Chapter 5

...

Siena's face glowed with triumph.

Henry shouted, "Dad and Siena are the best! My mom is terrible! Won't even let me have ice cream!"

His words drew stares from passers-by, and they pointed at Kimberly.

Kimberly felt a pang of disappointment. All her care for him over the years was for nothing.

Daniel just watched, making no moves to stop Henry. Siena, playing the nice person, hushed Henry and ended the scene.

Outside the supermarket, they proposed eating out and gave Kimberly no chance to object.

Daniel ordered a hearty meal, but the dishes were all spicy except for Henry's kid's meal. No one asked Kimberly's preference; they just submitted the order.

"After all these years, you still remember my favorite dishes?" Siena marveled, touching his hand playfully.

Daniel blushed up to his ears.

When the food arrived, he kept serving Siena, while Kimberly sat silently, barely eating anything.

Noticing her lack of enthusiasm, Daniel asked, "Why aren't you eating?"

"I can't handle spice," she replied flatly.

Daniel paused, surprised.

Kimberly often cooked spicy meals, so he had assumed she enjoyed them too, never noticing her true taste.

Guilt stirred in him, and he grabbed the menu. "I'll order you something else. What would you like?"

"No need. You guys enjoy your meal," she refused.

Before he could insist, a passerby spotted Siena. "Ms. Siena Gallegos... and Mr. Daniel Carter?"

Siena nodded slightly.

The fan gushed, "I'm a huge fan of you two! That news story was so sweet, like a rom-com. Are you back together?"

Daniel glanced at Kimberly, then met Siena's hopeful eyes.

He nodded and hummed.

The fan cheered. "Five years apart, you're back together! That's true love!"

Siena smiled, "I failed him before, but I will cherish him from now on."

Daniel gazed at her, happiness brimming in his eyes.

After the fan left, Henry beamed, "Dad, you and Siena are together? Does that mean I have a new mom?"

Daniel quickly covered Henry's mouth, signaling him to stop.

Looking up at Kimberly, he stammered, "It's just a kid's talk. Don't take it to heart."

Getting no reaction from her, he added, "And I said that for Siena's career."

Kimberly remained expressionless. "I get it. No need to explain."

Daniel felt uneasy at her calm tone, but Siena grabbed his arm and urged, "Eat up. The food is getting cold."

His face softened as he lost himself in her charm and forgot about Kimberly.

After dinner, they crossed the street to the parking lot, when suddenly a car sped from an intersection.

Daniel reacted fast, pulling Siena and Henry to safety. Kimberly was left alone on the road.

In the next instant, the car braked sharply, and Kimberly collapsed.

Daniel panicked, letting go of Siena and rushing to her. Kimberly curled up, convulsing. Sweat beaded on her forehead.

His voice quaked. "Kimberly! Are you okay? I'm taking you to the hospital."

Kimberly tried to speak, but pain silenced her. She reached for his hand to ease his worry, but Henry cried out, "Dad, Siena is gonna faint! Help her!"