The charity dinner was being held in a castle — not the fairy-tale kind, but something far more earthly. Grey stone walls rose like quiet sentinels around a vast garden, the kind of place that seemed to breathe old money. There was a pool glimmering under soft lights, a covered area for cars, and more rooms than anyone could possibly need.

“Lovely, huh?” Sebastian asked, catching her gaze lingering on the high ceilings and marble floors.

“Lovely? That’s too low a word... it’s amazing,” she smiled, her heels clicking elegantly along the corridor. They were late — traffic, or at least that’s what they told themselves.

He laced his fingers with hers, the warmth of his hand steady. “Have I told you already that you look breathtaking tonight?” he asked, bringing her hand to his lips.

“Yes, three times,” she teased, rolling her eyes with a grin.

“My bad... good thing my wife has a good memory,” he said, with that smirk that always made her forget anyone else existed. The word wife still made her heart skip — thrilling and new, like they were still on their honeymoon.

Later that night.

The hall had softened into gold light and low music, laughter blending with the clinking of glasses. She leaned closer to the host, curiosity glinting in her eyes.

“Tell me, Mr. Tomson — whose beautiful place is this?”

The old man smiled, his gaze flicking between the radiant couple. “Ah, this belonged to an old sponsor of ours. Passed away some years ago. His family rents it out for events now.”

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully, gaze drifting over the stone archways. “Do they sell it?” he asked, blunt and unbothered.

“Oh... well, I’m not sure,” Mr. Hillson chuckled, clearly amused. “But with the right offer, no one says no, right?”

She nudged Sebastian discreetly under the table — a silent don’t you dare — but he only grinned, eyes glinting.

That look said everything: if you like it, it’s already yours.