~Sienna~ It had been two weeks since that awful confrontation with Lucas, and Iโd managed to make myself scarce around him, avoiding him like the plague. Every day, I took different hallways, skipped meetings, and avoided any chance of running into him. I refused to be in the same space as him. But despite my best efforts to keep him out of my mind, thoughts of him kept creeping in, reminding me of the simmering anger and, much to my frustration, the faint ache of missing him. And then, as if heโd vanished, I stopped seeing him at the office altogether. At first, it was a relief, but now, on the fifth day of his absence, a familiar twinge of worry clawed its way into my chest. I pushed it down, annoyed with myself for caring. It had been two weeks since our fight, and not a single word of apology. Not even a half-hearted โsorryโ over text. How typical. Today was Friday, and I looked forward to a quiet evening at Violetโs. Iโd been crashing at her place ever since that day with
~Lucas~ Iโd been in London for five days on business, but every minute away from Bellmore was a struggle. Every thought kept drifting back to her, no matter how I tried to distract myself. Iโd almost dialed her number a hundred times, even composed half a dozen messages, but each time, I hesitated. It didnโt feel right to settle for a phone call or a text when what I really wanted was to see her. And the fact that sheโd been actively avoiding me before I left only fueled my frustration. I hadnโt expected her to be this stubborn. Even Derrick noticed how restless I was, shooting me knowing glances every time my gaze drifted out the plane window or when Iโd check my phone, hoping for a message that never came. I was supposed to stay a full week, but after five days, Iโd had enough. With a restless heart, I found myself on the earliest flight back to Bellmore. Now, as I drove through the familiar streets, I headed straight for Siennaโs place, hoping to catch her there. Now, here I w
~Sienna~ The ride was silent, but my mind was anything but. I was still trying to process everything that had happened, replaying it in stunned disbelief. Lucas had shown upโcompletely unannouncedโpulled me out of that house, stood up to Lilianโฆ and even claimed me as his fiancรฉe in front of Lilian. My boss, who was usually so guarded, so unreadable, had defended me with a fierceness I didnโt know he possessed. That's iconic asf! I stole a glance at him, his face impassive as he stared out the car window. His hand was still wrapped around mine, firm and warm, and he hadnโt let go since weโd gotten in the car. There was a subtle tension sparking between us, a crackling awareness that made my pulse quicken. Every time his thumb brushed against the back of my hand, my heart fluttered, and I fought to keep my breathing steady, willing myself not to look at him. Derrick cleared his throat from the front seat, breaking the silence. โWhere to, boss?โ Lucas didnโt hesitate. โAnywhere
~Sienna~ I looked down, his words wrapping around me like a soft, warm blanket. I could feel the sincerity in his tone, a depth Iโd never heard from him before. His fingers brushed against mine again, and for a moment, I let myself relax, letting my hand settle in his, feeling the steady beat of his pulse against my skin. We stood there in silence, the quiet night surrounding us, the stars hanging like distant lanterns in the dark sky above. I glanced up at him, still trying to understand this side of him. This wasnโt the sharp, arrogant Lucas I'm used to. This was someone differentโsofter, real, vulnerable. And that terrified me almost as much as it thrilled me. Finally, he broke the silence. โI know Iโm not easy to be around,โ he murmured, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of my hand. โI know I make it hard for you to trust me. But I want you to knowโฆ I donโt say things like this lightly.โ He paused, his eyes searching mine, as if he was trying to make sure I
~Sienna~ The morning light filtered softly into the room, brushing over my face and stirring me from sleep. I blinked, trying to piece together where I was. My eyes adjusted to the spacious, modern room with its deep navy walls and sleek decorโLucasโs room. How did I get here? I vaguely remembered last night but realized I must have fallen asleep in the car. Looking down, I confirmed that my clothes were intact; he hadnโt crossed any boundaries. As I shifted, I felt a warm weight wrapped around my waist, and my heart skipped. Lucasโs tattooed arm was snug against me, his steady breathing brushing against the back of my neck. I froze, acutely aware of his presence, his warmth pressing into my back in a way that felt surprisinglyโฆ comforting. I tried to move slowly, attempting to slip out of his hold without waking him, but his arm tightened, drawing me closer. โStayโฆโ he murmured, his voice a deep, sleep-rough whisper that sent a warm shiver through me. โItโs Saturday.โ Saturd
