Sienna silently scolded herself for not valuing what she once had and held herself responsible. With a heavy heart, she turned her electric scooter back home.In the days that followed, Sienna couldn't muster the courage to see Daniel. Instead, she constantly checked her phone, hoping for his message.She longed for a reason and the bravery to reach out to him, but each day passed without progress.On the day Felix left the hospital, Shelly prepared various dishes at home. She had asked Sienna to invite Daniel over, but Sienna was unsure of how to broach the subject with him.In the hospital ward, Felix folded clothes and stole occasional glances at Sienna, who sat quietly on a stool. "You're here to pick me up, yet you're not lending a hand. Why are you just lost in your phone?"Putting her phone down, Sienna glared at Felix and replied, "You're perfectly capable of moving, aren't you? Why make a fuss over folding clothes?"Felix shook his head in exasperation. "You're really th
Holding her phone and bag, Sienna rose from her seat. Her voice grew softer. "Okay, I'm heading out."She lowered her head and walked past Daniel as she left.Daniel watched Sienna leave the ward, feeling increasingly downcast. He thought she didn't want anything to do with him anymore.The last time he tried to assert his authority over her, it had frightened her. That had been a big mistake. Since then, he had been overwhelmed by feelings of regret and guilt.After a while, Felix approached Daniel while carrying his luggage. "Dan, let's go."Daniel shook himself from his reverie and took Felix's bags. "I'll take those."Felix was delighted, his eyes shining with admiration. "Thanks."As Daniel started the car and drove out of the hospital, he spotted Sienna in his rearview mirror, riding her electric scooter. He slowed down, his attention momentarily fixated on her.Felix picked up on his distraction. "You don't have to wait for Sienna. She takes this route daily and knows it
Sienna made her way to Felix's room with the bags in her hands.Daniel swapped his shoes for indoor slippers before stepping inside. He took in the surroundings of her home. Despite being slightly cramped and showing signs of wear, it was impeccably clean and tidy.The kitchen opened directly onto the dining area, adjacent to the living room. The modest couch in the living room could accommodate only three people comfortably.An old-fashioned TV and a small refrigerator tucked into the corner added to the crowded feel of the layout."Daniel's here?" Shelly appeared from the kitchen with dishes in hand, her face lit up with a warm smile. She invited him inside enthusiastically, "Come, take a seat. I'll wrap up the last two dishes, and we'll be ready to eat."Her cheerful greeting left Daniel pleasantly surprised. He asked politely, "Mrs. Lawson, is there anything I can help you with?""Don't worry about it. Just grab a seat, have some coffee, and catch up with Sienna. These kitc
The square dining table was arrayed with six main dishes, soup, appetizers, and fruit. The main dishes featured shrimp, crab, fish, chicken, beef, and salad, served alongside a butternut squash soup.Daniel noticed that while the variety of food wasn't overly expensive, it still exceeded what most families would typically have for an everyday meal.Such a spread seemed reserved for special occasions like Christmas or other important holidays.Daniel glanced at Felix, who seemed downcast. It dawned on him that these delicacies weren't specifically prepared for Felix after all."Mom, the doctor said I should stick to light, non-greasy food until my wound heals completely. Heavy meals aren't good for me right now," Felix said with a forced smile.Shelly served some salad onto Felix's plate. "You can have the salad. It's light."Felix couldn't tear his eyes away from the big crab before him, and his mouth started watering. Seafood was a rare treat in their home. Yet, Shelly was servi
Daniel easily grasped what Shelly meant and could relate to her feelings.Shelly cared deeply for her children, but Sienna would eventually marry and move on with her own life, so Shelly naturally favored Felix more.In the lower social circles, many pretended to be morally superior. Thus, Daniel appreciated Shelly's straightforwardness. She never held back her thoughts and always expressed them openly.Daniel calmly remarked, "Mrs. Lawson, if Felix plans to enter civil service, he'll need to pass the civil service examination before being eligible for a job assignment."Shelly smiled awkwardly. "The civil service exam is pretty tough."Daniel reassured her, "If he's not keen on the civil service exam, he can move to Phoenicia. My family can organize a suitable position for him within the company."Shelly's face brightened with a smile as she eagerly served Daniel some food. "Thank you, Daniel. I truly appreciate it.""Thanks, Dan," Felix chimed in happily.Sienna's face grew s
Brimming with tears, Sienna got to her feet and directed a sharp reprimand at Felix. "I want you to stand on your own two feet, not constantly lean on others or try to exploit them!"Can't you be a little more responsible?"Felix was deeply wounded by her words, his expression clouded with the threat of tears.Shelly couldn't bear it any longer. She felt sympathy for Felix. Paying no mind to Daniel's presence, she launched into a tirade against Sienna, "How could you speak to Felix like that?"Is it wrong for him to want a good job? Plus, Daniel isn't just anybody. He's Felix's future brother-in-law. Why shouldn't he receive a little help from Daniel?"Daniel was stunned by Shelly's words.Sienna was immediately enraged and embarrassed. "Mom, what on earth are you saying? Our relationship isn't what you're imagining."Unable to contain herself longer, Sienna said tearfully, "I've lost my appetite."With that, she stormed away from the table, retreated to her room, and slammed t
"Clement invited me to dinner with a boss. I wonder if he's the mysterious boss you've been searching for. Want to join and see for yourself?" Vivian asked.Without hesitation, Daniel replied, "Send me the address.""Okay."Once Daniel ended the call, he forgot about Sienna's message. He started his car and drove away.That night, Sienna held her phone, eagerly awaiting his reply. She waited all night but received nothing in return. It was the second time. He hadn't responded to her messages for the second time.Sienna felt torn inside, uncertain if Daniel still cared about her. Her courage to talk about getting back together was dwindling with every second.Two days went by without any contact between them, leaving Sienna feeling more distressed than ever before. She missed him intensely, almost to the point of driving herself crazy.She couldn't help but wonder what might be going on between him and Vivian.Jane invited Sienna to the coffee shop they used to visit often. Unab
Sienna arrived at Daniel's house on her electric scooter. Glancing at the midday sun, she wondered if Daniel would be at work by now.Feeling like she might be early, she hesitated at the entrance. Eventually, she decided to turn her scooter around, thinking she should leave.Just as she was about to go, Daniel opened the door and stepped out. After spotting Sienna, he quickly caught up to her and called out, "Sienna."Sienna stopped her scooter and turned to look at him.Daniel seemed excited as he hurried to her side, his eyes warm and his voice gentle. "What brings you here?"Sienna instantly lost her courage upon seeing him. Nervously, she asked, "Aren't you supposed to be at work?""I'm off today," Daniel replied. Unsure of where to rest his hands, he eventually shoved them into his pockets.Sienna's shyness made it difficult for her to look him in the eyes. Whenever they were together, she felt a peculiar romantic tension building up inside her, leaving her nervous and uns