Chapter 17 
The city lights of New York twinkled outsile the car window as we drove through the bustling streets. I was so excited, but I also felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation. I just want this event to be successful. Sebastian sat beside me, his presence a comforting anchor. “Are you ready for this?” he asked, a reassuring smile on his face. 
I took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, Lam. This is it.” I said, unable to control my excitement. 
This wasn’t the first time I have hosted a product launch event, but this one made me feel more nervous. Maybe because I personally created a few cosmetic products this time, and I am very nervous to see how it goes. 
When we arrived at the venue, I was greeted by a whirlwind of activity. The theme for the event was an elegant fusion of modern chic and timeless beauty, perfectly capturing the essence of my new cosmetic products. The atmosphere buzzed with energy; the air was filled with the hum of excited conversations and the soft strains of music. 
As we walked through the entrance, I was immediately struck by the stunning decor. The venue was adorned with soft lighting, sleek displays showcasing the new product line, and floral arrangements that added a touch of elegance. The whole setup radiated a sense of luxury and beauty. 
“Wow,” I whispered, taking it all in. 
Sophia really managed to arrange everything, like I told her to. She outdid herself. It was so beautiful. 
Sebastian placed a hand on my back, guiding me forward “It’s beautiful.” 

We were greeted by a flurry of reporters, photographers, and guests eager to see the new products. I felt a rush of pride as I introduced the line, explaining the inspiration behind each item, and demonstrating their unique features. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I could see the excitement in the eyes of those around me. 
I began the event with a speech, and as I stood before the crowd my heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. I took a deep breath and smiled, looking out at the sea of faces. 
“Good evening, everyone, I began in my confident tone. Thank you all for being here tonight. It is an honor to share this special moment with you. MoonLuxe has always been about more than just beauty products. It’s about empowering individuals to feel confident and express their true selves. Tonight, we’re unveiling our latest collection, inspired by the strength and elegance that lies within each of us.” 
The audience applauded, and I felt a surge of pride. “I want to thank my incredible team; without them, none of this would be possible. Your dedication and creativity have brought this vision to life. And to my friends and family, your support. means everything to me. Let’s celebrate this new chapter together. 
The applause grew louder, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. As the evening progressed, I mingled with the guests, answering questions and receiving feedback. Charlie had flown in for the event, and it was heartwarming to see her. We shared a hug, her eyes shining with pride. 
“You’ve outdone yourself, Adeline,‘ she said, her voice filled with admiration. “This is incredible.” She added 
“Thank you, Charlie. I couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone who believed in me.” I said. 
Sophia approached me with a smile. “Everything is going perfectly. Adeline. The response has been fantastic. She said, her tone filled with happiness. “We reached so many requests for collaborations and every product received positive feedback.” She informed, 
“Thank you for all your hard work,” I said, squeezing her hand. couldn’t have done this without you.” I added, my voice filled with genuine gratitude. 
“Please don’t thank me, Adeline.” She replied, “I simply followed your instructions. This is all you.” She said, smiling at me. 
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Chapter 17 
Throughout the event, Sebastian stayed close by, offering quiet apport. His presence gave me strength, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for having him in my life. 
As the evening progressed, the event turned into a celebration. The music picked up, and people began to dance. I allowed myself to relas, joining in and enjoying the moment. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. 
Sebastian found me amidst the crowd, offering a glass of champagne. “To you, Adeline,” he said, raising his glass. “You did it.” He added, his tone was filled with pride. 
“To us,” I corrected, clinking my glass against his. “Thank you for always being there for me.” I said. 
He smiled, his eyes warm. “Always” 
As the night went on, guests began to file out of the hall: Only Friends and colleagues remained. We laughed, danced, and celebrated the success of MoonLaxe. It was a joyous occasion, filled with love and support from friends and colleagues. The chemistry between Sebastian and me was undeniable, with his touch lingering a bit longer and his gaze a bit more intense. Yet, the friendship and respect we had built over the years made the connection even more meaningful, 
At one point, we found ourselves on the balcony, looking out over the city. The cool night air was refreshing, and I took a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought me here. From the dark days of rejection, divorce and heartbreak to this night of triumph, it had been a long road, but it was all worth it 
Sebastian joined me with a glass of champagne in his hands. “Beautiful night, isn’t it?” he remarked, his voice soft and filled with warmth and handing me the glass. 
I took it and smiled, taking a sip of the champagne. “It really is.” I said and turned to him, “Thank you for being here with me, Sebastian. It means a lot to me.” 
“I will always be there for you, Adeline.” He said, smiling at me and leaning closer. 
I smiled, touched by his words. 
We stood in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping our champagne and watching the city below. Then Sebastian broke the silence with a gentle tone. “Adeline, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about 
I turned to him, sensing the seriousness in his voice. “What is it asked, looking at him. 
He took a deep breath, his eyes searching mine. “We’ve known each other for a long time now, and you’ve become an important part of my life. You and the kids–you’re my family. And I want more than just friendship. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, raising Bridget and Tristan together.” 
My heart skipped a beat at his words. Although I had always known Sebastian had feelings for me, hearing him say it so openly took me by surprise. I looked away, struggling to find the right words. I don’t know what to say to him. I always felt like there was something between us, and it confused me. I dont want to go through the pain I went through already, and I don’t want to lose his friendship, so I ignored it and focused on my children more. But now, I don’t know what to do. 
“I know this is sudden, but I just want to be honest with you.” He said, “I was trying to tell you about it for such a long time, but I couldn’t.” He took my hand and held it in his hands. His eyes looked into mine, filled with affection and adoration. “Take your time; I will be waiting for your answer. He said and placed a kiss on the back of my hand before leaving 
Sebastian has been an important part of my life, and I don’t know whether I’m still ready to give him a chance or give myself another chance after what happened in the Silver Moon Pack 
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