Ch. 751..760
Chapter 751
Those men tried to take advantage of Sienna, but Alex arrived just in time and killed them. Sienna buried her face in Daniel's chest. She was still trembling from the day's events.
Daniel gently carried Sienna to the police car. As they passed the site of the explosion, she couldn't help but notice the gruesome scene. Police officers and forensic experts were swarming the area. Once they were in the car, Daniel started driving her to the hospital.
Throughout the ride, Sienna's mind kept replaying what had happened. "Daniel, Alex didn't kill me. It didn't seem like he was targeting you, either. What is he really after?"
Daniel's expression turned grim. "He's after Clement."
"Clement?" Sienna gasped in shock. She thought for a moment, realizing that Clement must know too much. Alex couldn't risk him falling into police hands and had to silence him.
"Yes, if we hadn't brought Clement, they would've killed you. That's why we took him with us. They launched a missile at us.
"Our colleagues were lucky enough to take cover in time and only got injured. But Clement was trapped in the car and couldn't escape. He got blown up," Daniel explained. Sienna leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. She tried to calm herself but couldn't.
When they arrived at the hospital, Daniel carried Sienna into the emergency room. Although she didn't feel seriously injured, he was worried and insisted on a full-body checkup. The examination revealed that she had several external injuries and a head injury. The most serious injury was to her abdomen, where she had been kicked.
Due to the uncertainty of her condition, the doctor decided to admit her for overnight observation.
Shortly after Sienna was settled into her ward, Shelly and Felix arrived.
Shelly was frantic. She burst into tears when she saw Sienna and hugged her tightly.
"Mom, I'm okay. Don't worry," Sienna said, hugging Shelly and gently patting her back to comfort her.
Felix also tried to reassure her. "Mom, Sienna is fine. The doctor said it was just some external injuries. If everything is okay, she'll be discharged after a day of observation."
But Shelly couldn't control herself. She clung to Sienna, crying as if she had lost her forever. She couldn't stop or calm down.
Daniel stood nearby, his heart growing heavier with each passing moment. Regret and sorrow filled him, and he was unsure how to console Shelly.
Sienna had been abducted and hurt because of him. His pain and fear were just as intense as hers, but he felt he had no right to say anything since it was his fault.
Shelly cried for a long while. When she finally stopped, her eyes were red and puffy. Feeling devastated, she gently touched Sienna's hand and asked softly, "Sienna, are you hungry?"
"Yes," Sienna replied.
"I'll get you something to eat. What do you want?" Shelly asked while wiping away her tears.
"Anything is fine. I'm not picky," Sienna replied with a faint smile.
Shelly nodded and turned to Daniel. "Daniel, can you drive me?"
"Mrs. Lawson, you stay here with Sienna. I'll go get it," Daniel replied promptly.
Shelly walked slowly to the door and said as she passed him, "Let's go together."
Daniel patted Felix on the shoulder. "Take good care of Sienna. I'll be back soon." Felix agreed.
Daniel and Sienna shared a look. His eyes brimmed with affection.
Sienna smiled at him.
Daniel felt a sudden weight in his chest.
Shell had a bad feeling abouret
Shelly asking him to get some food with her. It seemed like there was more to it than just that simple task.
Chapter 752
Chapter 752
Daniel exited the ward and trailed behind Shelly as they headed downstairs and out of the hospital.
When they reached the car, walking side by side, Shelly suddenly stepped ahead of him and got onto her knees. Daniel was shocked. He hurriedly helped her to her feet and asked with concern, "Mrs. Lawson, what's wrong?"
Despite Daniel's efforts to help her up, Shelly remained on her knees. She cried inconsolably.
"Daniel, I'm kneeling to apologize to you. Please spare Sienna. I've already lost my husband. I can't bear to lose my daughter, too. How will I go on without her?"
Daniel felt a crushing weight in his chest. It was as if his heart had been struck with a heavy blow. Sorrow clouded his eyes, and tears reddened them.
"Mrs. Lawson, I'll do everything to fulfill your request, whatever it may be. Please, stand as you speak."
