The dangers were too obvious, and she became determined to put the evening behind her and then get about doing what she had promised herself to do: avoiding her husband, riding out this marriage, and then removing herself from it and from him so she could live her life as she had always dreamed. Alone and free.
Then the following morning arrived, and all of that changed.
“Good morning,” Sebastian greeted as he strode into the breakfast room.
“Oh!” She started, surprised to see him awake so early.
Helena had decided to break her fast earlier than usual, hoping to avoid him. It seemed that he had other ideas.
“Did I startle you?” he chuckled as he approached her.
“No…” She shifted awkwardly, refusing to meet his eyes. But she could feel them on her, smiling to see her so uncomfortable. “I was just lost in my head, that’s all.”
“I suspect you spend a lot of time there.”
“The life of a writer,” she laughed awkwardly.
He stopped short of her, watching as she continued to shift.
Silence grew between them, the tension mounting, and she could have sworn he could read her mind. A quick glance, and she grimaced, noting the curious smile he wore. The sun lit him fully, such that he glowed, and she hated how darn perfect he looked.
“I am glad I found you,” he finally said.
“You are?” she asked, still not looking at him.
“I have been thinking, and I wish to ask what your plans are today. Assuming you do not mind me prying?”
“Plans?” Her mind raced for an answer, desperate to come up with a lie. But she drew a blank, her pulse quickening the longer he watched her. “I… No plans.”
“Good,” he uttered. “In that case, I would like you to join me if you are available. I shall be heading to the orphanage again, and I can’t help but feel that your presence will be welcome.”
Her head snapped up. “Me?”
“Yes, you,” he chuckled.
“Why? I mean…” She shook her head. “What do you mean, my presence will be welcome?”
His smile was earnest, and she felt it wrap her like a cloak.
“It is the children,” he explained. “I do what I can for them, and I hope it is enough. Yet I can’t help but think how I might benefit from the presence of a woman. A mother figure, that is.”
“I…” She frowned. “I do not think I quite fit that description.”
“Are you sure about that?” His eyes glimmered, a smirk hidden behind them. “You will not have to do anything. Just by being there, I know how much they will appreciate it. Of course, if you do not wish to?—”
“No!” she said quickly, almost shouting it. “I mean, yes.” She affected a nervous smile. “If it is for the children, then…” Her smile grew, and her heart fluttered. “I would love to go with you.”
“Wonderful. We will leave as soon as you are ready.”
She cursed herself as soon as Sebastian left the room, knowing beyond doubt that it was darn stupid of her to visit the orphanage a second time. To see Sebastian with the children again, to further confirm what she was starting to see in him.
But it is for the children, that is why. If he can put his life on hold to help them, why can’t I? That is the only reason.
It was an excuse, she knew, but one that she needed to hear. Really, she was just eager to spend more time in her husband’s company. As insane as that would have sounded one day ago.
“What do I do?” Helena asked nervously as she followed Sebastian into the orphanage.
“What do you mean?” he asked with a smile.
