5

Sienna's POV

I stood a few steps behind them, trying to keep my distance from the little world they had built. A world where I no longer belonged.

Emily stood in the center, flanked by Liam and Noah. The little boy I had once raised with all my love now shouted loud and clear, “Dad and Aunt Emily are the best! Not like Mommy, she’s so stingy, won’t even buy me ice cream!”

His voice was loud enough to turn heads in the supermarket. Whispers started circling. Some looked at us, likely wondering—who’s the real mother of that child? The elegant woman he clung to, or the quiet one standing alone in the back?

I lowered my gaze. It felt like being stripped bare in public. That boy… the one I cradled all night when he had a fever, the one I read stories to until he fell asleep, was now hugging another woman and calling me “mean.”

Liam said nothing. He let it happen. He allowed our son to humiliate me in public as if I meant nothing.

Emily feigned concern, gently stroking Noah’s hair. “Don’t be mad, sweetheart. I’ll get you an even better one later.”

My fists clenched tightly. I couldn’t say a word. If I fought back, I’d look jealous. If I stayed quiet, I’d still lose.

After shopping, Liam decided we’d have lunch at a restaurant known for its spicy food. He phrased it like a suggestion, but everyone knew I never had a say.

We sat down, and he immediately ordered a variety of spicy dishes. Only one menu item was for Noah—scrambled eggs with tomato. No one asked what I wanted. No one cared. I felt like a ghost at that table.

“Liam, I can’t believe… after all this time, you still remember all my favorite dishes,” Emily said sweetly, lightly touching his hand.

Liam gave a stiff smile and quickly served her, one dish after another. His every move so attentive, as if Emily was the only one who mattered.

I looked down and quietly scooped plain rice onto my plate.

Liam glanced at me. “Why aren’t you eating the dishes?”

“I can’t eat spicy food,” I said softly.

He went quiet. Maybe he’d just realized… that in five years of marriage, he never even knew that simple fact. And yet I always cooked spicy meals for him, fed him, took care of him—never once did he ask if I liked them too.

He looked awkward. “Do you want me to order something else? What do you like? I can—”

“No need,” I cut in. “Just eat. I’m fine.”

And I really was fine—if “fine” meant I’d given up hope completely.

Then someone from the table next to us pointed in our direction. “Wait… is that Emily? And you’re Liam? Oh my God! You two are that viral couple, right?”

Emily smiled sweetly and nodded.

“I’m such a fan of your love story! Five years apart and now you’re back together… it’s like a K-drama! Is it true you’re dating again?”

I lifted my eyes to look at Liam. He glanced at me… only briefly. Then his gaze shifted back to Emily. And there it was—his choice.

“Yes,” he answered.

I wasn’t even surprised. Maybe that was the most painful part.

“True love is real! You’re living proof!” the fan gushed.

Emily added softly, but clearly, “Back then, I was the one who took Liam for granted. But this time, I’ll learn to love him the right way.”

She looked at Liam meaningfully. And Liam… smiled.

I lowered my gaze again. The rice on my plate was getting cold. Like my heart.

After the person left, Noah cheered, “If Dad and Aunt Emily are back together, can I change Mommies?”

The words hit me like a storm. But I didn’t say anything. I didn’t even flinch.

Liam quickly covered Noah’s mouth. “He’s just a kid. Don’t take it to heart.”

I stared at my empty plate. There was nothing left to take to heart. That heart had long been broken.

“I only said that earlier to protect Emily’s reputation. You understand, right?” he said.

I nodded. “I understand. You don’t need to explain anything.”

My calmness made Liam uncomfortable. But I had no energy left to soothe his ego.

“Sweetheart, eat up,” Emily said as she fed Noah. “Your food’s getting cold.”

Liam chuckled softly. I said nothing. To them, it was as if I wasn’t even there.

After the meal, we walked toward the parking lot across the street. The midday heat pressed down, heavy and suffocating.

I walked behind them, like a shadow.

Suddenly, a loud honk broke the air. A car sped from the corner.

Liam pulled Emily and Noah onto the sidewalk. But he didn’t see me.

I was still in the middle of the road.

A loud thud. Screeching tires. My body was thrown onto the asphalt.

Everything went black.

My body trembled with pain. My breath came in short gasps. I tried to speak, but my lips only moved without sound.

“Sienna!” Liam shouted. He rushed to me—yes, finally. He looked panicked. “Are you okay? We need to get you to a hospital, now!”

My hand moved slowly, touching his arm. Not to ask for help, just… to let him know I was still conscious.

But then, Noah’s voice cut through everything. “Dad! Aunt Emily’s about to faint! Hurry, come here!”

Liam turned. Emily stood under a tree’s shadow, looking pale, catching her breath.

And that was the test.

I lay there on the asphalt, weak and hurt. But no hand came back for me. No hurried steps returned.

I remained there, waiting.

And this time, no one came.