Time seemed to stop.
"What?" I stared at him in disbelief.
"Marry me," Sebastian repeated, his tone more serious. "You're a target now. The way things are going, you and Leo will both be in danger. Besides Ezio, I'm the only one who can protect you."
"Ezio..." My voice caught in my throat.
"If you choose Ezio, you'll likely lose Leo," Sebastian looked directly into my eyes. "You know the rules of that world. The heir's woman—her child must receive the family's education.' But I'm different. I won't make you and Leo separate."
I held Leo tighter, momentarily speechless.
His logic was sound, every word hitting my deepest fears. Losing Leo—that was my greatest terror for the past five years, deeper than losing anyone.
"A fake marriage with me," Sebastian continued. "You'll have the family's protection. When things blow over, we can divorce. I'll give you your freedom."
"Sebastian..."
"I know this sounds crazy," his voice softened. "And I know you don't love me. Actually, I love you, Olivia. I have for a long time. But I don't need your love in return. I just want to protect you. Protect Leo."
His confession filled me with a gentle embarrassment. Sebastian was a good man—even though he'd deceived me, even though he belonged to that dark world, I still knew he was fundamentally kind. I appreciated him, was grateful to him, but I couldn't develop romantic feelings for him.
My heart was already occupied by someone else, though I desperately wanted to deny it.
"I can't," I said softly. "Sebastian, I can't use your feelings. It's not fair to you."
"Fair?" He gave a bitter laugh. "Olivia, nothing's fair in this world. But at least let me do this one right thing."
I shook my head, tears welling again. "I need time to think."
"Time's running out," he warned, restarting the engine. "But I respect your decision. For now, let me take you home."
The car continued on, but my thoughts were in chaos. The shooting, the proposal, the danger—it all came too suddenly, too violently. I just wanted a quiet life, just wanted to protect my son. Why was that so hard?
When we got home, it was completely dark. Sebastian insisted on escorting us to the door.
"Think about my offer," he said before leaving. "But don't think too long."
I nodded and closed the door. Leo was exhausted. I helped him wash up and got him into bed. He curled under the covers, little hand gripping my shirt.
"Mommy will always protect you," I whispered, kissing his forehead. "I promise."
After he fell asleep, I sat by the bed and pulled out my phone. My fingers trembled as I dialed Ella's number.
"Oli?" Her voice was sleepy. "What's wrong? It's almost eleven."
"I need you," my voice broke. "Ella, I need you to come over now."
Twenty minutes later, both Ella and Sophie appeared in my room. Seeing my state, they immediately knew something had happened.
I told them everything about today—the shooting, Sebastian's rescue, his proposal. By the end, I was sobbing.
"My God," Sophie held me tight. "Oli..."
"I know," I muttered. "I know."
"You have to leave," Ella said firmly. "Leave now."
"Where?" I cut her off. "You heard what Sebastian said. They'll track me, no matter where I go."
