Her Enemy, Her Shelter

A union for power remember?

Reina’s POV:

I still couldn’t believe my eyes that evening. My father was really going to let me marry Sebastian—of all men in Mexico.

How could he?

Was this his way of punishing me for being with another man for three years?

While I wrestled with that thought, my brothers approached. Ajax was the first to notice my unease.

“Baby girl,” he said gently.

I scoffed, refusing to meet his eyes.

Lucian, quieter, wrapped his arm around me and patted my back. I felt like crying, like maybe if I let the tears fall, I could finally convince them that Sebastian wasn’t the one for me.

“It’s a union for power. You’ll soon realize why Papa made this decision,” Perez said with his usual calm reasoning.

“Perez is right,” Lucian added.

“Who knows? You might end up loving Sebastian more than you think,” Ajax chimed in, trying to offer some twisted comfort.

They lingered with me for a while, their presence soothing but not solving the knot in my chest. Eventually, they left, and I was alone with Sebastien’s stepmother, Agnes.

I had heard of her marriage to Mr. Paula De La Cruz, Sebastian’s father, back in high school. Everyone knew Sebastian and Agnes didn’t get along—they fought often and publicly. The stories hadn’t painted her in a flattering light, but she stood there smiling at me, as if she owned the right to do so.

“It’s good to see you again, Reina,” Agnes said.

“I’ll say the same, Agnes,” I replied sharply, my tone reflecting the unease bubbling inside me.

“Who would have thought you, of all people, would be the one to marry my stepson? Don’t you think this is fate?”

Before I could respond, Sebastian appeared. His long face and cold stare froze me in place. He stood behind me, hands tucked into his pockets, exuding that impossible air of authority that made my chest tighten.

“Reina and I were just talking about your union. I’m so glad she’s finally the one you’ll end up with,” Agnes said to him, clearly expecting a reaction.

“Agnes, Reina and I will marry soon. That makes her mine. I don’t want to repeat the rules about you getting an inch close to my properties,” Sebastian said coldly, his eyes flicking to me like he wanted my approval.

Agnes stared at me, waiting for a response. And I—I didn’t know whose side to take.

“Sebastian, I think you’re being too harsh with your stepmother. Besides, we aren’t married yet,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“So you don’t want this marriage to take place?” he asked, and just like that, the words felt heavier than a mountain.

“That’s not what—” I stuttered, and my mouth betrayed my thoughts.

“Now you’re a stammerer?” Sebastian’s sharp tone cut through my nerves, leaving me speechless.

Agnes, sensing the tension, gave a light laugh. “You know what? I think I’d better let you two be,” she said and walked away, leaving us alone.

Alone with Sebastian, I felt an urge to beg him to call off the engagement—but I couldn’t. I didn’t even know why.

“I think Agnes is a good woman,” I blurted out, surprising even myself.

Sebastian’s smile was rueful as he stepped closer, and instinctively, I moved back until my spine hit the wall.

“After our marriage, I don’t ever want to hear you mention her name again. Is that clear?” he said, his voice was low and dangerous.

I scoffed and shoved him back with my hand. “Why do I have to take orders from you?” I snapped, my anger flaring. And then, without another word, I stormed out, letting the tension and fear mix into a swirl of defiance and dread inside me.

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Sebastian’s POV:

I kept my eyes on Reina the entire evening, though I tried not to make it obvious. Every time she laughed politely at someone’s joke or shifted nervously while talking to my family, something inside me stirred—a mix of irritation and… something else I refused to name.

We disliked each other. That much was clear. And yet, seeing her again, so alive and stubborn and defiant… it felt good. Dangerous, yes, but good all the same. I would never admit it. Not to anyone. Not to her.

I watched as she talked with her brothers earlier, her face set in that quiet scowl that always made my pulse tighten. She didn’t want this marriage either—but neither did I, not really. Or maybe I did, in ways I wouldn’t let myself acknowledge.

Later, when the crowd thickened, we inevitably collided again. She was moving faster than she should have been, and before I could react, she stepped squarely on my toes.

“Ow! Watch it!” I barked, the sharpness in my tone belying the small thrill of the interaction.

“I—Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t see you there!” Reina snapped back immediately, her eyes flashing, her usual fire igniting in seconds.

“I didn’t see you either, yet here we are,” I said, stepping closer than necessary, letting the tension hang between us like static electricity.

“Are you seriously starting this now?” she hissed, brushing past me, but I stayed in her way, refusing to let her escape.

“Yes. Seriously,” I replied, my voice low, controlled—but inside, I couldn’t stop the small smirk threatening to appear. She was arguing with me. She was sharp and alive, and that little spark of defiance of hers… it was strangely satisfying.

“You’re impossible,” she muttered, yet she didn’t walk away.

“And you’re… persistent,” I said evenly, watching her jaw tighten.

That brief exchange, heated and sharp, made me feel… delighted. Ridiculous, yes. But there was something in the fire of her argument, the stubborn flare in her eyes, that I couldn’t help but enjoy. Even if I hated it. Even if I hated her.

Even if I had no intention of ever admitting it.

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