Chapter 93 Lucas's Pov I barely registered the blur of movement across the street, just a hazy figure that looked a lot like Sienna. But I was far too drunk to care, too drunk to even think clearly. The bar was loud, the dim lights seemed to pulse with each beat of the music, and the clinking of glasses around me felt muffled. I was buried in the weight of my own thoughts, drowning in frustration, stress, and alcohol. The thought of the wedding, my job, the dwindling state of my career, all of it spiraled around me until the drink in my hand was the only thing keeping me grounded.Somewhere in my intoxicated mind, I realized that if I didn’t act fast, I’d lose everything. I needed money, not only to keep Lisa but to make this wedding happen, to prove that I still had everything under control. I fumbled with my phone, scrolling through numbers and contacts, and eventually made the rash decision to request a loan from the bank.The next morning, I woke up to a splitting headache, m
Chapter 94Ryan's PovWhen I first met Sienna, I hadn’t expected much. A fleeting bit of fun, I’d thought, a way to break up the monotony of the same old scene. But things took an unexpected turn. It wasn’t just Sienna who captured my interest, it was Daphne, her spirited, curious daughter, with that innocent laugh and quick smile that made me feel… different. Daphne wasn’t a kid you could ignore. She had this way of worming her way into your heart, one laugh at a time.Taking them out had become my favorite part of the week, something I looked forward to. But tonight was different; we’d planned for a little evening treat, maybe an outdoor cafe or a small local diner with ice cream on the menu. Sienna, however, wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea.“Ryan, thank you, really,” she said, her voice warm but firm. “But I think Daphne’s had too much sugar lately.” She looked down at Daphne, who was happily twirling, unaware of the conversation. “I just don’t want her bouncing off the wa
Chapter 95Lucas’s PovThat night, I finally got some sleep, the kind that dragged me into a dreamless void and refused to let go. I’d been running on fumes, and by the time I woke up, the sun was already up, streaming in through the blinds. I had to face another day,.a day I needed to spend fixing everything that had been slipping through my hands.After getting ready, I grabbed the briefcase that held the latest presentation of my project, the one I’d been pouring my energy into in hopes it might redeem everything. It was an ambitious venture, something I believed in, something I hoped the business world would believe in too. I needed to make this work; it was my one shot at redemption.I spent the morning driving from one company to the next, my GPS guiding me through the congested streets as I rehearsed my pitch in my head, trying to keep my voice steady and my mind focused. The first meeting was at a tech company downtown, a sleek, glass-fronted building that gleamed in the m
Chapter 96Sienna’s Pov“Welcome back, Sienna!” Mrs. Collette, one of my neighbors, called out cheerfully as I opened the door to our new place with Daphne’s little hand in mine.“Thank you, Mrs. Collette! It’s nice to be back,” I replied with a warm smile. The sense of familiarity in this new neighborhood made me feel instantly at ease, and I was grateful that Daphne seemed to feel the same. “How was your trip?” she asked, glancing down at Daphne, who was already beaming with excitement, likely eager to play with her friends. “Oh, we just… took a little vacation,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. I didn’t want to explain too much, not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea about where we’d been or who we’d been with. My life was complicated enough without adding assumptions to the mix.Mrs. Collette nodded knowingly. “Good for you! Sometimes a little getaway is all you need to recharge. And it looks like Daphne had a good time, too.” She smiled down at Daphne, who grinned ba
Chapter 97Lucas’s PovThe tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Ryan stood at the side, his stance casual but his eyes sharp, watching me like a hawk. It didn’t help that his outstretched hand had been an unspoken invitation for me to sit back down, to stay in their little bubble. I wasn’t about to take it.I brushed his hand aside, the gesture curt. "I’m fine standing," I muttered, my voice low and dismissive.Ryan raised an eyebrow but didn’t push the issue, stepping back with a slight shrug. Sienna’s eyes flickered between us, her irritation simmering just beneath the surface."If you’re staying," Sienna said firmly, folding her arms across her chest, "then behave. Otherwise, leave. What exactly do you want, Lucas?"Her voice was steady, but I could see the weariness in her expression, the way her shoulders sagged ever so slightly. I wasn’t here to play nice, though, not after everything that had happened.“I came to tell you I’m getting married to Lis
