Chapter 75Ryan’s POVI never thought I’d feel this way about Sienna. I’d tried to convince myself, even told myself a hundred times, that I was just being polite, just helping her settle in. But that lie wore thin pretty quickly. The truth was, ever since I’d found out she had a child, something in me had shifted. I thought the news would make me pull back, make me rethink things. But instead, I found myself thinking about her more, losing focus at work as her face kept flashing through my mind.It was the quiet moments that got to me, the way she smiled when she thought no one was watching, the way she’d look at her daughter, Daphne, with a tenderness that made me question everything I thought I knew about love. She was a mother, someone with responsibilities far beyond what I could even imagine, yet she carried it all with a quiet resilience that drew me in.I glanced down at the report on my desk, barely seeing the words. The numbers blurred, and my mind drifted once again to her.
Chapter 76Ryan’s POVI knew it was reckless, ignoring my manager’s warning. “Stay focused, Ryan. We’ve got too much on the line,” he’d told me. But I couldn’t focus, not when all I could think about was Sienna. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her face, heard her laughter. It had been days since our last conversation, and each day had stretched painfully long, my concentration fraying more with every minute. I had to see her, and had to hear her voice again.Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed my keys and left, ignoring my manager’s calls as I headed out. The city streets passed in a blur as I searched for her, checking the usual spots where I knew she might be.After a while, I found myself near the park where we’d met once before. My heart leapt when I saw her in the distance, but something was wrong. She was with a man, and from the look of it, it wasn’t a friendly encounter. The man had his hand on her arm, gripping it tightly as he leaned in, his face inches from he
Chapter 77Ryan’s POVThe night was still, the streetlights casting a soft glow over us as I watched Sienna’s face, searching for any sign that she was okay. She stood beside me, her shoulders tense, her gaze fixed on some invisible point in the distance. Her usual resilience seemed to have crumbled, leaving her vulnerable in a way I’d never seen before.“Sienna,” I said gently, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”She didn’t answer right away, and I could see the hesitation in her eyes, as if she was debating whether or not to let me in. Finally, she took a shaky breath and nodded, though the movement was barely convincing. I reached out, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder, hoping to offer some reassurance.“What… what was that about?” I asked, my voice soft. “That guy, why was he bothering you?”She looked away, her expression strained, as if the weight of everything she’d been holding back was finally pressing down on her. Then, without warning, her eyes filled with tears, her c
Chapter 78Sienna’s POVThe decision to stay in Paris wasn’t one I’d planned, but after everything with Lucas, the pressure from Lisa, and the constant uncertainty, I knew I needed to make a change. Somewhere away from the memories that had been haunting me.So, when I found a small apartment nestled in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of the city, I took it as a sign. Daphne and I could start fresh here, away from the noise, away from everything that had been weighing us down.After a few days of searching and paperwork, we packed our things and left the hotel. Daphne was practically bouncing with excitement, her small suitcase trailing behind her as we made our way to our new home. She’d been talking non-stop about the “big move,” her eyes wide with wonder as I unlocked the door and we stepped inside.The apartment was cozy, with tall windows that let in the morning light, casting a warm glow over the wooden floors. It was a modest space, a living room, a tiny kitchen, and two
Chapter 79Sienna’s PovThe morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the apartment as Daphne and I went about our new morning routine. She was humming happily in her room, still buzzing with excitement from the previous night’s dinner with our neighbors.It was one of those rare mornings where everything felt calm, and I let myself savor the moment, the simplicity of being in our own little world.Then, a knock at the door jolted me out of my thoughts. I wasn’t expecting anyone, and my mind briefly ran through the possibilities. Camille, maybe, or someone delivering something for the apartment. But as I opened the door, I felt my breath catch.Standing before me was a man I’d only ever seen from a distance, someone who I admired far more than I’d ever admit out loud. Tall, with a relaxed stance, his presence radiated calm and confidence. He wore a simple yet elegant outfit, a dark jacket over a crisp white shirt, his posture graceful, as if he belonged on a
Chapter 80Sienna's PovThe morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a soft glow over the cozy apartment. I was halfway through making breakfast for Daphne and me when another knock sounded at the door. Thinking it might be Camille or Adrian, I brushed my hands on a dish towel and went to open it.Standing there was a man I hadn’t seen before, though he seemed vaguely familiar. He was a bit older, perhaps in his early fifties, with streaks of silver in his dark hair and a warm, friendly expression that put me at ease.He wore a well-tailored jacket, casual yet elegant, and his posture was relaxed, though he held himself with a quiet dignity. Despite his age, he had a youthful glint in his eye, a spark that made him look very much in his prime.“Bonjour, mademoiselle,” he greeted, his accent rolling smoothly off his tongue. “I hope I’m not intruding. I wanted to introduce myself properly.”“Not at all,” I replied, smiling as I held the door open. “Please, come in.”
Chapter 81Sienna’s POV After the chaotic encounter with Lucas and his friend Ken, I decided I was done with that entire mess. I didn’t want their troubles anywhere near Daphne or me. All I needed was to focus on my daughter, on making sure she felt loved and secure.So, the next few days, I did exactly that. I took Daphne out whenever I could, long walks, parks, small cafes. She loved every moment, and watching her smile and laugh made me feel like I was doing something right, like I was giving her the stable life she deserved.This afternoon, the air was crisp and cool, and we decided to take a stroll through the small streets near our place. Daphne held my hand, skipping along as we passed shop windows and street vendors. She pointed excitedly at everything, chattering on about anything that crossed her mind. Her joy was infectious, and I found myself smiling, forgetting all the stress that had been weighing me down.But then, out of nowhere, I felt a tug on my shoulder. I turned
Chapter 82Lucas’s POVI wasn’t entirely sure what had just happened. Sienna hadn’t kicked me and Ken out the other night, though I was braced for it. Instead, she had looked at us with something more like quiet disappointment than anger and left us standing there. As Ken helped me into the car, I kept replaying her expression in my mind, cool, almost resigned. It left me with a sliver of hope that maybe, somehow, there was still a chance to talk things out, to set things right. I hadn’t yet had the chance to explain everything, especially about my upcoming wedding. That night, back at my place, the words played over in my mind, “I just need things to work out.” I wanted to make my marriage work and not bring Sienna’s chaos into Lisa’s life, or mine. Everything had gone so far off track, and I had to fix it, somehow. I couldn’t keep walking around feeling like a shell of who I used to be. I needed closure with Sienna, if only for my own sanity.Just as I was about to drift off, my
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