Sienna’s POV
The next morning, I stood in front of my boss, Ms. Leen, smoothing out my skirt for the third time in as many minutes. My palms were sweaty and my heart hammered in my chest.
“Do you have any idea the kind of chaos you’ve caused?” She began, her nails drumming against the surface and her cold eyes locked on me. “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since last night. Sponsors, attendees, the media, everyone’s talking about the little scene you decided to put on. Your embarrassing videos are everywhere, Miss. Blake!”
“Ms. Leen, I…”
“Save it.” She shot me another glare. “I don’t want excuses. What I want is for you to explain why you thought it was a good idea to slap a man like Roman Montgomery on the night of his business gala, cause a commotion, and drag this network’s name through the mud!”
I swallowed hard, feeling my palms turn clammy and my heart beating so loudly that I feared she might hear it.
“It wasn’t intentional, ma’am. I let my emotions get the best of me. I’m so sorry…”
“Emotions?” She repeated with a mocking laugh and shot me laser glares. “It doesn’t matter if Mrs. Montogomery is your twin sister or whatnot. You’re a professional, Miss Blake. At least, you’re supposed to be. But I can now clearly see that you’re not. First, the scandal at your previous branch, and now this? Do you have any idea how fragile your position here is?”
I bit my lip and glanced out through the glass walls of the office to see my colleagues stealing glances into the office and whispering amongst each other. They were obviously making a joke of my situation.
“I’m sorry.” I muttered again as I turned my gaze back to Ms. Leen. But as expected, she did not buy it. Instead, she sighed and rubbed her temples as if the mere sight of me gave her a headache.
“Sorry doesn’t cut it, Sienna. If I didn’t have my hands full with today’s interview, I would fire you on the spot.”
The word ‘fire’ sent a chill down my spine. I couldn’t lose this job. This was the only way I could take care of my daughter and I.
I opened my mouth to plead with her, but I was interrupted by the office door swinging open. I turned my head to see Roman walking in first, his tailored suit hugging his broad shoulders perfectly, exuding the kind of confidence that made everyone else in the room feel smaller. And then, Sabrina followed, her makeup flawless and her hair done perfectly.
“Ah, Mr. Montgomery, Mrs. Montgomery.” Ms. Leen’s face brightened as soon as she saw them and she brushed past me roughly as she walked up to them in all smiles. “I’ve been expecting you. Please, have a seat.”
Roman’s eyes flicked to me for the briefest second, causing my heart to beat even faster. And then, he moved on as if I were invisible, causing me even more hurt. Sabrina, on the other hand, offered me a polite, almost pitying smile before taking the seat next to him.
What a manipulative bitch!
“Thank you, Ms. Leen.” Sabrina said to her, her voice soft and melodious. “We’re thrilled to be here.”
“Aww. Thank you, Mrs. Montgomery. Your dress is gorgeous, by the way. You’re the perfect match for Mr. Montgomery.” Ms. Leen gushed over them, in all smiles as if she was not the same person who was looking at me with so much disdain a while ago.
“You flatter me, Ms. Leen.” Sabrina laughed softly. “Thanks for sending us an invite for your interview, by the way.”
“It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Montogomery.” Then, glancing at me for a second, her smile slipped slightly and she eyed me terribly. “You know, we initially planned for Miss. Blake to conduct the interview, but given the circumstances last night, we’ve reassigned it to someone else. I hope you are okay with that?”
“Of course,” Sabrina said sweetly, glancing at me now doe eyed and with a false innocence. “It’s probably for the best.”
I clenched my fists beside me, forcing myself to remain composed. I stood like an outcast, watching them talk for a few more minutes before Ms. Leen ushered them to the studio.
At the studio, I was reduced to a glorified mic operator while the interview carried on and I was forced to watch with my heart clenched against my chest.
“So, everyone has been dying to know. How did everyone’s favorite Montogomery couple meet?” The host asked them and Sabrina giggled, glancing at Roman as if the memory filled her with pure joy. Roman on the other hand, kept his face as bland as sandpaper. Occasionally, he glanced my way and a small frown furrowed against his brows. There was still no sign of a single recognition in his eyes. He was a great actor, I would give that to him.
