LOGINSienna's POV
As soon as Noah came out through the school gate, his face lit up like a lamp being switched on. His backpack bounced lightly against his back as he ran toward me.“Mommy!” he shouted.I crouched slightly and opened my arms. Noah threw himself into me, hugging me tightly, his cheek pressed against my shoulder. Ah this little hug could always fix my day, no matter what happened.I tightened my embrace, letting his small body linger against my chest a little longeNoah's POV It was quiet after I spoke. I was standing in front of the canvas with a pencil in my hand not moving. In the end Gabriel finally spoke up. "You are not really going to do all those things are you?” I smiled a little. "Why not?” "Because it is crazy. You have never been serious about painting, racing or boxing.” I looked at the line I drew. It was not good yet.. It was a start. "I can learn.” Gabriel did not think that was an idea. "This is not about if you can or not. It is about why you're doing all this.” I did not say anything for a moment. I thought about Rachel and how she looked at me that night. It was cold and challenging like I was not good enough. "To prove something.” Gabriel asked, "To who?” "To Rachel.” “If she still does not car
Noah's POVA bunch of people were sitting in front of their canvases.The sound of brushes on canvas was really soft. Filled the whole space.A woman near the reception desk turned to me. "Good morning, how can I help you?"She was being really kind.I walked up to her. "I want to sign up for a painting class."She asked "Beginner class?"I shook my head because I had drawn before.When I was younger I used to draw to pass the time.It was not serious or anything. It was enough to get my hands used to lines and shapes.The woman took a form from the desk. "We have a few classes. Basic, technical and realistic painting."I looked at the list. In my mind I was only thinking about one thing. Steven.If Rachel liked his paintings then I had to be better than him.So I asked the woman, "Which one is the hardest?"
Noah’s POVI sat in my car staring at the campus building for a second. Then I turned the steering wheel.Today I decided not to go to class.Usually I would. Head straight to class.. This morning felt different. Rachel’s words from night kept replaying in my mind.She said I should try painting like Steven. I should become the number one racer. I should win a boxing tournament.I almost laughed when I remembered it.Rachel really thought that was a way to make me give up.My car moved out of the campus area and onto the road. The morning air was fresh. The streets weren’t too crowded yet. I leaned back against the seat. Let out a slow breath.“I said I’d do it." I said to myself.To people it might sound crazy. A regular college student suddenly wants to learn painting. Join motorcycle racing. Enter a boxing tournament for a girl.But I didn’t care.
Emily's POV I stopped again, staring at the reflection of light on the water. “And when he falls,” my voice lowered, almost dissolving into the night air. A faint smile curved my lips. “He’ll drag everything down with him.” Liam. Sienna. Their names still tasted bitter on my tongue, even as my smile never faded. I remembered everything with perfect clarity. The way they stood above me. The way they took everything from me. And now I would be the one standing above them. Slowly. Without them ever realizing it. I raised my hand, staring at my fingers for a moment. It was as if everything was already within my grasp. “But not yet,” I murmured. It wasn’t time. There were still steps that needed to be perfected. Rachel had to become more attached. Noah had to become more obsessed. And when the time was right, I would pull the strings all at once. I took a slow breath, letting the night air fill my lungs. Calm. Everything was moving exactly according to plan. I glanced towa
Emily's POV Night had grown late when Rachel finally went upstairs. Her footsteps slowly disappeared behind the grand staircase of the house. I remained standing in the central garden, where the still pond and soft lights created a calm, beautiful view that felt especially satisfying tonight.A slow smile formed on my lips as I realized Rachel had done exactly what I wanted. She had always been easy to guide, intelligent, yet too soft-hearted, always seeking approval from those she called family. I had used that, making her believe everything was for her own good.I kept my gaze on the staircase a moment longer to ensure she was truly gone. Then I exhaled slowly, letting the cool night air clear my thoughts. The pond shimmered peacefully, hiding the quiet schemes moving beneath the surface.Rachel thought she was in control of herself. She believed every decision came from her own logic and desire to keep her distance. But in truth, I had planted those th
Rachel's POV Emily was quiet. That silence made my thoughts even louder. I remembered how I felt when I saw Noah touch Jessica. It was a feeling that I could not control.I clenched my jaw."It was just uncomfortable." Emily tilted her head a bit. "Uncomfortable?" "Yes that is all." I replied.She looked at me for a second like she was thinking about what I said.I held my breath without realizing it. Then Emily leaned in a bit closer to me."So did you show that you were jealous and bothered by it?" I bit my lip softly."To be honest." I said quietly "I felt all of that."I looked down. I held it back and tried to act like I did not care. For a moment Emily just looked at me without saying anything. Then she suddenly clapped her hands. I was startled.I lifted my head up. Emily was smiling. "That is the attitude." .
Sienna’s POV I looked at the spoon he held out toward me again. Thin steam rose from the soup, its aroma light, not overpowering. My hand reflexively moved to stop him, but Liam only shook his head slightly, as if he already knew I would try to refuse again.“I can eat by myself,” I said
Sienna's POV I was still silent after sharing my worries with Liliana.“You’re human, Sienna. You’re allowed to hope. You’re allowed to be afraid. But you also have the right to be happy. If Liam truly has changed, and you feel there’s a small space to trust again then you’re allowed to
Sienna's POV This morning, sunlight slipped through the sheer curtains of the hospital’s VIP room. I opened my eyes feeling lighter than I had in the past few days. The pain in my stomach hadn’t completely disappeared, but it was far more manageable. My breathing came easier. Unlike two days
Sienna's POV Liam’s gaze shifted. Pain and guilt flickered there again, but I refused to let it reach the walls of my defenses that had only just begun to stand again. I pointed toward the small parking lot across the street. “Your car’s over there, right? Go home.”He looked a