Shelly stood up and said, "Daniel! I want you to know that I do like you. But I can't ignore the fear that's been gnawing at me since you and Sienna started dating. Every day, I've been haunted by the thought of Sienna being in danger because of your job.
"And now, my worst nightmares have come true. Even though Sienna made it through this time, what about the next? Or the time after that?"
Daniel let go of her hand, feeling his heartache intensify until it seemed almost suffocating.
Shelly brushed away her tears, her voice catching in her throat as she spoke, "Sienna told me that death comes to people every day through accidents and illness.
"I understand these risks are unavoidable, but maybe not being with you could spare her from being targeted by criminals and facing a brutal end. Daniel, I'm begging you! Please end things with Sienna."
Shelly dissolved into tears once
more as she continued, "Sienna accused me of ruining her
happiness, so I relented and allowed you two to be together. But I'm terrified at the mere thought of
losing her.
"I'd rather bear the burden of being a wicked mother who ruined her happiness than seeing her life endangered."
Daniel parted his lips as he drew
deep breaths, his gaze drifting to the night sky. A sharp pain gripped his chest. Emotions tightened his throat as tears welled in his eyes.
He understood Shelly's concerns,
but the thought of ending things et
with Sienna was too much to bear. He couldn't bring himself to do it, nor did he want to.
Seeing Daniel's silence, Shelly knelt before him again. "Daniel, I'm begging you..."
Daniel was flustered and quickly helped Shelly to her feet. His voice was low and choked with emotion. "Mrs. Lawson, please stop kneeling."
"I'm begging you. Please spare Sienna," Shelly pleaded, her hands clinging to Daniel's arms. Her gaze was filled with sorrow and desperation.
"There're plenty of other women out there who are better than Sienna. Please spare her."
Daniel's heart twisted in pain, every fiber of his being throbbing with agony.
"Please stop crying, Mrs. Lawson. I promise you," he said. His words caused his soul to tremble with pain.
Shelly sobbed. "Can you go? And stay away from Sienna?"
Emotions clogged his throat, and Daniel struggled to find his voice. He hummed in response.
Chapter 753
Chapter 753
Chapter 753
Half an hour later, Sienna saw Shelly return to the ward, but Daniel was nowhere in sight. She felt a pang of disappointment.
Shelly comforted her, explaining, "Daniel just got called in for an urgent task, so he went to the police station."
Sienna managed a faint smile and let out a soft hum in response. She understood the demands of Daniel's job. Even so, the way he left without a word made her feel somewhat disheartened.
Shelly smiled warmly as she unpacked the food. "I got your favorite ravioli for you."
"Thanks, Mom," Sienna replied, sitting up and noticing Felix engrossed in a game on the couch.
Sometimes, Sienna couldn't help but envy Felix. How could he remain so carefree and untouched by the weight of responsibility or pressure?
Even on the most challenging days, he seemed to float through life without a worry in the world.
Approaching Sienna with the ravioli, Shelly said softly, "Let me feed you."
"It's okay," Sienna replied, mustering a helpless smile as she took the take-out box from her mother. "Mom, I'm not seriously injured. I can manage on my own."
With a resigned sigh, Shelly settled into the chair across from Sienna. She gazed at her daughter with a troubled, somber expression.
Later that night, Shelly went home, leaving Felix to keep Sienna company. Felix had been lying on the couch, engrossed in his games for hours.
When Sienna woke up in the middle of the night, she noticed he was still at it. She glanced at her phone and found no new notifications. Later, she drifted back to sleep.
The following morning, sunlight streamed through the dense foliage outside. It cast vibrant, dappled shadows into the ward.
After the doctor examined Sienna and determined her injuries weren't as serious, she was discharged. However, Daniel still hadn't shown up.
Sienna stared at the last messages on her phone, a heaviness settling in her heart.
Daniel: "Sisi, I've been swamped lately. Take care of yourself."
Daniel: "Your work matters. I'll manage. Don't worry."
There were no further exchanges since then.
After returning home to recover for a few days, Sienna watched as the bruises on her body slowly faded. She felt a bit stronger with each passing day.
However, Daniel remained engulfed in his work, not bothering to call, message, or visit her.
...
