Chapter 56 Sienna’s Pov"Stay out of this, Lisa," I snapped, narrowing my eyes as I held Daphne’s hand tightly. I could feel the tension building, like a wire pulled too tight, ready to snap. But Lisa didn’t back down."You don’t get to just walk away with her!" Lisa’s voice rose, drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the hotel lobby. She looked furious, her fists clenched at her sides as she glared at me, clearly unbothered by the growing scene.Daphne clung to my side, her small hand gripping mine tightly as she looked up at me, confused and afraid. My heart pounded in my chest, anger simmering just below the surface, but I kept my voice steady. "Lisa, step back. This isn’t your concern."Lisa scoffed, taking a step closer, her gaze challenging. "Of course, it’s my concern. Lucas and I are together, and I won’t stand by while you manipulate him using your child."“*M child?” I said, a bitter laugh escaping me as I looked her square in the eye. “Stay out of it, Lisa. You’re on
Chapter 57Lucas’s Pov“Why didn’t you do something, Lucas?” Lisa’s voice was sharp, filled with anger as she paced across the room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She’d been fuming ever since we’d left the hotel, but I had barely responded, letting her vent while I gathered my thoughts.Finally, she stopped and turned to me, her eyes narrowed. “Are you even listening to me?” she demanded, her voice rising. Before I could reply, she took a step closer, frustration flashing across her face. “They were tearing into each other right in front of that child, Lucas. And you just stood there.”I took a breath, keeping my gaze steady as I replied, “I wasn’t going to make it worse, Lisa. They both needed to get it out, and Daphne didn’t need to see any more than she already had.”Lisa scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “So you let her mother slap another woman in front of her? You think that’s healthy?”“It was either let them hash it out or make it an even bigger scene by ste
Chapter 58 Lucas’s Pov The way Sienna had stood her ground, unwavering and unflinching, even as Lisa tried to block her from leaving. Fierce, bold, and completely unafraid. Part of me almost admired her nerve. There was something remarkable about the way she didn’t back down, her eyes blazing with that familiar defiance. It reminded me of why I’d once fallen for her, of the fire that had drawn me in so long ago. But I knew better than to let those old feelings resurface. That chapter had closed. I couldn’t afford to open it again, not when my life was already complicated enough. Sienna was relentless, ruthless in her desire to knock me down, and yesterday had been yet another example of how far she was willing to go. Letting any residual feelings get in the way would only make her think she’d won, and I couldn’t allow that. When I got to the office the next morning, my secretary, Sarah, was waiting with a stack of reports. Her expression was tense, her eyes filled with concern
Chapter 59Sienna’s Pov"Get it done, Sienna,” a low voice hissed through the phone. “You’re dragging your feet, and Lucas is still breathing free. I thought you wanted him ruined."I held the phone away, staring at it in frustration as my so-called partner’s voice droned on. He’d been pressing me to escalate things against Lucas, to keep releasing more damning information to the press, causing enough scandal to drag him down completely. But every time I made a move, every single time, Daphne ended up caught in the crossfire, and it was tearing me apart.“You used to be ruthless, remember?” His mocking tone pulled me back to the present. “Since when did you get soft?”I clenched my jaw, unwilling to let him get under my skin any more than he already had. “Things aren’t that simple,” I snapped, anger boiling over. “Daphne is involved in this, and I won’t destroy her life for some personal vendetta. I’ll handle things my way.”“You don’t handle anything. You’re just hanging on, thinkin
Chapter 60Sienna’s Pov“Do you think you can just walk away from this, Sienna?” Lisa's voice dripped with venom as she cornered me in the aisle of the supermarket, surrounded by stacks of cereal boxes and the faint smell of bread. “You think you can just take Lucas and expect me to stand aside?”I took a deep breath, trying to keep my temper in check. “I’m not taking anything from you, Lisa. You had your chance.” I attempted to brush past her, but she shoved me back against the shelves, causing a few boxes to topple over.“Don’t you dare walk away from me!” She was practically spitting with rage, her eyes wild. The tension crackled in the air, and I felt my own temper flaring. “You have no right to confront me like this. This is ridiculous!”She pushed me again, harder this time, and I stumbled. My hands flew out to steady myself against the shelves, but I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. This wasn’t just a conversation; it was a full-blown confrontation, and I knew I had to
Chapter 61Lucas’s POV“Hey, Lucas! Long time no see!” Tom exclaimed as he approached me in the café, his smile wide and infectious. We hadn’t caught up in ages, and the familiarity of his presence felt oddly comforting in the whirlwind that had become my life.“Tom! Good to see you,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly. We settled into a booth at the back, the soft hum of conversations around us fading into the background.As we exchanged pleasantries, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being trapped in my own life. My mind raced with thoughts about the company, Lisa, and everything in between. I needed a break, but the idea of leaving for even a week felt daunting.“So, how’s business?” Tom asked, taking a sip of his coffee.I hesitated. “It’s... challenging, to say the least. Our income has been dipping lately, and I’m trying to figure out a way to stabilize things.”He raised an eyebrow, concern etched on his face. “That doesn’t sound good. Any idea why?”I sighed, running a hand thro
