The Offer

As Sofia stares into Sebastian's piercing gaze, her heart begins to race. She's suddenly acutely aware of how close they are in the confined space of the elevator, their bodies mere inches apart.

Sofia: What do you want from me? (she asks, her voice barely above a whisper)

Sebastian : (smile widens ) Isn't it obvious? I want you, Sofia. And I think you want me too

The elevator doors slide closed, sealing them in their world. Sofia's breath quickens as Sebastian leans in, his hand gently caressing her cheek. The tension in the air as Sofia's gaze locks with Sebastian's. She can feel the heat of his body, the warmth of his breath on her skin. Her heart is pounding, her mind racing.

Sebastian leans in closer, his lips brushing against hers. 

Sebastian: You can't deny our chemistry, Sofia, (he whispers)

Sofia's breath catches in her throat as she struggles to find the words. 

Sofia: We...we can't do this, (she stammers) Damon...

Sebastian shakes his head, his eyes never leaving hers. 

Sebastian: Damon doesn't have to know (murmurs, his lips dangerously close to hers) It's our secret. Just you and me.

Sofia: there is a rule in the office you can't date or see any officemate or know how they taste 

Sebastian: I made the rules and can amend them when I want and I know how you taste, am not satisfied 

Sofia feels herself wavering, the desire within her threatening to overwhelm her better judgment. She knows this is wrong, that she shouldn't be giving in to her desires, but the intensity of Sebastian's gaze is like a magnet, drawing her in. 

Sebastian: join me for dinner ( he asked )

Sofia: Dinner? ( she repeats, her mind still reeling from Sebastian's proximity )

Sebastian: ( nods, a sly smile playing on his lips ) Yes, dinner. A chance for us to get to know each other better...in private.

Sofia's heart skips a beat as she considers his proposition. Part of her wants to turn him down, to put an end to this dangerous game before it goes any further. But another part, a part she's been trying to suppress, thrills at the thought of spending more time with Sebastian. After a moment of hesitation, Sofia nods, her pulse racing

Sofia: Alright, dinner (she says, her voice low ) But that's it. We talk, and then we go our separate ways. Understood?

Sebastian's smile widens. 

Sebastian: Understood. Dinner, and then I promise to leave you alone.

With that, the elevator arrives at the lobby, and Sebastian holds the door open for her. As Sofia steps out, she can't shake the feeling that this is a mistake, that she's letting herself get in too deep. Later that evening, Sofia finds herself standing outside the restaurant, nervous. She can't believe she's going through with this. As they walked inside, the restaurant manager came to greet them 

Manager Boyc: Mr Walter it's nice to see you again, the usual 

Sebastian nods no his eyes not leaving Sofia. Sofia's eyes widen in surprise as she realizes that Sebastian must be a regular at this restaurant. She wonders how many other women he's brought here, how many other dinners he's shared with other women just like this one.

Sebastian: no, something different, ( he confirms, still not taking his eyes off of Sofia ) And this is Ms. Sofia Miller, my guest for tonight.

The manager bows his head slightly, offering Sofia a polite smile. 

Manager Boyc: It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Miller

As the manager leads them to their table, Sofia feels a mix of unease and excitement. She's never felt so out of her element, but there's something about Sebastian's presence that draws her in.

They sit down, and the manager hands them each a menu, offering his recommendations. Sofia barely hears him, her attention focused on Sebastian.

Sebastian: So, Ms. Miller (he begins, a playful grin on his face ) What should I call you? Sofia? Ms. Miller? Or perhaps...boss?"

Sofia laughs, a blush creeping into her cheeks. 

Sofia: Call me whatever you want (she says, her voice low and flirtatious) As long as you don't call me late for dinner again.

Sebastian chuckles, a mischievous gleam in his eye. 

Sebastian: You're a feisty one, aren't you?

Sofia smirks, enjoying the banter. 

Sofia: Only when I need to be.

Sebastian: I don't get you, one minute you are running away from me the other minutes you are flirting with me

Sofia: what about you, how many other women have you brought here 

Sebastian: you are the first 

Sofia: you expect to believe that

Sebastian: ( smiled ) You got me there but you are special 

Sofia: is that supposed to sweep me off my feet

Sebastian: did it work 

Sofia: I have a high standard 

Sebastian: oh that I almost forgot 

As the evening progresses, Sofia finds herself becoming more comfortable with Sebastian. They talk about everything from their favourite books to their wildest travel experiences, each story revealing a bit more about the other.

As they finish their main course, Sebastian leans back in his chair, his gaze intense. 

Sebastian: So, Sofia (he begins, his voice taking on a more serious tone. )Why don't we make a deal?

Sofia arches an eyebrow, curious. 

