~Sienna~The breeze in Bellmore carried a sense of renewal, a symbol of survival after the storm. Lucas had arranged a Thanksgiving ceremony in the grand hall of Weston Corp to celebrate life, family, and the company’s resilience. Everyone was present—his mother Angelina, his sister Lexa, the board of directors, my dad, Hannah, Derrick, and all members of Weston.It was a full-circle moment.Lucas stood at the podium, his voice steady and filled with gratitude.“Today, we’re not just giving thanks for Weston’s survival, but for the people who make it what it is. This company has weathered unimaginable storms, but through faith, perseverance, and love, we are standing here stronger than ever. I thank God for this moment and for the extraordinary people who made it possible.”As the applause echoed, Lucas stepped down, his gaze locking with mine. My heart raced when he took my hand, guiding me to the center of the room.He spoke again, his voice now softer but just as firm.“And there’
~Sienna~ The night sky over Bellmore was dusted with stars, their soft glow spilling over the terrace at Verità, one of the city’s most romantic restaurants. Fairy lights sparkled above me, casting a warm light that danced across the silk of my dress. A flutter of nerves and excitement rushed through me. Four years—four years I’d been waiting for this moment. “Tonight's special,” I’d told myself. Grant had never been one for grand gestures, but this... this was different. He’d chosen the place, made the reservation. “Meet me there,” he’d said. And I’d let myself hope that tonight might finally be the night. My phone screen blinked back at me. He was late, the minutes dragging as I tried to keep my anxious mind from running wild. Finally, I saw him cross the restaurant’s entrance, dressed in denim shorts and a sleeveless shirt that flaunted those small arms of his, his tall frame familiar yet distant. I sat up straighter, my pulse racing as he walked toward me, though something in
~Sienna~The harsh ring of my phone jolted me awake, slicing through the haze of my hangover like a siren. I squinted, reaching out blindly until my hand found my phone, and I heard Violet’s voice on the other end, loud and filled with urgency.“Sienna! You better be on your way, girl. We can’t be late today, not with the new boss making his grand entrance!”Her words hit me like a bucket of ice water, bringing me back to reality. I blinked, trying to clear the sleep and fog from my mind, and quickly took in my surroundings. This wasn’t my bed. Sunlight filtered in through partially closed curtains, casting soft shadows over a room that was…definitely a hotel.Memories of last night began to resurface: a heartbreak, a stranger with dark, seductive eyes, and kisses that had left me breathless, melting into him in a way I hadn’t let myself feel in years. Part of me still reeled from the breakup with Grant, the weight of it heavy, but somehow, being with that man had dulled the pain just
~Lucas Jones~My gaze landed on her—Sienna, the wild girl from last night, the first woman in my life to ditch me without thinking twice.She was petite, wearing a simple white long-sleeve shirt dress that hugged her curves and showcased legs that seemed to go on forever.I wouldn’t have looked twice at this crowd if it weren’t for her—the way her cheeks flushed as she tried to avoid my gaze, hands trembling as she clutched a folder tightly against her chest.My jaw clenched at the memory.At first, I’d just wanted her for a bit of fun, a distraction. But waking up alone to an empty bed and a cooling pillow beside me... it felt like a slap in the face. No woman had ever walked away from me like that, leaving me wanting more. How dare she?So, I did what I’d never done before in my life—had her tracked down. I made my PA, Derick, pull CCTV footage from the bar and run a full background check on her. And there she was, as fate would have it, an employee at my father's company.I shook o
~Sienna~I walked out of his office, my hands still trembling even after I’d signed the contract. I didn’t know if this would backfire, but at this point, I didn’t have a choice. I’d promised the hospital the pay*ent for Dad’s surgery in two days. If I messed this up, they’d send him out, and I couldn’t afford that.My head spun with everything that had happened in the past few hours— it's crazy. I took a deep breath, clutching the folder tighter to my chest as I forced myself to refocus. It's just six months, I reminded myself, six months of pretending to be his fiancée. Then, I’d be free.I dropped the fodder on my desk, ready to start the day, but just as I was starting to settle in, the soft ping of my phone interrupted my spiraling thoughts. A text from an unknown number, which I quickly guessed was from Lucas.“Stay after work hours. Meeting my father for dinner.”My stomach twisted. Dinner. With his father, the same CEO I’d been admiring from afar ever since I joined Weston Cor
