Her Fear Of Falling Again

The night air in Beverly Hills was crisp, carrying the faint hum of music and laughter that spilled from Sebastian's penthouse terrace. From outside, the place already looked alive — warm lights glowing through glass walls, soft jazz playing beneath the chatter of the city's finest.

Tonight was Saturday, and Sebastian had invited Cassie to one of his parties. After spending the past few months with him, she knew what that meant — elegance. Dinner dresses, champagne glasses, laughter that never got too loud. Sebastian's version of a party was worlds apart from Jake's chaotic, beer-stained nights filled with noise and half-dressed strangers.

Sebastian's gatherings were sleek, deliberate, and refined — just like him. He was the kind of man who exuded control without trying. Charming but careful, sophisticated but real. Yet, Cassie had seen every side of him — the clumsy one who tripped over his own shoes, the passionate one yelling at football on TV, the boyish one who teased her relentlessly just to get a rise out of her. Those contradictions were what made her fall for him in the first place. He made her feel safe... like no one ever could.

Tonight, she wanted to look like she belonged in his world. She'd called in a few favors from her old Hollywood stylists — a short black flowy cocktail dress that kissed her shoulders and exposed the graceful line of her back. Her gold heels caught the light with every step, and her makeup shimmered in warm tones that matched her purse. She looked expensive, but still very her.

Four hours later, Cassie stepped out of the Uber in front of Sebastian's building. Her heart fluttered as she made her way through the open door, music spilling out into the hall. The place looked breathtaking — glass walls framing a view of the glittering city, waiters moving between groups with trays of champagne, and guests dressed in every shade of elegance.

As she glanced around for Sebastian, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You looking for someone in particular?"

She turned — and nearly froze. It was the famous Hollywood heartthrob. Michael B. Hordan. Dressed in a navy blue suit that made him look like sin in silk.

"Michael B Hordan," Cassie blurted, eyes flicking over him before she caught herself blushing.

"And you are?" he asked, extending a hand.

"I'm Cassie Rowan," she said, shaking it with a polite smile that didn't quite hide her starstruck nerves.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Cassie Rowan," he said smoothly, kissing the back of her hand. The room suddenly felt ten degrees warmer "What can I get you to drink?".

Before she could reply, another voice — low, confident — cut in.

"That's okay, I already got her a drink."

Sebastian.

He moved toward them with a bottle of champagne in hand, and before Cassie could react, his arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close. The scent of his cologne hit her instantly — crisp, expensive, and so him.

"Sebastian!" she gasped, both surprised and flustered.

"Hey, beautiful," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

Michael grinned, amused. "Saw a beautiful woman walk in — couldn't let her stand there alone. You shouldn't leave a gorgeous lady like this waiting at the door."

"Clearly!" Sebastian replied, his smile charming but his hold on Cassie just a touch tighter as he guided her away.

"It was nice to meet you, Michael!" Cassie called out over her shoulder, still slightly dazed.