Mag-log inNoah's POV
It was about a simple realization. I wasn’t just curious about Rachel anymore. I was starting to truly want to be part of her world. Maybe, slowly, let her into mine too.The afternoon breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of the city mixed with the faint fragrance of Rachel’s perfume. I could feel it every time she shifted slightly.Then her embrace tightened.The arms that had only been loosely wrapped around my waist now pulled me closer. Her body leaned slightSienna's POV Liam fell silent. He understood exactly what I meant.My gaze dropped to our intertwined hands as the restaurant buzzed around us. Everything felt distant beneath the weight of my fear and grief.When I looked at Liam, exhaustion and heartbreak were written all over his face. Memories of the nights I heard him crying for Noah came rushing back.Noah was everywhere in my thoughts, and for the first time in a long while, I let myself lean on Liam instead of pretending to be strong.When our eyes met, I saw the same pain and the same need for answers. That was when the words I'd been holding back finally escaped."Noah is gone." My voice broke.The words were barely audible. They hurt more than anything.Saying them out loud forced me to face reality again. A reality I still couldn't accept.Tears slipped down my cheeks. I couldn't stop them."Noah is gone." The words felt wrong every time I said them.They still felt unfamiliar
Sienna's POV I sat for Liam just like he said. The fact was that each tick of the clock felt like pain.My head kept turning with lots of options. What if Emily was really at that house?What if she has gone? What if we are too late?The queries went round and round in my mind. Staying put got really hard.At last I stopped at a tiny eatery near the road. The spot wasn't too busy.Just a few customers were having a meal. The vibe felt normal.I sat by the window. Every few minutes, I looked at the time.Then I saw Liam's ride pull into a parking space. My heart beat faster.I hadn't even gotten up yet when he came into the place. His eyes spotted me right away.Before I could say something, he walked fast to me and hugged me tight. The quick move surprised me.I stopped for a bit. Only then I saw how tired I really was.I had been holding all by myself for way too long. I shut my eyes as I sensed his arms around me,A long time ago, Noah was always with us when I felt scared. Now he
Sienna's POV The words came honestly. They came without restraint.I was scared. Terrified, even.Scared that Emily wouldn't be there. Scared that we were already too late.Scared that all of this would end without answers again. Scared that Noah's story would remain unfinished."I'm afraid of failing." My voice cracked."I'm afraid we'll never find her." My sobs became audible."I'm afraid Noah will never get justice." The fear felt unbearable.On the other end of the line, Liam didn't answer immediately. I could only hear his breathing.Then his voice came softly. It sounded steady despite everything."Sienna." He spoke my name gently.I lowered my head. Tears continued falling into my lap."We'll find her." His certainty never wavered."But what if she's not there?" I whispered."Then we'll keep looking." His answer came instantly.His response was simple. Somehow, it made me want to cry even harder."What if she ru
Sienna's POV I took a long breath and slowly rose from the couch."I should go home."Rachel lifted her head. Her eyes immediately followed my movement. I gave her a faint smile even though it felt heavy."And... I'm sorry."Rachel looked confused."Sorry?"I nodded slowly."I came here angry."My voice sounded softer than I intended."I didn't even think about your feelings."My chest tightened."I was only thinking about Noah."My eyes burned again as I said my son's name."I may have placed a burden on you with all of this."Rachel quickly shook her head."No."I looked at her.Rachel wiped away the remaining tears and tried to smile."Really, Auntie."Her voice was still hoarse."I'm actually grateful that you came."I fell silent.Not everyone would say something like that after hearing the truth I had just learned.Rachel lowered her gaze for a moment before speaking again."Ma
Sienna's POV Rachel lowered her head for a long moment before finally whispering."I was just about to fix everything."Silent tears slipped down her face. A few seconds later, she whispered again."And then Noah was gone."Those words made my eyes burn all over again."I never even got the chance to truly apologize to him."I stared at her for a long moment. The guilt written across her face was overwhelming.For some reason, I didn't see someone who deserved blame.I only saw a child who was hurting. A child who had lost someone before she had the chance to make things right.I gently rubbed the back of her hand."Rachel."She lifted her face.Tears still covered her cheeks. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying."You are not at fault."Rachel immediately shook her head."But I-""No."I interrupted her softly."Listen to me."She fell silent.I took a deep breath before speaking
Sienna's POV "Rachel!"I quickly got up from the couch when Rachel suddenly fell over.It seemed like all the power had gone from her body. Her face turned deathly pale. Her eyes were empty.I caught her shoulders before she fell on the floor."Easy."I guided her back onto the sofa.Rachel didn't sit quietly. Her body trembled. Her hands felt cold. Tears streamed endlessly down her face."I-"Her voice broke apart. She put her head down and hid her face with both hands."I'm so sorry."Pain tightened inside my chest.Seeing Rachel like this, reminds me of myself the past few days.Broken. Grieving.Trapped inside a prison of regret."I didn't know."Rachel's sobs grew louder."I didn't think Mom would make such a bad choice."I remained silent.
Sienna's POV Maximilian stopped pushing the cart and looked at me. “I want to tell him that I can write my name more neatly now. And I want to say that I listened to Mommy.”My chest warmed. “Daddy will be proud.”We turned into the bread section. Noah immediately pointed at Liam’s
Emily’s POV I was still sitting in that restaurant even after Liam disappeared through the door, his footsteps fading away without a single glance back. The air inside felt cold whether from the air conditioning or my own anger slowly piercing my bones, I couldn’t tell. Sinc
Sienna's POV In the rearview mirror, the school gate grew smaller and smaller. And with it, I felt as though I was leaving behind one small, warm world entering another that demanded I be stronger.Today wasn’t only about a book cover.Today was about proving that I could still stand
Emily's POV I stood up and opened Liam’s wardrobe. Inside, several of his crisp white shirts hung neatly, perfectly folded.I took one.The shirt still smelled clean hotel laundry, not Liam but the camera wouldn’t know the difference.Quickly, I slipped off my own blouse and put







