Ch. 761..770

Chapter 761

Sienna set out on an adventure. She followed the train routes, stopping at every destination along the way.

During her journey, she penned books while immersing herself in the beauty of summer seas, autumnal grasslands, and snow-covered mountains in winter.

She camped by the roadside, walking alongside herds of cattle and sheep. She also savored the tartness of wild fruits and quenched her thirst with fresh, sweet water from streams.

Sienna traversed more than a dozen cities, meeting a diverse array of people, each with their own compelling lives and stories.

Despite their differences, they all shared a deep passion for life and hopeful dreams for the future.

Through these encounters, Sienna gradually overcame her sense of aimlessness. She embraced the opportunity to find stability, release past grievances, and fully appreciate the present moment.

...

Time flew by, and a year passed swiftly. Spring arrived once again. Sienna had reached Phoenicia for her next destination and had two main reasons for coming there.

Firstly, she had a book signing event in a month, where she would meet her readers face-to-face and sign books.

Secondly, Mila and Nathan were getting married in Phoenicia. They had invited Sienna to attend the wedding.

Just as Sienna settled into her hotel, she received a message from Mila. "Sienna, would you be my bridesmaid?"

Sienna hesitated for a moment before texting back. "Wanda, I've had bad luck lately, and I feel like I'm not in the right place to be your bridesmaid. I don't think I'm the best choice. You should consider asking someone else."

Mila: "Since when did you start doubting yourself so much and being superstitious?"

Sienna: "I just don't think I fit the role."

Mila: "Have you arrived in Phoenicia? When are you free? Let's meet up and discuss this in person."

Sienna: "Tomorrow morning works for me. Where should we meet?"

Mila: "Let's meet at Morrison Residence. Come help me pick out my wedding dress and gown for the big day."

Sienna gripped her phone. Daniel's face popped into her thoughts once more. Conflicted, she couldn't give Mila a clear response for quite some time.

Another message from Mila came through. "I'll arrange for the driver to pick you up tomorrow morning. Just send me your hotel's location."

After a moment of thought, Sienna finally shared her location. She set her phone aside and headed to the balcony. The sun enveloped her in its warmth.

Tilting her head upward, she shielded her eyes from the brilliant rays. She gazed peacefully at the azure sky above. The clear skies of Phoenicia brought her a sense of calm.

...

The next morning, at 9:00 am, Sienna got into the car Mila had arranged to take her to Morrison Residence.

On the way, Sienna felt an inexplicable sense of nervousness and heaviness in her chest. She quietly prayed she wouldn't run into Daniel, fearing the awkwardness it would bring.

The car stopped in front of Morrison Residence. Sienna got out and saw a stunning garden filled with white zinnias and tulips. It looked like a beautiful sea of flowers.

She smiled softly and felt a twinge of envy. These were Mila's two favorite flowers, and Nathan had clearly put a lot of effort into the garden.

As Sienna looked around at the familiar garden, her eyes wandered toward the nearby maple forest. A spring breeze blew, giving her an unexpected chill and making her feel oddly sad.

She sighed softly and began climbing the few steps leading to the entrance.

Just then, a familiar male voice drifted from inside. "I'm swamped today. It's not my day off. If you're not going to say anything, I'm heading out."

"Daniel, please, just wait."

Two figures emerged from the house, one trailing the other. Sienna's steps faltered as she caught sight of them. Daniel and Mila also halted when they saw her.

When Sienna's and Daniel's eyes met, it seemed as if time itself froze.

Chapter 762

Chapter 762

Bumping into Daniel unexpectedly caught Sienna off guard. Her heart started racing, feeling nervous and a bit overwhelmed. She smiled warmly and nodded hello as she met Daniel's intense gaze. Daniel froze, his hands automatically tightening into fists. Seeing Sienna after a year made his heart race uncontrollably.

She still looked as charming and vibrant as ever. However, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes, suggesting a newfound maturity. It was like she was the same, yet somehow different. Her smile was calm and serene, with a hint of detachment.

"Sienna," Mila called out with delight. She hurried over and hugged Sienna warmly.

Sienna returned the hug. "Wanda, it's been ages."

"It really has." Mila stepped back and eyed Sienna up and down. "You've gotten lovelier."

Sienna shyly lowered her head with a smile and remained silent.

Daniel approached Sienna cautiously, his voice gentle as he greeted her, "Sienna, it's been a while."

Sienna didn't meet his gaze. She hung her head and responded, "Yes, it has."

There was a sense of distance between them, tinged with a hint of awkwardness.