Chapter 98Lucas’s PovI gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove, the tension in my chest not easing despite the wind rushing through the open windows. My mind raced with everything that had just happened at Sienna’s house. I could still hear her voice screaming, *"Just let me leave!"* It echoed in my ears, making me feel heavier than I wanted to admit.By the time I reached home, I felt drained. The house was eerily quiet as I stepped inside, but that silence was quickly broken when I saw Lisa in the living room, shoving clothes into a suitcase."Lisa," I said, my voice cracking slightly. "What… what are you doing?"She didn’t even look up, her movements brisk and purposeful. “What does it look like, Lucas? I’m leaving.”Panic set in as I dropped my keys on the counter and approached her. “Lisa, please. Don’t do this. I’m sorry, okay? Things have been crazy, and I know I’ve been off, but we can work through this. We’ve been through worse.”Finally, she paused, turning to face
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
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 117 Sienna’s PovThe room was alive with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The grand hall was adorned with golden streamers and shimmering lights, perfectly fitting for Lucas’s birthday celebration. I adjusted the hem of my emerald green gown, its elegance matching the occasion, and took a deep breath. I had no intention of causing trouble tonight. I was here to make my presence known, nothing more. As I stepped further inside, heads turned. The gown was working its magic, and even Lisa’s smug confidence faltered for a moment when our eyes met. She was dressed beautifully, but my outfit made a clear statement, I wasn’t here to fade into the background. Lisa made her way to me, a glass of champagne in hand and a fake smile plastered across her face. “Sienna,” she said sweetly, though her eyes burned with disdain. “I didn’t expect to see you here. How did you even get an invitation?” Her voice was loud enough for Lucas, who was standing a few feet away,
Chapter 116 Sienna’s PovAs I got off the phone with Lucas’s uncle, a thousand questions swirled in my mind. Why would he want to take me to dinner? What was his real motive? But I decided not to overthink it. After all, I had my own plans to deal with Lucas and his upcoming engagement. I slipped into a simple yet elegant dress, making sure I looked composed but not overly formal. .When he arrived to pick me up, I greeted him politely and got into the car. The restaurant he chose was a cozy, upscale place, quiet enough for conversation but lively enough to feel comfortable. As we sat down, he reached across the table and took my hand. “Sienna,” he said in a calm yet sincere tone, “I don’t want you to worry about Lucas. He’s… lost right now. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.” I pulled my hand back gently, giving him a faint smile. “I’m not worrying about Lucas. We have no relation to each other anymore. Whatever he’s doing with Lisa is his business, not mine.” He nodded,
Chapter 115Sienna’s PovI held the invitation card tightly in my hand as I stared at Lisa’s smug face. “Don’t cross my path again, Lisa,” I said, my voice calm but edged with warning. She laughed lightly, adjusting her purse on her shoulder. “Oh, Sienna, you can say what you want, but I’ll see you at the party. Whether you like it or not.” I didn’t respond, turning on my heel and walking out of the store. My grip on the invitation card tightened as I pushed open the doors, the cool air outside doing little to calm the anger boiling inside me. When I got home, I stood by the counter, staring at the glossy card with Lucas’s name written in bold. My first instinct was to tear it apart, to shred it into tiny pieces and throw it away. But as I reached for it, a thought stopped me. "Why not give them a warm present instead?" I thought that would be better.A slow, mischievous smile crept across my face. If Lisa and Lucas thought I’d sit quietly and watch them parade their fake
Chapter 114 Sienna’s Pov“Daphne,” I said softly, sitting back on the edge of her bed. “Lucas isn’t your daddy.” Her small face scrunched up in confusion, her wide eyes brimming with innocence. “But he’s always so nice to me. Why can’t he be my daddy?” I sighed, brushing her hair away from her forehead. “Sometimes, people are just nice to us because they care. It doesn’t mean they’re family. Now, sweetie, you need to lie down and get some rest. You have a big day at school tomorrow.” Daphne hesitated but finally settled into her bed, her tiny hands clutching her stuffed bunny. “Okay, Mommy,” she said quietly. I kissed her forehead and tucked her in, whispering, “Goodnight, sweetheart.” As I left her room and closed the door softly behind me, I leaned against it, exhaling heavily. Daphne’s question had struck a nerve, one I’d buried deep for years. Despite the turmoil swirling in my heart, I found myself smiling as I thought about everything I’d achieved. I’d created a
