~Sienna~“We need to get her to the hospital,” Lucas said urgently, his voice shaking as he scooped her up in his arms.“I’ll drive,” I said immediately, my own fear pushing me into action.Lucas was already running toward the car, his steps frantic and uneven as Harper’s tiny frame lay limp against his chest. Lydia trailed behind us, her hands shaking and her face as pale as a ghost.As we reached Lucas’s car, he froze, fumbling awkwardly with one hand as he tried to dig into his pocket for the keys while still holding Harper tightly. His breathing was erratic, and his movements were clumsy, his fear and desperation evident.“Damn it!” he growled, his voice breaking as he finally pulled the key out and thrust it toward me. “Here—take it!”I grabbed the key from his trembling hand, my fingers brushing his for a brief second. “Get in the car,” I said quickly, my voice steady despite the panic coursing through me.Lucas didn’t hesitate. He rushed to the passenger side, cradling Harper c
~Sienna~Lucas’s words lingered in the air like a thunderclap, reverberating in the suffocating silence of the waiting room.I stared at him, my heart twisting painfully at the sight of the man I thought was unbreakable—crumbling right before my eyes.His broad shoulders slumped, and his hands trembled as they raked through his disheveled hair. His breaths came shallow and uneven, as if he couldn’t catch air, no matter how hard he tried. This wasn’t the Lucas I knew—the confident, commanding man who always seemed in control. This was someone broken, someone stripped bare of the armor he always wore.I glanced at Lydia. She stood frozen at first, but then her knees buckled, and she sank to the cold, tiled floor.Her face was ghostly pale, her lips trembling as though she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the courage. Guilt poured off her in waves, thick and suffocating, filling the room like a tangible presence.She deceived him.A sickening wave of anger and disbelief rolled through
~Sienna~I ignored her and turned to Lucas who's already in his way out of the hospital, his steps unsteady, his body slumped like the weight of the world was pressing down on him.I rushed after him, catching up as he staggered toward the car.“Lucas,” I said softly, wrapping an arm around his to steady him.We climbed into the car, and I settled into the driver’s seat, my hands shaking as I gripped the steering wheel. “Where to?” I asked softly, my voice cutting through the heavy silence as I turned the key in the ignition.Lucas didn’t answer. He just stared out the window, his gaze unfocused, lost somewhere far . His demeanor, usually so sharp and composed, was now weighed down by exhaustion and grief.I swallowed hard, glancing at him again, hoping for a sign, a word, anything. But he stayed quiet, his hands limp in his lap, his shoulders slouched like the weight of the world had settled there and refused to leave.Unsure of where to go, I began driving, the hum of the car engi
~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~I ignored her and turned to Lucas who's already in his way out of the hospital, his steps unsteady, his body slumped like the weight of the world was pressing down on him.I rushed after him, catching up as he staggered toward the car.“Lucas,” I said softly, wrapping an arm around his to steady him.We climbed into the car, and I settled into the driver’s seat, my hands shaking as I gripped the steering wheel. “Where to?” I asked softly, my voice cutting through the heavy silence as I turned the key in the ignition.Lucas didn’t answer. He just stared out the window, his gaze unfocused, lost somewhere far . His demeanor, usually so sharp and composed, was now weighed down by exhaustion and grief.I swallowed hard, glancing at him again, hoping for a sign, a word, anything. But he stayed quiet, his hands limp in his lap, his shoulders slouched like the weight of the world had settled there and refused to leave.Unsure of where to go, I began driving, the hum of the car engi
~Sienna~Lucas’s words lingered in the air like a thunderclap, reverberating in the suffocating silence of the waiting room.I stared at him, my heart twisting painfully at the sight of the man I thought was unbreakable—crumbling right before my eyes.His broad shoulders slumped, and his hands trembled as they raked through his disheveled hair. His breaths came shallow and uneven, as if he couldn’t catch air, no matter how hard he tried. This wasn’t the Lucas I knew—the confident, commanding man who always seemed in control. This was someone broken, someone stripped bare of the armor he always wore.I glanced at Lydia. She stood frozen at first, but then her knees buckled, and she sank to the cold, tiled floor.Her face was ghostly pale, her lips trembling as though she wanted to speak but couldn’t find the courage. Guilt poured off her in waves, thick and suffocating, filling the room like a tangible presence.She deceived him.A sickening wave of anger and disbelief rolled through
~Sienna~“We need to get her to the hospital,” Lucas said urgently, his voice shaking as he scooped her up in his arms.“I’ll drive,” I said immediately, my own fear pushing me into action.Lucas was already running toward the car, his steps frantic and uneven as Harper’s tiny frame lay limp against his chest. Lydia trailed behind us, her hands shaking and her face as pale as a ghost.As we reached Lucas’s car, he froze, fumbling awkwardly with one hand as he tried to dig into his pocket for the keys while still holding Harper tightly. His breathing was erratic, and his movements were clumsy, his fear and desperation evident.“Damn it!” he growled, his voice breaking as he finally pulled the key out and thrust it toward me. “Here—take it!”I grabbed the key from his trembling hand, my fingers brushing his for a brief second. “Get in the car,” I said quickly, my voice steady despite the panic coursing through me.Lucas didn’t hesitate. He rushed to the passenger side, cradling Harper c