On a spring morning, a chill hung in the air as rain drizzled down. The sky was clear, and the air was crisp. The streets were glistened with moisture, and even the gentle breeze carried a hint of dampness.
Sienna hopped on her electric scooter and zipped from her place to Daniel's. He was all she could think about.
Since he hadn't visited her, she took matters into her own hands.
Even a short glimpse of him would make her day.
Half an hour later, Sienna pulled up to Daniel's house. The yard was bursting with flourishing flowers and plants. It was a truly stunning sight.
She parked her scooter and made her way to the entrance. Despite ringing the doorbell multiple times, there was no answer. So, she punched in the code and let herself in.
Inside, the living room was impeccably tidy as usual. Sienna settled onto the couch, waiting for Daniel's return. Every minute that went by felt like it dragged on forever.
Restlessly, she glanced at her phone occasionally and turned on the TV. Gradually, she fell asleep.
At noon, Daniel returned home from the police station to retrieve some important documents.
When he entered the yard, he noticed Sienna's electric scooter. A surge of excitement intertwined with heartache flooded through him.
Eager to see Sienna, he hastened his steps toward the house. Daniel gently set his keys and moved slowly toward the living room.
Chapter 754
Chapter 754
Chapter 754
Sienna's presence transformed the living room into a warm, vibrant space. Daniel's recent somber mood dissipated instantly and was replaced by a rush of emotion.
With measured steps, he approached Sienna and sank to one knee before her. His reddened eyes bore into her with an intense desire. He couldn't hide his longing and affection.
Sienna lay curled on her side. Her soft, silky hair cascaded over her delicate features. Her enchanting appearance ignited an overwhelming urge in Daniel to caress her and, most of all, to kiss her.
He delicately brushed Sienna's stray hairs aside and tucked them behind her ear. His face inched closer to hers, eager to feel her lips against his.
His eyes narrowed, his breath quickening, and his heart pounding faster with each passing moment. Yet, just as he was on the brink of kissing Sienna, he abruptly stopped.
Clenching his fist tightly, Daniel fought against the overwhelming desire and resisted the temptation to kiss her.
His heart shattered into pieces. The pain was so severe that each breath felt like sharp blades piercing him. He fought to manage his feelings with all his might and gradually distanced himself from Sienna.
Daniel got up and headed toward the room. He picked up some documents inside.
The sound of the door closing stirred Sienna from her sleep on the couch. Rubbing her tired eyes, she sat up. When she spotted Daniel, she stood up nervously and asked softly, "Daniel, you're back?"
Daniel flashed her a warm smile, though his tone sounded somewhat distant. "Yeah, I just popped in to grab some documents. What brings you here?"
"I..." Sienna nervously tugged at her clothes. She felt a flutter of excitement, her sincerity shining through with a hint of shyness. "I... We haven't seen each other in days. I missed you, so I came to see you."
Daniel's eyes glistened with emotion. He lowered his head, taking a moment to compose himself before clearing his throat and meeting her gaze again.
"Sisi, I apologize for being so busy lately. I haven't had the chance to come see you."
"It's okay," Sienna quickly reassured him. "You focus on your work. I just wanted to see you. I won't distract you."
"Alright, suit yourself. I'm off to the police station," Daniel replied. He walked past her with the documents in hand.
"Okay," Sienna responded meekly as she watched him leave.
Daniel didn't exchange any additional pleasantries, nor did he ask if she had eaten lunch.
Sienna's nose stung, and a heavy weight settled in her chest. An inexplicable sense of disappointment washed over her.
Why was Daniel acting differently? Was he just too busy?
She couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed in him.
Daniel seemed distant and uninterested in her. There were no more hugs, no signs of affection, not even a kiss. He didn't even seem interested in chatting with her before heading out.
Feeling drained and exhausted, Sienna slumped onto the couch with a heavy sigh. Knowing the demands of Daniel's job, she tried to understand and empathize with him.
For lunch, she settled for a simple salad. She spent the day working at Daniel's house from noon until evening, then took the initiative to cook dinner for him.
She sent Daniel a message. "Daniel, do you want to come home and have dinner? I've cooked something for you."
However, he never responded.
