LOGINSienna's POV
I resorted to minor things, such as warming up the soup I bought, setting the dinner table, and possibly placing toast on my child's plate. It was obvious from the smell of warm food that he was so excited to see it and then invite Liam out for dinner.Just that snapshot brought a smile to my face.It could be that happiness was meant to feel authentic and peaceful, rather than being extravagant or unexpected.The taxi moved again. As Noah fell asleep, the lights of the nearby shops reflected off his face and began to dance across it. Then he slowly lifted his head towards me until it just lay on my arm. I gazed at him without pause, brushing his hair softly to prevent any disturbance. It had that tender pain in my chest, like the discovery of a lost part.I understood that this journey wasn't solely about returning home from school. It was symbolic, a new beginning for us, an emerging friendship, and reassurance that hope would slowly fill the emptSienna's POV Liam stepped closer, placing a hand on Noah’s shoulder, his gaze full of pride. “You did great today.”Noah smiled shyly, then looked at Bam, who stood a few steps away from us, clutching his new bag tightly. Without hesitation, Noah reached for Bam’s hand and said, “Come on, let’s go in. Together.”Bam looked at Noah as if he couldn’t quite believe that someone truly wanted to walk beside him. But then a small smile appeared on his face, warm and innocent. Hand in hand, they walked toward the classroom door.Something warmed inside my chest, like watching a gentle, hopeful new chapter opening right before my eyes.Liam and I stood a few steps away from the door, giving them space. I watched the small backs of Noah and Bam walking side by side, their steps not perfectly in sync yet, but close enough to adjust to each other. There was caution there, and courage still warm, like a small ember just lit.Noah glanced back at me briefly, as if to mak
Sienna's POV Liam’s car moved slowly toward Noah’s school. The morning air was still fresh, the sky a clear blue without even a trace of dark clouds, as if it knew today was going to matter. Noah sat in the back seat, clutching his blue bag tightly the bag that held a gift for Bam. He looked restless, gently biting his lip, his legs swinging back and forth without stopping.I turned to look at him. “Noah, are you okay?”He nodded, but didn’t say anything. Liam glanced at him through the rearview mirror and gave a small smile. “You’re brave, Noah. Mommy and Daddy are here, okay?”Noah swallowed and murmured softly, “Okay.”I reached back, taking his small fingers in mine. Noah returned the grip, though his palm felt slightly damp. I gently rubbed the back of his hand, trying to pass on the calm I felt this morning.“Are you nervous because you’re afraid Bam won’t like the gift?” I asked softly.Noah nodded a little. “I’m scared he won’t accept it. Or tha
Sienna's POV “There’s no such thing as slow when it comes to something meaningful,” he said calmly. “You’ve come a long way to get here. You deserve to enjoy the process, Sienna.”My heart felt warm in a gentle way, not burning, not sharp.“I was afraid you’d be disappointed when I refused to let Emily be my cover model,” I murmured.Liam took a deep breath, then gently brushed my cheek. “I’d be disappointed if you forced yourself into something that hurts you. As long as you choose what protects your family I’ll always support you.”I fell silent, letting his words settle deep in my chest. Protect you. Our family. There was a soft emphasis there, as if Liam wanted to make sure I truly heard it, not just let it pass by.“Sometimes I forget,” I said softly, “that I have the right to choose. In the past I gave in too often, until I no longer knew what I truly wanted.”Liam nodded, his thumb still brushing my cheek in small, soothing motions. “An
Sienna's POV The room was already dark when I finished placing the book I’d been reading on the nightstand beside the bed. The soft patter of rain outside the window made everything feel calm, as if the world itself was taking a long breath before sleep. Noah had been fast asleep for nearly an hour, after briefly whining and asking Liam to stay with him and read one short story.Liam and I were getting ready for bed too, and I had just pulled the blanket over myself when he switched off the lamp beside his side of the bed. Fatigue slowly crept up from my feet to my shoulders, but my mind felt crowded and heavy, as if there was no space left for rest.Liam turned toward me, his voice gentle. “How was the meeting today?”I took a deep breath before answering. “Heavy. But I’m glad it’s over.”He blinked slowly, waiting patiently.“I told them I wouldn’t work with Emily,” I finally said. “It feels relieving. But also confusing.”Liam nodded calmly. “Co
Sienna's POV From the living room, the sound of tape being slowly pulled echoed, then stopped. “Mommy,” Noah called again, this time more softly. There was a hint of hesitation in his voice that made me turn right away.“Yes, sweetheart?”“Is one card enough?” He appeared in the doorway, holding a small card with Bam’s name written on it in slightly crooked letters. “I’m afraid it might be too much.”I crouched in front of him, bringing my eyes level with his. “One is enough. What matters is the intention.”He nodded, relieved. “Should I write ‘hope you like it’ too?”“You can,” I said. “That’s sweet.”Noah went back to the living room, his steps light. I stood up again and wiped the dining table, even though it was already clean. My hands kept searching for something to do, as if stopping for even a moment would send my thoughts running to places I didn’t want to visit tonight to exhausting meetings, to people’s too-quick judgments, to guilt that o
Sienna's POV At the table in the living room, Noah sat intently with scissors and tape beside him. Light blue wrapping paper was spread out, and one by one the items we had bought earlier were neatly grouped together: pencil case, notebooks, colored pencils, uniform, bag, new shoes, and a few other small things. He wrote Bam’s name on each little card he tucked in. His face was serious, as if he were carrying out an important mission.I glanced at him while stirring a pot of creamy chicken soup in the kitchen. The warm aroma slowly filled the air, making the house feel cozier and more alive. It was comforting after a long day outside to know there was no need to see anyone else, no challenging stares, no sharp comments.Every so often, Noah adjusted the ribbon on one of the gifts, then called out to me.“Mommy, does this look good?” he asked, pointing at a slightly crooked bow.I chuckled softly. “It looks great. Bam will definitely be happy.”Noah smil







