Chapter 28

Daphne sat in Sebastian’s car, her mind replaying Wilson’s words: “Stop playing dumb.” It was almost laughable. He actually thought she was pretending? She was a busy, high-profile celebrity, juggling work and drama, and facing her fair share of challenges. Forgetting a thing or two was perfectly normal, wasn't it?

The restaurant table was laden with food Sebastian had prepared. Daphne glanced at him, feeling guilty for always relying on him. "I'm sorry for bothering you again," she said. "It seems like every time I see you, you're always helping me."

Sebastian didn't seem bothered. A smile tugged at his lips, impossible to hide. "You called me Sebastian today," he said, "and in front of so many people, too."

Was this seriously his focus? After all the drama, this was what concerned him? His way of thinking always shocked her.

"Your focus is really something else," Daphne commented.

Sebastian rested his chin on his hand, his eyes dark and intent on her. "I only focus on what I want to focus on."

Damn, that was smooth. With Sebastian's looks, it was getting hard to resist him. Daphne's heart skipped a beat.

She pretended interest in the food to distract herself. "Wow, this looks amazing. These are all my favorite dishes."

Sebastian grinned. "Of course. I did my homework. I know celebrities need to maintain their figures, so I've calculated the calories. Don't worry, you're good to go."

"Such attention to detail?" Daphne paused, her cutlery hovering over the food. It reminded her of the times Wilson used to do this. But things were different now. He had changed.

Suddenly, she lost her appetite.

Near the end of the meal, Sebastian patted her head. "You've had a long day. Let me take you home."

Daphne nodded, giving him her apartment address.

When Sebastian saw it, he raised an eyebrow, a barely noticeable smile curving his lips. She had bought the apartment before her marriage, and after destroying Wilson's villa, she'd moved back.

The apartment was in a secluded area and felt almost empty. She'd noticed a surprising lack of people compared to when she first bought it. Wilson's compensation villa at Lakeside Estates was poorly decorated, so she planned to tear it down and rebuild it. For now, this apartment served as her temporary residence.

As they arrived, Daphne thanked him. "We're here. Thanks for bringing me back."

But Sebastian didn't leave. He got out of the car and followed her.

"I don't need you to walk me in," Daphne said politely, unsure why he was following.

Sebastian locked the car and, smoothly, said, "Who said I was walking you in? I live here, too."

Daphne's jaw dropped. "You live here?"

Since moving in, she hadn't encountered a single neighbor, assuming the area was practically abandoned. But her first neighbor turned out to be Sebastian. That was unexpected.