Four

"Is everything set for my return?" Asked Sienna Williams. She was currently sat at the mahogany desk in the study of her mansion, her fingers tracing the edges of a photo album, flipping through the pages and digesting the faces of everyone who had a score to settle with her. Those who thought her dead.

Damien leaned against the bookshelf, his gaze landing on a picture of Aaron and Gisella their wedding day. An inexplicable expression swept across Damien's face as he cleared his throat, straightening his posture. "Everything is in order. My source tells me the DeMarque are impatient about your arrival,"

This newfound information made Sienna smile and dropped the album. She gave him a look that said 'tell me more' whilst walking towards the couch in her study.

"They're excited at the thought of a personality like yourself coming to settle in their town. My source tells me Aaron DeMarque just announced his candidacy for mayor and they need all the finance they can get for their campaign. His wife is at the head of the campaign and she's already booked an appointment with you for after the banquet,"

Sienna was pleased. Everything was going on like she'd envisaged. When Aaron offered to be her ally in her thirst for vengeance, she thought he was just bluffing. But for years, even when his father, her late husband was still alive, he'd stood by her side, meticulously crafting every detail.

Sienna nodded. "Good, good. And what about the guest list? Have we invited everyone? Are we sure they will all be present? I need everyone to be there. I want to look at their faces..." Sienna trailed off, but Damien's voice brought her back to reality.

Damien nodded, reaching into his pocket to retrieve a neatly folded piece of paper. "Yes, I've compiled a list of everyone who played a part in your downfall. From your ex-boyfriend to his conniving brother, his mother, the maid, the officer. They all received invitations and have confirmed their presence as well,"

Sienna's lips curled into a determined smile as she took the list from Damien, her eyes scanning the names with a steely gaze. "Perfect. And what about security? I want to make sure there are no surprises."

Damien nodded, his expression serious. "Don't worry, I've hired the best security team money can buy. They'll be discreet but vigilant, ensuring that nothing goes awry."

Sienna sighed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

"Thank you, Damien. I couldn't do this without you."

Damien smiled warmly, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering loyalty. "Of course, Sienna. You're not alone in this. We'll see this together."

They continued to discuss the intricate details of Sienna's return. With Damien and her children, all the support she ever needed by her side, Sienna felt inspired to face the ghosts of her past and emerge victorious.

"Now, about Rylee's punishment, can't you cut her a break? You know she's been like this since her grandpa Octavio died," Damien spoke. He knew that Sienna would listen to him. Although she never admitted it, she also had a soft spot for him.

Sienna rolled her eyes at Damien. "You spoil her too much. But yeah, she's off the hook for now, only because we have a flight to catch tomorrow,"

********

"Welcome to Portsmouth, Mrs Williams," the female cabin attendant of Sienna's private jet beamed as her head duct out the jet, the cold September breeze playing with her hair.

Sienna took in the smell of the town where she grew up in, nostalgia hitting her with a strong force. After nine years, she was back, stronger than she left, ready to affront everyone who hurt her.

"Mummy! Hurry up, Rylee is running off," Brylee called out to her mom who was yet to begin descending the stairs. Sienna scurried down the steps, bypassing Damien who was on call.

Sienna met up with her daughters and spread out her hands for each of them to take. They hopped toward the car waiting on them. Once Sienna made sure they were tucked in, she turned to Damien who began approaching her.

"Melissa tells me the Governor is already on his way to the estate to personally welcome you," Damien informs, placing his phone in the pocket of his chest.

Sienna nodded and he continued. "I asked the driver take a detour. The paps are everywhere. Seeing so many photographers might overwhelm Rylee and Brylee,"

Sienna smiled. Damien's love for her daughters were unconditional. "Thank you, Damien, for everything," Sienna took Damien's hand in hers, giving it an appreciative shake.

The contact made Damien shiver. Unbeknownst to Sienna, Damien harboured deep romantic feelings for her. Yet, he channelled his emotions into a role that transcended mere affection – acting as her lawyer and best friend.

Sienna was his late father's wife and Damien thought it absurd to house any romantic feelings for her. But each time she smiled at him, and hell, touched him, his entire body came to life.

Damien retreated his hand from Sienna and cleared his throat. "I'll see you shortly. Be safe!"

The car took off from the grand hangar as soon as Sienna got in. She was seated in the back of the car with both her daughters sitting on either side of her, resting their heads on her shoulder.

Sienna caressed their hair, mentally preparing herself to see the faces of Ezra, Gisella, Aaron, Natalia. It is true that she had been looking forward to this day for years, the day when they would all bow down to her. But now that the day had finally come, Sienna didn't think she would be able to do it.

If only Damien had rode with her in the same car. He would have sensed her discomfort and offer encouraging words to her. But, he wasn't here.

"You got this Sienna. You're doing this for Octavio. You're doing this for you. For everything they did to you,"

Sienna repeated that mantra in her thoughts until she felt the nervousness dissipate. Just then, the car came to a halt, abruptly jerking both Sienna and her daughters to the front.

"What the-" Sienna's words fell out her mouth, the driver's apology fading off as her gaze locked with eyes the color of the forest. Eyes that, once upon a time, made her weak in the knees. Eyes which, once upon a time, she saw hope for a brighter future of them together. Eyes which, she wasn’t expecting to see so soon.

"Aaron," she whispered, her heart thudding loudly.

--------