Sienna: My eyes suddenly met a burning gaze at the far end of the room. I couldn't hear anyone around me, I was lost in those eyes oblivious to everything around me. The only thing I could feel was a weird flip in my stomach.“Him?” I muttered.“Nana?” Grandpa Hayes’s firm hand on my shoulder snapped me back.I blinked, snapping towards his face. My heart was racing as reality set in.When I turned to the crowd again, he was gone. My eyes searched through the sea of faces, searching and a small part of me–hoping–but he was nowhere to be seen. It was as if he was never there.Was I imagining things?“Are you okay child?” My grandpa stepped forward, scanning my face. His weathered face was lined with concern and his brows scrunched up in worry.I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the attention on me: the stares, the murmurs. Every eye seemed glued to my every move. Damn. This was awkward.“I'm okay, just surprised that the watch is worth much to you,” I said, my voice tighter tha
SIENNA:What the hell is it with this day!“Surprise Rossa”His words kept replaying in my head as I stood behind him raking in shock. Zane is Mr. Lawson! I knew his last name was Lawson and I knew he was from a rich family, but I never knew he was from the main Lawson family.When I bumped into that guy, I took my time to do some research on who Mr. Lawson was and there weren't any photos of him, but there was lots of news about him. Only for me to find out my ex childhood best friend was the heir and acting CEO of Lawson holdings, a multi-trillion dollar empire with influence spanning the globe.At least that was what my research said.Looking at him now, it felt like I was staring at a stranger. Had it all been a lie? I had just realized that I might’ve actually known nothing about him.His deep grey eyes, were bottomless like a pit dragging me in. For a moment I forgot they were others around. My husband, his family and some nosy guests.“What crap! What do you mean he's Mr. Laws
SIENNA’S POV:“Are you trying to make a mess of my day, or is this just a talent of yours?” Sebastian yelled, glaring daggers at me, his face red with anger. His hand gripped the coffee cup and the next second it was tumbling right at me, leaving me a split second to dodge it. I missed it by an inch, but a few shards of glass still managed to slice through my skin, causing me to bleed. I winced at the sudden pain, confusion clouded my thoughts as I wondered what the reason for his outburst was this time around. Yet, I held back, I couldn’t even utter a single word of protest. “Making a cup of coffee isn’t rocket science. You can’t just do anything right” He snapped, his voice tight with an edge of annoyance. His jaw was tight, an evidence of how angry he was. I stood there, silent, arms at my sides, letting his words roll over me without any form of reaction. I’d learned long ago that fighting back was a lost cause. The more I stayed quiet, the more his ego seemed to crack.He shot t
SIENNA’S POV:My gaze swept over the space, noting every detail in the decor. The place was exquisite, dripping with luxury. Every table was perfectly set, gleaming silverware aligned perfectly on crisp white linen. Golden scones on the wall cast a warm glow over the dark wood paneling, giving the room an almost ethereal warmth. A crystal chandelier hung above, its facets catching the light in quiet, flickering sparks that danced across the empty floors.When I was kidnapped, I hadn’t expected to be brought to such a luxurious restaurant, and why was this place deserted? I racked my brain trying to figure out what was going on, but I just couldn’t. The men in black suits nodded at me to keep going forward, and I did, each step slow and steady, ignoring the throbbing pain from my wound. There was no way I could run away now. I was also oddly curious to know the identity of my kidnapper, I didn’t know whether it was the adrenaline, or the anesthesia messing my mind up.The more we walk
Zane's Pov:“Sir… um are you listening?” The project manager who was presenting asked, drawing my attention.I blinked, training my indifferent gaze on him. “Yes, and it sounded like it was written by a third grader.” I paused, gauging his reaction. “Get me something perfect by the next meeting, or kiss your job goodbye.” His face turned pale, as sweat dripped down his forehead. “Ok… Sir” He replied with a shaky voice, quickly returning to his seat.“Next,” I said curtly, ignoring the fearful glance they were all casting at me.A young man with thick glasses walked to the front, his body tensed with each step.“Umm, sir… the.. project at.. no the project…” He stammered.“Stop!” I barked out, the sound of his stuttering grating on my nerves. “So I have no single competent project manager, just a bunch of incompetent fools? No need to continue with the meeting, get me something good by next week, or else!” I stood up and stormed out of the room, leaving them shaking in their seats.I s