“We met at a children’s event.” Sabrina answered. “I was visiting for charity work, and Roman was there too. Then, he caught me when I almost fell in the presence of the kids. He says it was love at first sight.”
The audience cooed, enchanted by the story. But my stomach churned. That wasn’t her story. It was mine. She stole my story!
I gripped the mic stand tighter, biting back my tongue to stay silent. I was surprised that Roman didn’t correct her. He just sat there, nodding along as if every word she spoke was the truth.
After the interview finally ended and Sabrina and Roman made their way to the exit, I couldn’t hold back any longer. I dropped the mic and ran after them.
“Sabrina!” I called after her.
They both turned their heads to see me and I noticed as Roman tried to put her behind him protectively but she stopped him, placing a hand on his arm.
“It’s fine.” She said. “She’s my sister. I'll handle it.”
I felt fresh pain again. I had now become a threat that needed protecting from?
Sabrina walked up to me, her expression a mixture of exasperation and false concern. “What is it, Sienna?”
“What is it?” I repeated, trying so hard not to get angrier than I already was. “How about the fact that you’ve stolen everything from me? My story, my husband, my life—everything!”
Sabrina sighed like she was tired of my flings. Then, she glanced around to ensure no one was too close to listen to our conversation.
“You’ve always been dramatic, sister.” She said. “Even when we were kids.”
“Don’t.” I warned, my voice trembling now. “Don’t act like you’re the victim here. You abandoned me after our adoption. You’ve treated me like trash our entire lives. And now, you’re married to him?”
Sienna rolled her eyes at me as if she was getting bored of our conversation.
“I didn’t abandon you, Sienna. We were adopted by different families. It wasn’t my fault I was adopted by a wealthy family and you were taken in by a poor family.”
“You are so evil.” I said bitterly, fighting back tears that welled in my eyes now. “What did I ever do to you?”
She smirked now and tilted her head.
“Look, I know you’re struggling. If it’s money you need, I can help you out. Just say the word and stop trying to drag me in the mud.”
Her words hit me like a slap but I still refused to let the tears in my eyes fall.
“I don’t want your money, Sabrina.”
“Then what do you want?” She asked, her tone bored. “An apology? Closure? Grow up, Sienna and stop playing the pity card all the time. Life isn’t fair.”
I stared at her, searching for any trace of the sister I had once known before our adoption at age thirteen. But there was nothing. Just a cold, calculating, heartless woman who saw me as an inconvenience.
“I spoke to Ms. Leen.” She added, her voice softening. “You won’t lose your job. You’re welcome.”
Slipping back her usual fake smile on her face, she waved at me and walked back to Roman, who gave her a small peck on the forehead before they walked away again.
I stood there for a moment, completely shocked and hurt. Thankfully, I was interrupted by a beep of my phone. Checking my phone, I saw that it was a message from an unsaved number.
“I CAN TELL YOU EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED TO ROMAN AND WHY HE IS WITH THAT BITCH, SABRINA, INSTEAD OF YOU. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT THE TRUTH, MEET ME AT CRYSTAL BAR TONIGHT NIGHT BY 8PM, PROMPT. DO NOT BE LATE. AND MAKE SURE YOU COME ALONE.”