~Sienna~“Don’t drool too much,” Lucas said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he tilted his head toward the display. “It’s just a show to make Father believe our ruse.”I blinked, caught between the flickering light on the diamonds and his words. I wasn’t drooling, thank you very much—but something about the rings had taken my breath.Lucas’s gaze settled on a ring—the most extravagant one in the display. It was a stunning emerald-cut sky blue diamond, large and perfectly cut, with smaller diamonds set around it, sparkling like stars in an elegantly simple platinum band.My eyes widened as he pointed to it. “Wait—no way. That’s…Lucas, that’s too much.”Without missing a beat, he signaled the sales assistant over, his gaze shifting briefly to me. “This one,” he said smoothly. “Box it.”“Lucas,” I hissed under my breath, stepping closer. “We’re pretending to be engaged. Pretending. We don’t need the most expensive ring in the store. There are plenty of rings here that are more afforda
~Sienna~ The moment Richard's eyebrow lifted, Lucas didn’t miss a beat. With a smooth, tight smile, he picked up the glass of lemonade as if it were nothing but water. “Oh, that?” he said, tossing in a chuckle that was all confidence and control, his glance sliding over to me with a look that burned. “I’m over it. Allergy treated last year. Doctor cleared me.” Richard’s brow furrowed, doubt flickering briefly, but Lucas’s unwavering stare left no room for question—or so he made it seem. He took a sip, set the glass back down, and met his father’s gaze like it was just another day at the office. I held my breath the entire time, dread pulsing through me. I had almost messed everything up. But Lucas had it handled, a flawless performance. “Well,” Richard finally said, nodding with reluctant approval, “good to see you’re finally managing better, Lucas. Health, as we know, can be… fragile.” There was a slight pause before he straightened, almost like he’d changed gears. “Tomorrow’s
~Sienna~ Waking up was slow and hazy, but the chill of Lucas’s sharp voice jolted me back to reality. “Had enough fun?” His words were like ice, and each one sliced through the drowsiness as I felt the heat rise to my face. “Or were you planning on using my chest as your personal pillow indefinitely?” I scrambled off him, flustered and disoriented. How did I fall asleep like that? More importantly, why did he seem so furious about it? I tried to ignore the way his piercing gaze followed my every move, making me feel like I was a kid caught in a mischievous act. “Sorry, I—I didn’t realize…” My voice trailed off as his expression hardened further, making any excuse feel small and meaningless. Before I could gather any ounce of dignity, Derrick walked in, looking worried but professional. “How are you feeling, sir? I brought some medication, and we have that meeting with Pierce Corporation at nine.” At the mention of Pierce Corporation, my heart nearly stopped. I checked my watch—8
~Sienna~The breeze in Bellmore carried a sense of renewal, a symbol of survival after the storm. Lucas had arranged a Thanksgiving ceremony in the grand hall of Weston Corp to celebrate life, family, and the company’s resilience. Everyone was present—his mother Angelina, his sister Lexa, the board of directors, my dad, Hannah, Derrick, and all members of Weston.It was a full-circle moment.Lucas stood at the podium, his voice steady and filled with gratitude.“Today, we’re not just giving thanks for Weston’s survival, but for the people who make it what it is. This company has weathered unimaginable storms, but through faith, perseverance, and love, we are standing here stronger than ever. I thank God for this moment and for the extraordinary people who made it possible.”As the applause echoed, Lucas stepped down, his gaze locking with mine. My heart raced when he took my hand, guiding me to the center of the room.He spoke again, his voice now softer but just as firm.“And there’
~Sienna~ I turned slowly, my heart pounding in my chest. There he was, standing just yards away, his gun still raised, his expression unreadable. His men fanned out behind him, a wall of black suits and cold stares. Lucas immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body. The rigid set of his shoulders told me he was ready to fight to the death if it came to that. “Stay behind me,” Lucas murmured, his voice low and protective. “Lincoln...” I whispered, my voice trembling as I tried to steady my emotions. Lincoln’s eyes narrowed as he took in the scene—the cars, the people, Irena's dead body. His gaze lingered on me for a moment before flicking to Lucas. “You just don’t know when to give up, do you, Jones?” Lincoln said, his lips curling into a bitter smirk. “First, you barge into my mansion, and now you think you can just walk out of here with my sister? Bold of you.” “She’s not your property, Lincoln,” Lucas shot back, his voice steady but full of rage.
