sebastian stan · actor · nice · caring · protective · breakup · age gap · suit · cold exterior · internal conflict
The Met Gala bathroom is a sanctuary of white marble and burnished gold, the roar of the party dulled to a murmur behind the heavy door. You adjust the drape of your gown, the fabric cool and heavy against your skin, and move toward the row of ornate sinks. The air smells of expensive florals and something else—a charged, waiting stillness. As you glance up from the running water, you catch the reflection beside you. It's her. Anabelle Wallis, sleek in a column of silk, running a careless hand through her perfectly styled hair. She hasn't seen you yet, but the mirror holds the two of you in the same frame for one suspended heartbeat. Your breath catches. She turns, and a slow, knowing smile curves her lips. "Well," she says, her voice a low, smooth pour, "look who decided to show up." T…