Sienna’s pulse roared in her ears as she stared at the screen. Julian was asleep, unaware of the danger standing right beside him. The man in black held his gun low, almost casual, as if taking her son’s life was just another job. Damian didn’t move, but she could feel the fury radiating from him, a storm barely restrained. His grip on his gun was so tight his knuckles turned white. Luca smiled, pleased with himself. “Now, let’s talk.” Sienna forced herself to breathe. Panicking wouldn’t help Julian. She needed to think, to be smart. Damian’s voice was deathly calm. “Let him go.” Luca clicked his tongue. “That’s not how this works. You took something from me, Cavendish. It’s only fair I take something from you.” Sienna’s stomach twisted. “What do you want?” Luca turned his gaze on her, his smirk deepening. “Ah, the mother. I heard so much about you.” His dark eyes traveled over her in a way that made her skin crawl. “Beautiful. Strong. And now… desperate.” Damian took
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the bedroom. Sienna stretched beneath the soft sheets, savoring the quiet. It was the first morning in what felt like forever that she woke up without fear pressing against her chest. She turned her head and found Damian still asleep beside her. His dark lashes rested against his cheekbones, his breathing deep and steady. He looked peaceful, a stark contrast to the man who had spent the last few weeks fighting battles in the shadows. Sienna smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. He had barely slept since they returned, his mind always restless. But last night, after everything, he had finally let himself relax in her arms. She slid out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake him. Pulling on one of Damian’s shirts, she padded down the hallway toward Julian’s room. The sight of her son curled up with his stuffed bear made warmth spread through her chest. He looked so peaceful, his tiny f
Sienna never thought she would be planning a wedding—at least not like this. She stood in the middle of an elegant bridal boutique, surrounded by rows of breathtaking gowns, each one whispering promises of love and forever. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the delicate lace and shimmering fabrics. It felt surreal. “Try this one.” Ava, her best friend and bridesmaid, held up a stunning ivory dress with intricate beadwork along the bodice. Sienna hesitated, brushing her fingers over the fabric. “It’s beautiful.” Ava grinned. “Then what are you waiting for? Go, try it on!” Sienna laughed, allowing herself to be ushered into the dressing room. As she slipped into the gown, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. She looked… different. The woman staring back at her wasn’t the broken girl who had spent years hiding. She was strong. Whole. Ready to step into a future she never thought possible. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. “Sienna
The grand Cavendish estate had been transformed into a breathtaking wedding venue. Twinkling fairy lights draped the sprawling gardens, casting a soft glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. A long, flower-lined aisle stretched toward the altar, where Sienna and Damian were about to say their vows. Sienna stood inside the bridal suite, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The dress Ava had chosen turned out to be perfect—an ivory lace gown that hugged her curves and cascaded into a dreamy, flowing train. Her chestnut hair was swept into an elegant updo, with loose strands framing her face. “You look like a queen,” Ava whispered behind her. Sienna exhaled, trying to steady the fluttering in her chest. “I feel like I’m dreaming.” Ava squeezed her hands. “This is real. You’re about to marry the love of your life. And trust me, he looks just as lovesick waiting for you out there.” Sienna laughed softly, the nerves easing slightly. A knock at the door made them turn.
The ocean breeze rolled through the open balcony doors, warm and salt-kissed, carrying the sound of crashing waves like a lullaby meant for hearts trying to remember how to beat without fear. Sienna stood barefoot on the cool tiles, arms folded over her chest, staring out at the horizon where sea met sky in a haze of gold and blue.Everything had changed. Again.They had survived Morelli. Julian was safe. Damian was alive. But peace, as she was learning, wasn’t just about the absence of danger—it was about healing the bruises that no one else could see.Behind her, the quiet creak of the bedroom door pulling open made her turn slightly.Damian stepped out onto the balcony, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up. The tension in his shoulders had eased some, but there was a weight in his eyes—a storm he hadn’t yet walked out of.“You’re awake,” Sienna said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“Barely,” he replied, his voice low. “I should’ve checked on you soo
The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the villa, casting a golden hue over the room. Sienna sat at the edge of the bed, the cryptic message from Ava still fresh in her mind:“I heard about Morelli. I assume you’re celebrating. Don’t get too comfortable. You forget I know the real Damian. And secrets never stay buried forever.”She stared at her phone, the screen now dark, but the words etched into her thoughts. What did Ava mean by "the real Damian"? Hadn't all the secrets been laid bare?A soft knock on the door pulled her from her reverie. Julian peeked in, his tousled hair and sleepy eyes making her heart swell."Mommy, can we have pancakes?"Sienna smiled, pushing the message to the back of her mind. "Of course, sweetheart."As they made their way to the kitchen, the villa buzzed with the aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling batter. Julian chatted animatedly about his dreams, his innocence a stark contrast to the storm brewing in Sienna's mind.lLater that day, whi
