Chapter 4 Family Dinner With The Carnalls

• Sebastian’s POV
• The water hit my skin with a familiar force, the kind that always seemed to drown out the noise in my head. It wasn’t just any shower—it was my ritual. A way to ground myself after the chaos of the day or after the brutal YouTube workouts I forced myself through. The hot water was a balm, a simple pleasure that gave me back control, if only for a few moments. I closed my eyes, letting it wash over me, as if the steam could clear my mind.
• It didn’t work this time.
• I ran my hands over my face, scrubbing away the residue of my restless thoughts. The image of her—the blue-eyed Cece—kept playing in my mind like a loop I couldn’t escape. Her voice, her smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. I knew it was just a fleeting connection. She was nothing more than a distraction, a momentary pleasure to fill the silence that had been growing inside me. And yet... I couldn't shake the feeling that this was more.
• I’d just had marathon sex with someone who wasn’t her. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, but my mind was elsewhere, thinking about a woman I barely knew. And the worst part? I couldn’t even explain why.
• I scrubbed harder at my face, the bitterness in my chest rising. My reflection in the mirror showed nothing but a man who had everything—wealth, power, a successful career—but the one thing he couldn't have was something real. A person who didn’t see him as just a means to an end. I didn’t need a gold-digging woman by my side, parading around in designer clothes. I needed someone who could look past the money, the family name, and see me. Just me.
• But that wasn’t going to happen. Not in a family like mine.
• I stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around my waist. My parents had never understood me. They still didn't. They thought my success as an accountant and CEO of a major bank was just a stepping stone to something more—something that would make them proud. They couldn’t stand that I didn’t follow their carefully laid-out plan for my life.
• My older brother, Elijah, had always been the golden child—the one who could do no wrong. The one who didn’t question the status quo. The one who did everything by the book, because that was what they expected. And I? I was the rebel, the one who pushed back, the one who refused to be controlled. We were supposed to be equals, but I was always the one who was criticized, the one who couldn’t meet the impossible standards they set for me.
• And that rift between Elijah and me had only deepened over the years.
• But none of that mattered anymore. Not really.
• I was standing on my own, and I was damn proud of it.
• I threw on black joggers and a loose T-shirt, quickly making my way downstairs for dinner. My family had an unwritten rule—never be late. Dinner was not just a meal; it was an opportunity for them to scrutinize every detail of your life. Your choices, your flaws, your weaknesses—all exposed for them to pick apart.
• It had been this way for years.
• I knew better than to show up late, but even so, I couldn’t shake the feeling that no matter how much I accomplished, no matter how successful I became, it would never be enough for them.
• ___
• I descended the grand spiral staircase, the click of my shoes echoing through the cavernous hallway. The dining room loomed ahead—my parents already seated at the table. And, of course, there was Elijah, the golden child, his napkin perfectly tucked into his neck, looking like he was ready for a royal feast.
• I didn’t waste time with pleasantries. "I hope I’m not late," I said, pulling out my chair with a little more force than necessary. The scrape of it against the floor made everyone glance up.
• Mom glanced at her Rolex, her gaze narrowing. "You are a minute and twelve seconds late, Sebastian."
• I blew raspberries as I settled down. The scent of a feast filled the air—mac and cheese, turkey, grilled salmon, lobster, and more. The chefs had clearly worked overtime. But none of it could stop the sour taste in my mouth.
• "You should not be getting any since you were late." Mom’s eyes were daggers as she waited for me to respond.
• I didn’t even look up. "I’m sorry." I shot her a fake smile, stabbing my fork into the turkey.
• Elijah shot me a sideways glance. "The apology was just meant to shut you up."
• Elijah was dressed so formally like he belonged in the Peaky blinders. As a matter of fact, everyone was dressed formally to dinner except me, the black sheep.
• I shot back without hesitation. "Why don’t you choke on your dick and mind your goddamn business, Elijah?"
• His knuckles whitened as he gripped his utensils, but he didn’t speak. I could feel his anger simmering, but I didn’t care.
• Mom’s voice rose an octave. "Language, Sebastian!"
• "Can you cut me some slack?" I set my fork down, frustration building. "I’m tired of trying to please you. Maybe it’s time you realize I’m never going to be your golden child."