Sienna sat alone at the dining table, waiting patiently from evening until night. The living room lights stayed on as darkness descended outside.
She remained seated at the dining table, folding her hands under her chin as she turned toward the door. She patiently awaited Daniel's return.
The food she had prepared grew cold on the table. Her stomach rumbled with hunger.
Chapter 755
Chapter 755
Sienna felt a heavy sadness in her heart, making her feel a bit suffocated. Seeing that it was already 10:30 pm, she didn't want to worry Shelly, so she reluctantly gathered her things and left. Before heading home, she sent a message to Daniel.
"Daniel, I made dinner for you, but you didn't come back to eat it. If you're hungry when you get home tonight, just heat it and have it as a late-night snack. I'm heading home now. Let's meet when you're free." Sienna rode her electric scooter home. When she got back, Daniel still hadn't replied to her.
She felt a bit hurt. But she consoled herself by reminding herself to understand he was just busy with his work.
Two weeks flew by. Daniel hadn't reached out to Sienna, nor had he come to see her.
She often sent him messages, and although he occasionally replied, it was usually just to say he was busy before ending the conversation.
Sienna also tried calling him, but he always cut the calls short, claiming he was swamped with work. She couldn't figure out what she had done wrong. It felt like Daniel didn't love her as much as he used to. Every day, she muddled through, swinging between hope and despair, weighed down by her overthinking.
On the 20th day, Daniel finally called her.
When Sienna saw his phone lit up with his name, her heart jumped with joy. She answered excitedly and spoke in a soft voice, "Daniel, you finally called. Are you done with work?"
Daniel's voice sounded bitter as he replied, "I'm done. Sisi, I'm sorry. These past weeks, I—"
Sienna's smile faded, and she quickly interrupted, "It's okay. I know you're busy with work. I wasn't blaming you. I just really missed you."
"Sisi, let's meet," Daniel said.
"Sure, when and where?"
"Come to my place. Just let me know before you arrive."
"Can it be today?" Sienna couldn't wait to see him.
"Yes."
"I'll come over now."
"Okay."
"See you soon." Sienna quickly hung
up and ran to her room excitedly e
She searched her wardrobe forza pretty dress, her face shining with happiness.
She wore a beautiful dress and rode her electric scooter to Daniel's house.
After her abduction incident, Sienna
still felt anxious when riding her
careful when passing parked cars on the side of the road.
electric scooter. She was na
It was a sunny day without a cloud in sight. Sienna headed out happily to meet Daniel.
Daniel stood waiting for her at his front door.
After Sienna parked her electric scooter, she removed her helmet locked up her scooter, and rushed over to Daniel. Her arms were open for a hug, and she had a big smile on her face.
As Sienna was about to reach Daniel, he turned away without much interest and headed inside after pushing the door open. Sienna's steps faltered, and she stood rooted to the spot. Her heart sank, feeling a deep sense of emptiness and loss.
"Come in." Daniel's voice came from the living room.
Sienna lowered her hands, let out a deep sigh, and entered.
Daniel was sitting on the couch while waiting for her.
A wave of sadness washed over her as she settled onto the couch across from him.
"Sienna, this is for you," Daniel said, sliding a file folder across the coffee table to her.
Chapter 756
Chapter 756
Daniel no longer asked about Sienna's well-being, showed any concern, or affectionately called her Sisi. He had become noticeably indifferent toward her over the past 20 days.
"What?" Sienna reached for the documents and flipped through them. She found a property transfer agreement. Continuing to flip through the papers, she stumbled upon a check for 20 million dollars. Confused, she asked, "Daniel, what are these for?"
Daniel stayed composed, his demeanor as calm as water. "They're for you."
"Why are you giving me money and a house?" Sienna's mind refused to entertain the possibilities. She trembled as she set the documents down on the table with care.
Daniel reclined on the couch with his eyes fixed on Sienna, a depth of emotion within them. He couldn't bear to continue speaking.
Though unsure if Sienna would feel heartbroken, he couldn't ignore the heavy burden of his heartache, which made finding the right words incredibly challenging.
After a moment of silence, Daniel doubled over in pain, his hands shielding his face as he let out a deep sigh. After composing himself, he uttered, "Sienna, I'm returning to Phoenicia."