Chapter 75: Shadows of the past.The morning sun cast a golden hue over the villa, but its warmth did little to dispel the chill that had settled in Sienna's heart. The revelations from the previous day echoed in her mind, each word from Damian and Ava unraveling the tapestry of trust she had carefully woven.She stood by the window, watching Julian play in the garden, his laughter a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. The innocence in his eyes reminded her of the stakes involved, the life they had built teetering on the edge of secrets and half-truths.Damian entered the room, his presence commanding yet subdued. He approached her cautiously, as if sensing the storm brewing beneath her composed exterior."Sienna," he began, his voice laced with remorse, "I know I should have told you everything from the start."She turned to face him, her eyes searching his for sincerity. "Why didn't you? We promised no more secrets."He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was trying
Sienna Blake stood outside the towering glass skyscraper, staring up at the massive "Cavendish Hotels" logo gleaming in silver letters. Her heart pounded against her ribs, her fingers tightening around the strap of her handbag. This was it—the opportunity of a lifetime. But it was also the biggest risk she’d taken in five years. She adjusted the cuff of her cream blazer, inhaling sharply as she smoothed down the front of her navy pencil skirt. She had worked too hard, built too much of a life, to let ghosts from the past shake her. Damian Cavendish was just a name now. A name that held power, wealth, and a reputation for being untouchable. Not a man who once whispered promises in the dark. Not the father of her child. Sienna swallowed hard, shaking off the memories as she stepped forward. The glass doors slid open, welcoming her into a grand lobby bathed in golden light. A massive chandelier dripped from the ceiling, sparkling against marble floors. The Cavendish empire had
Chapter 75: Shadows of the past.The morning sun cast a golden hue over the villa, but its warmth did little to dispel the chill that had settled in Sienna's heart. The revelations from the previous day echoed in her mind, each word from Damian and Ava unraveling the tapestry of trust she had carefully woven.She stood by the window, watching Julian play in the garden, his laughter a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. The innocence in his eyes reminded her of the stakes involved, the life they had built teetering on the edge of secrets and half-truths.Damian entered the room, his presence commanding yet subdued. He approached her cautiously, as if sensing the storm brewing beneath her composed exterior."Sienna," he began, his voice laced with remorse, "I know I should have told you everything from the start."She turned to face him, her eyes searching his for sincerity. "Why didn't you? We promised no more secrets."He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was trying
The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the villa, casting a golden hue over the room. Sienna sat at the edge of the bed, the cryptic message from Ava still fresh in her mind:“I heard about Morelli. I assume you’re celebrating. Don’t get too comfortable. You forget I know the real Damian. And secrets never stay buried forever.”She stared at her phone, the screen now dark, but the words etched into her thoughts. What did Ava mean by "the real Damian"? Hadn't all the secrets been laid bare?A soft knock on the door pulled her from her reverie. Julian peeked in, his tousled hair and sleepy eyes making her heart swell."Mommy, can we have pancakes?"Sienna smiled, pushing the message to the back of her mind. "Of course, sweetheart."As they made their way to the kitchen, the villa buzzed with the aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling batter. Julian chatted animatedly about his dreams, his innocence a stark contrast to the storm brewing in Sienna's mind.lLater that day, whi
The ocean breeze rolled through the open balcony doors, warm and salt-kissed, carrying the sound of crashing waves like a lullaby meant for hearts trying to remember how to beat without fear. Sienna stood barefoot on the cool tiles, arms folded over her chest, staring out at the horizon where sea met sky in a haze of gold and blue.Everything had changed. Again.They had survived Morelli. Julian was safe. Damian was alive. But peace, as she was learning, wasn’t just about the absence of danger—it was about healing the bruises that no one else could see.Behind her, the quiet creak of the bedroom door pulling open made her turn slightly.Damian stepped out onto the balcony, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up. The tension in his shoulders had eased some, but there was a weight in his eyes—a storm he hadn’t yet walked out of.“You’re awake,” Sienna said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“Barely,” he replied, his voice low. “I should’ve checked on you soo
The grand Cavendish estate had been transformed into a breathtaking wedding venue. Twinkling fairy lights draped the sprawling gardens, casting a soft glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. A long, flower-lined aisle stretched toward the altar, where Sienna and Damian were about to say their vows. Sienna stood inside the bridal suite, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The dress Ava had chosen turned out to be perfect—an ivory lace gown that hugged her curves and cascaded into a dreamy, flowing train. Her chestnut hair was swept into an elegant updo, with loose strands framing her face. “You look like a queen,” Ava whispered behind her. Sienna exhaled, trying to steady the fluttering in her chest. “I feel like I’m dreaming.” Ava squeezed her hands. “This is real. You’re about to marry the love of your life. And trust me, he looks just as lovesick waiting for you out there.” Sienna laughed softly, the nerves easing slightly. A knock at the door made them turn.
