"Excuse us, we've got some things to take care of," Finley said politely as he bid farewell.Sienna nodded, saying, "Goodbye, Officer Wood."She watched Finley and the other officer walk away before collecting herself and heading toward the ICU ward. She saw Shelly and Daniel seated together on a bench outside the ICU.It was an unexpectedly peaceful scene. Yet, Sienna felt completely puzzled.What was happening?Sienna paused to consider. Shelly hadn't met Daniel before, so she probably didn't realize he was her ex-boyfriend. That must be it.Sienna regained her composure and walked over. She politely greeted, "Captain Morrison, hello."Daniel glanced up at Sienna. After a few days of being apart, she appeared weary and thinner.Shelly was startled, her gaze fixed on Sienna.After exchanging brief hellos with Daniel, Sienna turned to Shelly. "Mom, is Felix awake?"Shelly gestured toward the room beyond the glass. "He is, but his vital signs are unstable, so he can't be moved
Daniel wore a somber expression as he spoke, "Mrs. Lawson, I don't resent you. I understand your sentiments entirely. Were it my daughter, I would hesitate to see her with an anti-drug officer too." Shelly turned to look at Daniel, sensing in him a man of integrity. If not for his profession, marrying Sienna to him would be like winning the lottery. "About Felix's medical bills—" Shelly's words were cut short by Daniel's reassurance. "Mrs. Lawson, it's a small matter. There's no rush for repayment. "Once Felix wakes up and recovers, he can take his time to repay me when he's financially stable. There's no deadline."Shelly was moved beyond words. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she clasped his hand gratefully. "Thank you, and thank you on behalf of Felix," she choked out. Daniel offered a gentle pat on her shoulder, feeling a pang of sadness. To him, matters that money could resolve were insignificant. As long as he could help Sienna, he would do so without hesitation or regr
During the visit, Felix regained his ability to speak, and his mind was conscious. Daniel and Finley introduced themselves and inquired about Felix's well-being. Upon his confirmation, they proceeded to record his statement. Having heard of Daniel before and now realizing he was Sienna's ex-boyfriend, Felix couldn't help but hold him in high regard. Recalling the ordeal, Felix said, "Since Sienna took Clement to court, I don't have to settle my debts until the legal matter is settled. "But his associates were relentless. That day, they ambushed me in the mountains and beat me up brutally. "After breaking free, I ran until I encountered an area enclosed by an electric fence. With no other option, I climbed a nearby tall tree and leaped over the barrier, landing in another tree within. "Once inside, I searched for an exit but couldn't find one. Instead, I was chased by a few pit bulls. Eventually, I ended up in several expansive film studios devoid of sets but filled with pla
Sienna bit her lower lip and voiced her distress, "Can you persuade Mom to stop using her life as leverage against me?" "I wish I could, but Mom is unwavering. Every time she threatens to end her life, she means it," Felix lamented, shaking his head with resignation. Sienna fell into silence. She couldn't selfishly pursue her desires at the expense of Shelly's life for the sake of love. She held onto the belief in time's healing power, knowing she would eventually release Daniel, let go of their relationship, and rebuild her life. Love hadn't blinded her. Days later, Felix was discharged, and life resumed its rhythm. Sienna delved into writing, assisting Shelly at the shop, dabbling in cooking now and then, and unwinding with her closest friend.One day, Jane reached out and invited Sienna to a high school reunion. Sienna, often away for work, rarely attended such gatherings. Being back in her hometown this year, she thought it would be nice to catch up with her long-lost cl
"I'm single, but my heart already belongs to someone else. I'm sorry," Sienna confessed. Howard smiled ruefully in response. "I understand what you mean. If you and the man you love don't work out, why not give me a shot? Maybe we'd be a better match?" Pausing, Sienna turned to face him. Howard halted too, his eyes softening as he spoke sincerely, "Sienna, life is full of regrets. I've admired you for so long, and not telling you how I felt during graduation is my biggest regret. Now that I have the opportunity, I don't want to let it slip." Sienna admired bravery in others. "Howard, I—" Before she could finish her words, a figure approached them hastily. She didn't have time to react when a strong arm encircled Sienna, pulling her into a warm, sturdy chest. She looked up in surprise, meeting Daniel's resolute and handsome face. Seeing Sienna embraced by a stranger, Howard's anxiety spiked. "Who are you? What do you want?" Considering Daniel's imposing presence, Howa
Sienna found herself pulled forcefully into Daniel's home. With the click of the door, panic surged within her. Uncertain of what an enraged man might do, she struggled against his grip, desperate to break free. Yet, as a delicate woman, she couldn't match Daniel's strength. He dragged her into the living room, depositing her onto the couch. Tension gripped her as she cast anxious glances at Daniel, fearing he might rush over in a fit of rage. But instead of erupting, Daniel settled beside her. His demeanor was subdued as he bowed his head, hands cradling his forehead in evident distress. Silence enveloped them in the bright living room, broken only by the soft rhythm of their breaths. Outside the window, darkness cloaked the world. The atmosphere inside grew heavy as they sat in quiet contemplation. Sienna thought that perhaps Daniel was just angry and wanted a reason to spend some time alone with her. He wasn't directing his frustrations at her. "Daniel, didn't we agree no
Thus, this job meant the world to Daniel. It was his mission, his pride, his duty—everything.Sienna loved Daniel and held his work and life in high regard.Daniel grabbed her arm and pulled her close. "Am I not good enough compared to your classmate who's weak and divorced?"Sienna stumbled, finding herself in his embrace. Uncertainty and anxiety filled her gaze as she looked up at him. The pain in her arm brought tears to her eyes.Her chin trembled as she struggled to hold her tears back. She felt utterly lost as she stared at him.Daniel's eyes filled with tears when he saw Sienna's eyes welling up. His voice, full of sadness, shook a little as he spoke, "Sienna, I wish I could go back to when I was blind and crippled."Even if you were only looking after me for money, I felt genuinely happy and at peace back then."Tears trickled down Sienna's face as she thought back to those days. She didn't want to go back to the past. Daniel's suffering was too hard to bear. She hoped
Daniel pressed Sienna down beneath him. Her struggles only made things harder for him. Gradually, he pulled away from her lips and planted kisses along her fair neck.She gasped for air and whimpered softly. Terrified and shaking, she closed her eyes and pleaded tearfully, "Daniel, please stop.""Sienna, I love you," Daniel whispered as he kissed her ear. His voice was as deep and alluring as aged wine.Sienna felt as if electric currents surged through her entire body wherever his lips and hands had touched. It left her feeling numb and weak.She was trembling with fear, yet deep down, she couldn't deny a sense of longing. Eventually, she stopped struggling and leaned her body toward him.Before falling in love, Sienna had firmly believed in waiting until marriage for sex. However, overwhelmed by her deep love for him, her physical desires overtook her sense of reason.Sienna eased her tense body. She bit her lip to stifle any moans of pleasure caused by the strange feelings swe