Sienna's heart throbbed, but she hid her feelings. Her fingers tightened on her clothes as she softly replied, "My job is pretty flexible. Wherever I am, I can manage as long as I have a computer. I'll come with you to Phoenicia-"
Before she could finish, Daniel cut in, "Sienna, let's break up."
Sienna's chest tightened, a sharp ache piercing through her. Her entire body went numb, tears pooling in her eyes. Yet, she fought to maintain a rigid smile and feigned composure.
"Why are you bringing that up out of nowhere? You said you loved me, didn't you? You talked about marrying me."
"I'm sorry, Sienna." Daniel's eyes reddened, his voice heavy with regret and resignation.
His apology felt like a blow to Sienna's heart. She trembled with agony as tears continued to well up beyond her control.
She tightened her fists, trying to appear strong as she forced a smile. Tears streamed down her pale cheeks.
Sienna struggled to keep her voice steady as she spoke, "I already knew I wasn't good enough for you. I won't cling on to you, but can you tell me why you want to end things?" Daniel closed his eyes, anguish enveloping him. He controlled his emotions and spoke calmly, "The initial excitement faded, and I no longer feel the same.
"I've lost the urge to commit to you. I would return to Phoenicia and marry someone from a more suitable background."
Sienna lowered her head and discreetly brushed her tears away. "I understand."
Eventually, she realized she had aimed too high and was too naive with her outlook.
Sienna worried her emotions would overwhelm her if she lingered any longer. She swiftly grabbed her backpack and rose to her feet.
"I won't take your house or your
money. Throughout our time together, you've supported my family tremendously. I've been grateful and content. Thank you. I'll gather those valuable gifts you've given me and return them to you."
Daniel looked at Sienna sorrowfully, his heart weighed down with emotion. "Sienna, please accept them. I'm offering you the money and the house to compensate for the end of our relationship."
"If anyone owes compensation, it's me to you. I'll repay you over time for the money you lent Felix for his hospital bills."
Daniel rose from his seat and moved quickly toward her. "Sienna..."
Sienna took a few steps back. Her heart was in turmoil, and her voice trembled as she said, "Daniel, if this is what you truly want, I'll respect
your
decision. Can we at least part ways amicably?
"Even though I'm struggling
financially, I'm not driven by money or greed. won't take what isn't rightfully mine. Please, let's not
reduce our past to a matter of net
money. Allow me to hold onto some good memories we shared.
Chapter 757
Chapter 757
"Sienna, please don't feel that way. I've never seen you as greedy or vain. Keeping this money is also a way to ensure your future," Daniel reassured her.
Sienna managed a small smile through her tears and shook her head. Her eyes held a softness and affection as she looked at him. She felt reluctant to say goodbye.
Yet, Sienna wouldn't hold it against Daniel regardless of his reasons for ending their relationship. She believed that spending those few months with him had been worth it. "Daniel, I hope you find happiness." Sienna managed a strained smile. "Let's not see each other again."
After saying that, Sienna couldn't hold back anymore. Her heartache was so intense it felt like it was going to cripple her.
She quickly turned away. Tears streamed down her cheeks like a dam breaking as she walked off.
As Daniel watched Sienna walk away, his fists clenched so tightly they trembled. He struggled to contain the overwhelming urge and sadness welling up inside him. His eyes were red and teary, and his throat felt tight and sore. Watching Sienna step out the door filled him with unbearable heartache.
"Sisi..." Daniel dashed out, his voice hoarse and tearful. "Sisi..."
After rushing out the door, he saw Sienna riding away on her electric scooter.
"Sienna!" Daniel yelled as he ran. He was desperate to catch up to her. He didn't want their relationship to end and couldn't imagine life without Sienna.
All he could think about was her, and he deeply regretted breaking up. He was willing to quit his job to keep her.
When Sienna stopped and turned to look at Daniel, he halted, too. He tried to catch his breath. His eyes were filled with sorrow and tears as he gazed at her. They stood a few feet apart.
Sienna's eyes glistened with tears as she smiled gently at him. It was reminiscent of the first time they met.