SIENNA:Mmm. I moaned as the sweet, warm taste of the cinnamon bun filled my mouth, overwhelming my senses. It was so good—a rare moment of Delight. Granny’s Cavities never missed with their pastries. Their name said it all; one bite, and you’d believe it could give you cavities.It had been years since I let myself enjoy something like this. Sebastian always had something to say about my weight or how unhealthy pastries were, and honestly, over time, they started to taste as bland as my life. But today… Today was different. For once, I allowed myself this small treat.Speaking of Sebastain— “Sienna!!!” His sharp yell startled me, cutting me off from relishing the sweet taste in my mouth. He had been on my neck for a few days now, always calling on me. Luckily for me, I was able to convince him that I had been at the hospital the other night or else, he would’ve made a ruckus over it.Last night, he came home bruised and bleeding, an ugly gash running down his leg. When I tried to ask
ZANE:“Grandpa, how could he come back from God knows where and you just hand over the company to him?” Eric my cousin ranted, shooting me a fierce glare which I just met with an indifferent look.This was the last place I wanted to be, but grandpa had been on my neck for days to attend this meeting.I knew it was going to be the same old complaints and protests about me being the acting CEO. And my expectations were not cut short.I'd been sitting there for about 30 minutes, and felt like my ears were bleeding out already. I let my eyes wander round the room for the nth time, completely zoning them out.The study was carefully arranged in its decor. There were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining one wall, complete with a sliding ladder. A large oak desk sits near a tall window, organized with files, documents and a freshly brewed cup of tea.A cozy wingback chair in the corner, paired with a side table, invites quiet reading, while potted green plants and soft curtains add life and l
SIENNA:What the hell is it with this day!“Surprise Rossa”His words kept replaying in my head as I stood behind him raking in shock. Zane is Mr. Lawson! I knew his last name was Lawson and I knew he was from a rich family, but I never knew he was from the main Lawson family.When I bumped into that guy, I took my time to do some research on who Mr. Lawson was and there weren't any photos of him, but there was lots of news about him. Only for me to find out my ex childhood best friend was the heir and acting CEO of Lawson holdings, a multi-trillion dollar empire with influence spanning the globe.At least that was what my research said.Looking at him now, it felt like I was staring at a stranger. Had it all been a lie? I had just realized that I might’ve actually known nothing about him.His deep grey eyes, were bottomless like a pit dragging me in. For a moment I forgot they were others around. My husband, his family and some nosy guests.“What crap! What do you mean he's Mr. Laws
Sienna: My eyes suddenly met a burning gaze at the far end of the room. I couldn't hear anyone around me, I was lost in those eyes oblivious to everything around me. The only thing I could feel was a weird flip in my stomach.“Him?” I muttered.“Nana?” Grandpa Hayes’s firm hand on my shoulder snapped me back.I blinked, snapping towards his face. My heart was racing as reality set in.When I turned to the crowd again, he was gone. My eyes searched through the sea of faces, searching and a small part of me–hoping–but he was nowhere to be seen. It was as if he was never there.Was I imagining things?“Are you okay child?” My grandpa stepped forward, scanning my face. His weathered face was lined with concern and his brows scrunched up in worry.I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the attention on me: the stares, the murmurs. Every eye seemed glued to my every move. Damn. This was awkward.“I'm okay, just surprised that the watch is worth much to you,” I said, my voice tighter tha
SIENNA: The Hayes old house was a place I dreaded more than anything. Each time I visited felt like stepping into hell, and I was sure this weekend would be no different. Sebastian's family had their way of making life more miserable for me. Whether it was daunting remarks about my appearance, jabs at my outfit, and nitpicking the smallest mistakes, they always found something to criticize. On a normal day, I wouldn't return to that hell hole for any reason. But tomorrow was grandpa’s 80th birthday and they were throwing a huge birthday party to mark it. He was the one person that made this hell somewhat bearable. So whether I liked it or not, I had to face them. As we stepped in, I was horrified to see most of his family members around. Were we really going to this now? I was hoping to quietly sneak into our room but I guess the universe had other plans for me. “Hey mum, dad, how are you both doing?” Sebastian said, his mouth stretched in a wide smile as he sat down on the
