly. "Lucien might be annoying, but Eugene—"

I hung up.

I wasn't in the mood to hear whatever lecture he had prepared.

Taking a deep breath, I placed my phone back on the nightstand and turned—only to find Eugene still standing there, watching me.

"What?" I snapped.

He didn't answer right away. Then, in a quieter voice, he said, "You really don't like him."

I exhaled sharply. "Was that not obvious?"

Eugene hesitated before stepping further into the room.

"I know you're mad," he said carefully, "but I'm glad you told him."

I looked at him, frowning. "Why do you care?"

He let out a short, humorless laugh. "Do you really have to ask that?"

I pressed my lips together. "Eugene—"

"I care," he said, cutting me off, "because I know what it feels like to be pushed into something you don't want."

I froze.

The weight of his words settled between us, heavy and unspoken.

I didn't know what to say to that.

So, instead of answering, I turned away, rubbing my temples.

"I need to think," I muttered.

Eugene studied me for a moment before nodding.

"Okay."

I expected him to leave.

But he didn't.

Instead, he walked to the small table near the kitchenette, setting down a takeout bag I hadn't even noticed he was carrying.

"I brought food," he said simply. "In case you're hungry later."

Then, without another word, he left.

I stared at the door long after it closed.