–Me: Liam’s an absolute epicure for a toddler.
–Yuna: Really? He’s not just being difficult?
–Me: Nope. Our L.A. store sources their ice cream from a local organic gelato place that makes specialty batches just for us. I can ask the store manager to set some aside for Liam if you’d like—or have it delivered to your place, whichever is easier.
–Yuna: Oh my God, you’re amazing. Where have you been all my life?
I laugh harder.
–Yuna: Thank you so much! I don’t want to impose any more than I already have. I’ll send one of my assistants to pick it up today. I owe you a favor now!
I hesitate for a little. Most of the people who are invited to the wedding reception on my side are business associates. I don’t really have any close friends other than Bianca. But Yuna seems so nice, and I’d love to get to know her better.
–Me: By the way, if you’re free, I’d love to invite you to the wedding reception. Since Sebastian and I eloped, we decided to have a party instead.
–Yuna: Really? I love love LOVE parties!
–Yuna: Also it’s nice to have an excuse to dress up and hang out with other adults I like. :wink-emoji:
–Me: Great! I’ll send you the invite and add you to the guest list.
I send the guest QR code to her phone and smile. Maybe this can be the start of a beautiful friendship.
Chapter 23
Lucienne
I’m absolutely exhausted by Thursday. The Hae Min Group’s lawyers sent a bunch of notes and questions, and our lawyers responded. But they also need me to review some of the main points to make sure I’m okay with the proposed changes.
I’m learning more about Korean luxury retail and wedding customs than I ever imagined. It’s fascinating, but tiring because everyone’s squabbling about every minute detail. What’s worse is that the Korean counterpart is very slow to respond. The contract was sent over eight weeks ago, and it didn’t come back to us until yesterday. It’s almost like this project isn’t really a priority for them.
Which is absurd. When I visited the Hae Min Group’s headquarters in Gangnam, Vice-Chairman Eugene Hae indicated he was very interested in the exclusive luxury custom designs Sebastian Peery can do for their ultra-ritzy department stores. They want something new to offer their clientele, and some of their top spenders are looking for unique high-ticket items as status symbols. He explained their top customers are in a special loyalty program, and they need to spend at least a million dollars a year at the Hae Min Group-owned department stores to qualify and maintain their status.
And yet…things are dragging…and sapping my energy.
Since I’m tired of coming home around midnight, I leave the office early enough that I can be home before ten. Not that I can go to bed anytime soon. There are still at least five more reports and documents to review.
The kitchen is empty—I told Matthias I was grabbing dinner at work—and Sebastian’s probably doing whatever he likes to do in the evening. I have no clue what he does after work because I haven’t been around enough. A sliver of guilt lodges in my gut. I told him I wanted us to make the best of the situation, and I’ve been a neglectful wife.
But there’s nothing to be done until things ease up a bit. If I’d known Sebastian would end up being my husband rather than Preston, I might’ve specified in the contract to request more involvement from Sebastian Jewelry for the collaboration. But given Preston’s lack of experience and ability, I made myself the person in charge for handling the Hae Min Group. Nothing can go wrong with this project because I have to prove myself to the board.
Once the distribution deal with the Hae Min Group is finalized, I’ll have some breathing room. Maybe Sebastian and I can find some hobbies to try together. Not just tennis, but maybe going out and doing things that he’d like, although…
Probably not. That Stalker’s back. So are his privacy-violating buddies. So far they haven’t been able to generate any embarrassing headlines, but that’s only because all I’ve done since they reappeared in my life is go back and forth to work.
Hopefully, they won’t bother Sebastian. I don’t understand why they’re so obsessed with me. I’m a minor celebrity of sorts due to my inheritance, but there are far more interesting and famous people in Los Angeles.
I go to my bedroom and kick off my shoes. My stilettos are generally comfortable, but nothing beats bare feet. I get out of my clothes, and let out a sigh as soon as my bra’s gone. So much better.
Next to come off is the jewelry, except for the Toi et Moi ring and wedding band. The island in the center of the walk-in closet has six huge compartments for my jewelry and accessories.
Sebastian’s watch sits among mine, so he must’ve gotten home and changed already. Although he could just keep all his things in his bedroom down the hall, he’s started to leave some of his stuff in my closet, like a guy who’s spending more and more time at his girlfriend’s place. It’s sort of cute.
I stick my hand into the home wear section of the closet and pull out the first thing I grab. A lacy silk nightie in amethyst purple. Bianca gave it to me when she learned I was engaged to Preston. Well, that cheater’s out of my life, but the gift is still nice. It’s pretty and has never been worn, so I’m going to pretend it has nothing to do with my asshole ex-fiancé and enjoy it.
I put it on. The fabric glides coolly over me, like a cloud against my bare skin. It hangs low, and the lace strategically covers my chest. But then, it’s supposed to be sexy and powerful. And I need to feel like that right now.
I wipe off my makeup in the bathroom. As the eye shadow, mascara and foundation vanish, my dark circles and fatigue become more obvious. The nightie is sexy, but the woman wearing it is just tired. And hungry.
