Chapter Three The Unfinished Past

Sienna stared at the ceiling, lying in bed long after Julian had fallen asleep. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shut off her mind. The day’s events played on a loop, Damian’s piercing blue eyes haunting her thoughts.

She should have known this job was too risky. She had built a life, a home, a safe world for Julian. But now, with one twist of fate, everything teetered on the edge of exposure.

She turned onto her side, hugging the pillow to her chest. Maybe Olivia was right. Maybe she should walk away before it was too late.

But then what?

Her career was thriving. This project was the biggest opportunity she had ever been given. If she ran, she’d have to start over—again.

She couldn’t keep running forever.

No. She would handle this. She would stay professional, keep her guard up, and finish the damn project. And then, she’d walk away from Damian Cavendish for good.

With that resolve, she finally drifted into a restless sleep.

---

The next morning, Sienna stood outside the Cavendish Grand Hotel, a clipboard in hand and determination in her posture. This was just another job. Nothing more.

She stepped into the lobby, taking in the grandeur once again—the high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and the sleek modern design that screamed luxury. A perfect representation of the man who owned it.

She had barely made it to the elevator when a deep voice stopped her in her tracks.

"You’re early."

Her breath caught as she turned.

Damian stood near the reception desk, his broad frame dressed in another immaculately tailored suit. He held a cup of coffee in one hand, his expression unreadable.

Sienna forced herself to remain composed. "I like to be prepared."

Damian took a slow sip of his coffee, his gaze never leaving hers. "So do I."

The weight of his words hung between them, heavy with unspoken meaning.

Before she could respond, Rachel, his assistant, approached. "Mr. Cavendish, the contractors are waiting upstairs for the final walk-through."

Damian nodded but didn’t take his eyes off Sienna. "Shall we?"

Sienna exhaled softly. She had no choice but to follow.

The penthouse suite of the hotel was breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of New York City. The open-concept design featured a marble fireplace, sleek furniture, and warm lighting that added a touch of intimacy to the grand space.

Sienna walked through, assessing the final details. The project was nearly complete, but she could already see areas that needed minor adjustments.

"The light fixtures need to be lowered slightly," she noted, scribbling on her clipboard. "It’ll make the space feel cozier rather than intimidating."

Damian, who had been standing near the window, turned toward her. "You always had an eye for detail."

Sienna paused, then forced herself to stay focused. "It’s my job."

He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "It used to be more than that."

She stiffened. "Damian—"

"Tell me why you left." His voice was quiet, but firm. Unyielding.

Her fingers tightened around the clipboard. "I already told you, I moved on."

His jaw ticked. "That’s not an answer."

She swallowed hard. "It’s the only one you’re getting."

A muscle flexed in his cheek. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The tension was suffocating.

Finally, Damian exhaled sharply and turned away. "Fine. Have it your way."

Sienna let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. But just as she thought she had escaped the conversation, he spoke again.

"By the way, we’re flying to Boston next week for the investor’s showcase."

Her head snapped up. "We?"

Damian smirked. "As the lead designer, I expect you to be there."

Her stomach dropped. A work trip? Alone with Damian?

This was a disaster waiting to happen.

That evening, Sienna sat across from Olivia at a small café, stirring her tea absentmindedly.

"A work trip?" Olivia repeated, eyes wide. "With Damian?"

Sienna groaned, rubbing her temples. "Apparently, it’s mandatory. Investors want a full presentation, and he expects me to be there."

Olivia leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "This is bad."

"You think I don’t know that?" Sienna muttered. "But I can’t refuse. It would look suspicious. And I need this project to finish smoothly."

Olivia sighed. "And what about Julian?"

Sienna exhaled. "I’ll have to leave him with you for the weekend."

"You know I don’t mind," Olivia said quickly. "But, Sienna, you’re playing with fire. The more time you spend around Damian, the harder it’ll be to keep the secret."

Sienna knew she was right.

But what choice did she have?

"I’ll handle it," she promised.

Olivia didn’t look convinced.

---

Meanwhile, back in his penthouse, Damian sat at his desk, scrolling through a file his private investigator had just sent over.

A file on Sienna Blake.

There wasn’t much—just professional records, past projects, a clean background. But something nagged at him. A missing gap.

Five years ago, she had vanished from New York. No record of major projects, no traces of her career during that time.

Why?

Where had she gone?

And what had she been hiding?

His jaw tightened as he scrolled further. Then, something caught his eye.

A hospital record. A birth certificate.

Damian’s blood ran cold.

Mother: Sienna Blake.

Father: Unknown.

Damian’s grip on the mouse tightened, his heart pounding.

A child.

Sienna had a child.

And if the dates were right…

His stomach twisted.

Could it be?

Had she—

His breath came hard and fast, rage and something else—something deeper, something terrifying—swelling inside him.

Sienna had been hiding more than just secrets.

She had been hiding his son.