LOGINSienna's POV
We headed to the cashier laughing softly. It seemed as though there was room within me once more. Room to breathe. Room to hope. Room to progress.We exited the café at a speed the late afternoon breeze caressing our skin. Liliana quickly indicated a quaint cake shop, across the road its retro sign gently illuminated, with the aroma of butter even before entering.“Come on, this is heaven," she remarked, pulling on my arm.The moment we entered a bell hanging above the door tinkled softly. The compact space was packed with glass cases showcasing coated pastries, fluffy sponge cakes, shiny fruit tarts and cookies that appeared just baked. The ambiance was cozy and inviting delectably sweet to brighten the mood of anyone feeling stressed.“This is my refuge, after each court hearing," Liliana murmured, as though admitting to a secret.I chuckled. "No surprise your cheeks are becoming a bit plumper.Sienna's POV Liam chuckled softly. “If Mommy likes it, you can become this house’s official chef.”“Really?” Noah’s eyes widened. “Chef Noah?”“Really,” Liam said firmly. “But chefs have to be patient. Soup can’t be forced to cook faster.”Noah nodded seriously, then stopped stirring. “Soup doesn't take too long, okay? Mommy will get hungry.”I held back a smile. His innocence hit my chest gently, pushing the day’s exhaustion and tension farther away. I noticed how Liam instinctively kept Noah at a safe distance from the stove, one hand always ready at the small of his back movements far too natural to be accidental. He didn’t say much, but his care was evident in every small gesture.Liam picked up another wooden spoon and stirred a second pot. “This one’s for Mommy. The other one’s for you. Mommy’s soup is softer.”“Because Mommy’s tired?” Noah asked innocently.“Yes,” Liam answered simply. “Mommy had a tiring day.”My heart gave a small ache.
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 to pull me back.The light turned green. I drove on.My thoughts drifted to Noah. To the way he ran around that morning, to his endlessly enthusiastic voice, to his simple little world. I wanted to get home on time. I wanted to sit with him for dinner, listen to his stories, and make sure he fell asleep feeling safe. Everything I was doing, meetings, books, the courage to stand tall wasn’t just for me. It was for him too. So he would grow up seeing his mother as someone who chose to endure, not give up.And Liam I touched his name carefully in my thoughts. Our relationship still felt like ground after rain damp, fragile in places, but promising. I didn’t know what would happen
Sienna's POV We stood near my car, paper bags of pastries hanging lightly from my hands. The afternoon sun was beginning to sink, leaving behind a golden hue that made everything feel calm and unhurried. Liliana slipped both hands into the pockets of her coat, her face looking a little tired, yet her eyes were as warm as ever.“I guess this is where we part,” she said softly.I nodded. “Yeah. I should head home too before Noah starves waiting for dinner.”Liliana smiled faintly, then her expression shifted, turning more serious. She stepped closer. “Sienna.”I looked at her, fully attentive.“Don’t waver again,” she said. “Whatever happens next, stay confident in yourself. Don’t let Emily in not even a single step. She’s not just a small disturbance, Sienna. She’s a big problem. One crack is all it takes for her to ruin everything.”I swallowed, my chest tightening slightly. The way Liliana said it wasn’t meant to scare me, but to remind me of something
Sienna's POV We headed to the cashier laughing softly. It seemed as though there was room within me once more. Room to breathe. Room to hope. Room to progress.We exited the café at a speed the late afternoon breeze caressing our skin. Liliana quickly indicated a quaint cake shop, across the road its retro sign gently illuminated, with the aroma of butter even before entering.“Come on, this is heaven," she remarked, pulling on my arm.The moment we entered a bell hanging above the door tinkled softly. The compact space was packed with glass cases showcasing coated pastries, fluffy sponge cakes, shiny fruit tarts and cookies that appeared just baked. The ambiance was cozy and inviting delectably sweet to brighten the mood of anyone feeling stressed.“This is my refuge, after each court hearing," Liliana murmured, as though admitting to a secret.I chuckled. "No surprise your cheeks are becoming a bit plumper.
Sienna's POV Outside the faint noise of cars passing by floated in. Life continued onward pausing for no one. Yet for the time, in ages I no longer felt abandoned by it.“I want to keep this feeling," I whispered softly. "The feeling that there’s no need to hurry. That it’s fine to move provided I don’t quit.”Liliana gave a nod of assent. "If someday you falter once more you know where to return.”I gazed at her feeling my chest grow warm more not from thrill but from a quiet feeling of security. In that instant amidst the leftover traces of coffee and the dimming daylight I realized one thing clearly, I wasn’t, by myself. That made all things seem achievable.“I suppose we’ll take that trip one day won’t we?" I inquired, to confirm.“Yes," Liliana said, raising her coffee cup "once your book is done. Once you’re back, on your feet. Once I’m done dealing with some clients who complicate my life.”
Sienna's POV Liliana laughed quietly.“That’s because you have a habit of doubting your abilities." She reclined in her chair. "Do you recall when you initially gave me your writing to review? You apologized in advance as though it was bound to let me down.”I gave a smile. That night came back, to mind clearly my hands shaking as I hit send my heart racing while anticipating a response that seemed like a judgment.“I was afraid,” I confessed. "Afraid that I didn’t measure up.”“At this point?" she inquired softly.I stopped, considering the blend of feelings, within me."Now I’m still frightened,” I admitted at last. "Not due to doubting my ability. It’s more because I realize this is important. I don’t want to mess up."Liliana gave a nod as though that response was completely logical.“Feeling that fear is completely natural. It shows that you care." She grinned. "