~Sienna~The elevator doors slid open, and my breath caught in my throat. Standing in front of me, looking just as smug and menacing as the last time I saw her, was Lydia.Her fiery red heels tapped against the floor impatiently, and her sharp gaze zeroed in on me like a predator cornering its prey.But it wasn’t just her.Behind her stood her daughter— Lucas's daughter, clutching a stuffed bunny to her chest. The little girl’s wide, curious eyes darted between me and her mother. My stomach twisted painfully at the sight of her, a wave of unease washing over me.What is she doing here? And why would she bring her child?The questions raced through my mind, but I didn’t have time to process them. Lydia’s lips curled into a sly smile, her expression smug as she took a step forward, effectively blocking the elevator doors from closing.“Sienna,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension. “We need to talk.”I stiffened, every muscle in my body tensing. “I don’t think we have anyt
~Sienna~“What? The hell?” I stared at the screen, my thumb hovering over the phone as my heart thudded in my chest. A cold shiver ran down my spine.Big brother?What is the meaning of this? I couldn’t stop my fingers from trembling as I typed the question again, my mind reeling.Me: What do you mean by that?The screen blinked once, twice, and then the phone pinged again. My hand trembled as I read the message, a strange cocktail of disbelief and joy swirling in my chest as the message sank in.Unknown number: Aren't you looking for your real family? Well, here I am. I'm your biological brother. I'll come for you when the time is right, but for now, take charge and stop being weak. Those people are beneath you, princess.My breath caught in my throat, and my jaw went slack. I couldn't process the words. The phone nearly slipped from my hand as I stared at the screen in shock.Princess?I blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of it.Me? A princess?My mind raced.Who was this person?
~Sienna~The rain came down in torrents, the steady drumming on the car roof muffling the silence between us. My clothes clung to my skin, cold and heavy, and the faint scent of Grant’s cologne lingered in the jacket draped over my shoulders.It made me feel trapped, like I was suffocating under the weight of everything—Lucas, Lydia, and now… Grant. Lucas. I closed my eyes briefly, the memory of that night flashing vividly in my mind. The little girl tugging at his pants, calling him “Daddy.” The helpless look in his eyes. The woman standing there, too smug, too comfortable in the home I thought was mine to share with him. It had been days since then, and yet the pain hadn’t lessened. If anything, it had burrowed deeper, each unanswered question festering like a wound. Why didn’t you tell me?Why does it feel like I never really knew you at all?I pulled the jacket tighter, despite myself, the chill in my bones refusing to fade. My fingers trembled as I rested them on my lap, and
~Grant~Derrick shot up from his chair, his fists slamming onto the desk, the sound echoing sharply through the room.“You bastard,” he hissed.“If you dare lay a finger on her—”I held up a hand, cutting him off.“Relax, Derrick. No one’s going to hurt her. Unless, of course, you refuse to cooperate.”His chest heaved as he glared at me, pure rage burning in his eyes.“You’re bluffing,” he said, his voice wavering slightly.I reached for my phone, tapping on the screen before holding it up for him to see. It was a live photo feed of Hannah, sitting outside an ice cream shop, a pink cone in her hand.“Still think I’m bluffing?” I asked, my tone icy.Derrick’s face paled, and he fumbled for his own phone, quickly dialing Hannah’s number.“Hello?” her cheerful voice answered, loud from the speaker.“Hannah,” Derrick said urgently, his voice trembling just slightly.“Where are you right now?”“At the ice cream shop,” she replied, her voice confused. “Why?”“What are you wearing? Are you
~Grant~I leaned back in my leather office chair, the soft amber glow of the city skyline stretching endlessly before me. The glass windows reflected the fading sunlight, but the tranquility outside was a far cry from the storm I’d unleashed in Lucas’s life.Two days—two entire days since Lucas had shown up at Weston.The cracks in his perfectly crafted world were widening by the second, and I could almost hear the foundation crumbling.I smirked, savoring the moment.I passed Sienna earlier today in the design department, and the image of her face lingered in my mind like the sweetest victory.She looked wrecked—utterly destroyed.Her eyes, usually sharp and defiant, were dull and rimmed with red, as though she hadn’t slept in days. Her shoulders slumped as she walked, her hands clutching a folder to her chest like it was her only anchor.The sight of her like that sent a rush of satisfaction through me.Good, I thought, tapping my fingers against the edge of my desk, the light sound
~Lucas~I watched as Sienna disappeared into Paul's car, her face pale, her shoulders hunched in defeat. The door slammed shut, the sound echoing through the empty space between us like a gunshot.My chest tightened painfully, each breath harder to take as I stood frozen on the porch.Her face—the heartbreak, the betrayal etched so deeply into her eyes—was burned into my mind.The way her voice trembled, the way her lips quivered before she turned away… It was as if I had taken every moment of joy we’d built together and crushed it under my heel.I wanted to run after her, to stop the car, to pull her into my arms and tell her how sorry I'm. I wanted to fix this, to explain how none of this was supposed to happen. But I couldn’t move. My legs felt like rock, my heart like a sinking stone. The soft hum of the car engine as it pulled away was deafening, each second stretching into an eternity until the taillights disappeared around the corner.My hands clenched into fists at my sides