Sofia: A deal? What kind of deal? 

Sebastian: (leans forward, his eyes never leaving hers ) A deal where you agree to spend the rest of the evening with me, no strings attached. You don't have to worry about the office, Damon, or anything else. Just you and me, enjoying each other's company.

Sofia: (shakes her head, her expression serious) We agreed it was just dinner, I'm sorry, Sebastian, but I can't do this. It's not fair to me. I have a lot of work to do, and I can't let myself get distracted like this.

Sebastian's face falls, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. 

Sebastian: I understand (he says, his voice quiet ) I just...I thought we had something special.

Sofia bites her lip, torn between her desire and her responsibilities. 

Sofia: Sebastian  it can't happen like this

Sebastian nods, his expression becoming more sombre. 

Sebastian: I won't push you any further, Sofia. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable 

Sofia shakes her head, a sympathetic look in her eyes. 

Sofia: You didn't make me uncomfortable. You're just...intense. And I'm not sure I can handle that right now.

Sebastian smiles ruefully, his gaze intense once more. 

Sebastian: I understand. Maybe we can try again another time when you're more...prepared. 

With a heavy heart, Sofia stood up from the table, her gaze lingering on Sebastian for a moment before she would leave 

Sebastian: I will take you home, it's only fair 

Sofia: Okay 

As they step out of the restaurant, a part of her wonders if she made the right choice. But deep down, she knows that she can't ignore her responsibilities, no matter how tempting Sebastian may be. Both did not say anything, they got in the car, and she received a text from Damon pulls out her phone  "Are you still at the office sorry I can't pick you up had a lot to do" Sofia quickly typed out a response. "That's okay, Damon. I'm on my way home now" 

As she hits send, a feeling of guilt washes over her. She knows she should have told Damon the truth about dinner with Sebastian, but she's not ready to deal with the consequences of that conversation just yet

Sebastian: Damon I guess 

Sofia: (turns to look at him in the driver's seat ) Yes, his checking on me 

Sebastian: Are you two together 

Sofia: no no… his my best friend and my assistant, without him I would be toasted

Sebastian: hmm ( his eyes on the road )

The drive to her house was quiet, and when she got home she thanked him and walked to her house while he drove off without saying anything.  

As Sofia closes the door behind her, she lets out a heavy sigh, her mind still reeling from the evening's events. She leans against the door, her heart still pounding in her chest. Part of her wants to forget about Sebastian and everything that happened, to focus on her work but there's another part of her that's drawn to Sebastian's intensity, to the way he makes her feel alive and desired. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Sofia goes upstairs to get ready for bed. 

Noah invited Sebastian to a bar for a drink. At the bar, Sebastian sits with his friend Noah, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. Noah notices that his friend's usual charm and charisma seem to be missing tonight.

Noah: So, Sebastian, ( he begins, taking a sip of his drink )You seem a bit off tonight. Everything alright?

Sebastian: ( sighs, running a hand through his hair ) I'm fine. Just had a bit of a...disappointing evening, that's all.

Noah raises an eyebrow, sensing there's more to the story. 

Noah: Oh? What happened 

Sebastian: Remember the contract with the other business partner 

Noah: yes, it didn't work out.

Sebastian: no it did….but it Sofia 

Noah: Sofia who?

Sebastian: the girl we saw at the hotel 

Noah: the one with the laptop ( he asked surprised  ) 

Sebastian: yes Sofia Miller, our new business partner 

Noah: so how is it that bad 

Sebastian recalled everything that happened between him and Sofia to Noah. Noah started laughing 

Noah: you are fucked, relationship with a business partner you know it's a bad idea 

Sebastian: that rule is stupid

Noah: Sofia, right? ( asks, a knowing grin spreading across his face )

Sebastian: ( rolls his eyes, taking a long drink of his whiskey ) Yes, Sofia. The lovely Sofia Miller.

Noah: (chuckles) So, did she finally turn you down? Thought you had her wrapped around your finger 

Sebastian: ( shrugs, a hint of frustration in his voice) She's playing hard to get, that's all. But I'll win her over. She can't resist me forever. 

Noah:  Careful, Sebastian ( Noah warns, his voice low and serious.) You don't want to let this become an obsession. There are other women out there.

Sebastian: ( scoffs, swirling the ice in his glass ) I'm not obsessed. I just...I see something in her. She's not like the others.

Noah takes another sip of his drink, considering his friend's words. 