Her voice was cheerful and pleasant as she spoke, "Daniel, I'm grateful to have you as my ex-boyfriend. Thank you for bringing happiness into my life as my first love. "Daniel, I'm proud of you and your career. I'm proud to have had you as my first love."
With a radiant smile, Sienna waved goodbye and rode off on her electric scooter without lingering.
Daniel was overwhelmed by pain,
and he couldn't speak. He closed his eyes, tilted his face toward the sky,
and Covered it with his hands He tried to restrain his tears.
Sienna rode her electric scooter home, facing the wind. She woreza blank expression, and tears clouded her vision. Her cheeks were wet from crying, yet tears continued to
flow uncontrollably.
Tears streamed down her pale cheeks and dripped from her chin. Her heartache was so overwhelming that it caused her hands to shake.
After riding for about ten minutes,
Sienna fett she couldn't keep going,
so she pulled over. Weakly, she got
off the electric scooter and crouched by the flowerbed at the
side of the road.
Burying her face in her knees, she began to cry bitterly. She cried until her whole body shook uncontrollably.
It caught the attention of passersby, who glanced at her with curiosity. Some kind-hearted people approached her, asking what was wrong and what had happened.
Sienna didn't want to trouble others, so she stood up while sobbing. She wiped away her tears, then got back on the electric scooter and drove away, crying as she went.
Chapter 758
Chapter 758
Sienna experienced heartbreak twice with her first love. She was surprised by how much it hurt.
Every night, when the quiet settled in, thoughts of Daniel would overwhelm her. And she'd find herself crying until she fell asleep.
A few days later, Sienna gathered all the gifts Daniel had given her and arranged for them to be sent back to him through a courier service. However, they were returned to her.
It turned out that the address was no longer occupied. That was when Sienna realized that their relationship had finally ended.
She tucked away the gifts Daniel had given her and buried the memories of their relationship deep within her heart. Only she understood the depth of her love for Daniel.
Sienna harbored no resentment toward him. Instead, her heart overflowed with wishes for his happiness, peace, and joy.
"What's happening between you and Captain Morrison, Sienna? I heard he got transferred. What's going on?" Felix asked. Looking detached and uninterested, Sienna replied casually, "We broke up."
"Why did you break up again? What happened?"
Sienna stayed silent.
"He's such a catch, but you couldn't keep him interested. You're hopeless," Felix grumbled.
Sienna went to the balcony to hang clothes. Her mind was elsewhere, and she barely registered Felix's words.
"Looks like your hopes of marrying into wealth just got dashed. I'm out of words now," Felix added.
Sienna's heart clenched with pain. She'd always kept herself occupied to avoid dwelling on Daniel and shedding tears over him.
Just then, the sound of sobbing came from the room. Puzzled, Felix asked, "Sienna, are you crying?"
Sienna scowled at him. "Do I look like I'm crying?"
Felix abruptly stood up from the couch. His ears pricked up at the sound. After locating its source, he pointed at Shelly's room. "I think I hear Mom crying." Sienna hastily abandoned the clothes in her hand and followed Felix to Shelly's door. Placing their ears against it, they confirmed the sound of sobbing coming from within. Without knocking, Felix turned the doorknob and entered.
"Mom," Sienna and Felix called out together.
They found Shelly seated by the window, her shoulders trembling with sobs.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Sienna asked.
She hurried over and placed her hands on Shelly's shoulders. As Sienna leaned in closer, she noticed tear stains on Shelly's face and how sad and exhausted she looked. Felix felt his anxiety growing. He asked, "What's wrong?"
Shelly continued to cry, her sorrow and heartbreak apparent in every tear.
Sienna and Felix were gripped by
fear. While they were aware of Shelly's tendency to be
melodramatic and shed tears over minor issues, this was the first time
they had witnessed her in such
distress.
Acting on instinct, they wasted no time and rushed Shelly to the hospital.
After undergoing a checkup, Shelly received a diagnosis of severe depression. The news left Sienna and Felix overwhelmed with feelings of shame and regret.
