100 Days to Seduce Mr. Grande

Sebastian's voice crackled through the microphone. "Are you sure you're fine?"

Charlotte nodded hastily, her eyes darting toward the helicopter's controls.

"Alright. Your seatbelt is fastened, right?" Sebastian asked, slipping on his sunglasses.

Charlotte's gaze dropped to her lap, her fingers fidgeting with the buckle. "I guess...I don't know," she muttered. Her eyes drifted out the window, the ground far below seeming to tilt ominously.

"Let me check," Sebastian leaned across, his hands nimbly checking the seatbelt. His expression turned confused as he realized it wasn't secure.

"You don't know how to do it?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern, his eyes scanning Charlotte's face.

Charlotte's lashes fluttered closed, her words rushing out . "I'm afraid of heights."

Sebastian's jaw slackened, surprise washing on his features. His eyes met with Charlotte's, searching for reassurance that she was joking. But her pale face and clenched fists told a different story.

Time seemed to freeze as they stared at each other.

He settled into his seat, silence descending like a veil. The pilot glanced at him, waiting for his decision, and he held up a hand, his fingers splayed in a "wait" gesture.

The pilot's eyes lingered, then returned to the controls. Minutes ticked by. Sebastian's voice broke the stillness. "So... Should we stop the ride?" he asked, a flicker of concern crossing his eyes.

"Don't" Charlotte's head shook violently, her eyes wide.

"No, no, no," she whispered, her face set, "I must overcome this fear!"

"Alright." Sebastian's lips curled into a gentle smile.

The pilot's gaze flicked back to Sebastian, seeking confirmation. Sebastian nodded, his chin dipping once.

"Proceed," he put his thumb up.

The helicopter surged forward, soaring into the sky.

Charlotte's grip on the armrests tightened as her knuckles turned pale.

Sebastian's gaze lingered on her tense face. "You can hold my hand, if it becomes overwhelming," he offered, extending his hand.

Charlotte's eyelids fluttered shut, her voice whispering "No, thank you."

Sebastian nodded, clearly baffled but intrigued. "Suit yourself." He mused, turning his attention back to the view outside, with a low chuckle.

Minutes passed, the helicopter climbing higher. And Sebastian felt a gentle tug on his shirt, a warm touch. He turned, his gaze landing at Charlotte, observing her eyes were shut, while her fingers grasped the fabric, holding tight.

"What's your favorite color?" she asked, her voice strained.

Sebastian's brows furrowed, a smile dancing in his eyes. "Huh? My favorite color?"

Charlotte's grip on his shirt tightened. "Yes, what's it?"

Sebastian's smile broadened. "You're trying to distract yourself, aren't you?"

Charlotte's voice shook. "I need...to talk."

Sebastian's hands enveloped hers,

"Open your eyes," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. "And see it."

Charlotte's eyelids fluttered, hesitant, but then slowly, they opened. And her gaze dropped, her mouth sagged.

Her eyes widened as wonder reflected in her gaze.

The city's skyline stretched out, a beautiful canvas of steel and glass. Towers pierced the sky, their reflections shimmering in the water

"Do you see how beautiful it is." Sebastian whispered, his eyes on her wonder-filled face.

She nodded feeling her fear begin to dissipate, replaced by awe.

"Oh my God!" She breathed, her hands slipping from Sebastian's.

She pressed her face against the glass, eyes wide.

"It's so beautiful. The city view is so... so..." Words failed her.

Sebastian's gaze shifted from the view to Charlotte's awestruck face.

A gentle smile spread across his features.

"It is... beautiful," he muttered quietly.

****

Sebastian stepped out of the helicopter, offering Charlotte a warm smile.

"How was the ride? Impressed yet?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.

Charlotte exhaled deeply, her face radiant.

"My God!" she breathed, laughter bubbling up. "I... overcame it! I did it!"

She stared at her hands, wonder still carved on her face.

Sebastian's lips curled into a triumphant grin.

"You did it!" he echoed, sharing her excitement.

In a burst of joy, they clasped hands, jumping up together.

Charlotte's eyes locked onto Sebastian's, shining with excitement.

But suddenly, her gaze dropped and she withdrew her hands, feeling her cheeks flushing red.

"I am so-rry," she muttered, avoiding his eyes.

Sebastian's smile lost steam, his expression awkward.

"Yeah, it's nothing," he said, waving his hand dismissively.

The air thickened with unease as they averted their gaze, staring at the floor.

Sebastian's eyes dropped to his shoes, his jaw clenched.

Charlotte's fingers fluttered, still feeling the warmth of his hand.

The silence stretched for minutes and was broken by Sebastian's phone ringtone.

He pulled it out, his gaze scanning the screen and immediately his expression shifted.

"I've got to go," he said abruptly, already turning to leave. "David will take you back home safely."

Charlotte's eyes widened, questioning.

But Sebastian was already walking away.

Then, he halted, pivoting on his heel.

"Thank you, Orchid!" he exclaimed.

Charlotte's brows furrowed with confusion.

"For what?" she asked, her voice tinged with puzzlement.

"For inspiring me!" He yelled, his voice carrying across the distance.

He started running towards the incoming car.

Charlotte's gaze followed him, her emotions unstable.

Then David's gentle prompt broke the spell.

"Let's go, ma'am," he said, gesturing to the car door.

Charlotte turned, her eyes still fixed on Sebastian's retreating figure. As he reached the car, he spun around, and waved at her. And without thinking, she waved back, a tentative smile on her lips.

______

GRANDE ESTATE I

The Grande Family's lavish dining hall was shrouded in silence.

Edmund, patriarch of the Grande, sat rigidly. To his right, Elena's elegant hands rested on the glass surface.

Daniel fidgeted, his eyes darting between his parents.

The minute-long silence seemed an eternity.

"Sebastian isn't here, Father. I told you he wouldn't come." Daniel's voice shattered the stillness.

Edmund's unreadable gaze remained fixed on the empty chair.

"Honey, let's just eat. We're already complete without him." Elena's voice laced with gentle persuasion

Her eyes flicked to Edmund, seeking approval.

But beneath her calm tone, she prayed Sebastian doesn't come.

"But he is coming, "Aurora countered with a soft voice.

"Close your mouth girl," Elena's gaze snapped towards Aurora, sharp as a razor.

Edmund cleared his throat, glancing at his favorite watch, a Patek Philippe, its sleek face reflecting the dim lighting.

A flicker of disappointment crossed his face.

He turned to Regina, the head maid, standing discreetly by the door.

"Regina, tell the maids to serve the food," he ordered, his deep voice resigned.

As Courtney, one of the maids set the last dish on the table.

Sebastian burst into the dining hall, his entrance a surprise.

"I'm here!" he announced, breathless, a wide smile spreading across his face.