He Never Loved Me Until the Day I Finally Left Him novel Chapter 207

Helena rubbed her temples as Julian's name flashed across the screen. She had ignored him far too many times already; she had to answer this one.

But life had a cruel sense of timing. Just as her thumb swiped across the glass to accept the call, she caught sight of Sebastian's imposing figure stepping into the parlor out of the corner of her eye.

Panic spiked through her. Before Julian could even say hello, she instantly hung up.

A cold sweat broke out across her back. She was terrified Julian would immediately call back, and equally terrified of Sebastian making a scene. Outwardly, however, she forced her features into a mask of total calm and looked up at him.

Her phone remained clutched tightly in her hand.

"Making a call?" Sebastian asked casually.

He hadn't missed the frantic way she had ended the call the second he walked in. She was guarding something from him. Who was on the other end of that line?

He walked slowly toward her, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room.

Helena clearly had no intention of explaining herself. "Probably just a telemarketer," she lied flatly.

Sebastian stared down at her, silent.

Under his heavy gaze, Helena's nerves began to fray, a creeping sense of panic threatening to break her composure. Just as she thought she was going to snap, he gave a faint, dismissive hum and dropped the subject.

Helena exhaled a quiet breath of relief.

"Get ready. You're coming to a gala with me tonight," he ordered, seamlessly shifting gears.

Helena frowned, instinctively wanting to refuse. But before she could get a word out, Sebastian closed the distance between them, leaning in until his face was inches from hers.

"Don't forget the terms of our agreement," his low, resonant voice served as a dark reminder. "My signature means that until she comes back, you are going to play the role of the devoted wife. Am I clear?"

He raised a hand, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheek, his gaze turning incredibly somber.

"Because if you don't, Helena, I can tear up that contract at any moment."

It was a blatant threat.

For years, Helena had degraded herself, desperately trying to keep Sebastian's attention. Watching him constantly take Janetta out, she had convinced herself that this was the type of woman he desired. Subconsciously, she had molded her own appearance to mimic Janetta's, erasing her own identity to become a cheap stand-in.

Now, Janetta's own team was styling her. The insult was intentional and glaring.

"All done. Is everything to your liking?" the stylist asked, though her tone was entirely dismissive.

The gala was scheduled for 7:30 PM, and they were already running out of time. The stylist's assistants were already packing up their kits.

Sebastian was sitting on the sofa nearby, discussing business with Carter Miles. He looked completely unbothered by the delay and hadn't even glanced in her direction.

Helena lowered her eyes, remaining perfectly still.

The stylist's thin patience evaporated. "I'll take that as a yes."

She turned her back to finish packing.

"I hate it. Start over," Helena said, her voice cutting through the room like ice.