CHAPTER TWO

Three Years Later

“Mommy, are we there yet?”

A small hand tugged at mine, warm and impatient. I looked down to find my son, Leo, staring up at me with those impossibly familiar gray eyes. His face was a perfect replica of his—sharp jawline, dark waves of hair curling slightly at his temples, and thick lashes framing his wide gaze.

Beside him, my daughter, Alina, swung her legs, her golden-brown curls bouncing as she huffed in exasperation. “We’ve been in this car forever!” she complained.

I smiled, squeezing both of their hands. “Just a little longer, babies. We’re almost home.”

“Home?” Alina scrunched her tiny nose. “But we just left home.”

“That was our old home, sweetheart,” I said softly. “Now, we have a new one.”

She pursed her lips, considering this. Then, after a moment, she grinned. “I hope it has a big bathtub. I like bubble baths.”

Leo, ever the quiet one, looked up thoughtfully. “Will there be lots of windows?”

Something about the way he asked that made my stomach twist, but I pushed the feeling aside. “Lots and lots,” I promised, running my fingers through his soft curls.

As if on cue, the car slowed to a stop in front of our new home—a towering penthouse in the heart of Valmont City.

The skyscraper gleamed under the evening sky, its sleek glass panels reflecting the hues of the setting sun. It was a stark contrast to the small, cozy apartment we had left behind.

“Whoa…” Alina breathed, eyes wide with awe.

Even Leo, usually so reserved, let out a small hum of approval. “It’s really tall,” he observed.

A doorman in a crisp navy suit opened the car door, tipping his hat politely. I stepped out first, then reached for my children, helping them onto the pavement. Their tiny fingers gripped mine tightly as they stared up at the grand building before us.

“Come on,” I murmured, leading them inside.

The penthouse was breathtaking.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a sweeping view of the glittering city skyline, while soft golden lighting bathed the space in a warm glow. The living area boasted plush cream-colored couches, a polished marble floor, and delicate gold accents that gave it a touch of understated luxury.

Alina gasped in delight and took off running. “This is so cool!” she squealed, twirling in the middle of the room. “Mummy, does our new home have a big swimming pool?”

I nooded in exasperation.

Leo followed more cautiously, his little brows furrowing as he inspected the space. He peeked into one of the bedrooms and nodded to himself. “Mine has a big window,” he announced. “I like it.”

I let out a soft breath, soaking in the moment. This was it. A new life. A fresh start.

It hadn’t been easy.

After leaving Adrian behind, I had thrown myself into my dreams, enrolling in the prestigious Valmont Academy of Performing Arts. Years of hard work had finally paid off when I was named Talent of the Year at my graduation performance.

That night, one of the most influential filmmakers in Valmont City—Director Hugo Laurent—had approached me with an offer.

“You have a presence that commands the screen,” he had said, his sharp eyes assessing me. “You’re exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Even with two little ones to care for, I hadn’t let anything stop me. My best friend from acting school, Sophia Sanchez, had been my rock, helping raise the twins while I devoted myself to filming.

And now, after years of sacrifice, I was back in Valmont City for the premiere of my first movie.

Tonight.

I exhaled sharply and pulled out my phone, dialing my manager.

“Cara,” I greeted when she picked up. “Just confirming—what time should I be at the premiere?”

“Red carpet starts at eight,” she replied. “But I’d suggest getting there by seven-thirty to handle press.”

“Got it. I’ll be there.”

“Sienna,” her voice softened. “This is your moment. Are you ready?”

I glanced at my reflection in the floor-length mirror by the window. The woman staring back at me was no longer the naive girl who once believed in fairy tales.

“More than ever.”

After ending the call, I turned back to the twins.

“Alright, my loves, let’s get you settled before Mommy gets ready.”

They had already made themselves at home—Alina sprawled across a velvet chaise lounge, while Leo sat cross-legged on the floor, flipping through a picture book.

I tucked them into bed, brushing their soft curls as they sleepily murmured their goodnights.

“Mommy, can we watch your movie?” Alina yawned, blinking up at me.

“Not yet, baby,” I chuckled, smoothing the blanket over her tiny frame. “When you’re older.”

Leo was already halfway asleep, but just as I kissed his forehead, his small hand reached for mine.

“Mommy,” he mumbled, voice barely a whisper. “Will you be back soon?”

“Always,” I promised.

Once they were settled, I made my way to my room.

The penthouse master suite was just as stunning as the rest of the house—high ceilings, rich mahogany furniture, and a glass chandelier that cast a soft glow across the room.

My gown for the night hung elegantly in the walk-in closet—an off-the-shoulder midnight blue dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. It was bold, striking. Powerful.

I carefully applied my makeup, accentuating my almond-shaped eyes with dark liner and finishing with a swipe of deep red lipstick.

But just as I was about to leave, my fingers hesitated on the silver clasp of my bracelet.

A familiar feeling settled in my chest.

“Mommy, will there be lots of windows?”

Leo’s voice echoed in my head again.

Something about the way he had asked it… something about the way he looked.

I turned to where he lay peacefully, his small face relaxed in sleep.

And for the first time, I truly saw it.

The sharp jawline. The unruly waves of dark hair. The way his lashes fanned against his cheeks.

He looked exactly like Adrian.

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

I swallowed hard, shaking my head. It doesn’t matter.

Adrian Hawthorne was my past.

And tonight, I was stepping into my future.

As I stepped into the backseat my car, ready to leave for the premiere, my phone buzzed.

An unknown number.

I hesitated before answering.

And then—

“Sienna?”

My voice hitched in my throat.

It was him.