Chapter 137 Lucas’s Pov“I should have never announced the engagement,” I muttered, staring at the glass of whiskey in my hand. The dim light in my study cast long shadows across the room, mirroring the mess my life had become. Lisa’s behavior was driving me to the edge. Every day, she found new ways to make me regret the decision. Late-night clubbing, coming home drunk, ignoring me completely, it was as if she had forgotten the engagement even existed. I hadn’t seen her sober in days, and the rare moments we spoke were filled with arguments. My company was in shambles. Once a prestigious name, it had fallen off the list of top 20 most recognized businesses in the country. I had lost workers, clients, and my own confidence. The people I used to rely on had abandoned me one by one, leaving me to pick up the pieces alone. The loneliness was suffocating. I closed my eyes, and Sienna’s face filled my mind. Her strength, her determination, the way she carried herself despite the w
Chapter 138 Sienna’s PovThe morning light streamed through the curtains as I stretched and yawned. I glanced at the clock. 7:30 a.m. It was earlier than I usually woke up, but something felt off. I peeked outside, and my breath hitched. Lucas was still there, leaning against his car, arms folded, looking like he hadn’t slept all night. He was shivering slightly, his breath visible in the cold morning air. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Part of me wanted to ignore him, to pretend he wasn’t there. But another part, the part that still cared, even though I didn’t want to admit it couldn’t leave him like that. Wrapping a shawl around my shoulders, I opened the door and stepped out. “Lucas,” I called, my voice sharp but not unkind. He looked up, his eyes tired but hopeful. “Sienna.” “What are you doing here?” I asked, folding my arms. “I… I just wanted to see Daphne,” he said, his voice almost pleading. I hesitated, my heart softening just a little. “Fine. Come i
Chapter 139 Lucas’s PovThe living room was quiet except for the soft hum of the heater. Daphne was nestled against my chest, her tiny fingers clutching my shirt. She had fallen asleep halfway through our storytime, her gentle breaths rising and falling in a steady rhythm. I brushed a strand of hair from her face and smiled, unable to believe she was really here, sleeping peacefully in my arms. A warmth spread through me, a feeling I hadn’t experienced in years. She was my daughter, and at that moment, it felt like everything in my chaotic life finally made sense. Not wanting to disturb her, I leaned back against the couch and closed my eyes. The rhythmic patting of her back soon lulled me into sleep. I woke up abruptly to the sound of shouting outside. Groggy and disoriented, I blinked a few times before realizing what was happening. “Sienna,” I muttered under my breath, recognizing her voice. Her words were muffled, but it was clear she was furious. I gently shifted Daph
Chapter 140Lucas's PovI leaned back on the couch, staring at the ceiling as the early morning light streamed through the windows. I hadn’t slept much, not because of discomfort, but because my thoughts were racing. Sienna and Daphne were just down the hall. It felt surreal, almost like a piece of my life was finally back where it belonged. Still, I didn’t go to my bedroom. I stayed on the couch, wanting to be the first to know when Sienna would leave. I knew she didn’t trust me, and forcing her to stay longer would only drive her further away. She’d agreed to the guest room, but I could feel the tension in the air last night. I needed to give her space. When I finally drifted off for a short while, I woke up early, glancing around to make sure everything was in order. I checked my phone instinctively and saw a string of missed calls from Lisa. Lisa. I sighed heavily, tossing the phone onto the coffee table. It had been weeks since I’d heard from her, and now she was sudden
Chapter 141Sienna’s PovAs soon as I got home, I took Daphne to her room to change out of her dress. She was humming one of her favorite tunes, her cheerful demeanor instantly lifting my spirits. After a long day, seeing her happy always gave me a sense of purpose. When I stepped back outside to lock the gate, I froze. The doorstep was covered with gifts, each wrapped meticulously with ribbons and small notes attached. The first package read: “From David; I’m sorry I was angry.”The second said: “From Ryan; I hope you’re okay?”And the third, written in bold, elegant handwriting, was from Max: “From your secret admirer; Your strength inspires me.”I couldn’t help but laugh. “What is this? A competition for my affection?” It was amusing, but also oddly heartwarming. I guessed that one of them had sent a gift first, and then the others must have seen it and decided to follow suit. Typical of them. I carried the gifts inside, setting them on the table, and sat down to admir
Chapter 142 Sienna's Pov“Daphne, what are you doing so early on a Saturday morning?” I asked, my voice sharp as I walked into the living room. There she was, sitting on the floor with David in front of the television, a stack of board game pieces scattered between them. “I’m the one disturbing him, Mommy!” Daphne exclaimed, a mischievous grin on her face. David chuckled. “And I let her,” he admitted, holding up his hands in mock surrender. I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to contain my frustration. “Daphne, go get dressed. And David, we need to talk.” Daphne groaned, but she complied, skipping off to her room. I motioned for David to follow me into the kitchen. “David,” I began, crossing my arms as I faced him. “I appreciate how kind you are to Daphne, but she needs to learn boundaries. You’re spoiling her.” David raised an eyebrow. “Sienna, she’s just a kid. Let her have fun.” “Fun is fine,” I replied, my tone firm. “But discipline is important too. She’s not g
