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.
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
Sienna stepped out of the Cavendish Hotel’s headquarters, her pulse still unsteady. The cool New York air hit her face, but it did little to ease the heat crawling up her spine. Damian knew. Not about Julian—not yet—but he knew she had left without a reason. And if there was one thing she remembered about Damian Cavendish, it was that he never let go of unanswered questions. She hailed a cab, sliding into the backseat as she exhaled sharply. "Where to?" the driver asked. "West Village," she murmured. As the city blurred past her window, her mind raced. She had to be careful. Damian was ruthless in business, in power plays, in control. If he ever discovered the truth, he wouldn’t hesitate to claim Julian. And she couldn’t let that happen. The thought of her son—his warm hazel eyes, his messy black curls—tightened something deep in her chest. He was her world. Everything she had built, she had built for him. By the time the cab pulled up in front of her brownstone apartment,
Sienna stared at the ceiling, lying in bed long after Julian had fallen asleep. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shut off her mind. The day’s events played on a loop, Damian’s piercing blue eyes haunting her thoughts. She should have known this job was too risky. She had built a life, a home, a safe world for Julian. But now, with one twist of fate, everything teetered on the edge of exposure. She turned onto her side, hugging the pillow to her chest. Maybe Olivia was right. Maybe she should walk away before it was too late. But then what? Her career was thriving. This project was the biggest opportunity she had ever been given. If she ran, she’d have to start over—again. She couldn’t keep running forever. No. She would handle this. She would stay professional, keep her guard up, and finish the damn project. And then, she’d walk away from Damian Cavendish for good. With that resolve, she finally drifted into a restless sleep. --- The next morning, Sienna st
Damian Cavendish sat frozen at his desk, his fingers tightening around the edges of the printed birth certificate. Unknown. That single word mocked him. His breath was slow, controlled—but beneath the surface, a storm raged. Sienna had a child. His child. And she had kept it from him. The weight of the revelation crashed into him, an unrelenting force that shattered everything he thought he knew. For five years, she had walked around carrying his blood in her veins—raising their child—without ever telling him. His hands curled into fists. He wasn’t sure what burned more: the betrayal or the undeniable fact that he had missed five years of his son’s life. His. Son. Damian’s jaw clenched as he forced himself to think logically, to push down the fire threatening to consume him. He needed confirmation. A single hospital record wasn’t enough. He reached for his phone, dialing a number he rarely used. "Mr. Cavendish?" A gruff voice answered almost immediately. "Vi
Sienna had felt uneasy all day, a gnawing sensation in her gut that refused to fade. She convinced herself it was nothing—just the stress of the upcoming work trip, the pressure of working so closely with Damian. But when she walked into her apartment that evening, she knew instantly. Something was wrong. The air felt different, charged with an unfamiliar tension. And then she saw him. Damian. He stood in her living room, his powerful frame filling the space as if he belonged there. He was dressed in his usual tailored suit, his presence overwhelming. But it wasn’t just his presence that sent a chill down her spine. It was the look in his eyes. Cold. Unyielding. Dangerous. Sienna’s breath hitched. "How did you get in here?" His lips curved into a humorless smirk. "You should check your security, Sienna. It’s lacking." Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to stay calm. "You broke into my home?" Damian took a slow step toward her, his gaze never leaving hers
Sienna sat motionless on the couch long after Damian had left, his words echoing in her head. "I want full custody."Her stomach twisted. He meant it. She had seen the raw determination in his eyes, the unshakable resolve of a man who always got what he wanted. But this time, she wouldn’t let him win. Julian wasn’t some business acquisition, a deal to be negotiated. He was her son. And she had spent the last five years protecting him—from the press, from the ruthless world Damian lived in, and most importantly, from the man himself. But now, that protection was crumbling. A sharp knock at the door shattered her thoughts. She nearly jumped out of her skin before realizing it was Olivia. The moment her best friend stepped inside, she took one look at Sienna’s face and frowned. "Okay, what happened?" Sienna’s voice came out hoarse. "He knows, Liv." Olivia’s eyes widened. "Oh my God. Are you serious?" Sienna nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. "He had a DNA test do
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
Damian sat at his desk, the glow of his computer screen casting sharp shadows across his face. His jaw was tight, his fingers curled into a fist against the polished wood. The information in front of him was worse than he had expected. Luca Romano wasn’t just a threat—he was preparing to strike. A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. He knew who it was before she even stepped inside. Sienna. She closed the door softly behind her, her gaze locked onto him. “Tell me the truth,” she said, crossing the room. “I know you’re keeping something from me.” Damian exhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair. “Sienna, it’s complicated.” “No,” she shot back. “It’s simple. Either we’re in this together, or you keep shutting me out and let me walk away.” That hit him harder than he expected. His expression darkened. “You’re not walking away.” “Then tell me what’s going on.” He studied her, the fire in her eyes. She deserved the truth. “Luca Romano wants revenge,” Damian
Sienna stood frozen, the dial tone ringing in her ears. Morelli’s words slithered into her mind, cold and unforgiving. *"By the time this night is over, Damian Cavendish won’t be coming home."* No. Her grip tightened on the phone until her knuckles turned white. She had been waiting, trusting Damian to handle things, but now? Now she knew waiting wasn’t an option. She had to act. Her gaze darted to Julian’s room. He was safe, for now, but if Morelli had reached out to her, it meant he was confident—too confident. And that meant something was about to go terribly wrong. She strode to the bedside table, yanking open the drawer. Damian had left her a gun, just in case. She had never needed it before, but tonight was different. Tonight, she would fight. She tucked the weapon into the waistband of her jeans and grabbed the car keys. Mia had briefed her about Morelli’s estate in Italy before she left. Sienna had pretended not to listen, but she had memorized the details.
The night air was crisp as Damian and his team moved like shadows toward the north entrance of Morelli’s compound. The moon hung low, casting long, ominous silhouettes against the stone walls. Mia kept pace beside him, her weapon drawn, eyes sharp. “Thirty seconds until rotation.” Damian’s heartbeat was steady, his focus razor-sharp. The past few days had led to this moment. Morelli had pushed too far—threatening Julian, hurting Sienna. Now, it was time to end it. A distant murmur of voices signaled the guards changing shifts. Damian raised a hand. “Go.” His team moved. Silent. Efficient. They slipped through the small gap in security, pressing against the cool stone as they advanced through the courtyard. No alarms. No signs of detection. Yet. Mia tapped her earpiece. “We’re in.” From their position, they had a clear view of the main house—Morelli’s stronghold. Massive windows overlooked the estate, their glass shimmering under the pale light. “Security’s heavier in