Revenge marriage to my ex-husband’s Rival

5.

Sebastian woke up disoriented, his mind pounding in a god awful headache and his body sluggish and lacking in strength. And there was an odd ache on his right arm that disturbed him, but it was only when he groaned and attempted to stretch that he realized the cause of the ache.

It was a woman. Wild untamed red hair splayed over his naked chest, half her bare upper body draped across him. He blinked, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory from the night before. The room was dimly lit by the early morning sun creeping through the curtains, casting long shadows across the disheveled bed.

The woman stirred, her hair tickling his skin as she moved. He gritted his teeth as the memories of the previous night came back to him. He went out to celebrate with his associates after closing a million dollar deal that would be like chicken change for him, but significant enough to sweep the feet from under his opponents.

The deal was more than just a financial gain for him though, it was a calculated move. The company he had acquired was a competitor whose CEO had offended him once, an insult so minor it was almost laughable. But in the ruthless world of high-stakes business, Sebastian never forgot a slight. He remembered every affront, every dismissive comment, and every underhanded attempt to undermine him.

The ceo had made a mistake. A small one, perhaps not thinking much of it. He couldn't remember exactly what she did, and it didn't matter. Sebastian saw this acquisition as an opportunity to teach a lesson in humility and respect, even if it was with a light touch, as the offense wasn't too severe. Bankruptcy is easy enough to come back from, so he didn't take it as a major punishment.

Now, in the harsh light of morning, the elation of his victory felt distant. He glanced down at the woman beside him, her features soft and relaxed in sleep. The celebration had gotten out of hand, a blur of expensive liquor and impulsive decisions. He couldn't even remember her name.

And a red head? He frowned, he must've been really drunk. He thought, as he carefully extricated himself from the bed, trying not to wake her. It wasn't for any noble reason like not wanting to disturb her rest, no his head hurt too much for him to be in the mood to deal with any needy woman.

He looked around at the unfamiliar room, and frowned again. How drunk did he get? And where the hell was that damned man, he mused in annoyance when he looked towards the clock on the side table and saw the time. It was a weekday, so he really didn't have the luxury to still be in bed at quarter past ten.

"Hey.." A husky voice called out, her voice not too loud as though in consideration of his heavily hungover self.

His brow furrowed in irritation, as he turned towards her only to pause in appreciation as his gaze trailed her naked form. She had sat up, not bothering to hide herself from him, exposing milky white flawless skin, and perky upturned firm bosoms. Not as big as he usually preferred, but he could see how he would've found her attractive enough to take her to bed. Even if she wasn't his usual type. He preferred them blonde and curvier.

Sebastian sighed, his headache throbbing with every heartbeat. "..morning," he said, his voice rougher than usual.

She smiled, a slow, lazy expression that hinted at both satisfaction and curiosity. "You were amazing last night." She practically purred out, looking at him in unabashed interest.

He ran a hand through his tousled hair, trying to gather his thoughts. "I'm sure I was," he replied, not really caring about the specifics. "Listen, I've got a busy day ahead. You can take your time getting ready, but I need to head out."

Her countenance immediately changed, as she looked at him with a pout, a hint of desperation underlying her actions, "Was I not pleasing enough? I can do better I promise, come back to bed baby, I'll show you just how much better I can be," she said, her voice taking on a slightly pleading tone, as she pushed away the blanket that hid the rest of her away, and opened her legs wide to him in invitation, arching her back and everything in efforts to strike her most seductive pose.

She had to get him she thought, crazy with lust and desire. Last night had been unbelievable. Since she lost her virginity at 13, almost 21 years later nobody had ever made her feel such delirious ecstasy like the man before her had, and as she lay spent and satiated, she knew he has ruined her for any other man, and whenever she was with someone else, she would always look for that high. So how could she let him go now? Not to mention who he was. She had literally stroke the jackpot with him, so there was no way she was giving up so easily.

Sebastian felt a pang of annoyance. The last thing he needed right now was a clingy, desperate woman trying to make him stay. That's why he didn't want her to wake up when he noticed she wasn't one of his regulars. At least they knew and understood his unspoken rules.

People always wanted something from him, whether it was financing for various projects, donations to their families or charity, or just the power and prestige that his friendship could bestow. Women in particular either wanted him for his body, or seemed to think they could charm their way into his life for a piece of his wealth or influence. He had seen all kinds of them, and he had yet to meet one who hadn't thought at some point that she was the one that was going to tame him, she was the one who would change his ways. f*****g laughable.

Sebastian shook his head slightly, pushing away the lingering annoyance. He didn't have time for this drama. “It seems like you didn’t hear me the first time,” he glowered, reaching over to pinch her chin between his fingers as he glared into her eyes. "I said I have a busy day ahead. I don’t have time for this. If you’re done talking, get out.”

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, Sebastian saw a flicker of fear before it was quickly masked by desperation. She grabbed his wrist, holding onto it tightly. "Please, don't go. I can be useful to you. More than just this," she pleaded, her voice desperate.

He sighed, yanking his hand free, forcing himself to calm down before he does anything rash. "Look, whatever we had last night, it's over now. Don't make this harder than it needs to be." She was too much trouble for a lay he couldn’t even remember. They might’ve just held hands for all he could remember.

She stared at him, her lower lip trembling. “You don’t understand. I need—”

“I don’t care,” he interrupted sharply. “Get dressed and leave. Now.”

She flinched at his cold tone but didn't argue further. Sebastian turned away, pulling on his clothes quickly. He ignored her quiet sniffles as she gathered her things. His head still pounded, and he needed to get some aspirin and coffee before facing the day. He had more important things to deal with than some clingy one-night stand.

Once he was dressed, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and texted his driver to be ready in five minutes. As he slipped his shoes on, the woman stood at the door, fully dressed but looking crestfallen.

She hesitated before speaking. “I’m sorry if I overstepped,” she said softly. “But if you ever change your mind...”

He cut her off with a dismissive wave. “I won’t. Goodbye.”

Damn women, he thought in irritation as she banged the door hard on her way out making his head pound in agony. They were damn too much trouble than they were worth. They were all the same, all wanted something, whether it was his attention, his wealth, or his influence. But no matter, he always wanted something from them too. So he knew the game. It was an exchange, a transaction, and Sebastian always ensured he came out on top.

He finished tying his shoes and stood, looking to check the time when he saw something that made him pause, exhilaration coursing through his veins as he read and reread the date on the digital clock. It was June 4th. And hungover as he was, he immediately realized the significance of the day.

How could he not, it was exactly one year since he met that woman that fateful night. And not just that, it was today that their plans would finally be set in motion.

Now that was one woman who knew how to play the game, he thought with a smirk.

Till we meet my heiress, he thought as he exited the room without another backward glance at the scene where he had yet again irrevocably stolen and broken another woman’s heart.