Chapter 143Lucas's PovI sighed as I stared at my phone. I had been calling Lisa repeatedly, but every call went unanswered. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, Lisa was gone for good. “Good riddance,” I muttered under my breath, but even as I said it, loneliness wrapped around me like a cold blanket. My life had become a mess. My company was struggling, my fiancée was gone, and the only people who brought me happiness, Sienna and Daphne, wanted nothing to do with me. Unable to bear the emptiness, I grabbed my keys and headed out to a nearby bar. I sat in a corner, nursing my drink. It was my third glass, and I was already feeling its effects when a cheerful voice interrupted my thoughts. “Mind if I join you?” I looked up to see a woman with short, curly hair and a bright smile. She seemed out of place in the dreary bar, but her energy was contagious. “Sure,” I mumbled, gesturing to the seat beside me. “I’m Jenny,” she said, holding out her hand. “Lucas,” I re
Chapter 144Sienna’s Pov“You are admired beyond measure, and I’m deeply sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt you,” the message read. Along with it came a box of expensive chocolates, a delicate bracelet, and a handwritten letter. I sighed, setting the gifts on the counter. “Lucas,” I muttered to myself. Who else would send such a message? Still, I brushed it off, refusing to let it distract me. I had more pressing matters at hand, packing for the vacation. I called David as I zipped up Daphne’s bag. “We’re all set,” I told him. “Great,” he said, his voice warm. “I’ll pick you both up soon.” But as I ended the call, another thought crossed my mind. If David and Ryan could just get along, this trip might actually be enjoyable. Against my better judgment, I picked up the phone and called Ryan too. “Ryan,” I began, “I was wondering if you’d like to come on the trip with us. Daphne would love to see you.” There was a pause on the other end before he answered. “Of course. If
Chapter 151Sienna’s PovThe soft buzz of my phone startled me. I reached for it, half-distracted by my thoughts. A message had come in, and as soon as I saw Lucas’s name, my heart tightened. I already knew what it would say. “Good morning, Sienna. Just a reminder to meet me tonight. I’ll come with Daphne. Please, just us.”I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Part of me had been waiting for this, and another part of me wasn’t ready. Why did he always manage to push his way into my thoughts, even when I swore I had moved on? I sat there staring at the message. There was a small voice in my head whispering that I shouldn’t go, that I should let him feel the cold edge of rejection. But another part of me, a quiet, stubborn part, wanted to be there, alone with him, to see if Lisa was still in the picture, to understand his intentions. For all his mistakes, Lucas was Daphne’s father. And as much as I hated admitting it, he had been acting differently lately, calmer, mo
Chapter 150 Lucas’s PovI sat across from Jenny, her sharp eyes scanning my face as I sipped the last of my whiskey. She had been quiet for a while, waiting for me to explain why I looked so distracted. Finally, I sighed and spoke. “I’m not even sure if I still love her,” I admitted, leaning back in my chair. “But I’m sure of one thing; I’m falling for her again. It’s like…I can’t let go. I don’t want to. It’s all I know right now, and I’m holding onto it.” Jenny smirked, setting her glass down. “Well, Lucas, that’s progress. It’s about time you figured out what you want. But I’m guessing this revelation doesn’t make things any easier.” “No,” I said, shaking my head. “Not at all. But I know what I have to do now.” Jenny nodded, her expression softening. “Then go after it. Just remember, you’re not the same man you were. She’s not the same woman either.” We left soon after, her words replaying in my head like a mantra. When I got home, the silence hit me harder than usual. T
Chapter 149 Sienna’s PovI felt like my body weighed a ton when I finally walked through the door of my home. Exhaustion was an understatement. The day had been chaotic, and every muscle in my body ached from running errands and dealing with the people in my life. I dropped my bag on the couch and immediately grabbed my laptop. There were a few emails to send to companies I knew needed consulting, and I wasn’t about to fall behind on my work. As I typed out the last email, I found my thoughts drifting to Ryan. He hadn’t returned any of my calls or texts, which wasn’t like him. My fingers hesitated over the keyboard before I finally grabbed my phone and dialed his number again. “Ryan?” I asked when he finally picked up after several rings. “Sienna,” he said, his voice calm. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. I’ve already headed out of town. I needed to clear my head.” I sighed in relief. “I was just worried. Are you okay?” “I’m fine. You take care of yourself, Sienna. And
