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I should have felt happy, or at least relieved, but instead I just foundmy decision It didn't make any sense I barely knew Sebastian I should have been able to cut hiht, I couldn't ignore the strange sense of loss that was forrey puddle in my stomach

As the cab pulled up to my office, I did my best to compose myself I couldn't afford to be distracted today After erously full, and it was going to take at least an hour just to sort through

The rest of the s, telephone calls, and eradually slipped to the back ofsplinter, but I nore him and focus on the task at hand

It was the sort of day that seems like it will never quite end Calls streamed in one after the other, partners anted infor docuinal day's work fell to the wayside as Iin faster than I could deal with them

It was hectic, but I have to adun like that The higher the pressure, theso many tasks at once, and it's an art I excel at

By the tian to settle, it was ten o'clock So My sto o my last s as dinner

After wolfing down a Pad Thai from a nearby restaurant, I flopped into a cab and headed hoan to fade, I realised hoiped out I was My fitful night's sleep and twelve hour day were catching up with ames

Sebastian

He hadn't called again I didn't know if I was pleased or frustrated by that Knowing the effect he had on me, it was probably for the best Who knehat other lies he iven the chance This way I could put him out of my mind and focus on as important

However, when the car pulled up outsideon the front porch, looking as breathtaking as ever, was the man himself

I cursed under my breath He couldn't have chosen a worse tie when talking to hi tiredness to the equation But there was no way to avoid him now

"Sophia," he said, as I stepped out onto the footpath His usual look of serene confidence was gone, replaced by so darker and more drawn

"What are you doing here, Sebastian? It's ten thirty at night"

"You said not to call, and I didn't want to upset you any more"

"So, what, you've just been waiting for et home?"

He nodded

"How long have you been standing there?"

He shrugged "I'm not sure A few hours It's not important I wanted to speak to you"

It was a strangely touching gesture But my resolve held "Well, I don't want to speak to you"

I took a step towardsmy path "Five minutes, Sophia That's all I ask Hear me out, and if you don't believe me, I'll leave you alone forever"

I knew froive up until I did as he wanted I sighed "Fine Get on with it"

He nodded "Thank you Look, I'm sorry you sahat you saw, and I completely understand why you reacted the way you did But I promise I haven't told any lies"