Rise of The Abandoned Husband (Liam Knight) novel Chapter 182

182 The Patient Suitor’s Declaration

182 The Patient Suitor’s Declaration

I touched the tender spot, wincing. “Just a little accident.”

Sebastian stepped back. “Of course. Don’t forget we have the school anniversary event on Saturday. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

gust of wind blew across the parking lot, sending a shiver through me. Sebastian noticed immediately.

Sebastian’s expression softened. “Alright.”

In the safety of the elevator, I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. For six years, I had bee

with a man who ultimately chose my stepsister over me. Now, one of the most eligible bachelors in the city was willing to wait “years” for me to be ready.

“I like you,” he said simply.

“I just got divorced,” I said, my voice weaker than I intended. “I’m not ready for… for anything”

Hjerked backward, mortified. “Oh! Sorry.”

As I turned to hurry toward my office, I misjudged the distance and walked straight into a concrete pillar. Pain bloomed across my forehead.

“Hazel Shaw.”

“Should I get some ice?”

Sebastian nodded. “Time is something I can give you. As much as you need.”

And that was the scariest thing of all.

My mouth fell open. I couldn’t process what was happening. Sebastian Sinclair- powerful, enigmatic, intimidating Sebastian–was standing in a snowy parking lot declaring his feelings for me like we were characters in some romantic movie.

I froze at the doorway, my heart pounding in my chest. There was something different in Sebastian’s voice–a determination that hadn’t been there before.

Sebastian took a step closer. “Is it really? I thought I’d been quite obvious.”

182 The Patient Suitor’s Declaration

I shook my head. “No, 1–we should talk about this now.”

The casual reminder of our plans sent another wave of confusion through me. How could he drop this life–changing declaration and then act so normal?

Sebastian was at my side in an instant, his hand gently tilting my chin up to examine the impact point. “Are you alright?”

Had he? Looking back, I could see the signs–the constant support, the thoughtful gestures, the way his eyes followed me. But I’d been too wrapped up in my own pain to fully acknowledge what was happening between us.

“I should go inside,” I said finally, needing space to process this bombshell.

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out, still dazed. My assistant looked up as I approached.

“That’s fair,” Sebastian acknowledged.

“You’re still standing by my car,” Sebastian pointed out, a hint of amusement in his

voice.

“I’m still… healing” I admitted, the word feeling inadequate for the emotional wreckage I was sorting through. “I need time.”

As I settled at my desk, I realized with startling clarity that I wasn’t just flustered by Sebastian’s confession–I was terrified. Because despite all my walls and barriers, despite my fear of being hurt again…I had feelings for him too.

“Right. The anniversary.” I nodded, feeling like I was sleepwalking.

“I know,” he replied, surprising me with his understanding. “That’s why I said I’m willing to wait. I’m not asking you for anything right now, Hazel. I’m just letting you know where I stand.”

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. “After what happened with Alistair, I’m not sure I can trust my judgment anymore. Or anyone else’s intentions.” Life had a strange sense of humor.

A snowflake landed on my eyelash, and I blinked it away. “I don’t know what to say.” Sebastian unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out, walking around to my side of the

182 The Patient Suitor’s Declaration

car. His

hair.

tall figure stood against the gray winter sky, snowflakes catching in his dark

“No, I’m fine,” I lied, my mind still replaying Sebastian’s words.

And I had responded by crashing into a pillar.

## Hazel’s POV

“Your divorce is final now,” he continued, his gaze steady on mine. “And I’ve realized that if I don’t make my intentions clear, someone else might step in. I’m not willing to take that risk”

His calm acceptance only flustered me more. I was used to men who pushed, who demanded, who took. Sebastian’s patience was disarming.

“You don’t have to say anything. Sebastian replied. “Just know that my feelings are there. No pressure, no expectations.”

I practically ran into the building, not looking back. My heart was racing, my thoughts a jumbled mess. Sebastian Sinclair liked me. Was willing to wait for me. Had declared himself in the most straightforward way possible.

The words hung in the air between us, as tangible as the falling snow. I blinked, certain I had misheard him.

“I’m fine. Just clumsy.” I pressed a hand to my forehead, certain a bruise was already forming. “See you Saturday.”

“Ms. Shaw, you have three messages and–what happened to your forehead?”

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