Chapter 137: Opposite Wishes.

Riley’s POV

I woke up earlier than usual, my eyes fluttering open to the faint glow that was beginning to seep through the curtains. The world outside was still half-asleep, the horizon painted in dark shades of blue and gray. I sat there in silence, staring out at the dim sky, my thoughts tangled in a storm I couldn’t quiet.

The image of Grandma’s face from last night replayed in my head, the softness in her eyes, the tremor in her voice when she told me about her illness. My chest tightened painfully as her words echoed again and again. Cancer.

I blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears, but they came anyway, spilling silently down my cheeks. My throat burned as I whispered a quiet prayer, my voice barely audible in the stillness of the room.

“Please, God,” I murmured. “Don’t take another person from me...Grandma is all I have left.”

I let out a shaky breath, clutching my blanket tighter around me as though it could shield me from the reality pressing in. After a few moments, I wiped my face and took another deep breath, forcing myself to move. I couldn’t let the day begin like this, not when Grandma needed me to stay strong.

Dragging myself out of bed, I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. The water felt sharp against my skin, but it helped clear my head a little. I picked up my toothbrush and applied toothpaste, brushing mechanically as my reflection stared back at me from the mirror.

When I was done, I rinsed my mouth and stood still, studying the tired woman staring back at me. My eyes looked dull and swollen, my face pale from exhaustion even though I had just woken up. I sighed, tracing my fingers lightly under my eyes as though that would erase the signs of worry written all over me.

My thoughts drifted back to Michael. I remembered how he had insisted on seeing me safely to my door last night. The worry in his eyes was so evident, it almost made me cry again. He had asked if everything was alright, his voice soft but persistent.

I wanted to tell him everything right then, to pour out everything weighing me down. But Grandma’s words echoed in my head, reminding me to keep it to myself for now. So I forced a smile and told him I was fine, that I just needed some time alone.

It was hard watching his expression fall, the way his jaw tightened slightly as if he wanted to argue but chose not to. He respected my space and only pulled me into a gentle kiss before whispering goodnight and walking away. That memory lingered painfully in my mind, like an ache that refused to fade.

I shook my head and let out a slow breath, trying to push the thoughts aside. I couldn’t afford to fall apart now. Not today.

After taking a quick shower, I began to get ready for work. I chose a simple but professional outfit, then sat at my vanity to apply my makeup. I dabbed a touch of foundation, added a little blush to bring color back to my face, and brushed a thin layer of mascara to brighten my tired eyes.

When I was done, I leaned closer to the mirror and studied my reflection again. I looked more composed, though the sadness was still there, tucked quietly beneath the surface. At least now, no one would see it unless they looked too closely.

I picked up my bag and took one last look around the room before heading to the door. I locked it behind me, took a deep breath, and stepped into the hallway.

As I walked toward the elevator, I whispered softly to myself, “Atleast all hope is not lost yet.”

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped in, holding tightly to my bag and to the faint strength I had left, ready to face another day.

***

When I reached my office, I dropped my bag on the table and powered on my computer. I didn’t waste any time before diving into work, determined to lose myself in the endless pile of reports and updates waiting on my desk.

The moment my fingers began to move over the keyboard, the rhythmic sound of the keys filled the air. It was the kind of sound that usually calmed me, but today it felt more like an escape route. I focused hard, my eyes fixed on the screen, pushing away every thought that tried to surface.

Every time my mind drifted toward Grandma and her frail voice from yesterday, I typed faster, forcing the ache back down. Emails, reports, client feedback, anything that could keep my head busy. My office soon felt like a small bubble where time didn’t move, only the soft hum of the air conditioner and the clicking of my keyboard keeping me company.

I didn’t even realize how much time had passed until a soft knock pulled me back to the present. Before I could respond, the door opened slightly, and Brighton’s familiar face appeared, his usual grin in place.

“Still working?” he asked, stepping inside. “You know it’s lunch break already, right?”

I blinked, surprised. “Really? I didn’t even notice.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I can see that. Come on, you need to eat something. Don’t make me drag you out like usual.”

I smiled faintly at his playful threat, though my heart still felt heavy. “I’m not really hungry, Brighton. Maybe I’ll just stay here and finish this.”

“Riley,” he said in that persuasive tone that always seemed to work on everyone in the office. “Even the strongest engines need fuel.”

I sighed, finally giving in. “Fine. You win.”

“Perfect,” he said cheerfully and waited for me to grab my phone before we both walked to the cafeteria.

The place was lively as usual, filled with laughter, clinking cutlery, and the smell of freshly cooked food. We found a small corner table away from the crowd and sat down. Brighton ordered something light for both of us, insisting that I at least take a few bites.