~Lucas~ The sweat poured down my back as I pushed myself to run faster on the treadmill. Even now, I was still reeling from last night. I couldnโt believe Iโd actually apologized to Sienna. Iโd let her see the part of me Iโd sworn no one else would. Not sinceโฆ her. The last woman who got close enough to see that side of me took my trust and crushed it. She left me cold, guarded, a cold-hearted jerk, if Iโm being honest.... and with walls I swore no one would ever get through again. But with Sienna, things felt different. Losing her felt like losing a part of myself. The realization was both terrifying and grounding. I can't afford to lose her, not yet. I caught sight of her finishing her workout and heading to the womenโs restroom. My gaze followed her without thinking, she wore a fitted, low-cut athletic tank top, its thin straps leaving her shoulders bare, and the neckline dipping just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage. The material clung to her curves, acce
~Lucas~ My father was already seated in the courtyard when we arrived, comfortably lounging on a sleek teakwood chair with his legs crossed and an expensive glass of Imperial Murex Reserve wine on the table before him. The bottle itself was perched nearby, its polished glass catching the lightโa reminder of his penchant for flaunting wealth in every little detail. He looked perfectly at home, one arm resting lazily along the back of his chair as he gazed out over the view of manicured gardens and trimmed hedges beyond the villa. His usual entourage flanked him: two guards with stone-faced expressions and, standing just beside his chair, was Clarke Duncan, his PA. I hadnโt seen her since my return to Bellmore. Iโd thought she resigned, but it turns out that was just wishful thinking. I couldnโt help but scoff under my breath, but I forced myself to keep my expression neutral as I climbed out of the car. Sienna, on the other hand, looked more uneasy. I kept my irritation at her in
~Sienna~ As I walked over, I noticed Lucas and his father exchanging quick, tense whispers, their eyes darting briefly toward me. Curiosity prickled at me, and I couldnโt resist approaching, still reeling from their earlier, hushed exchange. So even the picture-perfect Jones family has its share of cracks, I thought to myself. Who wouldโve guessed? When I got closer, Richardโs face softened, and he greeted me with that familiar warmth, though I could see a flicker of something else beneath the surface. โSelena,โ he said, the nickname flowing as smoothly as the wine he was holdingโa label that read Imperial Murex Reserve. I recognized it immediately; it was one of the most premium, expensive wines on the market. I glanced at Lucas, hoping heโd give me some clue about what was going on, but his expression remained guarded, unreadable. Richard signaled to Clarke and she approached extending a slip of paper toward me, ivory-colored with a gold crest embossed at the topโa formal invit
~Sienna~The breeze in Bellmore carried a sense of renewal, a symbol of survival after the storm. Lucas had arranged a Thanksgiving ceremony in the grand hall of Weston Corp to celebrate life, family, and the companyโs resilience. Everyone was presentโhis mother Angelina, his sister Lexa, the board of directors, my dad, Hannah, Derrick, and all members of Weston.It was a full-circle moment.Lucas stood at the podium, his voice steady and filled with gratitude.โToday, weโre not just giving thanks for Westonโs survival, but for the people who make it what it is. This company has weathered unimaginable storms, but through faith, perseverance, and love, we are standing here stronger than ever. I thank God for this moment and for the extraordinary people who made it possible.โAs the applause echoed, Lucas stepped down, his gaze locking with mine. My heart raced when he took my hand, guiding me to the center of the room.He spoke again, his voice now softer but just as firm.โAnd thereโ
~Sienna~ I turned slowly, my heart pounding in my chest. There he was, standing just yards away, his gun still raised, his expression unreadable. His men fanned out behind him, a wall of black suits and cold stares. Lucas immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body. The rigid set of his shoulders told me he was ready to fight to the death if it came to that. โStay behind me,โ Lucas murmured, his voice low and protective. โLincoln...โ I whispered, my voice trembling as I tried to steady my emotions. Lincolnโs eyes narrowed as he took in the sceneโthe cars, the people, Irena's dead body. His gaze lingered on me for a moment before flicking to Lucas. โYou just donโt know when to give up, do you, Jones?โ Lincoln said, his lips curling into a bitter smirk. โFirst, you barge into my mansion, and now you think you can just walk out of here with my sister? Bold of you.โ โSheโs not your property, Lincoln,โ Lucas shot back, his voice steady but full of rage.
