LOGINSienna's POV
My words made him giggle softly, though he quickly bent back down, busy stacking the blocks again. Pride shone on his little face, as if he wanted to prove to the world that he truly could be that strong.The nanny looked at me, nodding politely. “Don’t worry, Ma’am. Noah will be fine. I’ll stay with him until you return.”I returned the nod, though my heart still resisted moving away. Every second in that room felt precious, like small fragments I would one day holdNoah's POV I really ate. Slowly. A bit at a time.Not because I was hungry.But since I had to find something else to do, besides looking at their eyes.The meal at last stopped, even if none of us truly liked it. I could hardly recall the flavor of the dish I had. All seemed dull, taken in a quiet that was too thick and full with stuff left unspoken.I set my fork down slowly.Dad was the first to end the quiet. “Do you wish to be a boxing player, Noah?”The query made me raise my head right away. Our gazes touched for a bit before I moved my head side to side.“No.”My answer was short. Clear.Mommy spoke right after him.“Then why are you working out like that?” Her voice showed fear. “Your body is full of marks Noah.”I took a calm breath. My eyes quickly looked down at my hands, to the spots that weren’t all better yet.
Noah's POVThe car stopped in front of the restaurant. I looked out the window for a moment. The warm lights inside were nice. It was a difference from the training place we were at earlier. That place was not nice.We got out of the car. Went inside. The restaurant smelled good. I usually like it when it smells like food. Now I was not hungry at all.We sat down. Mommy and Daddy sat on one side. I sat across from them. It felt like I was in trouble or something. Daddy gave me the menu.“Just order what you want." He sounded calm. It felt like he was not really calm.I looked at the menu. I was not really reading it.“Anything." Daddy nodded. Then he looked at Mommy.“What do you want, Sienna?" I felt like Mommy was looking at me. Like she was trying to figure out what I was thinking.“Anything." Daddy sighed. “Alright.
Sienna's POV I looked at his face in panic, seeing the marks and bruises scattered across his skin. Some had already dried, while others were still fresh.My chest tightened instantly. “Oh my God.”I gently brushed his cheek, almost afraid to touch him. “Why are you like this?”My eyes began to burn. The tears I had been holding back finally fell. I couldn’t stop them anymore.“Three days, Noah.”My voice broke.“You disappeared for three days.”My arms wrapped around him again. Tighter.“I didn’t know where you were. I didn't know if you were okay or not.”I clutched his shirt still afraid.I kept holding him tightly, as if my body was moving on its own without control. The warmth of his body felt real in my arms, and that alone was enough to slowly break down my defenses.He’s really here.Not a shadow. Not a possibility. But real, right in front of me.“Noah.” I whispered again, my voice almost gone.I pulled back
Sienna's POV I didn’t reply quickly after my own words sat in the air. It felt like something was pushing on my chest, too full to let out but also too hurtful to keep inside.The auto kept going, but my brain had got there first.Imagining Noah.The way he stood. The way he walked. If he was still in pain, if he was eating right. Little things that used to feel normal now turned into lots of worries!I nipped my lip, holding in the tears that almost came out again.Not now.I can’t fall apart now.My hands gripped harder, nearly to the spot of hurt. Yet it helped. At least I could still touch something true.“Sienna.”Liam’s voice came softly from beside me.I didn’t turn right away.“When we see him later,” he said slowly, “try not to push him too fast.”I closed my eyes for a moment.Force.
Liam's POV I stepped closer, meeting her gaze directly.“I think I found Noah.”The words came out firm, and in an instant, her expression changed.Her eyes widened.“What?”“I’m not completely sure,” I continued, “but someone saw him.”“Where?” her voice trembled.“In front of a boxing gym.”Silence fell for a few seconds as if her mind needed time to process it.“Boxing?”I nodded. I could see everything beginning to connect in her mind.Noah’s injuries. His exhaustion. The changes in him all this time. Sienna drew in a sharp breath. “He was with me all this time.”Her words trailed off. I didn’t finish them for her. Because we both already knew the answer. “Liam,” her voice shifted, “we have to go there.”There was hope in her tone. And fear. I nodded without hesitation. “That’s what we’re going to do.”She didn’t wait any longer. She immediately turned, grabbing her bag with quick movements. Even th
Liam's POV That day was done. Or at least, it ought to have been.I walked out of my work with a load in my steps that felt more heavy than normal. My s͏uit was still tidy, my tie just right, but my mind was a jumble.Since the morning I had made myself pay attention to work. Meetings, choices, signs, all things moved ahead but none of it really stuck in my headBecause of one thing.Noah.I hit the lift button and sat. My image in the shiny wall seemed more tired than I wished to say.Ding.The doors opened, and I went in. As the lift went down to the lobby and opened again my steps got slow as soon as my feet hit the shiny floor.The air was more calm than normal, but still busy enough to make my mind feel full. Folks walked about, chats mixed with ringing phones and steps bouncing off marble floorsI walked right to the door, planning to go back. Or a
Sienna's POV I remembered the publisher meeting earlier that day, how they spoke about my book seriously, as if it were something real and important, not just a dream I held quietly to myself. I smiled faintly. I had come this far. It wouldn’t be fair to stop now just because the past tried
Sienna's POV My stomach felt warm and happy when we were done eating. The food was really good. Noah had eaten a lot of food. He even finished two bowls of the corn soup that Noah made for us. That corn soup was delicious. Liam turned off the oven after we were done using it. Then Liam
Sienna's POVThe day has come. The moment I’ve both anticipated and dreaded simultaneously. At last I will meet the publishing team at their workplace. My pulse quickens as Vina leads me through the towering structure. The sleek and bustling environment somewhat diverts my anxiety. The flutte
Sienna's POV I settled in, inhaled deeply and whispered gently.“Liliana, I encountered Emily during the publisher meeting.”Liliana’s eyes grew large exactly as I had anticipated. "What? Sienna, do you really mean that?”I agreed silently gazing at