Chapter 113 Sienna’s Pov“Sienna, where are you?” David’s voice on the other end of the line sounded worried. “I’m fine, David,” I replied, stepping aside as Daphne ran past me, giggling. “Why do you ask?” “I stopped by your place earlier, and you weren’t home. Just wanted to make sure everything was okay,” he said. I smiled lightly, though he couldn’t see me. “Thanks for checking, but we’re alright. I’ll talk to you later, okay? Bye, David.” “Alright. Take care,” he replied, and I ended the call. Daphne came running back to me, looking tired but happy. “Mommy, I’m so tired,” she said, wrapping her arms around my legs. I bent down and kissed her on the forehead. “You had fun, didn’t you?” She nodded, yawning dramatically. I turned to Ryan, who was leaning against the car, smiling at us. “Thank you for today,” I said sincerely. “And for the gift. Daphne loved it.” “It was nothing,” Ryan replied with a casual shrug. “Anything for you two. And if you need anything, you
Chapter 112Sienna’s PovThe soft chime of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced down and saw Ryan’s name pop up on the screen with a simple message: *“Come outside. There’s a car waiting for you. Trust me.”* I frowned slightly, my curiosity piqued. Placing the phone on the counter, I grabbed my bag and walked out the door. Just as he said, a sleek black car was parked at the curb. The driver stepped out, greeted me politely, and opened the door. “Where am I going?” I asked hesitantly. “You’ll see,” the driver replied with a professional smile. The car stopped in front of a grand restaurant. The warm lights inside cast a golden glow through the large windows, and the atmosphere buzzed with elegance and luxury. My jaw dropped slightly as I stepped out, unsure why I was here. Ryan stood at the entrance, dressed sharply, his usual confident smile softening as he caught my gaze. “This is for you,” he said, gesturing to the restaurant behind him. “For me?” I rep
Chapter 111 Lucas’s Pov“David, we need to talk,” I said as he opened the door. David raised an eyebrow but didn’t seem surprised to see me. “Lucas, didn’t we just leave this mess? What is it now?” I stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, glancing around his neat and modern living room. “I need answers. About Sienna.” David closed the door behind me, crossing his arms as he leaned against it. “Answers? What do you think I know?” I turned to face him, trying to keep my tone casual. “You live next to her. You’ve obviously spent time with her. I figured you might know more about what’s going on in her life.” David chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re barking up the wrong tree, Lucas. I’ve only known Sienna for a few days.” I didn’t believe him. Folding my arms, I leaned against the back of his couch. “A few days? That’s hard to believe, considering how comfortable she seems around you.” “She’s a good neighbor,” David replied with a shrug. “And I’m just being pol
Chapter 110 Lucas’s PovI didn’t know what to say. Ryan was doing most of the talking, though it was clear he was struggling to string a proper sentence together. His words came out jumbled, stammered, and frankly, they didn’t make much sense. Sienna just stood there in the doorway, arms crossed, staring at the three of us like we were a group of misbehaving children. Her eyes flicked over our bruised faces, and I could tell she was holding back her temper. When I opened my mouth to say something, she raised a hand to stop me. “Enough,” she said sharply. “All of you, stop talking. You’re grown men. Handle your injuries yourselves.” She turned around without waiting for a response, scooped Daphne into her arms, and carried her inside, shutting the door firmly behind her. I let out a long sigh, my shoulders slumping. This wasn’t how I wanted things to go. I’d hoped, naively, that seeing me in such a state would tug at Sienna’s soft, merciful side, the one I knew so well. Bu
Chapter 109Ryan’s PovI wanted to punch Lucas right there in Sienna’s living room. The smug look on his face, the way he acted like he had a right to be here, made my blood boil. But I kept my fists clenched in my pocket. Starting a fight wouldn’t help Sienna, and it would only make things worse for Daphne. So, I sat back, my jaw tight, and kept my focus on Sienna, who was doing her best to keep the situation calm. “Why don’t I cook something for everyone?” she said, her tone overly cheerful in an attempt to cut through the tension. “The three of you can go to the supermarket and get me what I need.” Lucas frowned. “The three of us?” “Yes,” Sienna replied quickly. “You’ll all need to get along sooner or later, so this is a good start.” David gave her a small nod. “Sure, if that’s what you want.” I shrugged, hiding the smirk forming on my lips. If I couldn’t hit Lucas, I’d enjoy making him uncomfortable. “Alright. Let’s go.” It took longer than it should’ve to decide wh