[ Next Dayโ Washington DC]~Sienna~I sat by the window, staring at the sunrise with Madi curled up on my lap, her small arms draped lazily over my waist. I absently rubbed my stomach, my thoughts consumed by Lucas. It had been over a week since I was torn from Bellmore, from him, and every day felt heavier than the last."I hope youโre okay, Lucas," I whispered under my breath, my gaze shifting to my growing belly. I smiled faintly, running my fingers over the slight curve. How happy youโll be to know I carry your child.The thought brought a glimmer of joy despite everything. According to the scan I did shortly after arriving in Washington, I was three months along. The small swell of my stomach was starting to become visible. I couldnโt help but wonder how Lucas would reactโhis joy, his smile, the protective way heโd hold me.I glanced at Madi, her ginger hair soft under my touch, but the weight of my worries pulled me back to reality. I had made arrangements be
~Lincoln~Lucas had just left, but the tension he brought with him still clung to the air like a storm that refused to pass. His rage was palpable, and it left a heavy tension in the room.I sat down heavily in my chair, pouring myself another drink, the amber liquid catching the dim light of the room. I swirled it in the glass, thinking about the fire in his eyes, the determination in his voice.He loved her. That much was clear. And she loved him.But I canโt let them be together.Not after what the Jones family did to ours.I tipped back the glass, letting the whiskey burn its way down my throat, but it didnโt drown the guilt clawing at my insides. I hate that I have to do thisโtear her away from the man she loves, the father of her unborn child.But I have to.I have no choice.I hate that Iโm the villain in her story, the one forcing her into a life she didnโt ask for.Yet I would rather be the villain than watch her suffer the same fate as our parents. Sheโs in Washington now,
~Lucas~โYouโre delusional, you can't break us apart," I growled, shaking my head.โYou think youโre protecting her, but youโre just using her to justify your own hatred. Sienna deserves better than this.โLincolnโs eyes glinted dangerously as he stepped forward, the guards around us tensing.โIโll give you credit for your dedication, Lucas. But love isnโt enough. Not when it comes to my sister.โโSheโs not just your sister!โ I shot back. โSheโs the woman I love, and Iโll fight for her no matter what. You donโt get to decide who sheโs with.โโAnd Iโll fight to make sure sheโs not with you,โ Lincoln snapped, his composure finally cracking. He tossed the cigar onto the floor and crushed it beneath his heel. I took another step forward, my chest heaving with anger. The tension between us was thick, the air crackling with unspoken threats. โIf you donโt hand her over right now, youโll regret my next action.โLincoln laughed, the sound sharp and condescending. โSeriously? We both know y
~Lucas~It had been over a week since I last heard Siennaโs voice.A week of restless nights, unanswered questions, and a gnawing emptiness that refused to leave me. Iโd looked for her everywhereโcalled every contact I could think of, chased down every leadโbut nothing. It was as if she had vanished off the face of the earth.Derrick stood beside me, flipping through the agenda for the meeting we had arranged with several potential investors. Weston was bleeding, and if I didnโt secure their confidence, the company would collapse within weeks.โYou need to focus,โ Derrick said, his voice firm but not unkind. โI know your mindโs elsewhere, but this meeting is critical. If we lose more investors, Westonโs done for.โI rubbed the back of my neck, trying to push my thoughts of Sienna to the back of my mind. She would want me to keep fightingโfor the company, for everything my family built.The meeting itself was a blur of presentations, numbers, and strategic promises. Derrick took the l
Two Weeks Later ~Sienna~Two weeks. It had been two weeks of silence, isolation, and confinement. Two weeks since I had seen the outside world.Lincoln had kept me locked in this house, surrounded by opulence but caged like a bird. The maids attended to my every need, but their kindness didnโt stop the loneliness from creeping in like a shadow. They tiptoed around me, avoiding eye contact as if afraid to get too close. And my phoneโmy only connection to the outside worldโhad been seized after Lincoln caught me trying to call Lucas.I hadnโt heard from him since.The nurse had just finished checking on me, her clipboard held close to her chest as she observed me silently. I sat on the edge of the bed, fidgeting with my fingers, waiting for her to finish her examination. "Are you done?" I asked, breaking the silence.She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.โYes, Miss Wilde. I am.โโAnd?โ I pressed, my brows furrowed.โWhatโs wrong with me? Why have I been fe
A Week Later ~Lucas~ The backyard of the family mansion was shrouded in silence, save for the occasional sniffles and murmurs of mourning. The air was heavy with grief, and the scent of freshly turned earth mingled with the faint perfume of lilies, the flowers Mom and Lexa clutched tightly in their hands. Dressed in black, they stood by my fatherโs grave, their faces streaked with tears. Momโs usually confident demeanor was gone, replaced by raw, unfiltered heartbreak. Lexa stood beside her, her arm around her shoulders, trying to keep it together, but the tears kept falling. The ceremony had been short and somber. Friends and associates of the Jones family had gathered to pay their respects, but as the sun began to set, they trickled away one by one. Now, it was just the three of us. Mom gently placed a bouquet of white lilies on the grave, her fingers trembling. โGoodbye, Richard,โ she whispered, her voice breaking. Lexa sobbed softly, brushing
~Lucas~The hospital room was cold and sterile, its fluorescent lights casting an unnatural glow over everything. The quiet hum of the machines monitoring my fatherโs fragile heartbeat was the only sound in the room, their rhythm a cruel reminder of how fragile his life had become. I sat slumped in the chair beside his bed, my elbows resting on my knees, my head in my hands.I hadnโt slept all night, too afraid to close my eyes. His breathing had grown weaker with each passing hour, and the thought of losing himโof hearing that final, shuddering breathโterrified me.Dadโs frail frame looked so small against the white sheets, a ghost of the man he once was. This was the man who had commanded boardrooms, who had stood tall and proud as the CEO of Weston Corp.But now, his skin was ashen, his once piercing eyes dull and unfocused.I rested my head against the edge of the bed, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me since yesterday. The chaos of the anniversary r