ZANE:“Grandpa, how could he come back from God knows where and you just hand over the company to him?” Eric my cousin ranted, shooting me a fierce glare which I just met with an indifferent look.This was the last place I wanted to be, but grandpa had been on my neck for days to attend this meeting.I knew it was going to be the same old complaints and protests about me being the acting CEO. And my expectations were not cut short.I'd been sitting there for about 30 minutes, and felt like my ears were bleeding out already. I let my eyes wander round the room for the nth time, completely zoning them out.The study was carefully arranged in its decor. There were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining one wall, complete with a sliding ladder. A large oak desk sits near a tall window, organized with files, documents and a freshly brewed cup of tea.A cozy wingback chair in the corner, paired with a side table, invites quiet reading, while potted green plants and soft curtains add life and l
SIENNA:Mmm. I moaned as the sweet, warm taste of the cinnamon bun filled my mouth, overwhelming my senses. It was so good—a rare moment of Delight. Granny’s Cavities never missed with their pastries. Their name said it all; one bite, and you’d believe it could give you cavities.It had been years since I let myself enjoy something like this. Sebastian always had something to say about my weight or how unhealthy pastries were, and honestly, over time, they started to taste as bland as my life. But today… Today was different. For once, I allowed myself this small treat.Speaking of Sebastain— “Sienna!!!” His sharp yell startled me, cutting me off from relishing the sweet taste in my mouth. He had been on my neck for a few days now, always calling on me. Luckily for me, I was able to convince him that I had been at the hospital the other night or else, he would’ve made a ruckus over it.Last night, he came home bruised and bleeding, an ugly gash running down his leg. When I tried to ask
Zane's Pov:“Sir… um are you listening?” The project manager who was presenting asked, drawing my attention.I blinked, training my indifferent gaze on him. “Yes, and it sounded like it was written by a third grader.” I paused, gauging his reaction. “Get me something perfect by the next meeting, or kiss your job goodbye.” His face turned pale, as sweat dripped down his forehead. “Ok… Sir” He replied with a shaky voice, quickly returning to his seat.“Next,” I said curtly, ignoring the fearful glance they were all casting at me.A young man with thick glasses walked to the front, his body tensed with each step.“Umm, sir… the.. project at.. no the project…” He stammered.“Stop!” I barked out, the sound of his stuttering grating on my nerves. “So I have no single competent project manager, just a bunch of incompetent fools? No need to continue with the meeting, get me something good by next week, or else!” I stood up and stormed out of the room, leaving them shaking in their seats.I s
SIENNA’S POV:My gaze swept over the space, noting every detail in the decor. The place was exquisite, dripping with luxury. Every table was perfectly set, gleaming silverware aligned perfectly on crisp white linen. Golden scones on the wall cast a warm glow over the dark wood paneling, giving the room an almost ethereal warmth. A crystal chandelier hung above, its facets catching the light in quiet, flickering sparks that danced across the empty floors.When I was kidnapped, I hadn’t expected to be brought to such a luxurious restaurant, and why was this place deserted? I racked my brain trying to figure out what was going on, but I just couldn’t. The men in black suits nodded at me to keep going forward, and I did, each step slow and steady, ignoring the throbbing pain from my wound. There was no way I could run away now. I was also oddly curious to know the identity of my kidnapper, I didn’t know whether it was the adrenaline, or the anesthesia messing my mind up.The more we walk
SIENNA’S POV:“Are you trying to make a mess of my day, or is this just a talent of yours?” Sebastian yelled, glaring daggers at me, his face red with anger. His hand gripped the coffee cup and the next second it was tumbling right at me, leaving me a split second to dodge it. I missed it by an inch, but a few shards of glass still managed to slice through my skin, causing me to bleed. I winced at the sudden pain, confusion clouded my thoughts as I wondered what the reason for his outburst was this time around. Yet, I held back, I couldn’t even utter a single word of protest. “Making a cup of coffee isn’t rocket science. You can’t just do anything right” He snapped, his voice tight with an edge of annoyance. His jaw was tight, an evidence of how angry he was. I stood there, silent, arms at my sides, letting his words roll over me without any form of reaction. I’d learned long ago that fighting back was a lost cause. The more I stayed quiet, the more his ego seemed to crack.He shot t