Chapter 64
This was her chance to break free from that stifling cage and finally focus on her own plans.
That same night, once Lucas had left, Riley slipped out of the hospital unnoticed.
She hailed a cab and headed to the apartment she’d never actually lived in before.
The building stood in one of the most prime locations in the city center.
Since it had never been occupied, the spacious interior was completely empty–only basic finishes had been done. She’d need to buy all the furniture and everyday essentials herself.
But the emptiness didn’t make her feel lonely. Instead, it gave her a sense of freedom she’d never experienced.
Riley pulled a notepad and pen from her bag. She began sketching out the layout of the space while jotting down everything she needed to purchase.
Just as she was losing herself in plans for her new beginning, an explosion of video game sound effects and thumping background music suddenly blasted through the shared wall without warning.
“BOOM! Double Kill p>
Riley jumped at the abrupt noise, then frowned in irritation.
This was supposed to be a high–end building–residents here were expected to be considerate and quiet. Who would crank up their speakers like they were at a nightclub?
She set down her pen, walked to the door, and knocked firmly on her neighbor’s door, ready to ask them to keep it down.
After a few knocks, the booming audio cut off.
A moment later, the door swung open.
A tall figure stood in the doorway.
He was wearing a loose gray hoodie, with large gaming headphones resting around his neck, and still held a controller in one hand.
When their eyes met, both froze.
It was Sebastian.
“Ms. Harper?” Sebastian spoke first, his voice tinged with disbelief. “How did you know I lived here p>
Riley was equally surprised, but she quickly regained her composure and replied casually, “I didn’t. I just bought the unit next door and was planning to move in when your game audio decided to introduce itself p>
Realization dawned on Sebastian’s face. He looked slightly embarrassed as he removed his headphones and stepped aside. “Come in for a minute. Sorry–my agent told me this whole floor was empty, so I might’ve overdone the volume p>
After a brief hesitation, Riley stepped inside, quietly taking in the space.
On their floor, the layout was three units per elevator bank.
But Sebastian had clearly purchased the adjacent apartments as well, knocking down the walls to create one expansive loft with a view that rivaled the waterfront–endless ocean visible through massive floor–to–ceiling windows.
The whole place was decorated in a contemporary, understated luxury style, with high–quality finishes and refined taste.
But as Riley looked around, she noticed that apart from the huge wall–mounted TV and premium sound system–clearly set up for gaming–there was almost nothing personal in sight. The space felt sleek but somewhat cold, as if no one really lived there.
Sebastian walked over and pulled open the stainless–steel refrigerator. Aside from a few rows of sparkling water and craft beer, it was completely bare.
He glanced back and asked, “What can I get you to drink p>
“Just water is fine p>
Riley settled onto the expensive–looking leather sofa without any stiffness or unease.
She watched Sebastian move into the open kitchen and fill a glass from a sleek, barely–used water dispenser.
He had a tall, lean build. The oversized gray hoodie made his shoulders appear broad and his legs even longer. He carried that relaxed, confident vibe of someone young and at ease–like he could genuinely pass for a college student.
Riley couldn’t help but recall not too long ago, when Anthea had shown her that blurry, secretly–taken photo and accused her of keeping a young college guy on the side.
Thinking about it now, she supposed it could look that way from the outside.
Too bad she could never actually afford to keep someone like Sebastian.
Sebastian returned shortly with a glass of warm water. His long fingers held it steady as he passed it to Riley.
He took a seat on the single–armchair across from her and asked casually, “So everything with the Ashford family is settled? You’re not going back p>
Riley held the glass, feeling the warmth seep into her palms.
She took a slow sip before shaking her head, her tone as casual as if she were discussing someone else’s life. “No. They mentioned the house has had some… bad energy lately. I suppose they suspect it’s because of me, so they want me fully recovered before I come back p>
She said it lightly, but when Sebastian heard it, his eyes turned sharp.
He leaned back into the couch, his voice dripping with dry sarcasm. “What century are we in? I didn’t realize people in Havenbrook still bought into that superstitious nonsense p>
“Superstition isn’t half as frightening as what people choose to believe.” Riley offered a faint smile and looked down, watching the water swirl gently in her glass.
From the moment Lucas had hesitantly stumbled through that excuse, she’d guessed Sophia was behind it–ten to one. She was probably afraid that once Riley was out of the hospital, she’d cling to Lucas again, leaving no room for Sophia to get closer to him.
Sebastian was quiet for a moment, as if turning her words over in his mind. Then he nodded slightly.
“I’ll keep the game volume down from now on. Won’t disturb you again p>