Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Descent into the Ordinary

He stretched out his legs, tilted his head back, and stared at the ceiling for a while, where the dim light softly reflected. He pulled out his phone—the one he had turned off. "More messages, no doubt…"As soon as he switched it on, the screen lit up with notifications. Missed calls. Texts. Names of friends. Women. Declarations of love. Reproaches. Pleas. He scrolled through them all indifferently, expressionless.Suddenly the phone rang again. Mom.He answered. "Hey, Mom. I'm already flying to you. Landing in a few hours.""Sebastian," came her calm but caring voice, "you'll be an hour late."He smiled. "It's just an hour. I'm resting. How's Dad?""Still at the hotel. He had to finalize some contracts with the banks, but he's on his way home now." She paused, then added: "So… when are you finally going to introduce me to a girl? Can't you keep one longer than a week?"Sebastian laughed. "I don't want to tie myself down. I'm almost thirty.""That's exactly why," she said ironically. "Don't embarrass us. The tabloids are still all over you. You're in the headlines again. Marina posted it… and she's not being kind."Sebastian bit into a protein bar. "Marina was weird. Always pushing for marriage. That's not in my plans.""When are you going to start taking life seriously?" she sighed. "Including women?""I take our family seriously," he replied calmly. "I'll get married around fifty. Maybe.""I want to be a grandmother," she said quietly.Sebastian straightened up. "Mom, please… don't start. Or I'll hang up."Silence for a moment."Fine," she said finally. "The family's arriving. Your uncle and his family will be here for Christmas. I'm looking forward to your birthday.""I'll be home in a few hours," he smiled. "Say hi to Dad."The call ended.Sebastian turned off the phone, placed it on the table, finished his whisky, and closed his eyes.The plane glided silently above the clouds. Luxury. Power. The world at his feet.And yet… something inside felt empty.He fell asleep.Christmas London—landing.A quiet, perfectly composed voice from the bodyguard woke him."Mr. Sebastian, we've landed."Sebastian stirred slightly, blinked into the cabin's dim light, and stretched."Ah… yes," he muttered, bored. "So we're here."He stood up, quickly splashed his face in the plane's elegant bathroom, smoothed his hair, adjusted his shirt cuffs, and draped his jacket over his shoulders.Seconds later, he descended the Gulfstream G700 stairs straight into the private VIP terminal at Farnborough Airport—far from the usual Heathrow chaos.Inside waited a quiet, luxurious lounge. Floor-to-ceiling glass, cream leather armchairs, a low table with fresh coffee, and subtle Christmas decor—white trees, soft lights, gentle music.Sebastian sat down, crossed his legs, and through the glass wall watched the people in the main terminal hall. Couples laughing, hugging; children running with hats pulled over their eyes. Everywhere, festive cheer."Sir, the car is ready," the bodyguard said. "We'll go through this lounge."He pointed toward a discreet exit with minimal people and direct access to the waiting car and driver.Sebastian stood up, but paused for a moment."Let's go… but I'd like something to eat first.""I'll arrange it, sir. I can buy it for you," the bodyguard replied immediately.Sebastian shook his head and nodded toward the open space. "No. I'll pick it myself. I see a restaurant over there."There, where the light was brighter, the noise louder, the smells inviting. Christmas music, aroma of coffee, pastries, and warm food. Trees decorated in gold, people laughing, hurrying, embracing.Sebastian headedthat way.Some people glanced back at him—a tall, confident, impeccably dressed man, shadowed by discreet security.