~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~ As Lucas disappeared into the elevator, Director Aiden’s sneering voice cut through the lingering silence. “Miss Wilde, you’re not off the hook. We’ll be discussing this...engagement stunt of yours after the meeting.” The bite in his words stung, but I swallowed back the irritation bubbling up, forcing myself to stay composed. My cheeks still burned from Lucas’s mocking congratulations. I joined the rest of the team as we stepped into the elevator, heading up to the fifth-floor conference room. Violet sidled up to me, eyes bright with curiosity. “Spill. Who was it?” she whispered, her grin as eager as a kid sneaking candy. I shook my head, forcing a smile. “Later, Vi,” I mumbled, trying to avoid the inevitable tidal wave of questions I’d stirred up with my careless slip. The elevator doors opened, and we filed out toward the glass-walled conference room. As I stepped inside, my breath caught; Lucas was already there, seated at the head of the long, polished table, with
~Sienna~ As Lucas dismissed everyone for a ten-minute break, I made my way out of the conference room, my heart thumping like a jackhammer. I was on edge, trying to shake off the nerves that crawled up my spine. I’d been handed a golden opportunity—or rather, tossed into it—and the stakes were so high it made my head spin. Just as I was steadying myself in the hall, Derrick approached, a subtle smile on his face. He held out a sleek shopping bag in his hand, emblazoned with the logo of none other than Alexander McQueen. “Miss Wilde, this is from the CEO,” Derrick said, his tone even, though his eyes held a hint of encouragement. I peeked inside, pulling out a finely tailored black dress that oozed elegance with every inch of its fabric, along with a pair of Christian Louboutin red-bottom heels. My breath caught for a moment. “He had me order it when he noticed… your dress from last night,” Derrick added with a small, knowing smile. “He wasn’t too pleased. Better get change
~Lucas~ As I placed the light kiss on her cheek, I caught the flash of pink that spread over Sienna's cheeks. I could feel the flutter in my own chest, though I pushed it down before it gave her any ideas. I couldn’t have her feeling too special for having “bagged” a billionaire boss—she’d seen enough of my “soft side” for one day. “Consider it my way of saying... well done,” I said, watching the way her lips curled into a wide, grateful smile, her hazel eyes shining with genuine pride. A small pang hit me then, unexpected and unwelcome. The girl really was something, her face bright with innocence and those wide, warm eyes that could melt stone. “Thank you, Lucas… I—" I wasn’t about to let that slide. My eyes hardened immediately, cutting her off mid-sentence. “Sir,” I corrected sharply. “Thank you, sir. You address me with respect here, Miss Wilde.” Her expression shifted, confusion clouding her face as her confidence from a moment ago crumbled. I couldn’t help but feel a t
~Sienna~ As Lucas strode away, leaving me alone in the echoing hallway, I exhaled a long, unsteady breath. My mind was still racing from the earlier presentation, from the surreal kiss he’d left on my cheek, and from the steady, knowing gaze he’d held as he walked out. Everything about him was intense, calculated. A mix of gratitude and confusion tangled inside me, and yet—there it was again, that nagging feeling in my chest I couldn’t quite name. I made my way back to my desk, catching looks from almost everyone I passed. Some were curious, others cold; a few wore amused smirks. It was clear by now that the news of my “engagement” had spread like wildfire. Settling into my chair, I saw Aiden come out of his office, his shoulders hunched in a way I’d never seen. His once-perfect hair was slightly mussed, and he wore a dejected look that contrasted completely with his usually immaculate appearance. He stalked over to my desk, his face twisted in a scowl. “Hope you’re happy now,
~Sienna~ My throat felt dry, and I took a steadying breath, knowing that hiding anything from Lucas was pointless. He always seemed to see right through me anyway. “That was my best friend, Ethan, I got this job through him. He… just doesn’t understand why I’m engaged all of a sudden,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling my cheeks warm under his steady gaze. Lucas studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable before he leaned back, a faint smirk touching his lips. “So, he’s protective of you. Not surprising, given your tendency to attract chaos wherever you go.” A flush of part embarrassment and part irritation crept over my face. “I don’t attract chaos. Things just… seem a bit chaotic lately, that’s all.” "Is he bothering you too much? I can get rid of him if that gives you peace!" Screeeeeccchhhhhh!!! The brakes screeched violently as Derrick jammed his foot down hard, jolting us forward in our seats. My heart leaped as the car jerked, nearly collidi
~Sienna~ The moment I saw CEO Richard Jones standing just a few inches before me, my stomach flipped, my throat went dry, and I felt every ounce of confidence drain from my body. There was no sneaking away now—he was already walking toward me, eyebrows raised in surprise, his authoritative gaze locked on mine. “Selena?” Richard’s voice was deep, steady, and thoroughly surprised. “What are you doing here?” I opened my mouth, but the words lodged somewhere in my throat, refusing to come out. Just as I was about to stammer out something ridiculous, a familiar voice came to my rescue. “Babe, seriously?” Lucas’s voice was smooth, effortlessly slipping into a tone that hinted at irritation mingled with feigned amusement. He strode over from behind, his gaze flicking between his father and me as he slid his arm around my shoulders. “I told you to wait in the car.” I blinked, my brain struggling to catch up, but I quickly found my footing. I leaned into Lucas’s side, letting myself re
~Lucas~ The moment Sienna slammed the car door and stormed off, her words still hung in the air, stinging more than I’d admit. I watched her walk away, shoulders squared, her pace fast and determined. Even through the tinted glass, I could see her subtly wiping her eyes, her chin tilted in defiance as she disappeared down the street. Derrick let out a low whistle, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. “Well, congratulations, Lucas. You’ve officially seen her bad side. Not sure how many people get to witness that.” I shot him a glare, sinking deeper into my seat as I folded my arms. “She overreacted,” I muttered, my voice sharper than I intended. But Derrick’s arched eyebrow only fueled my frustration. “She tried to handle your attitude pretty well, I’d say,” he remarked. “Sienna’s patient—hell, she endured you just fine for this long. But everyone’s got their breaking point, you know?” “Look, Derrick,” I snapped, trying to keep my expression impassive, though I felt a pang of
~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