"Your mother started having trouble
sleeping and feeling moody about a year ago. She came here because she was feeling down, and the
doctors diagnosed her with mild ne
depression. But she didn't take it seriously or stick to the treatment," the doctor explained.
Felix felt deeply sorry. "I had no idea anything was wrong with my mom."
"It's often hard to spot the signs of depression. It's common not to notice," the doctor said.
Sienna grasped Shelly's hand, tears clouding her vision as she questioned, "Mom, why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you get help?"
"I haven't been myself since your
father passed away. I thought it was
just grief and that I'd eventually
bounce back. I didn't want to spend money on treatment," Shelly@eplied calmly.
"You have to treat this illness and take the medication. We can't afford to take any risks," Sienna stated firmly.
"Sienna's right. Treatment is a must," Felix chimed in.
Chapter 759
Chapter 759
"I'm okay, really," Shelly snapped. The idea of spending so much money on medical care stressed her out.
She insisted, "I'll be okay. I'll slowly start feeling better, and I won't cry anymore. Just ask the doctor to prescribe some sleeping pills for me."
Sienna held Shelly's hand and said, "Mom, you're already suffering from severe depression. Why are you only telling us now?"
Shelly lowered her head and remained silent.
Ever since her husband died, she had been feeling down. She often struggled to sleep and had vivid dreams. Worry consumed her; she was afraid of losing her children and saw no hope for the future. "Does my mother need to be hospitalized, doctor?" Sienna asked.
Shelly tensed up, feeling the weight of the expenses. "I don't want to be hospitalized. Just give me some medication. I can take pills, but I won't stay in the hospital."
The doctor, feeling helpless, could only prescribe medication for Shelly's severe depression.
On the way back, Felix received a phone call. He exclaimed excitedly, "Mom, Sienna, a girl invited me to watch a movie. You two go back first. You don't have to cook for me tonight."
"Go ahead. Go on," Shelly responded, sharing his excitement.
Felix waved and left.
How could Felix still be in the mood to go on a date when Shelly was in such a state?
Sienna was furious. She shouted, "Felix, stop right there!"
Shelly quickly grabbed Sienna's hand. "Stop it. How will Felix find a wife if he doesn't go on dates?"
"Mom!" Sienna's anger was so intense that she began to shake. She clenched her fists, watching Felix, who showed no sense of responsibility, vanish before her eyes. "You just keep spoiling him. He'll be ruined by your indulgence sooner or later."
"He'll be fine."
"You're unwell, and he doesn't even stay home to keep you company. Instead, he goes to the movies with his girlfriend. Is that reasonable?"
"I really am fine," Shelly replied impatiently.
Sienna felt completely exhausted. She drove Shelly home from the hospital.
Two months after their separation, Sienna began to adapt to life without Daniel. She moved from nightly tears to slowly forgetting.
However, sometimes, when Daniel crossed her mind, she still felt deep sadness and was lost in melancholy.
Her daily routine stayed the same-writing, publishing books, caring for Shelly at home, ensuring she took her medication and frequently visiting the corner store for errands. Shelly no longer pushed her into blind dates like before.
As late spring transitioned into summer, the temperature soared. The sun blazed down, baking the earth like an oven.
Sienna traveled between home and the corner store with her electric scooter daily. Sometimes, she ventured to the market to pick up groceries and prepare meals.
In her usual peaceful routine, an unforeseen event began to take shape.
When she got a call from the police and hurried to the station, she found Felix in handcuffs, looking scared and nervous.
Sienna's heart raced with worry. From the police, she discovered that Felix had stabbed a man with a knife.
Tears streamed down her face as she demanded answers from Felix. Why would he commit such a violent act? What had triggered this sudden eruption of violence?
Overcame with remorse, Felix
sobbed uncontrollably. "She
betrayed me. I caught her with
another man in a hotel room..
Sienna, please help me. I can't bear the thought of going to jail"
Sienna wasn't omnipotent. She couldn't save Felix. After learning what had happened, she left the police station with a heavy heart.
Felix, who had achieved nothing in life, had stabbed someone over a bitch. Sienna was furious at his foolishness, yet she pitied him for being in jail.
She went to the hospital with gifts to
apologize to the injured man's
family, promising compensation and hoping for their forgiveness. The
family was very emotional and
directed their anger at Sienna.