[ Next Day— Washington DC]~Sienna~I sat by the window, staring at the sunrise with Madi curled up on my lap, her small arms draped lazily over my waist. I absently rubbed my stomach, my thoughts consumed by Lucas. It had been over a week since I was torn from Bellmore, from him, and every day felt heavier than the last."I hope you’re okay, Lucas," I whispered under my breath, my gaze shifting to my growing belly. I smiled faintly, running my fingers over the slight curve. How happy you’ll be to know I carry your child.The thought brought a glimmer of joy despite everything. According to the scan I did shortly after arriving in Washington, I was three months along. The small swell of my stomach was starting to become visible. I couldn’t help but wonder how Lucas would react—his joy, his smile, the protective way he’d hold me.I glanced at Madi, her ginger hair soft under my touch, but the weight of my worries pulled me back to reality. I had made arrangements be
~Lincoln~Lucas had just left, but the tension he brought with him still clung to the air like a storm that refused to pass. His rage was palpable, and it left a heavy tension in the room.I sat down heavily in my chair, pouring myself another drink, the amber liquid catching the dim light of the room. I swirled it in the glass, thinking about the fire in his eyes, the determination in his voice.He loved her. That much was clear. And she loved him.But I can’t let them be together.Not after what the Jones family did to ours.I tipped back the glass, letting the whiskey burn its way down my throat, but it didn’t drown the guilt clawing at my insides. I hate that I have to do this—tear her away from the man she loves, the father of her unborn child.But I have to.I have no choice.I hate that I’m the villain in her story, the one forcing her into a life she didn’t ask for.Yet I would rather be the villain than watch her suffer the same fate as our parents. She’s in Washington now,
~Lucas~“You’re delusional, you can't break us apart," I growled, shaking my head.“You think you’re protecting her, but you’re just using her to justify your own hatred. Sienna deserves better than this.”Lincoln’s eyes glinted dangerously as he stepped forward, the guards around us tensing.“I’ll give you credit for your dedication, Lucas. But love isn’t enough. Not when it comes to my sister.”“She’s not just your sister!” I shot back. “She’s the woman I love, and I’ll fight for her no matter what. You don’t get to decide who she’s with.”“And I’ll fight to make sure she’s not with you,” Lincoln snapped, his composure finally cracking. He tossed the cigar onto the floor and crushed it beneath his heel. I took another step forward, my chest heaving with anger. The tension between us was thick, the air crackling with unspoken threats. “If you don’t hand her over right now, you’ll regret my next action.”Lincoln laughed, the sound sharp and condescending. “Seriously? We both know y
~Lucas~It had been over a week since I last heard Sienna’s voice.A week of restless nights, unanswered questions, and a gnawing emptiness that refused to leave me. I’d looked for her everywhere—called every contact I could think of, chased down every lead—but nothing. It was as if she had vanished off the face of the earth.Derrick stood beside me, flipping through the agenda for the meeting we had arranged with several potential investors. Weston was bleeding, and if I didn’t secure their confidence, the company would collapse within weeks.“You need to focus,” Derrick said, his voice firm but not unkind. “I know your mind’s elsewhere, but this meeting is critical. If we lose more investors, Weston’s done for.”I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to push my thoughts of Sienna to the back of my mind. She would want me to keep fighting—for the company, for everything my family built.The meeting itself was a blur of presentations, numbers, and strategic promises. Derrick took the l
Two Weeks Later ~Sienna~Two weeks. It had been two weeks of silence, isolation, and confinement. Two weeks since I had seen the outside world.Lincoln had kept me locked in this house, surrounded by opulence but caged like a bird. The maids attended to my every need, but their kindness didn’t stop the loneliness from creeping in like a shadow. They tiptoed around me, avoiding eye contact as if afraid to get too close. And my phone—my only connection to the outside world—had been seized after Lincoln caught me trying to call Lucas.I hadn’t heard from him since.The nurse had just finished checking on me, her clipboard held close to her chest as she observed me silently. I sat on the edge of the bed, fidgeting with my fingers, waiting for her to finish her examination. "Are you done?" I asked, breaking the silence.She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.“Yes, Miss Wilde. I am.”“And?” I pressed, my brows furrowed.“What’s wrong with me? Why have I been fe
A Week Later ~Lucas~ The backyard of the family mansion was shrouded in silence, save for the occasional sniffles and murmurs of mourning. The air was heavy with grief, and the scent of freshly turned earth mingled with the faint perfume of lilies, the flowers Mom and Lexa clutched tightly in their hands. Dressed in black, they stood by my father’s grave, their faces streaked with tears. Mom’s usually confident demeanor was gone, replaced by raw, unfiltered heartbreak. Lexa stood beside her, her arm around her shoulders, trying to keep it together, but the tears kept falling. The ceremony had been short and somber. Friends and associates of the Jones family had gathered to pay their respects, but as the sun began to set, they trickled away one by one. Now, it was just the three of us. Mom gently placed a bouquet of white lilies on the grave, her fingers trembling. “Goodbye, Richard,” she whispered, her voice breaking. Lexa sobbed softly, brushing
~Lucas~The hospital room was cold and sterile, its fluorescent lights casting an unnatural glow over everything. The quiet hum of the machines monitoring my father’s fragile heartbeat was the only sound in the room, their rhythm a cruel reminder of how fragile his life had become. I sat slumped in the chair beside his bed, my elbows resting on my knees, my head in my hands.I hadn’t slept all night, too afraid to close my eyes. His breathing had grown weaker with each passing hour, and the thought of losing him—of hearing that final, shuddering breath—terrified me.Dad’s frail frame looked so small against the white sheets, a ghost of the man he once was. This was the man who had commanded boardrooms, who had stood tall and proud as the CEO of Weston Corp.But now, his skin was ashen, his once piercing eyes dull and unfocused.I rested my head against the edge of the bed, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me since yesterday. The chaos of the anniversary r