LOGINLiam’s POV
I tried to keep going, to stick to my routines as if nothing had changed. But the truth was, every morning when I woke up, I had to force myself out of bed. Every night, the silence in this room quietly judged me. No more light footsteps from Sienna. No more aroma of her favorite tea welcoming me home from work. What remained was an empty space, and a regret that refused to leave.Noah still often asked when Mommy was coming home. Sometimes he just mumbled to himself, someSienna's POV Silence filled the car again. This time it wasn't so oppressive.The two of us just stared at the villa standing not far away.A few seabirds flew across the afternoon sky. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the villa's courtyard.So peaceful. So normal. That's precisely what made it all seem even more absurd.How could someone live in such a peaceful place after destroying someone else's life?I clenched my fists in my lap. The anger that had subsided earlier slowly returned.Emily might be behind that wall. Maybe sitting back. Maybe gazing out at the ocean.While Noah was at the grave.The thought made my throat tighten again.I took a deep breath. Trying to calm myself before my emotions took over again.Then, from a distance, I saw the curtain of one of the villa's windows move slightly.
Sienna's POV Liam's car finally entered the village as the sun began to slowly set.I opened the car window slightly. The salty sea breeze immediately hit my face. The village was so peaceful.Wooden houses lined the narrow road, fishermen were tidying their nets, and the sound of the waves could be heard faintly in the distance.But my heart wasn't at ease. In fact, the closer we got, the harder it became to breathe.I gripped the hem of my shirt tightly."Liam.""Hm?"I looked out the window, trying to remember what Rachel had said."Rachel said the villa was a bit separated from the residents' houses."Liam nodded, keeping his eyes on the road."Any other features?"I nodded quickly."There were Japanese cherry trees."Liam glanced up briefly."Sakura?""Yes
Sienna's POV My chest immediately ached. The tears that had almost stopped welled up again. "I'm tired, Liam." I closed my eyes for a moment. "I'm really tired." Liam's hand gently stroked the back of my hand. The small touch made my throat tighten. "I know." His voice was low. "I feel it too." I shook my head slowly. My gaze fell back to our clasped hands. "No." I took a shaky breath. "I don't think anyone really knows." Liam glanced away for a moment. His frown deepened. "Even I don't know how to explain it all." I let out a humorless chuckle. "It feels like something's missing from my body." The road ahead began to change. The houses became sparse and the sea air slowly began to feel fresh. "Sometimes I wake up in the morning and for
Sienna's POV I stared out the restaurant window. The sky was starting to change color. Evening was slowly approaching. Since learning the truth about Emily, I wasn't just filled with anger. I was filled with determination. Emily may have taken Noah from me. Nothing could change that. Nothing could bring my son back. But I wouldn't let her disappear so easily. I wouldn't let Noah become just a number on an accident report. Because this wasn't an accident. This was a choice. And someone had to be held accountable for that choice. I looked back at Liam. "Shall we go now?" Liam took a deep breath. Then finally nodded. "Yes." I stood up slowly. My chest still ached. The wound was still there. Maybe it always would be. But this time I walked with purpose. We left the restaurant and
Sienna'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
Rachel's POV I stood up from the dining chair with mixed feelings.Mom’s words were still echoing clearly in my head. Use your mind. Watch his reaction. Call Steven.My heart was beating strangely. I had never imagined I would have to test someone like this. But the past two weeks ha
Noah's POV I immediately sped up my eating when Mommy started smiling with that overly meaningful look in her eyes.The only safe option was to escape.“I’m done,” I said quickly as I stood up. “I’m going to work on my college assignment.”“So diligent,” Mommy commented in a tone
Sienna’s POVThe clock on the wall said it was nine at night.I was still in the kitchen wearing my apron staring at the dinner table. I had set it over an hour ago. There was soup Noah's favorite vegetables and roasted chicken that I made.Everything was
Noah's POV The food showed up. It looked really great on the plate.Rachel said it looked nice. Steven started explaining what the restaurant is about. I was focused on cutting my steakThere was a rhythm to their conversation. They exchanged knowing glances. They made joke







