Content Warning

This chapter contains emotional confrontation, psychological tension, unequal power dynamics, persistent guilt, and ambivalent behavior stemming from harmful bonds. Reader discretion is advised.

Sebastian approached the cubicle where Noah was still working and, in a firm voice, told him he needed to stop. It was late. There was nothing more to be done there.

Noah looked up with determination. He explained that he still had reports to review and needed to submit them as soon as possible, downplaying the pressure he was under.

His boss nodded but insisted that it was enough for the night. There was something strange in his tone, a concern he tried to disguise beneath authority.

“It’s time for you to go home,” he repeated. “You need to rest.”

Noah replied that it was fine, that he would call a taxi as soon as he finished reviewing one last detail. That stubbornness, far from reassuring Sebastian, only irritated him more.

He leaned toward him, invading his space as was his habit.

“No,” he said firmly. “I’m not going to allow it. I’ll take you to your apartment myself.”

Noah tried to protest politely.

“I’m fine, Mr. Cross. You don’t have to do that. I appreciate it.”

He felt that Sebastian had no reason to take care of him, that he didn’t even deserve that gesture. But his boss’s determination was unbreakable.

“Get up from that seat. Now.”

And in the end, Noah had no choice but to give in.

When he stood up from the cubicle, Sebastian watched him closely. His expression softened for just an instant, though it hardened again almost immediately. He ordered him to follow him to the parking lot.

***

Sebastian’s sports car was waiting for them under the cold lights of the company parking lot. His words, though sharp, sounded almost protective —something he himself seemed unwilling to acknowledge.

Noah walked behind him with his chest tight. He didn’t understand why Sebastian was trying to be kind —if that was even the right word— after all the damage he had caused him. With every step, more memories surfaced in his mind: cruel laughter, disdainful looks, words that now felt unbearable. Sebastian had been sweet and kind in his youth… and he had destroyed him.

Guilt consumed him.

Sebastian, for his part, sensed that silent tension. Something in the air unsettled him, something he refused to name.

“Get in,” he ordered when they reached the vehicle.

Noah obeyed.

The interior of the car left him impressed. Everything was elegant, expensive, far beyond his reach. Sebastian noticed his amazement and allowed himself a smile tinged with pride.

“It’s nothing special,” he said with false modesty. “Just something basic.”

Noah shook his head, genuinely impressed. There was no envy in his eyes —only respect.

“It’s incredible,” he admitted. “You’ve accomplished so much.”

But the compliment made Sebastian uncomfortable.

“You don’t have to pretend interest,” he shot back. “Least of all you.”

Noah opened his eyes in surprise.

“I-I’m not pretending,” he replied sincerely. “I mean it.”

The silence grew heavy then, almost uncomfortable.

Sebastian started the car and drove without saying a word for several minutes.

When they passed near a pedestrian bridge, he finally spoke, his voice low.

“There are things that don’t change,” he said. “I always liked sports cars. You knew that. No one would’ve believed the kid who got bullied in high school would end up like this.”

The implication was clear. Noah could barely remember those details. The comment slowly dimmed the light in his eyes.

He nodded, accepting the blow.

“You’re right,” he replied simply.

That answer didn’t satisfy Sebastian.

“I don’t need your pity,” he snapped. “Nor your remorse. You abandoned me. You mocked me, and now… you’re paying for it.”

His words lacked the conviction he himself expected.

***

Shortly after, he stopped the car in front of Noah’s building.

The downcast man unbuckled his seatbelt, but before getting out, he looked at him seriously, wanting him to understand one important thing—one thing he truly meant.

“I can’t repair all the damage I caused you,” he said. “But I’ll do everything within my reach so you can move forward… without carrying that hatred.”

To his boss, the words sounded empty, almost poetic and ridiculous, and he laughed ironically.

“Do you think it’s that easy?” he asked. “This isn’t fixed with promises. Unless you truly try.”

At his words, Noah nodded several times, determined to prove he was a different man.

“I’ll try,” he said firmly. “I promise.”

He got out of the car and, before entering the building, said goodbye.

“Good night, boss.”

Sebastian watched him walk away and replied with a softness he didn’t even recognize in himself.

“Good night… Noah.”

He didn’t look away until he lost sight of him. For some reason, he felt his revenge beginning to wear thin… and he wasn’t sure he wanted to stop it.