Despite multiple visits where she endured insults and mistreatment, she was unable to obtain their forgiveness.
The case went to trial two months
later. Felix was sentenced to four years and seven months for
intentional injury and was fined over 250 thousand dollars for medical expenses and emotional distress damages.
Chapter 760
Chapter 760
Chapter 760
Sienna used up all her savings, and Shelly did the same. Shelly went even further by selling their corner store and borrowing money from relatives.
Together, they gathered 250 thousand dollars to pay off the injured man.
After that, their house turned bleak and lonely; a heavy sadness hung in the air. Shelly's illness got worse, and she stopped caring about anything.
Busy from looking after Shelly and working to make ends meet, Sienna felt exhausted and drained. As time passed, she found herself unable to spare any time or energy for thoughts of Daniel.
Meanwhile, Shelly was engulfed by severe depression. Her appetite vanished, sleep eluded her, and tears flowed daily as she lay in bed, devoid of motivation.
She withdrew from the outside world, finding solace only in the memories captured in photos of her husband and son. She often spent hours huddled in a corner, weeping.
Sienna dutifully sent a few hundred dollars to the prison monthly to ensure Felix had better meals. On visitation days, she accompanied Shelly to see him.
Felix had shed weight and seemed worn down. Every encounter with him reduced Shelly to tears.
Sienna found herself making more and more trips to the hospital as Shelly's health continued to deteriorate. But one night, everything came to a sudden stop.
Unable to sleep, Shelly rushed to the rooftop of their seven-story building and jumped at 5:30 am. That night, she took her own life and reunited with Sienna's father.
The night was filled with the wails of police and ambulance sirens, blending with the noises of a growing crowd. It was all overwhelming Sienna's senses.
She stood nearby, feeling as if her soul had abandoned her body as she watched Shelly lay beneath a white sheet. The sight of blood staining the ground sent shivers down her spine.
Tears flowed down her cheeks, her legs giving way, and her entire body trembling. She struggled to grasp the weight of the tragedy, her mind reeling in shock.
Yet, Sienna was determined not to crumble. She handled the aftermath of Shelly's death with composure.
Adhering to local customs, she received relatives and friends who came to offer condolences, coordinating a funeral for Shelly.
This marked the second funeral she had arranged. The first had been for her father, merely three years earlier. Now, she faced the task of organizing her mother's funeral.
The police showed compassion by granting Felix a day's release to honor Shelly.
At her graveside, Felix's cries of anguish pierced the air, his sobs wrenching at his soul as he desperately called out to Shelly.
In his frustration, he struck himself and cried out in heartbreak. And yet, he couldn't bring Shelly back from her eternal slumber.
Relatives praised Sienna for her remarkable composure in handling all the arrangements, from the funeral proceedings to managing household matters single-handedly.
Following the funeral, Felix returned to prison.
Sienna carefully packed the important items Shelly had left behind, stashing them in the closet before tidying up her mother's room. By the time she finished, she felt completely drained.
Once she'd showered, Sienna retreated to Shelly's room. She nestled onto the bed where her mother had once slept, curling up and closing her eyes in search of rest.
The room was enveloped in darkness and silence. A heavy atmosphere of loneliness hung in the air.
Alone in the empty house, Sienna's fatigue weighed heavily on her, and she yearned for a restful night's sleep. Yet, tears welled up uncontrollably whenever she closed her eyes.
Struggling to contain her emotions, she clenched her fist and bit down hard on it. The suffocating ache made her shoulders convulse with violent tremors.
Tears trickled down her face, soaking the pillow beneath her as her sobs wracked her body. As the night dragged on, Sienna's sobs grew louder and more mournful.
She cried until she was gasping for air. Eventually, she passed out from the overwhelming flood of emotions and found solace in sleep.
In the following days, Sienna meticulously cleaned every inch of the house until it gleamed and packed all the items into cardboard boxes. She draped some white cloths over the larger pieces of furniture.
After everything was in order, she packed her belongings. With only a phone, a laptop, and a suitcase in tow, she bought a train ticket and left the town without a second glance.