Episode 2: Unexpected Crossroads.

Sebastian Hale was not used to being ignored. People sought his approval, craved his attention, and fought for his favor. Yet, here he was, three days after the gala, still thinking about a stubborn server who had barely spared him a second glance.

Sitting in his father’s grand office, Sebastian barely listened as Margaret Hale, his formidable mother, droned on about family obligations.

“You need to take your future seriously, Sebastian,” she said, sipping her tea with practiced elegance. “The Langfords are expecting an engagement announcement soon.”

Sebastian resisted the urge to sigh. He had met Victoria Langford countless times—poised, beautiful, and utterly uninterested in him beyond their families’ business merger. She was a perfect socialite, but there was no passion, no challenge.

“I told you,” he said, keeping his voice calm, “I have no interest in marrying for business.”

Margaret gave him a sharp look. “You don’t have a choice.”

Sebastian clenched his jaw but said nothing. He knew how this conversation always ended.

Across the city, Adrian balanced two steaming cups of coffee as he pushed open the door to a small bookstore café. Riley Bennett sat at their usual table, already flipping through a novel.

“You look exhausted,” Riley said, accepting the coffee.

Adrian plopped down into the chair. “Because I am. Between work and classes, I feel like I haven’t slept in days.”

Riley smirked. “Too busy dreaming about a certain billionaire?”

Adrian rolled his eyes. “Please. I’ve already forgotten about him.”

That was a lie. As much as he hated to admit it, he had spent an embarrassing.

Amount of time replaying that night at the gala—the way Sebastian had stared at him, the way he hadn’t reacted like some spoiled brat.

But it didn’t matter. People like Sebastian and people like Adrian didn’t exist in the same world.

Or so Adrian thought.

Later that evening, Adrian was rushing to his shift at Luna Bistro, a high-end restaurant, when he nearly ran straight into a tall, familiar figure at the entrance.

Sebastian.

Wearing an expensive suit with effortless grace, Sebastian looked completely out of place in the cozy restaurant. His gaze locked onto Adrian’s, amusement flickering in his blue eyes.

Adrian’s stomach twisted. “What are you doing here?”

Sebastian smirked. “What, am I not allowed to eat here?”

“You’ve never set foot in a place like this in your life,” Adrian said, crossing his arms.

Sebastian’s smirk widened. “Maybe I just wanted to try something new.”

Adrian narrowed his eyes. He wasn’t stupid—Sebastian was here for a reason. But before he could question him further, his manager called him over. “Adrian, stop chatting and get to work!”

Sebastian slid into a booth, his gaze never leaving Adrian.

For the rest of the night, Adrian did his best to ignore him. But every time he passed by Sebastian’s table, their eyes met.

And for the first time in a long while, Adrian felt something dangerous brewing inside him.

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