Faded Fireworks and Love

I caught Sebastian's reflection in the rearview mirror, his face set, silent. It seemed he wasn't going to speak up.

I broke the tension. "Actually, I do mind. I thought it was common sense that the wife rides in the passenger seat. Did you not know that, Jennifer? Or maybe you just think someone else's seat is more comfortable?"

Jennifer's smug expression faltered, her face paling as she fumbled with the hem of her dress, ready to step out.

But Sebastian grabbed her arm, stopping her.

He turned to me and said, "Nicole, what difference does it make where you sit? Stop acting spoiled. Do you really want us to be late? Just get in the back, will you? Switching seats is a hassle."

Before I could respond, our driver pulled up in another car. Without another word, I turned and climbed into it. After all, it wasn't like we didn't have other cars.

The moment my assistant told me Jennifer had gotten into Sebastian's car, I made arrangements. If they wanted to make me uncomfortable, they wouldn't get the satisfaction.

Sebastian stormed out of the car, slamming the door behind him. He marched to my window, knocking hard. "What are you doing? We're supposed to be going together, and now you're taking a separate car? Are you trying to make this a public spectacle? Are you trying to embarrass our whole family?"

I rolled the window up slowly, just enough to respond before it closed completely. "Oh, so you care about appearances now? I thought you didn't."

Then I directed the driver, "Let's go."

Denise's engagement party was extravagant. As I stepped inside, I spotted my parents immediately. They glanced over, just about to ask why Sebastian wasn't with me, when he entered the room arm-in-arm with Jennifer.

Jennifer had a hint of redness around her eyes, a look that stirred sympathy, as if she had just been bullied and had cried. Perhaps she had leaned into Sebastian's embrace in the car and wept. It was clear she had his sympathy.

My mother's face tightened. "What's going on with Sebastian? I saw the photos your aunt sent last night and have been wanting to ask you."

There's something about parents—no matter how much you try to hold it together, in front of them, all your strength crumbles.

My eyes filled with tears. I bit my lip, struggling to keep my voice steady. "I want a divorce from Sebastian. It's exactly like what you saw."

Before I could say more, Sebastian appeared beside me and greeted my parents. "Hi Dad. Hi Mom."

His arm slipped around my waist as if everything were perfectly fine. "I upset Nicole earlier. She's just a bit sensitive, you know. Honey, can't you let it go? I'm sorry, okay?"

My parents exchanged a confused glance, unsure whether to press further. They hesitated, then moved away to greet some old friends, leaving us alone.

Sebastian's grip on my waist tightened, his breath hot against my ear as he whispered, his words cutting despite the softness of his tone. "Do you want to cause a scene? Or maybe you'd prefer to humiliate both our families in front of everyone?"

I turned my head slightly, catching sight of Jennifer standing across the room. She was biting her lip, frustration clear in her eyes as she watched us. I raised an eyebrow at her and let loose a small smile.

Jennifer approached us with a glass of wine in hand. "Nicole, can I apologize to you? I didn't mean to sit in Seb's car, and I certainly didn't mean to take your seat. It's just that my car broke down."

I glanced at Sebastian. He looked nervous, as if bracing himself for the storm he feared I might unleash. My parents were nearby, and I could tell he was dreading the possibility of a public scene, something he'd have difficulty controlling.

But in that moment, something inside me shifted and cooled. What was the point of fighting over this now?

I smiled, taking the glass from Jennifer's hand and downing it in one smooth motion. "It's fine. There's no need to apologize."

The relief on Sebastian's face was way too obvious. He ran a hand through his hair. "See? I told you. Nicole isn't the kind of person to hold onto small matters like this."

I nodded, handing the empty glass back to Jennifer. "As for the front seat, anyone who wants it can have it. It doesn't concern me anymore."

I didn't wait for their response, just turned and started to walk away.

Sebastian quickly grabbed my arm, his grip tight. "What are you saying?"

I pried his hand off. "I'm saying you, Sebastian, don't matter to me anymore. I don't want you anymore."

His face darkened. "Nicole, stop being unreasonable. Not everyone will tolerate your temper. Your little game of playing hard to get doesn't work on me. Jennifer has already apologized. What more do you want?"

I didn't even spare him a glance. I moved faster, putting more distance between us.

Jennifer's apology meant nothing to me. It was worthless.

I was Nicole Roberts, the cherished daughter of the Roberts family. Why should I endure the humiliation of putting up with Sebastian?

These past few years, the Grays may have thrived, but he foolishly believed that he had secured his place in the city's upper echelons on his own.

What a short-sighted fool. Without the Roberts family's backing, the Grays, which should have fallen into obscurity decades ago, wouldn't even be a footnote in the social circles he so desperately wanted to impress.

I wasn't surprised when some of the older family friends began to distance themselves from Sebastian once they realized I was no longer by his side.

It didn't take him long to notice the shift in their attitudes.

Soon enough, he shook off Jennifer and found me in a quiet corner. His face softened into a false tenderness. "Honey, why are you hiding here? I've been looking all over for you. Still upset? Fine, next time no one will ride in my car but you, okay?"

I frowned, irritated that he had come to disrupt my peace.

I looked up at him and said, "Sebastian, do you not understand plain speech? I don't care who sits in your car. Why are you clinging to me at this banquet? Don't you have anything better to do? Can you just grow up? Stop bothering me."