Daniel let out a quiet sigh, hesitating to take another step. It suddenly dawned on him why Mila had insisted he take the day off instead of going to work.

Mila glanced at Daniel discreetly, a knowing smile spread across her face. Taking Sienna's hand, she led the way toward the house.

"Come on in, Sienna. It's been almost two years. There's so much I want to catch up on," she said.

Sienna followed Mila inside while Daniel remained at the door with his hands on his hips. He gazed up at the sky, seemingly rooted to the spot.

He turned to look at the house, torn between the desire to enter and the reluctance holding him back. Just as he managed to take a few steps forward, the image of Shelly begging him flashed through his mind.

He felt a sharp pain in his heart as he remembered. Clenching his fists, he looked away again. He'd been going through this for a year already, so holding on a bit longer wouldn't change much. Deep down, Daniel knew Sienna would eventually leave. He entered his car and sped off.

The moment Sienna stepped into the living room, she noticed a crowd of people. Everyone lit up with joy at her arrival.

"Sienna?" Florence rose from her

seat and eagerly made her way over. She took Sienna's hands and was beaming with happiness. "Is it truly you, Sienna?"

"Hello, Madam Florence," Sienna greeted politely.

"It's been almost two years since we last saw each other, hasn't it?"

"Not quite two years."

"It feels like forever. I've missed you so much. Why haven't you come to visit us?"

Florence felt a special fondness for Sienna. With Sienna's help, Daniet was able to get through his tough time. She guided Sienna to the couch, where Sienna greeted the others politely.

"Sienna, where do you work?" Gary asked.

With an awkward smile, Sienna replied, "I have a job where I can work from anywhere. I just take it with me wherever I go."

"Gary, Sienna's a writer. She writes books," Mila chimed in.

"Ah, got it." Gary smiled. "That sounds quite flexible."

Sienna nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty flexible."

Mila held Sienna's hand and asked, "Where are you staying now?"

"At a hotel."

"My wedding is in a few days. It's inconvenient for you to stay in a hotel. Why not stay at our place? We have plenty of guest rooms."

Mila had worked hard to set up

Daniel and Sienna. She was usually busy with work and didn't have much time for matchmaking, but this wedding vacation was a great chance.

Chapter 763

Chapter 763

Sienna quickly shook her head. "I-"

Before she could finish, Florence interrupted, "Yeah, that's right, stay with us. It's convenient, free, and safe. It's too dangerous for a young woman to stay in a hotel alone!"

"Thank you, Madam Florence, but I'll be fine at the hotel," Sienna replied. She felt a bit panicked inside.

It had been a year since she had last seen Daniel. She didn't even know if he was married now. Maybe no one here knew she used to be his girlfriend. Staying here would be so awkward.

"Sienna, please stay here," Mila pleaded, hugging Sienna's arm. "I'm busy planning the wedding, and there's so much to do. If you're here, you can give me some suggestions, and I won't feel overwhelmed."

"Wanda, I've never been married, so I don't know much about these things." Sienna felt lost and anxious as she tried to decline their kindness. Their enthusiasm overwhelmed her.

Florence stood up and called to the maid behind her, "Prepare a room for Ms. Lawson."

"Yes, madam," the maid replied and headed upstairs.

Visibly panicked, Sienna quickly stood up. "It's truly fine. I'll stay at the hotel-"

"Stay at the hotel? Absolutely not! You'll stay with us," Mila insisted, taking Sienna by the hand and leading her upstairs. "Come on. Let me show you my wedding dress and gown." Feeling completely helpless, Sienna turned to Florence and Gary and nodded at them. "Madam Florence, Mr. Morrison, I'll go upstairs with Wanda."

"Go ahead," Florence replied with a big smile.

Mila led Sienna into a room and pulled a wedding dress and an evening gown from the walk-in closet. The stunning wedding dress caught Sienna's eye, leaving her in awe.

"It's so beautiful," Sienna exclaimed.

It was so exquisite and dazzling that she didn't dare touch it, afraid she might damage something she couldn't afford to replace.

Mila beamed with happiness, her face full of joy. "Nate had it custom-made for me."

"General Morrison is really good to you," Sienna remarked.

Mila placed the wedding dress and gown on the bed. Then, she walked over to Sienna and gently linked arms with her.

Leaning in, she whispered into Sienna's ear, "Sienna, are you not interested in Daniel at all?"

Sienna's expression darkened, and her mood grew somber. She recalled the words Daniel had once said to her.