• Mom’s nostrils flared. "That’s enough, Sebastian!"
• I scoffed, leaning back in my chair. "By the way, who dresses up in a button-neck tuxedo with suspenders just for dinner? Did we time travel back to the ‘50s?"
• Mom opened her mouth, but Dad silenced her with a sharp look, downing his wine in one go.
• "Enough," Dad said, voice like gravel. "This pointless debate is over."
• Mom was about to argue when Dad cut her off. "Sebastian was bound to be late. I set him up with a girl from a reputable family, Scarlett."
• The room froze.
• I cleared my throat. "Yeah, Dad’s right, I was getting to know Shirley."
• "Shirley?" Mom’s brow furrowed in confusion. Elijah chuckled under his breath.
• I immediately corrected myself. "Sorry, I meant Scarlett."
• My feet tapped nervously against the floor. I was desperate to leave but had to sit through this farce.
• Elijah’s voice cut through the tension. "Honestly, I doubt you’re getting anywhere with her. Maybe if it was a dude, you might do better." He wiggled his brows at me.
• I shot him a cold glare. "For the last time, Elijah, I’m not gay."
• Elijah smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Then prove it. Bring a wife home, or marry Scarlett within a month."
• I froze. "A month? What the hell is going on?" The silence that followed was suffocating, and I felt the air turn thick.
• "Is anybody going to tell me what the hell is happening?" I asked, voice low and dangerous.
• Mom slammed her fists on the table. "For Pete’s sake, Sebastian, language!"
• "I don’t give a flying fuck about manners right now," I growled. "I care about what the hell is going on!" I slammed both fists on the table, rattling the silverware.
• Mom rubbed her temples, finally snapping. "Fuck it."
• "Hell yeah, Mom, fuck it!" I stood up, pacing around the room. "Tell me what’s going on right now! I’m sick of everyone keeping secrets from me!"
• Elijah smirked, enjoying my frustration. Dad poured himself another glass of wine and muttered under his breath.
• "Here we go," I said bitterly, folding my arms.
• "Sit down, son," Dad said, nodding to my empty chair. "We have a lot to discuss."
• I dropped back into my seat, tension tight in my chest.
• Dad’s baritone voice didn’t hold any warmth. "There’s a deal with an oil mogul from Italy. The contract needs to be signed by the acting CEO—who, at the moment, is you."
• "So?" I raised an eyebrow. I wasn’t sure where this was going.
• "They’ve reviewed your file, and everything looks great. But they want more. They need to know more about you personally." Dad’s eyes didn’t leave mine, his gaze hard.
• Elijah chimed in, his voice dripping with disdain. "They want a personal profile. They need to know you’re more than just a businessman."
• I frowned. "What does my personal life have to do with anything?"
• Elijah’s smirk grew. "A lot. They want to know you’re committed."
• "Committed to what?" My frustration was mounting. "I’m committed to my job."
• Mom’s voice cut through the chaos. "That’s not enough. You’re young, a bachelor, and you don’t have anyone listed. That’s... a problem."
• I raised my eyebrows. "What are you getting at?"
• Dad sighed. "You need to settle down. They need to see that you’re stable, that you’ve got something—someone—beyond business."
• Elijah leaned in. "I’m afraid they’re right. You don’t have a wife. The only option you have left is Scarlett."
• I clenched my jaw, fists balled in my lap. "Wait. You’re telling me this is about marriage? For a deal?"
• Dad nodded. "A wedding of convenience. It’ll help solidify your position. Trust me, this is the way things are done."
• I couldn’t believe it. I felt sick to my stomach. "But I’m not ready for marriage. I don’t even have a girlfriend!"
• Mom smirked, looking pleased with herself. "Then start befriending Scarlett. She’s more than willing to comply."
• I stood up abruptly. "You’ve got to be kidding me." I was in shock, struggling to process what they were saying.
• The tension in the room was unbearable. My eyes darted from Dad to Elijah, and then to Mom. "This isn’t happening."
• "Oh, but it is," Elijah said, his voice mocking. "You’ll marry Scarlett, or you’ll lose the CEO position."
• The room went silent. My heart pounded in my chest as I processed the implications. "This isn’t happening," I repeated, but my mind was already racing.