Even though I tried to keep up with his small talk, my mind kept wandering back to Grandma. I could feel the sadness lingering in my chest like a shadow I couldn’t shake off. I stirred my drink absentmindedly, realizing too late that Brighton had stopped talking and was watching me quietly.

“Hey,” he said softly, leaning forward. “You okay?”

I looked up at him, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”

He studied me for a second, clearly unconvinced, but instead of pressing, he nodded and smiled back. “Then you should rest more. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

His understanding made me feel oddly grateful. Not everyone knew how to give space when it was needed, but Brighton did.

After lunch, we headed back to our offices, and I thanked him before returning to my desk. The moment I sat down, I picked up my phone and stared at Grandma’s contact name on the screen.

She had told me not to worry or come for her first Chemotherapy session, saying it wasn’t necessary. But my heart refused to rest until I heard her voice. I needed to know she was okay.

I called her once. No response.

I waited a few seconds and called again. Still nothing.

My heart sank a little, but I tried to calm myself. Maybe she was resting. Or maybe the therapy was still going on. I placed the phone back on the desk and exhaled slowly.

“Everything’s fine,” I whispered to myself, trying to believe it.

So, I went back to work, typing away once more, though this time the words on the screen looked blurrier than before. The daylight outside slowly began to dim, the sun sinking into the horizon. The reflection of the golden light filled my office, but it did little to warm the chill that had quietly settled inside me.

🌷🌷🌷

Sienna’s POV

The faint ticking of the clock on my desk was the only sound in my office, blending softly with the muted hum of the air conditioner. I had been working for hours, my eyes fixed on the few proposals on my screen, waiting to be reviewed before the week runs out.

My concentration broke when my phone buzzed beside my laptop. The sharp tone sliced through the silence, and I picked it up without even checking the caller ID.

“Done Ma'am,” came a voice from the other end.

That one word was enough to curl my lips into a satisfied smile. “Perfect,” I murmured before ending the call.

I leaned back on my chair, a small rush of excitement running through me. It was finally happening. The last piece was ready to fall into place. All that remained now was the release.

Without wasting any time, I scrolled through my contacts and found Zara Gray. I tapped her name, waiting patiently as the phone rang. It didn’t take long before her hesitant voice came through.

“Sienna?”

“Yes, Zara. Everything is all set now. You can go ahead and release the video.” My tone was calm and measured, though I could already feel a flicker of impatience rising in me.

“Right now?” she asked, her voice a little uneasy. “I’m a bit occupied and I think it’s better we release it at night.”

For a moment, I clenched my jaw, fighting the irritation that built up inside me. I didn’t like delays, especially not at this stage. But I also knew better than to lose my composure with her. Zara wasn’t exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, but she was useful. I needed her calm and compliant.

“At night then,” I said, softening my tone. She didn’t need to hear the irritation behind it.

She gave a quick response, and I ended the call before she could continue talking.

The smile on my face faded almost immediately as I dropped the phone on my desk with a dull thud. I let out a slow breath, tapping my fingers against the table.

Everything was ready, and now she was hesitating. Typical Zara. Always careful and second-guessing, but she can't be too careful this time around. She has no idea what's coming for her.

Well, I’d waited this long, a few more hours wouldn’t kill me.

I was still thinking about it when my phone started ringing again. This time, the name flashing on the screen made me still.

Ethan.

I stared at the phone for a few seconds before pressing my lips together. I didn’t want to talk to him. Not now, things were this close to being perfect.

The phone kept ringing, the vibration echoing faintly on my desk. I didn’t make any move to pick it. I just watched it until it finally went silent.

He had been calling a lot lately, ever since Paris. I knew exactly what he wanted to talk about, and that was precisely why I wasn’t picking up. Ethan was too observant for his own good. And from the way he is acting, I knew he had started connecting the dots.

But I couldn’t allow him to ruin everything.

I sighed and turned my chair slightly, looking out the large glass window. The city stretched beneath me, lights flickering to life as evening crept in. A small, self-satisfied smile tugged at my lips again.

Everything was moving just as I wanted. One wrong video, and everything would explode. The chaos would be beautiful, and I would be standing right where I wanted, watching it all unfold.

Leaning forward, I gathered my files again, setting my focus back on work. There was still time before the storm hit, and I wanted to enjoy the calm before it came.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I could already picture the look on Riley’s face when it surfaces. The confusion, heartbreak, and humiliation.

I couldn’t help the quiet laugh that escaped me.

Let the night come quickly.

A/N👇

Hi Maraz_Readers,🖐

I’m so sorry I haven’t been updating as often lately. I’ve been really occupied with school projects and exams, but hopefully I’ll be done soon.

I won’t stop updating entirely. Please forgive my inconsistency, and on the days I miss an update, I’ll make it up to you all once I’m done.

Thank you so much for your patience and support.