Sienna never thought she would be planning a wedding—at least not like this. She stood in the middle of an elegant bridal boutique, surrounded by rows of breathtaking gowns, each one whispering promises of love and forever. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the delicate lace and shimmering fabrics. It felt surreal. “Try this one.” Ava, her best friend and bridesmaid, held up a stunning ivory dress with intricate beadwork along the bodice. Sienna hesitated, brushing her fingers over the fabric. “It’s beautiful.” Ava grinned. “Then what are you waiting for? Go, try it on!” Sienna laughed, allowing herself to be ushered into the dressing room. As she slipped into the gown, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. She looked… different. The woman staring back at her wasn’t the broken girl who had spent years hiding. She was strong. Whole. Ready to step into a future she never thought possible. A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. “Sienna
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the bedroom. Sienna stretched beneath the soft sheets, savoring the quiet. It was the first morning in what felt like forever that she woke up without fear pressing against her chest. She turned her head and found Damian still asleep beside her. His dark lashes rested against his cheekbones, his breathing deep and steady. He looked peaceful, a stark contrast to the man who had spent the last few weeks fighting battles in the shadows. Sienna smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. He had barely slept since they returned, his mind always restless. But last night, after everything, he had finally let himself relax in her arms. She slid out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake him. Pulling on one of Damian’s shirts, she padded down the hallway toward Julian’s room. The sight of her son curled up with his stuffed bear made warmth spread through her chest. He looked so peaceful, his tiny f
Sienna’s pulse roared in her ears as she stared at the screen. Julian was asleep, unaware of the danger standing right beside him. The man in black held his gun low, almost casual, as if taking her son’s life was just another job. Damian didn’t move, but she could feel the fury radiating from him, a storm barely restrained. His grip on his gun was so tight his knuckles turned white. Luca smiled, pleased with himself. “Now, let’s talk.” Sienna forced herself to breathe. Panicking wouldn’t help Julian. She needed to think, to be smart. Damian’s voice was deathly calm. “Let him go.” Luca clicked his tongue. “That’s not how this works. You took something from me, Cavendish. It’s only fair I take something from you.” Sienna’s stomach twisted. “What do you want?” Luca turned his gaze on her, his smirk deepening. “Ah, the mother. I heard so much about you.” His dark eyes traveled over her in a way that made her skin crawl. “Beautiful. Strong. And now… desperate.” Damian took
Sienna’s hands trembled as she gripped her phone, her mind racing through every possible scenario. Luca Romano had just made his move. He knew where she was. He knew about Julian. And if she didn’t act fast, she could lose everything. She forced herself to breathe, to think clearly. Panic wouldn’t help her now. She grabbed the spare phone Damian had given her and dialed. Oliver answered on the second ring. “Sienna?” “There’s been a call.” Her voice was tight. “From one of Luca’s men. He threatened Julian.” A beat of silence. Then Oliver’s voice turned sharp. “What did he say?” “He said I needed to cooperate. That they’d be in touch.” Oliver cursed under his breath. “They’re testing you. Trying to see if you’ll break.” Sienna swallowed the lump in her throat. “Then they don’t know me very well.” She turned to the bedroom, her gaze softening as she watched Julian sleeping peacefully. He had no idea of the war that was closing in around them. And she would never let i
Damian stepped out of Luca Romano’s club, his fists clenched so tightly his nails bit into his palms. The London night was cool, but the fire in his chest burned hotter than ever. He had given Luca a chance—a warning. Now, it was war. Mia was waiting by the car, leaning against the sleek black Aston Martin, her arms crossed. She looked at his face and sighed. “I take it he didn’t accept your generous offer of staying alive?” Damian opened the car door but didn’t get in. His mind was already calculating, strategizing. “He wants me to pay him back the money he lost.” Mia scoffed. “Of course he does.” “He also implied Julian could become collateral damage.” Her expression hardened instantly. “Then he’s a dead man.” Damian nodded once. “We hit him before he hits us.” Mia slid into the driver’s seat. “Where do we start?” Damian got in beside her, his voice like steel. “With a message.” ---### **Sienna’s Safe House – Paris** Sienna paced the length of the penthouse sui