92 A Gift of Bitter and Sweet
Hazel’s POV
The Rosewood Cafe rooftop offered a stunning view of the city skyline. I paused at the entrance: scanning the tables. My heart skipped when I spotted him.
Sebastian Sinclair sat at a corner table overlooking the cityscape Sunlight bathed his sharp features highlighting the perfectent of his charcoal sunt. He seemed lost in thought, one elegant finger tracing the rink of an empty cup.
My palms felt clammy. I straightened my navy dress and took a steadying breath before
walking over
He noticed me immediately, rising to his feet with fluid grace. “Hazel”
Just my name, yet it sounded different on his lips-almost reverent
“Thope I didn’t keep you waiting,” I said, sliding into the chair he pulled out for me
“Not at all. His smile was warm. “I arrived early to secure this spot. The view is worth
it.”
I glanced at the skyline, then back at him. The view wasn’t the only thing worth looking
A waitress approached, notebook in hand. “What can I get for you today?”
“Hot chocolate, please.” I requested. “With extra whipped cream
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Black coffee for me, No
sugar
When she left, Lcouldn’t help but comment. “Complete opposites, aren’t we? You take your coffee bitter. I need mine sweet
“Is there a reason behind that preference?” he asked
I traced patterns on the tablecloth, surprised by my willingness to share. Life gives me enough bitterness. Feed sweetness wherever I can find it
His eyes darkened slightly. “A wise philosophy
We fell silent as our drinks arrived. The rich aroma of chocolate mingled with coffee in the au between us, took a sip, leaving a smudge of cream on muy upper hp that I
quickly wiped away
Sebastian watched the movement with unnerving intensity
“Mr. Sinclair-
“Sebastian” he corrected gently. “Please.
I nodded, feeling heat bloom in my cheeks. “Sebastian. I have something for you.
First, I reached into my bag and pulled out the watch, placing it carefully on the table
You left this at my apartment”
His fingers brushed mine as he took it, sending an electric current up my arm. Thank you. I have others, but this one has… sentimental value.
That surprised me. Sebastian Sinclair didn’t strike me as sentimental
“And this” I continued, pulling out an ornate wooden box. “is for your mother’s birthday. If you wouldn’t mind delivering it
Sebastian’s eyes widened slightly as he accepted the box. He opened it with careful movements, revealing the phoenix-themed jewelry set nestled against crimson silk
“You made this?” His voice held genuine wonder
I nodded, suddenly self-conscious. “It’s a traditional Chinese-style accessory set: I noticed your mother admired similar designs at dinner
Sebastian traced the delicate phoenix curves with his fingertip. These are exquisite Hazel. True artistry”
Relief washed over me. I’d been worried the humble gift wouldn’t measure up to Sinclair standards
The phoenix symbolizes rebirth and perseverance” Lexplained “Something about your mother’s strengthy reminded me of that
Sebastian losed the box with reverence “She’ll treasure this. Not just for its beauty but because it comes from you
His statement pied me. “From me? We’ve only met ance
You made quite an mipi ession” His eyes held mine “She rarely invites newcorners
intoran bome
sipped my hot chocolate needing a moment to collect myself Arollop of whapped cream clung toy hp again, and before could wipe it away Sebastian reaches across the table. His thumb gently brushed the corner of my mouth removing the cream.
My breath caught. Time seemed to suspend as his gaze locked with mine
He pulled back slowly. “Sorry Force of habit with my nieces.
attempted a laugh that came out strangled. “It’s fine
We both retreated behind our drinks, the moment crackling between us
When is her birthday? Lasked, desperate to break the tension.
Next Tuesday, I’ll be hosting a small family gathering at my estate
Tnodded, relieved the gift would arrive on time. “I’m glad I finished it in time, then.
Sebastian studied me over his coffee cup “Why did you do this. Hazel? Create something so thoughtful for someone you barely know
The question caught me off guard “Your mother was kind to me. Kindness deserves
acknowledgment
et everyone thinks that way
Jshrugged “Maybe they should
smile tugged at his lips. Maybe
m divas
We fell make surprisingly comfortable conversation after that Sebastian asked about
mo
tos design process, listening intently as explained how I combined traditional Techniques with modern aesthetics. He shared stories about las mother’s appréciation for craftsmanship ner collection of handmade treasures from around the world,
When our cups emptied
ganged at ray watch. I should head back to the office
Was it my unagination or did disappointment flash across his face
stopped wei
Sebasti galed for the check When Fresched for in wallet, his hand
would wm
Thank you
onceded
Oorsade the cafe afternoon sunlight bathed the street in golden hues. Sebastian stood
Too close fet in racing heart
We see that om mother Leceives your gift he promised fucking the wooden box
whall mate is leather briefcase
1hope she sees it
I couldn’t keep the nervousness from my voice
Sebarat Dan Dibed tus head. “You’re smiling
haded resized. Am
beritated. The decided honesty couldn’t hurt I was worned you might look down on such a simple gift. Someone of your status probably gives dramond necklaces for thdays
The confession hoong between us, my security laid bare I watched Sebast turs
TAS
PXpression wallay was response to my moment of vulneratury unsure what has
bow
epswer world reve about the man behind the bilhonaire acade
