The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 182

182 The Patient Suitor’s Declaration

I practically ran into the building, not looking back. My heart was racing, my thoughts a jumbled mess. Sebastian Sinclair liked me. Was willing to wait for me. Had declared himself in the most straightforward way possible.

I froze at the doorway, my heart pounding in my chest. There was something different in Sebastian’s voice-a determination that hadn’t been there before.

Sebastian’s expression softened. “Alright.”

“Hazel Shaw.”

“Ouch!” I yelped, stumbling back.

“Should I get some ice?”

I shook my head. “No, I-we should talk about this now.”.

“You don’t have to say anything” Sebastian replied. “Just know that my feelings are there. No pressure, no expectations.”

A gust of wind blew across the parking lot, sending a shiver through me. Sebastian noticed immediately.

The words hung in the air between us, as tangible as the falling snow. I blinked, certain I had misheard him.

“I like you,” he said simply.

And I had responded by crashing into a pillar.

Tes?” I managed to reply, my hand still gripping the car door.

“I just got divorced,” I said, my voice weaker than I intended. “I’m not ready for… for anything.”

“Ms. Shaw, you have three messages and-what happened to your forehead?”

“Your divorce is final now,” he continued, his gaze steady on mine. “And I’ve realized that if I don’t make my intentions clear, someone else might step in. I’m not willing to take that risk.”

Sebastian was at my side in an instant, his hand gently tilting my chin up to examine the impact point. “Are you alright?”

In the safety of the elevator, I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. For six years, I had been with a man who ultimately chose my stepsister over me. Now, one of the most eligible bachelors in the city was willing to wait “years” for me to be ready.

I jerked backward, mortified. “Oh! Sorry”

Life had a strange sense of humor.

Sebastian unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out, walking around to my side of the car. His tall figure stood against the gray winter sky, snowflakes catching in his dark hair.

The casual reminder of our plans sent another wave of confusion through me. How could he drop this life-changing declaration and then act so normal?

My mouth fell open. I couldn’t process what was happening. Sebastian Sinclair- powerful, enigmatic, intimidating Sebastian-was standing in a snowy parking lot declaring his feelings for me like we were characters in some romantic movie.

Sebastian took a step closer. “Is it really? I thought I’d been quite obvious.”

Had he? Looking back, I could see the signs-the constant support, the thoughtful gestures, the way his eyes followed me. But I’d been too wrapped up in my own pain to fully acknowledge what was happening between us.

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. “After what happened with Alistair, I’m not sure I can trust my judgment anymore. Or anyone else’s intentions.”

A snowflake landed on my eyelash, and I blinked it away. “I don’t know what to say.”

bastian nodded. “Time is something I can give you. As much as you need.”

As I settled at my desk, I realized with startling clarity that I wasn’t just flustered by Sebastian’s confession-I was terrified. Because despite all my walls and barriers, despite my fear of being hurt again…I had feelings for him too.

Sebastian stepped back. “Of course. Don’t forget we have the school anniversary event on Saturday. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Why tell me this now?” I asked.

19:56

“You’re cold. We should continue this conversation inside.”

“I like you,” Sebastian repeated, his voice clear and unwavering. “And I’m willing to wait years for you if necessary.”

As I turned to hurry toward my office, I misjudged the distance and walked straight into a concrete pillar. Pain bloomed across my forehead.

“I’m still… healing,” I admitted, the word feeling inadequate for the emotional wreckage I was sorting through. “I need time.”

“Because you deserve honesty,” he said simply. “And because I want you to know that when you’re ready-if you’re ever ready-I’ll be here.”

“Right. The anniversary.” I nodded, feeling like I was sleepwalking.

“I’m fine. Just clumsy.” I pressed a hand to my forehead, certain a bruise was already forming. “See you Saturday.”

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out, still dazed. My assistant looked up as I approached.

“Saturday,” he confirmed, his eyes dancing with something like affection. “Take care of that forehead.”

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