• I turned to face my father. "Fine. I’ll find a bride. But it won’t be for love."
• Mom and Dad stood up, leaving me to deal with my new found problems.
• "I’ll find a bride. I’m suitable for this job." I muttered like I was trying to convince myself and shot a look at Elijah, who was still snickering in the corner of my eye. "And over my dead body will I let my position fall to you."
• Elijah didn’t even flinch. Instead, he raised his glass of wine and shot me a mocking smile. "Good luck trying to beat me, brother," he said with a grin that would’ve made any lesser man cower.
• I waved him off, not about to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. He was the least of my priorities now. The only thing I could focus on was the biggest question that had been gnawing at the back of my mind all evening: where the hell do I find a bride? Fuck!
• Elijah leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass as if he owned the damn room. "I could write you some tips on being me," he said, leaning closer, his voice dripping with smugness. "So for once in your life, you don’t disgrace this family."
• I glared at him. "I don’t want to be an ass-kisser like you. Honestly, I care even less about pleasing this family. So why don’t you run along while I figure out how to find a bride?"
• Elijah chuckled darkly, not moving an inch. "I would leave, but not because you asked me to." He bent down, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I’m leaving so I can map out how to checkmate you and take the CEO position for myself." His eyes gleamed with that familiar wickedness.
• I smirked, popping a grape in my mouth. "I’d like to see you try, because I love the stench of your failure."
• "When have I ever failed, brother?" His green eyes twinkled with a mystery that unnerved me.
• I leaned in, locking eyes with him. "When there’s a competition between us, I always beat you hands down, over and over again. When are you going to learn you’re no match for me?"
• Elijah’s smirk faltered, but only for a moment. He straightened up, his expression going cold. “I want you reduced to nothing so that position is mine.”
• "Maybe you’re right, Elijah, I stand no chance when it comes to pleasing our parents. No matter what I do, you’ll always be their golden child, and I’ll always be the perpetual black sheep. But this CEO position? That’s my birthright, and you will not have it."
• He clenched his fists and my pulse quickened. "We’ll see about that," he said.
• "Elijah, I’ll destroy you before you get one step closer to taking what’s mine."
• Elijah raised his glass and took a sip, his eyes never leaving mine. "We’ll see about that, Sebastian. But just know this—if you stand in my way, I will ruin you. You’ll always be the bastard son." He let out a low whistle, standing up with a smug expression before making his way out of the room.
• I sat there, feeling the bitterness choke me as the room felt colder. "Yeah, best of luck with that, brother," I said under my breath, raising my glass and downing it to wash away the sour taste in my mouth.
• Elijah’s laughter echoed in the hallway as he left, and I let out a heavy sigh. It was a relief that they were finally gone—my parents, my brother—out of my hair. It gave me a brief moment of peace.
• I needed to find someone to marry. Not for love, but for the deal. Scarlett was out of the picture now, and I could already feel the clock ticking. I needed a bride—fast. My mind was a whirlwind of ideas and sheer frustration. But no matter how much I tried to focus, the biggest question kept circling in my brain, How the hell do I find someone willing to marry me for the sake of a business deal?
• I picked up my phone, dialing the one person who could help me figure this out, Asher. My childhood best friend, my go-to guy.
• "What's up, buddy?" His usual cheerful tone came through, and I couldn’t help but let out a breath of relief.
• "We’re going on a bride hunt," I said, my voice laced with excitement.
• There was a long pause before he replied, his voice incredulous. "I’m sorry, what?!"
• "Yeah," I chuckled, leaning back in my chair. "I’ll explain later. Stay where the hell you are and don’t move."
• "Oh—okay!" His confusion was clear. "Share your location and I’ll be there in a jiffy."
• I smiled, the plan already taking shape in my mind. "You got it."
• As I hung up, my thoughts turned back to my current dilemma. I would get married. Not for love, but for a transaction. I needed someone who could understand that. Someone who could separate business from pleasure and play the role I needed them to play.
• But who the hell would agree to that?
• I felt a spark of adventure as I thought about it. The challenge. The hunt. It was a game, and I was ready to play it. I smiled, knowing the answer would come—eventually.