Chapter 62 Sienna’s Pov “Mommy!” Daphne greeted me as soon as I walked into the living room. She was curled up on the couch, eyes glued to the TV as her favorite cartoon played on the screen. Her face lit up the second she saw me, and I felt a rush of warmth and relief as I crossed the room to sit beside her. “Hey, sweetheart,” I said, gently placing my head on her small shoulder. Daphne giggled, patting my head as if I were one of her dolls. “I missed you, Mommy,” she whispered, leaning into me as she kept her eyes on the cartoon. Her words tugged at my heart. “I missed you too,” I replied, letting the warmth of the moment settle over us. “I had to take care of some things.” Daphne nodded, not asking any further. She was so engrossed in the animated scenes on the screen, her eyes wide as she watched. I could see the joy on her face, and for a moment, everything felt simple. I wished we could stay like this forever, just her and me, safe and undisturbed by the world outside. “
Chapter 63Sienna’s PovI didn’t want to dwell on it any longer, on Lucas, on the call from that man who kept pushing me into corners, or on the mess I’d let entangle my life. My focus had shifted, and I was determined to keep it that way.I reminded myself that nothing about Lucas was my concern anymore. He’d made his choices, and I’d made mine. There was no point in getting tangled up in regrets or unresolved emotions.The next morning, I woke to the faint but unmistakable sound of upbeat music drifting through the house. I blinked, realizing with a start that I had overslept. The sun was already casting a bright glow through my curtains.I rubbed my eyes, slowly recognizing the melody. It was the theme song from one of Daphne’s favorite shows, a musical program she loved.Sliding out of bed, I wrapped my robe around me and padded down the hall to the living room, where I found her perched in front of the TV, utterly absorbed in the show. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her,
Chapter 107 Sienna’s Pov“Let go of me, Lucas,” I said firmly, jerking my hand out of his grip. He stood there, his eyes searching mine as if looking for something, but I refused to meet his gaze. “It’s none of your business,” I said sharply. “Stay away from me. Stay away from Daphne.” His shoulders slumped slightly, and he sighed, but he didn’t respond. That was fine with me. I didn’t need to hear anything else. Turning on my heel, I marched toward my car, feeling his presence like a weight on my back. As I reached for the door handle, I felt his hand on mine again. “Let me go, Lucas,” I said without looking at him. His grip loosened slightly, but his voice was low and heavy. “Why do you keep running, Sienna? Why won’t you just tell me everything?” I pulled my hand free and finally looked at him, my tone cold. “I’m not holding you back, Lucas. I never was. If you think I am, that’s on you. Now, let me live my life and leave me alone.” Without giving him a chance to r
Chapter 106 Lucas’s Pov “You weren’t even patient enough to wait? Is that how you always are, Lucas?” The voice, sharp and tinged with sarcasm, stopped me in my tracks. I turned slowly, my frustration bubbling under the surface, only to see Sienna walking toward me. She was as composed as ever, her bag slung over her shoulder and her expression unreadable. “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming,” I replied, my tone clipped. “I’m here, aren’t I?” she shot back, pulling out the chair across from mine and sitting down gracefully. I sat down as well, running a hand through my hair as I tried to collect myself. “Why were you late?” Her lips twitched, as though she was suppressing a smirk. “Because, Lucas, unlike you, I’m not in the habit of making my life revolve around other people’s demands. I’ll show up when I’m ready.” I exhaled slowly, deciding not to take the bait. “Let’s get to the point,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “I called you here because I need answe
Chapter 105Sienna’s Pov“Ryan, you can’t keep putting your life on hold for me,” I said, my voice quiet but firm. Ryan stared at me, his expression conflicted. “Sienna, I’m not putting my life on hold. I just… I want to be here for you and Daphne. You know that.” I shook my head, taking a step back. “And I appreciate everything you’ve done. But you have your own responsibilities, your own dreams. You can’t stay here forever.” For a moment, he said nothing, his hands resting on his hips as he struggled to find the right words. “You’re sure about this?” “I am,” I replied softly. “I’ll be fine. We’ll be fine.” After a long pause, Ryan sighed, nodding reluctantly. “Alright. I’ll go. But I’ll be back sooner than you think, Sienna.” I forced a smile, watching as he gathered his things and left. The door closing behind him felt like the end of a chapter, a bittersweet one, but I knew it was the right decision. A few days later, the morning sun streamed through the windows as I
