CHAPTER FIVE: ON HER OWN.

The next day at the nightclub, Sienna is wiping down the bar, trying to lose herself in the rhythm of work, when Mia approaches, her eyes narrowing as she studies Sienna. “Has Noah done anything to you?” she asks in a low voice, ensuring it’s just the two of them who hear. “Did Ethan hurt you or threaten you in any way?” The genuine concern in Mia’s voice tinges with an urgency that makes it clear she won’t let this go until Sienna gives her something.

Sienna hesitates, but she can’t avoid it forever. “No, nothing like that,” she replies, shaking her head. “It’s just… weird.”

Needing to escape the conversation, Sienna grabs a trash bag and heads for the back door. The alley is cold and empty as she tosses the bag into the dumpster, the sound echoing off the walls. She pauses for a second, pulling out a cigarette—not to smoke, obviously, but as a distraction.

Before she can even light it, someone snatches it right out of her fingers. She spins around, startled, and there he is—Osborne Wilde, leaning against the wall with a lazy grin plastered across his face. He’s too close, as usual, his tattoos peeking from under his sleeves, the bad-boy image practically oozing from him.

“You don’t smoke,” he says, twirling the cigarette between his fingers. “You’ve got asthma, remember?”

A flush creeps up her neck. “It’s just for show,” she mutters, stepping back to create some space. Osborne always seems to get a little too close, like he’s interested in something more than just casual conversation. It’s confusing, especially since he’s dating Mia—her best friend. She’s always seen him as a brother figure, someone who’s dating her best friend. Besides, Osborne isn’t her type, not in any way.

He gives her one of his signature knowing looks. “You sure everything’s alright?”

She shrugs, eager to change the subject. “What are you even doing here? You’ve never worked at this club before. Arden’s tried to recruit you, what, a dozen times?”

Osborne crosses his arms, his body language as relaxed as ever. “The money was better this time. Hard to say no when the offer’s that good.”

She narrows her eyes. “Or maybe you’re here because of Mia?”

He smirks, not even bothering to deny it, but something about his silence unsettles her. There’s another layer to him, something he’s not saying. Something she doesn’t want to figure out.

“Come on, Wilde,” she says, shaking her head. “Just admit it. You’re not here for the paycheck.”

“You’re right. I’m here for more,” he replies, his words seemingly directed at Mia but his eyes fixed on Sienna. It makes her uncomfortable. What more could he want if not Mia?

“Honestly, I’m relieved you're here. Your presence will likely deter those creeps who harass us. It will send a strong message.”

He steps closer, his voice lowering, almost mocking. “I’m not here to play superman, Sienna. Why do you think I’m any different from the rest? I know what happened that day. But even if I’m here, I’ll just watch and do nothing. Since you work here, you have to accept the invisible rules. People approach you to take advantage of you. Don’t naively think you can rely on anyone. Sometimes, the one who hurts you the most is the one you trust the most.”

She opens her mouth to respond, but his words are heavy and damning. Osborne’s eyes bore into hers before he shrugs and walks away, leaving her standing there in the alley, the cigarette long forgotten. She stares up at the night sky, feeling strangely hollow and alone.

********

After work, Mia, Osborne, and Sienna join colleagues for a late-night diner run. The sticky floors and greasy aromas envelop them. As they slide into booths, the TV blares news: Noah King has purchased the priceless 'Starlight Diamond Necklace' at auction. Sienna’s hand instinctively grasps the identical necklace around her neck, its cool stones now feeling heavy.

Why would Noah gift her such an extravagant treasure? Their complicated past and his cryptic motivations swirl in her mind. The diner’s din fades as she ponders the necklace's significance—and the chains of obligation binding her to Noah King.

At the table, a curious gaze lands on her. One of the girls at the table notices her gesture. “You know,” she says, sipping her drink, “a necklace like that… no one around here could ever afford something like it,” she remarks, sipping her drink. Sienna’s fingers instinctively tighten around the diamonds.

She forces a careless laugh, feigning nonchalance, her fingers still nervously toying with the diamonds. “Oh, this?” she says, pretending it’s no big deal. “Got it for seven bucks from a street vendor.”

The girl’s raised eyebrow betrays her skepticism, but she drops the subject. The conversation shifts, but Sienna’s heart remains restless. Across the diner, she overhears a group of people discussing Noah, their voices low but just loud enough for her to catch snippets.

“Did you hear?” one of them says. “Noah King’s been snapping up companies left and right. Word is some CEOs have been so stressed they’ve jumped off buildings. Can you imagine being pushed to your own death?"

Another voice chimes in, “He’s going after Paragon Group now. No one knows if its boss, Mr. Stark Davis, can survive the pressure.”

She freezes, her heart sinking. Davis... Paragon Group. Anxiety clenches her gut as strangers' whispers expose Noah’s ruthless ambition.

As the night continues, with everyone having fun, surrounded by laughter and music, Sienna feels disconnected. The overheard conversation replays in her mind, leaving her emotionally drained. Anxiety, fear, and uncertainty swirl, overwhelming her.

She fakes a smile, concealing her turmoil. Her friends' joyous chatter contrasts with her inner chaos. Dark thoughts consume her: Noah’s intentions.

To escape, she drinks, trying to numb the pain. Glasses clink, conversation flows, but she’s lost. Alcohol temporarily dulls her worries, yet clarity eludes her.

She mechanically laughs, pretending to belong. Inside, she’s torn, unsure how to reconcile her emotions.

They drink late into the night, the alcohol flowing freely. Mia, after one too many drinks, starts to get woozy, and Osborne offers to take her back to his place. Sienna watches them leave. She’s also sad for Mia because this isn’t love. It seems one-sided. Mia could go to the ends of the world for him. But, him? No. His detachment frightens Sienna. His eyes never hold concern. They never sparkle with genuine interest. He simply doesn’t seem to care about Mia.

How can she save her friend from this? How can she save herself too?