Sebastian Knight

I sat at my mahogany desk, engrossed in an intense meeting with Manuel. The room was filled with the musky scent of cigar smoke and the tension of unspoken words. The rain battered against the windows, its steady rhythm providing a surreal backdrop to their conversation.

"We must discuss the bar, I have reports here I want to address," I emphasized, gesturing towards the vacant chair across from me.

Manuel nodded and proceeded to the designated seat, as Diego closed the door behind him, remaining nearby.

"As I reviewed the business records for the bar, it became apparent that Liliana's captivating singing has generated an impressive customer base, exceeding one thousand individuals. I am curious to know how things are progressing," I inquired.

Manuel adjusted his posture in the chair before responding, "Things are progressing well. However, I believe that Liliana could contribute more to the bar. Though she indeed invests a significant effort, there remains untapped potential."

Perplexed by Manuel's statement, I contemplated whether his other children were not fulfilling their duties in managing the establishment. Manuel had assured me that his family would handle the day-to-day operations, aware of the convenience it provided for concealing certain activities.

"Are your children and wife not involved?" I queried.

Momentarily taken aback, Manuel replied, "Well... you see, some of my children are prioritizing their studies, limiting their availability for work. I must admit, in my opinion, Savannah would have excelled as a singer, surpassing even Liliana in attracting customers. Have you considered meeting with Savannah?"

With a frown, I wondered why this topic resurfaced daily. Was it not clear that I possessed the authority to determine the bar's workforce? Secondly, Liliana's talent was undeniable, and it surprised me that Manuel failed to recognize it. Lastly, how many times must I reiterate my lack of interest in Savannah?

"For starters, the allocation of responsibilities within my bar is my decision alone. Furthermore, your daughter Liliana possesses the exceptional talent, which you seem to overlook. And finally, must I repeat myself? I hold no interest in meeting with Savannah," a sentiment I conveyed regularly.

I have never held an interest in Savannah, however, Liliana has consistently captured my attention. From the moment I first noticed her, I began to recognize more aspects of her that I deeply admired.

Manuel ceased speaking as he observed my growing temper, stating, "I apologize, boss. Certainly."

I examined the books once more and remarked, "We are expecting a delivery tomorrow afternoon, and I shall be present to oversee its arrival."

Manuel nodded, though I was aware of his disapproval regarding my presence. He typically felt this way; if he did not have a close relationship with my father, I would have terminated his employment long ago. Nevertheless, given their enduring bond, my father, while occasionally growing weary of Manuel, acknowledged his competency as a diligent worker.

"Come in," I beckoned, my voice displaying my curiosity.

The door creaked open, revealing a figure drenched in rainwater. My heart skipped a beat upon seeing the tears streaming down her face. Liliana stood there, her normally vibrant demeanor replaced by a vulnerability that beckoned his protective instincts.

"Liliana?" I exclaimed, standing up from my seat. "What happened?"

Liliana let out a shuddering breath, her voice barely a whisper as she answered, "Thomas... I saw him with Savannah..."

My heart clenched in pain. Knowing how deeply Liliana cared for that unfaithful scoundrel, he couldn't bear to see her hurt. I reached out to hold her, but before I could, Manuel's voice thundered through the room.

"What is this, a soap opera?" Manuel sneered, rising from his chair. His eyes narrowed with wicked delight as his gaze fell upon Liliana. "You are soiling Sebastian's floor and making me look bad. Clean yourself up."

The anger inside I ignited like a roaring inferno beneath his calm exterior. How dare Manuel treat Liliana with such callous disregard? My fingers twitched, itching to deliver a swift punishment, but I restrained himself.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on her," I growled, my voice laced with a deadly warning.

But Manuel's arrogance only grew. With a vile smirk, he lunged towards Liliana, his fingers grasping her hair. Panic coursed through my veins as U witnessed the torment unfolding before me.

"Ow! Let go!" Liliana cried out, a mixture of pain and anger coloring her voice.

"Enough!" My voice thundered through the room, the weight of his authority demanding obedience. I met Manuel's hateful gaze with unyielding determination. "Diego, take Manuel out of this office immediately."

In an instant, Diego, ever the loyal sidekick, stepped forward to intervene. He forcibly pulled Manuel away from Liliana, his strong grip silencing Manuel's protests. The ruckus echoed throughout the room, the chaos and tension intertwining in an explosive dance.

As Diego dragged Manuel out of the office, the atmosphere finally settled, leaving myself and Liliana alone once more. I reached out a hand to cup Liliana's face, his fingers gently wiping away the remnants of tears.

"It's going to be okay, Liliana," I whispered, his voice filled with compassion. "You're safe now."

Rainwater dripped from her drenched clothes, forming small puddles around her feet. She looked like a damsel in distress, and all I wanted to do was whisk her away to safety.

She melted in my chest, her tears mingling with my despair. I whispered sweet words of comfort, my voice caressing her wounded soul. "You're safe now. Let me take care of you."

Liliana nodded, her trust in me evident in her tearful eyes. "Can I...stay with you tonight? I don't want to be alone."

My protective instincts surged forth like a tidal wave. "Of course, mi amor. You're always welcome in my home." He gently cupped her face, brushing away a stray tear with his thumb.

After I showed Liliana around, he took her back to the office where he turned towards her. Seeing her still trembling form.

I turned to Liliana, his eyes softening with concern. "Come here," I murmured, my voice gentle as I guided her towards a luxurious leather armchair. I pulled a blanket from a nearby sofa and draped it around her trembling shoulders.

With a trembling voice, Liliana spoke, her words shaky but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Sebastian. I...I don't know what I would've done if I hadn't come here."

I brushed my fingertips against her cheek, wiping away a stray tear gently. "Don't thank me, Liliana. I'm just glad you're safe," I whispered, my voice filled with fierce determination.

As Liliana leaned into my touch, seeking solace in my presence, my heart skipped a beat. In that moment, I swore to protect her and make her forget the pain that Thomas had caused.

The sound of rain continued to tap against the window, a soothing lullaby to calm their racing hearts. I pressed a gentle kiss against Liliana's forehead, a silent promise that everything would be alright.