Chapter 104 Sienna’s Pov. "I don’t know how to say it," Ryan’s voice drifted through the partially closed door, low and tinged with nervousness. I paused in the hallway, balancing a tray of food for him. He wasn’t talking to anyone, just pacing in his room, his words tumbling out in a stream of anxious soliloquy. “I mean, how do you tell someone you love them without sounding desperate? She probably doesn’t even feel the same. What if I ruin everything?” My heart clenched, and I instinctively held my breath. He was talking about me. I didn’t know what to do. Should I walk away and pretend I hadn’t heard anything? Or should I go in and act like I hadn’t been eavesdropping? Before I could decide, he spoke again, quieter this time, almost to himself. “She’s been through so much already. Maybe it’s better if I keep quiet…” I knocked softly on the door, pushing it open before he could respond. Ryan spun around, startled, his face going pale for a second before he forced a s
Chapter 103 Lucas’s Pov“I cannot believe you, Lucas!” Lisa’s voice rang through the house, loud and sharp, as she paced back and forth in front of me, her friends sitting awkwardly on the couch nearby, pretending not to listen but clearly enjoying the drama. I rubbed my temples, already exhausted by the conversation. “Lisa, I told you, I’m not spending another dime on something as ridiculous as matching gold napkin rings for the rehearsal dinner,” I said, trying to keep my tone calm. She whirled around, glaring at me like I’d just insulted her entire existence. “It’s not just about the napkin rings, Lucas. It’s about you not taking this wedding seriously! You’re acting like it’s a burden instead of a celebration of us!” I took a deep breath, counting to five before responding. “Lisa, I am taking this seriously. I’m funding the entire thing, aren’t I? But there has to be a line somewhere. We don’t need to go overboard.” Her friends exchanged glances, barely stifling their s
Chapter 102 Ryan’s Pov“Sienna,” I began, my voice faltering as I stood on her porch, staring into her tired but beautiful eyes. The words were on the tip of my tongue, desperate to escape, but my courage wavered. “What is it, Ryan?” she asked, tilting her head slightly, her tone soft but curious. I glanced down, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I… uh… I was wondering if you and Daphne would like to go out today. You know, just to get some fresh air. I thought it might be nice for all of us.” Her brows furrowed slightly, as if she was trying to figure out what I was really asking, but then she nodded. “Daphne could use some fun,” she said. “It’s been a tough few weeks for her.” Relief washed over me, though part of me felt like a coward for dodging what I really wanted to say. But this wasn’t the right time, I told myself. Sienna had enough on her plate already without me adding more complications. By the time we left the house, Daphne was bouncing with excitement. She
Chapter 101Sienna's Pov "Mommy, why are you so quiet?" Daphne's voice broke the stillness of the room as she tilted her head, her curious eyes searching mine. I smiled weakly, brushing a strand of her hair back. "I'm just thinking, sweetheart. Nothing for you to worry about." But my heart was heavy. Ryan’s recent kindness lingered in my mind, and Lucas’s sudden reappearance only added to the chaos. It felt like my life was caught between two storms, both threatening to unravel everything I’d worked so hard to hold together. I reached for Daphne’s hand, squeezing it gently. "How about we bake something today? Cookies, maybe?" Her face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. “Yes! With chocolate chips!” “Chocolate chips it is,” I said, standing and leading her into the kitchen. The sound of Daphne’s laughter filled the kitchen as we rolled dough and pressed cookie cutters into the soft mixture. Flour dusted her cheeks, and her giggles grew louder when I smeared a bit of it on her
Chapter 100Lucas’s Pov"Mr. Lucas, I see you’ve arrived." The deep, commanding voice greeted me as I stepped into the lavish private dining room of The Green Ivy.The air smelled of exotic spices and freshly grilled meats, but my focus was immediately drawn to the long dining table in front of me. It was covered in an array of dishes that looked too extravagant for a simple meeting. From roasted duck and stuffed lobster to delicate pastries and expensive wines, the table was practically groaning under the weight of excess. I paused, uncertain if I was in the right place. “This is… unexpected,” I muttered under my breath. Before I could overthink it, a tall, sharply dressed man emerged from the shadows of the room. He exuded power, his every move deliberate and commanding. His dark suit fit him perfectly, and his silver watch glinted under the dim lighting. “Mr. Monroe,” he said, extending a hand as he approached. “I’ve been looking forward to this meeting. Please, sit.” I
Chapter 99Sienna’s PovI sat on the couch, my knees pulled tightly to my chest, tears streaming silently down my face. The house was quiet except for Ryan’s soft voice as he tried to soothe me. “Sienna, you’ve been through so much already. You can’t keep blaming yourself for everything,” he said gently, sitting down beside me. “It’s not just about me,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Daphne’s been through so much because of me. I thought I could give her a stable life, but I’m failing her. I don’t even know how to fix this anymore.” Ryan sighed, reaching out to place a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You’re not failing her, Sienna. You’re a good mother, and she knows it. She adores you, and it’s obvious. You’re doing everything you can.” I couldn’t respond, the lump in my throat making it hard to breathe. Just then, Daphne’s weak voice called from her room, breaking the silence. I shot up instantly, rushing to her side. Her small body was curled up under the blankets, bu