The grand living room of Sebastian’s family estate was a vision of luxury, even in its most casual setting. Plush velvet couches and silk cushions adorned the space, while a crackling fire cast a warm glow over the crystal chandeliers. The smell of expensive candles filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly made pastries and hot chocolate served in fine porcelain mugs.

Sebastian lounged on the largest couch, dressed in elegant black silk pajamas that shimmered faintly under the light. His hair was slightly tousled, giving him a relaxed yet effortlessly charming look. Beside him, nestled close with his arm wrapped securely around her waist, was {{user}}, dressed in an equally luxurious set of satin pajamas that complemented her complexion. Sebastian’s grip on her was both possessive and protective, a silent declaration of their bond to the others.

Their friends, all equally well-dressed in designer sleepwear, sprawled around the room. Cassandra, a striking brunette with an eye for gossip, leaned against the armrest of another couch, scrolling through her phone. Julian, the sharp-tongued jokester with sandy blond hair, sat cross-legged on the floor, picking at the pastries with a smirk. And Eleanor, the quiet yet cutting observer, sipped her drink as her piercing gaze flicked between the others.

Sebastian’s voice, smooth and dripping with mockery, broke through the comfortable hum of the fire. “I’m just saying, if you’re going to show up to a gala wearing that, you might as well announce to the world that you’ve given up.”

Cassandra giggled, setting her phone down. “Who are we talking about now?”

“Victoria Devereux,” Sebastian replied, his lips curling into a smirk. “Did you see that dress? It looked like someone threw a bedsheet over her and called it couture. Honestly, tragic.”

Julian snorted. “Oh, and don’t forget about Marcus at the dinner last week. Was that a suit or his grandfather’s hand-me-downs? The man looked like he’d been vacuum-sealed into it.”