Noah: or maybe she hasn't fulfilled your desire ( he smirked )

Sebastian took a sip from his drink 

Noah: I got you covered, I saw Chloe before you came maybe she can help you ease off 

Sebastian drops his drink and raises his head to look at Noah, Noah signals the waiter and asks him to bring Chloe. The waiter did just that, Chloe came to give a sweet warm smile to Sebastian

Noah: his not feeling well, can you help him 

Chloe: you don't need to say 

She walks over to Sebastian, her lips moved to his ear and whispers only what Sebastian can hear. Then they stood up and left, Noah, sitting alone. She helped him clear his head that night but not as he felt with Sofia. The next day, Sofia arrives at her office, her mind still preoccupied with the events of the previous evening. As she sits down at her desk, she notices a small, wrapped package sitting on her chair. Curious, she picks it up and turns it over in her hands, her brow furrowing. There's no card, no indication of who sent it. But she has a feeling she knows exactly who it's from. With shaking hands, she carefully unwraps the package, revealing a delicate silver necklace, with a small pendant shaped like a heart. Sofia approaches Sebastian's office, and she enters a silent accusation he is working on his laptop, immediately he feels her presence he looks up from his laptop, a smile playing at his lips. 

Sebastian: Do you like it? ( he asks, gaze falls on the necklace ) 

Sofia takes a deep breath, fighting to keep her emotions in check. 

Sofia: It was a...thoughtful gesture ( she says, her voice cold and professional ) But you should know that I won't be swayed by gifts.

Sebastian's smile widens

Sebastian: Oh, I know that Sofia ( says, his voice smooth and assured ) But you have to admit, there's something special between us. I can see it in your eyes, the way you look at me.

Sofia: ( scoffs, her hands on her hips ) Don't flatter yourself, Mr Walter. You're nothing more than a business partner, and that's all you'll ever be.

Sebastian stands up, closing the distance between them. 

Sebastian: You can deny it all you want, Sofia. But deep down, you know it's true. 

He offers to put the necklace on her. Sebastian reaches for the necklace, his fingers brushing against the skin of her neck as he fastens the clasp. Sofia stiffens at his touch, but she doesn't pull away.

Sebastian: There ( he says, his voice low and dangerous ) Now you can wear a reminder of me around your neck.

Sofia swallows, fighting to keep her composure. 

Sofia: This doesn't change anything, Mr Walter. I'm not going to let you seduce me into making a mistake.

Sebastian steps closer, his gaze locked on hers.

Sebastian: Oh, but you're already making a mistake, Sofia,( he whispers, his breath warm against her skin ) You're denying yourself something you desperately want. Something we both want. 

Sofia's breath catches in her throat as she feels the heat of his body radiating against hers. She knows she should push him away

Sofia: Sebastian...we can't do this (she whispers, her voice barely a whisper) 

Sebastian smiles, his fingers gently caressing her neck.

Sebastian:  Why not, Sofia? ( he asks, his voice a low purr ) What's stopping us from giving in to this desire? You know it's there, just waiting to be unleashed. 

Sofia's heart pounds harder, her resolve faltering. 

Sofia: it's not...it's not right. I can't risk my business or my reputation.

Sebastian chuckles, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. 

Sebastian: You're worried about your reputation? Don't you know that I could make you forget all about that? I could make you feel things you never imagined. You can't deny it, Sofia ( his lips hovering inches from hers ) You want me just as much as I want you.

Sofia's breathing grows heavier, her heart racing as she struggles to find the words to resist him. But deep down, she knows he's right. She's always wanted him, even when she tried to deny it.

Sofia: I...I don't know if I can do this ( she whispers, her voice aching with need )

Sebastian's smile is triumphant as he leans in closer, his lips brushing against hers. Just as his lips are about to meet Sofia's, a loud knock on the door interrupts their moment of passion.

Fred: Mr. Walter ( his secretary calls from the outside )

Sebastian: what do you want 

Fred: there's an urgent meeting that requires your presence ( says, his voice urgent )

Sebastian sighs, reluctantly pulling away from Sofia. He adjusts his suit, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. 

Sebastian: I'll be right there, ( he says, his voice still filled with desire ) 

His secretary did not bother to knock again, just waited outside for him. He looks at Sofia and pecks her cheek, he turns to leave, pausing at the door to glance back at her one last time.

As Sebastian disappears from the room, Sofia's legs give way, and she falls on the desk close by,  her heart pounding in her chest. She feels a mix of relief and disappointment, unsure of what to make of what just happened. She sits down at Sebastian's desk, consumed by thoughts of him she knows she should be furious with him, but she can't help feeling drawn to his passion, his intensity. Sebastian's scent lingers in the air, a reminder of the danger that still lies between them. As Sofia sits at Sebastian's desk, her mind racing with questions, she hears a soft knock on the door. Slowly, she stands up and opens it, expecting to see Sebastian standing there, a smirk on his lips.

But instead, she finds herself face-to-face with Damon