SIENNA Julian arrived just before the wedding ceremony began. We sat quietly, emotions running high, watching with misty eyes as Ethan and Theresa stood before the priest and exchanged their vows. The moment they said “I do” and sealed it with a kiss, the entire church erupted in applause and cheers. Candice, sitting next to me, was dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. Up at the altar, Roman looking proud in his best man suit, caught my eye and winked playfully. I smiled to myself. After the church ceremony, preparations began for the wedding reception. Karen took the kids home, and Roman and I drove together to the venue. By the time we arrived, the sun had set and the city lights glowed softly in the night. The outdoor reception was buzzing with energy. Most of the staff from our media house were there, including colleagues from other branches. Everyone was dressed up, laughing, dancing, and enjoying the moment. That was when I noticed Wendy standing in a corner, surrounded by a
SIENNATWO MONTHS LATERToday was the final hearing of Sabrina’s trial.All the testimonies had been given, evidence had been shown, and now we all sat in complete silence, waiting for the judge to deliver his sentence. Tension filled the courtroom. I clasped my hands together in my lap, my eyes drifting to where Sabrina stood in the defendant’s box.She looked worn out—paler than before, her cheeks hollow, her eyes sunken and restless. It was hard to believe this was the same woman who once carried herself with arrogance and pride. The time behind bars had clearly taken its toll.The judge’s voice finally broke the silence.“With all evidence considered,” he said firmly, “Miss Sabrina Pierce has been found guilty of multiple counts of homicide, attempted murder, and kidnapping, among other charges. Therefore, she is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.”A gasp escaped my lips. My heart swelled with relief as tears sprang to my eyes. Beside me, Can
SIENNAA WEEK LATER—AT ROMAN AND SIENNA’S NEW MANSION “Hey, Candice.” I said into the phone as I stepped out of the bathroom, tying the belt of my robe with one hand while holding the phone with the other. I walked into the bedroom where Roman was lying on the bed, flipping through a copy of Forbes. He glanced up as I entered.“Yeah, I know,” I continued, nodding to myself. “I’ll be there in about thirty minutes.”The call ended, and I placed the phone down on my dresser before sitting on the stool in front of my vanity mirror to begin my skincare routine.“Are you heading out?” Roman asked from the bed. In the mirror, I saw his reflection sit up, his eyes curiously following my every move.“Yep,” I said simply, dabbing toner on my face. “I’m going with Candice and Ethan to pick out an engagement ring. Ethan’s finally going to propose to Theresa next week. I told you that, didn’t I?”“Oh, right.” He mumbled, scratching the back of his neck. I caught the pout in his tone and smiled t
CANDICEThe moment I parked my car in the hospital lot, I didn’t even wait to shut the door properly. I jumped out and took off running toward the building. People turned their heads to watch me in shock but I ignored them and kept running.From the corner of my eye, I noticed some teenage boy reach for his phone to record me. I shot him a sharp glare.“Don’t even think about it, kid!” I snapped as I ran past. That was enough to make him shove the phone back in his pocket real fast.My heart pounded hard in my chest as I ran on. All I could think about was Julian.Julian was awake. He was really awake…“Ahh!” I gasped as I slammed into someone, and the both of us tumbled to the ground in a heap.“Ouch!” The other person winced.“I’m so sorry—” I started, scrambling up, but then stopped when I looked at her.“Sienna?”“Candice?”We both stared at each other, wide-eyed. Her gaze slowly trailed down my body, taking in the fluffy white robe wrapped around me and the oversized towel still
SIENNA“She’ll be with you shortly.” The officer said before turning and walking away, leaving me alone in the cold, quiet visitor’s area. A thick glass wall separated where I sat from the side where the inmate would soon appear.I waited calmly.A minute later, the door on the other side opened, and Sabrina walked in, escorted by two officers. Her hands were cuffed in front of her, and there was a limp in her step as she walked. She stopped the moment her eyes landed on me. Clearly, she hadn’t expected her surprise visitor to be me.The officers led her to the chair and left the room. Now, it was just the two of us—me and this identical face that looked nothing like me—separated by a thick, clear wall of glass.Sabrina’s eyes stayed fixed on mine as she limped over to the chair and slowly sat down. From the way she moved, I could tell her leg was still healing from the bullet wound I gave her.I studied her silently. It had only been a little over a week since her arrest, but she alr
ROMANONE WEEK LATEROne whole week had passed since the accident.Riley had been discharged from the hospital a few days ago, finally back home and recovering well. But Julian was still here—still stuck in his coma, still in a hospital bed, unmoving. Every day, I came to visit him. And today was no different.As I walked through the hospital hallways, I nodded at the nurses and doctors who greeted me. When I entered Julian’s room, my steps slowed. Candice was there.She sat by his bedside, her fingers tightly wrapped around his fingers. Her head rested gently on the edge of the bed, her eyes closed. She had fallen asleep like that.I sighed quietly, and my heart sank a little. She looked so tired. So drained. I felt sorry for her.Stepping closer, I gently placed my hand on her shoulder. Her eyes slowly opened, blinking away sleep as she looked up at me.“Roman,” she whispered, sitting up. “You’re here.”“I’m here,” I said softly, giving her a small nod. “You’ve been here every sing