"Sienna, please don't feel that way. I've never seen you as greedy or vain. Keeping this money is also a way to ensure your future," Daniel reassured her.Sienna managed a small smile through her tears and shook her head. Her eyes held a softness and affection as she looked at him. She felt reluctant to say goodbye.Yet, Sienna wouldn't hold it against Daniel regardless of his reasons for ending their relationship. She believed that spending those few months with him had been worth it."Daniel, I hope you find happiness." Sienna managed a strained smile. "Let's not see each other again."After saying that, Sienna couldn't hold back anymore. Her heartache was so intense it felt like it was going to cripple her. She quickly turned away. Tears streamed down her cheeks like a dam breaking as she walked off.As Daniel watched Sienna walk away, his fists clenched so tightly they trembled. He struggled to contain the overwhelming urge and sadness welling up inside him.His eyes were r
Sienna experienced heartbreak twice with her first love. She was surprised by how much it hurt.Every night, when the quiet settled in, thoughts of Daniel would overwhelm her. And she'd find herself crying until she fell asleep.A few days later, Sienna gathered all the gifts Daniel had given her and arranged for them to be sent back to him through a courier service. However, they were returned to her.It turned out that the address was no longer occupied. That was when Sienna realized that their relationship had finally ended.She tucked away the gifts Daniel had given her and buried the memories of their relationship deep within her heart. Only she understood the depth of her love for Daniel.Sienna harbored no resentment toward him. Instead, her heart overflowed with wishes for his happiness, peace, and joy."What's happening between you and Captain Morrison, Sienna? I heard he got transferred. What's going on?" Felix asked.Looking detached and uninterested, Sienna replied c
"I'm okay, really," Shelly snapped. The idea of spending so much money on medical care stressed her out.She insisted, "I'll be okay. I'll slowly start feeling better, and I won't cry anymore. Just ask the doctor to prescribe some sleeping pills for me."Sienna held Shelly's hand and said, "Mom, you're already suffering from severe depression. Why are you only telling us now?"Shelly lowered her head and remained silent.Ever since her husband died, she had been feeling down. She often struggled to sleep and had vivid dreams. Worry consumed her; she was afraid of losing her children and saw no hope for the future."Does my mother need to be hospitalized, doctor?" Sienna asked.Shelly tensed up, feeling the weight of the expenses. "I don't want to be hospitalized. Just give me some medication. I can take pills, but I won't stay in the hospital."The doctor, feeling helpless, could only prescribe medication for Shelly's severe depression.On the way back, Felix received a phone c
Sienna used up all her savings, and Shelly did the same. Shelly went even further by selling their corner store and borrowing money from relatives.Together, they gathered 250 thousand dollars to pay off the injured man.After that, their house turned bleak and lonely; a heavy sadness hung in the air. Shelly's illness got worse, and she stopped caring about anything.Busy from looking after Shelly and working to make ends meet, Sienna felt exhausted and drained. As time passed, she found herself unable to spare any time or energy for thoughts of Daniel. Meanwhile, Shelly was engulfed by severe depression. Her appetite vanished, sleep eluded her, and tears flowed daily as she lay in bed, devoid of motivation.She withdrew from the outside world, finding solace only in the memories captured in photos of her husband and son. She often spent hours huddled in a corner, weeping.Sienna dutifully sent a few hundred dollars to the prison monthly to ensure Felix had better meals. On visi
Sienna set out on an adventure. She followed the train routes, stopping at every destination along the way.During her journey, she penned books while immersing herself in the beauty of summer seas, autumnal grasslands, and snow-covered mountains in winter.She camped by the roadside, walking alongside herds of cattle and sheep. She also savored the tartness of wild fruits and quenched her thirst with fresh, sweet water from streams.Sienna traversed more than a dozen cities, meeting a diverse array of people, each with their own compelling lives and stories.Despite their differences, they all shared a deep passion for life and hopeful dreams for the future.Through these encounters, Sienna gradually overcame her sense of aimlessness. She embraced the opportunity to find stability, release past grievances, and fully appreciate the present moment.…Time flew by, and a year passed swiftly. Spring arrived once again. Sienna had reached Phoenicia for her next destination and had t
Bumping into Daniel unexpectedly caught Sienna off guard. Her heart started racing, feeling nervous and a bit overwhelmed. She smiled warmly and nodded hello as she met Daniel's intense gaze.Daniel froze, his hands automatically tightening into fists. Seeing Sienna after a year made his heart race uncontrollably.She still looked as charming and vibrant as ever. However, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes, suggesting a newfound maturity. It was like she was the same, yet somehow different.Her smile was calm and serene, with a hint of detachment."Sienna," Mila called out with delight. She hurried over and hugged Sienna warmly.Sienna returned the hug. "Wanda, it's been ages.""It really has." Mila stepped back and eyed Sienna up and down. "You've gotten lovelier."Sienna shyly lowered her head with a smile and remained silent.Daniel approached Sienna cautiously, his voice gentle as he greeted her, "Sienna, it's been a while."Sienna didn't meet his gaze. She hung her h
Sienna quickly shook her head. "I—"Before she could finish, Florence interrupted, "Yeah, that's right, stay with us. It's convenient, free, and safe. It's too dangerous for a young woman to stay in a hotel alone!""Thank you, Madam Florence, but I'll be fine at the hotel," Sienna replied. She felt a bit panicked inside.It had been a year since she had last seen Daniel. She didn't even know if he was married now. Maybe no one here knew she used to be his girlfriend. Staying here would be so awkward."Sienna, please stay here," Mila pleaded, hugging Sienna's arm. "I'm busy planning the wedding, and there's so much to do. If you're here, you can give me some suggestions, and I won't feel overwhelmed.""Wanda, I've never been married, so I don't know much about these things." Sienna felt lost and anxious as she tried to decline their kindness. Their enthusiasm overwhelmed her.Florence stood up and called to the maid behind her, "Prepare a room for Ms. Lawson.""Yes, madam," the m
Sienna found solace in the thought.The Morrisons gathered in the dining room in the evening for dinner, except for Daniel. Despite Nathan's busy schedule, he made it home to join Mila and the rest of the family for dinner.Sienna couldn't shake the feeling that Daniel was avoiding her. Their relationship was awkward, after all.The Morrisons were a big family, and Daniel had a lot of brothers. Almost all of them were married and had one or two children, unlike Daniel, who was still single.Duke had divorced a year ago and had recently tied the knot again. This time, it was with a woman named Daphne McKinley, who was already expecting a child.Amidst the bustling household of the large family, the atmosphere was genuinely lively. Sienna hadn't experienced the warmth of family or enjoyed home-cooked meals in quite some time.Every member of the family treated her with kindness and hospitality. The children were particularly fond of her and affectionately called her "Sisi". They we