Sebastian, I Really Need to Leave

Alexander Blackwood sat in the private balcony, his gaze sweeping over the opulent charity auction unfolding below in Crestwood. The grand hall was a sea of glittering gowns and sharp tuxedos, the air thick with the murmur of wealthy socialites and powerful business figures.

Sebastian Hayes slumped in the chair next to him, releasing a long, theatrical groan. He gestured vaguely toward the dance floor where couples were beginning to form. "Look at that. Everyone has a partner. And then there's us. Two lonely souls trapped up here. It's downright depressing."

Alexander didn't even turn his head, his voice cool and detached. "Speak for yourself. You're the lonely one. I am a married man."

Sebastian's head snapped around, his mouth agape. For a moment, he genuinely questioned if his best friend had been replaced by an imposter.

Alexander Blackwood—the man known for his icy composure and emotional distance—had just made a joke about his marital status? The world truly was ending.

A vibration from Alexander's phone cut through the moment. He glanced at the screen, and a faint frown instantly marred his features. "Sebastian, something requires my attention. I'm leaving. You'll handle the remainder of the auction," he stated, already rising from his seat.

Sebastian blinked, bewildered. "Wait, what? What could be so important right now?"

Driven by curiosity, he leaned over and caught a glimpse of the message on the phone. It was a simple update from Samuel, the butler at Serenity Oaks, noting that Evelyn seemed a little disheartened because Alexander had not returned home for the evening.

For this? He was abandoning a crucial business event for this?

Sebastian stared, his disbelief morphing into outright indignation. "Alexander! You cannot be serious!"

His voice rose, drawing a few curious glances from nearby boxes. "You're ditching the auction to go comfort Evelyn? Since when are you two so attached? This event is tied to our ongoing negotiations with the Sterling Group! You're just going to walk out?"

Completely unperturbed by Sebastian's outburst, Alexander smoothly shrugged into his tailored coat. "You are perfectly capable of handling it."

Sebastian clutched his chest as if struck by a physical blow. "Incredible! You're choosing a woman you've known for a matter of weeks over your best friend? You've truly lost your mind."

Alexander shot him a look that could freeze fire. His thoughts were already at Serenity Oaks, picturing Evelyn waiting, perhaps feeling neglected. The idea of staying here another minute felt intolerable.

"That was then. This is now. Sebastian, I really need to go."

As Alexander moved to leave, Sebastian suddenly seemed to remember something crucial. He quickly stepped into his path. "Hold on. Just wait a second."

Alexander's brow furrowed in clear irritation. "What is it now?"

Sebastian let out a heavy, exasperated sigh, shaking his head as if dealing with a hopeless case. Alexander, for all his business genius, was utterly clueless when it came to romance. Once again, it fell to Sebastian, the ever-reliable wingman, to prevent a catastrophic misstep.

"You're really going back to her empty-handed?" Sebastian gave him a pointed look. "Evelyn misses you. You're a newlywed. Have you given her a single proper gift since you married?"

The question gave Alexander pause. His mind flashed to the thoughtful selection of clothes Evelyn had bought for him recently.

She had chosen something for him, despite believing he was drowning in debt. She had promised to stay.

A rare, almost imperceptible softness touched Alexander's steely gaze.

He hesitated, then asked, a note of genuine inquiry in his voice, "What would you suggest?"

Sebastian's eyebrows shot up in mock surprise. "Well, well. She really has you wrapped around her finger." He crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "And you're supposed to be the brilliant one. Have you forgotten where we are?"

He gestured dramatically to the auction floor below. "I reviewed the catalog. The next item is a gemstone necklace. A genuine masterpiece by a world-renowned jeweler. Completely unique. Half the people here tonight came specifically to bid on it."

Sebastian's smirk widened. "Win that auction. Give that necklace to Evelyn. I guarantee it will make her night."