Maya's POV
Walking back toward the festival lights, an easy quiet settled around us. Sebastian's confessions about Valentina still echoed in my thoughts, but something had shifted. He'd let me see beneath that polished exterior, revealing pieces of himself he kept locked away from the world.
The village square blazed with warm light from countless lanterns draped between ancient stone buildings. A folk band filled the air with traditional melodies while the rich scents of local cuisine mixed with the sweetness of fresh grapes.
"Still want to stay?" Sebastian asked, uncertainty flickering across his features. He probably expected me to retreat to the villa after our heavy conversation.
"Absolutely," I said, surprising myself with my conviction. "I'm not letting anything spoil this evening."
Something genuine sparked in his expression then—the kind of smile that transformed his entire face, making him look younger and less guarded.