Chapter 148 Lucas’s Pov"Jenny, you’re okay with taking Daphne out, right?" I asked over the phone, my tone light but distracted. “Of course! Daphne’s adorable,” Jenny responded cheerfully. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” I sighed, trying to shake off the lingering annoyance that Lisa’s recent actions had left behind. I already sent her packing, and honestly, I didn’t have the energy to dwell on it. Right now, all that mattered was spending time with Daphne and enjoying the rare peace I had made with Sienna, even if it was fragile. When Jenny arrived, Daphne’s face lit up. “Aunt Jenny!” she squealed, running into her arms. I chuckled at her excitement and helped Daphne into the car. Jenny settled into the passenger seat, chatting animatedly with Daphne while I drove. I felt a faint sense of relief watching them. Maybe things could be normal, even if just for a day. We decided on a park near a popular cafe for our outing. Daphne couldn’t wait to play, so I carried her t
Chapter 147 Sienna's Pov“Where’s Daphne?” David’s voice pulled me out of my slumber, and as I blinked my eyes open, I realized I was in his arms. I felt disoriented, like I had been asleep for days. “She’s with Lucas,” he said softly, helping me sit upright. “What happened to me?” I asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You fell asleep out of nowhere. You looked so tired, so I didn’t wake you. I thought you needed the rest.” I blinked again, still trying to piece together my thoughts. “How long was I asleep?” “For hours,” David said, smiling gently. “I figured it was time to take you home anyway.” His warmth and kindness were always comforting, but a small pang of unease settled in my chest at the mention of Lucas and Daphne. “Daphne’s still with Lucas?” “Yes,” David confirmed, his tone careful. “Are you okay with that? I mean...him taking her?” I hesitated. “She’s his daughter, after all. I just...I don’t want him thinking he can swoop in and claim owner
Chapter 146 Lucas's Pov“Lucas…” Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper, as she turned slightly in her sleep. I froze, standing at the edge of the bed in Sienna’s room, watching her closely. She was fast asleep, her face peaceful yet slightly flushed from exhaustion. Hearing my name again stirred something deep inside me. This was the second time she’d murmured it, the first when we were at the bar. I leaned closer, careful not to wake her, wondering if it was my imagination. “Sienna…” I whispered back, but she didn’t stir. She shifted again, her lips moving faintly, and my name escaped her lips once more. My chest tightened, and I pulled back. As much as I wanted to be near her, I wouldn’t let it look like I was taking advantage of her in such a vulnerable state. I sighed deeply, brushing a hand through my hair. “This is not the right time, Lucas.”Leaving her room, I found David nearby, pacing anxiously in the hallway. “She’s still asleep,” I said quietly. “I need to
Chapter 145Ryan’s Pov“I love you, Sienna,” I whispered under my breath as I stood near the edge of the patio, just within earshot of Sienna and Lucas’s conversation. My jaw tightened at Lucas’s pathetic attempt to win her back. His groveling made my stomach churn, but her responses kept me glued in place, hoping she’d shut him down for good. “You had your chance,” I muttered to myself, gripping the edge of the wooden railing. “Ryan?” I turned sharply to see David approaching. He had a quizzical expression, his arms crossed. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his gaze flicking toward Sienna and Lucas. “Nothing,” I replied quickly. “Just making sure Lucas doesn’t pull one of his stunts again.” David frowned. “You’re eavesdropping. That’s not right.” “I’m not eavesdropping,” I said defensively. “I’m looking out for her.” David didn’t look convinced, and I sighed. “Fine. You’re right. It’s not my business. Let’s grab some drinks and cool off,” I suggested, slapping hi
Chapter 144Sienna’s Pov“You are admired beyond measure, and I’m deeply sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt you,” the message read. Along with it came a box of expensive chocolates, a delicate bracelet, and a handwritten letter. I sighed, setting the gifts on the counter. “Lucas,” I muttered to myself. Who else would send such a message? Still, I brushed it off, refusing to let it distract me. I had more pressing matters at hand, packing for the vacation. I called David as I zipped up Daphne’s bag. “We’re all set,” I told him. “Great,” he said, his voice warm. “I’ll pick you both up soon.” But as I ended the call, another thought crossed my mind. If David and Ryan could just get along, this trip might actually be enjoyable. Against my better judgment, I picked up the phone and called Ryan too. “Ryan,” I began, “I was wondering if you’d like to come on the trip with us. Daphne would love to see you.” There was a pause on the other end before he answered. “Of course. If
Chapter 143Lucas's PovI sighed as I stared at my phone. I had been calling Lisa repeatedly, but every call went unanswered. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, Lisa was gone for good. “Good riddance,” I muttered under my breath, but even as I said it, loneliness wrapped around me like a cold blanket. My life had become a mess. My company was struggling, my fiancée was gone, and the only people who brought me happiness, Sienna and Daphne, wanted nothing to do with me. Unable to bear the emptiness, I grabbed my keys and headed out to a nearby bar. I sat in a corner, nursing my drink. It was my third glass, and I was already feeling its effects when a cheerful voice interrupted my thoughts. “Mind if I join you?” I looked up to see a woman with short, curly hair and a bright smile. She seemed out of place in the dreary bar, but her energy was contagious. “Sure,” I mumbled, gesturing to the seat beside me. “I’m Jenny,” she said, holding out her hand. “Lucas,” I re