"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." Even after a year, those words still pierced her heart with pain whenever she thought of them. But she never resented Daniel.

After all, she knew she wasn't a suitable match for him. She was aware of her place and thought ending a relationship when love had faded was far better than cheating or having an affair.

Mila gently shook Sienna, who seemed lost in thought. "What are you thinking about?" Sienna snapped back to reality and managed a strained smile. "Nothing. Where's your son?"

"Jasper is in class."

Sienna was surprised. "What? He's only a little over a year old and already in class?"

"It's an early education class."

Sienna couldn't help but be amazed at how differently the wealthy lived. They had such a strong focus on education from such a young age.

Mila showed various sets of jewelry Nathan had specially custom-ordered for her. As the wedding drew nearer, Mila's joy was contagious. Sienna couldn't help but share in her excitement.

They caught up on each other's

lives. Later, Mila requested Sienna's

hotel room key and promptly arranged for a driver to check out of her room and bring her luggage over She insisted Sienna stay at Morrison Residence instead.

Sienna was swept up in Mila's overwhelming kindness and reluctantly accepted her offer. She thought that since Daniel resided in Maple Abode and seldom visited the main house, their paths were unlikely to cross often, especially considering his hectic schedule.

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Chapter 764

Sienna found solace in the thought.

The Morrisons gathered in the dining room in the evening for dinner, except for Daniel. Despite Nathan's busy schedule, he made it home to join Mila and the rest of the family for dinner. Sienna couldn't shake the feeling that Daniel was avoiding her. Their relationship was awkward, after all.

The Morrisons were a big family, and Daniel had a lot of brothers. Almost all of them were married and had one or two children, unlike Daniel, who was still single.

Duke had divorced a year ago and had recently tied the knot again. This time, it was with a woman named Daphne McKinley, who was already expecting a child.

Amidst the bustling household of the large family, the atmosphere was genuinely lively. Sienna hadn't experienced the warmth of family or enjoyed home-cooked meals in quite some time. Every member of the family treated her with kindness and hospitality. The children were particularly fond of her and affectionately called her "Sisi". They were eager to spend time playing with her. After dinner, the Morrisons gathered in the living room to chat and snack on fruits.

Mila leaned back against Nathan, who held her close with one arm while he scrolled through work documents on his phone. They spoke quietly, diving into work discussions filled with jargon only they understood.

Taylor and Tobias discussed recent business deals, while Wendy and Cheryl chatted with Daphne about pregnancy and childbirth experiences. Duke listened attentively nearby.

Meanwhile, Gary and Florence enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. The harmonious family atmosphere stirred envy in Sienna.

Thoughts of her situation brought a pang of bitterness. It had been a while since she last saw Felix, and suddenly, she missed him. She lowered her head slowly, feeling her chest constricting. "It's getting late. Why hasn't Daniel returned yet?" Florence's voice carried an edge of anxiety as she peered toward the doorway.

Startled, Sienna looked up at Florence.

Daniel lived there?

"Isn't he staying at Maple Abode?" Sienna asked anxiously.

With a smile, Florence said, "He moved back in since his eyesight recovered."

Sienna's heart suddenly raced. She clutched her pants, regretting her decision to stay.

Just then, Jasper hurried over to

Sienna. His cute face was brimming

with innocence as he blinked hi big, cleareyes and held out a lollipop to her

"Sisi, lollipop."

Sienna shook her head with a smile, speaking softly, "Thanks, Jay. I'm not in the mood for candy."

"I have lots," Jasper said, pushing the lollipop into Sienna's hand. "For Sisi."

Sienna's smile remained gentle. "Thanks, Jay. But I'm really not up for it right now."

Jasper popped the lollipop into his mouth and relished its taste.

Suddenly, a noise came from the door.

Taking small quick steps, Jasper

hurried to the door. He took the lollipop out of his mouth and held it

in his hand. "Uncle Danny! Uncle Danny!"

Daniel changed his shoes into slippers before bending down to pick up Jasper and looked at him affectionately.

"Candy again? That's not good for your teeth," Daniel said unhappily.

Jasper quickly thrust the lollipop toward Daniel's mouth. "Uncle Danny, you have it."

Concerned about Jasper's sugar intake and the risk of cavities, Daniel

think twice before p

O into his mouth. Coet

the

Jasper looked upset, with the corners of his lips downturned as if he were on the verge of tears.

Daniel frowned. "Didn't you offer it to me?"

Jasper pursed his lips. "It's Sisi's candy."

Sisi?

Daniel stopped in his tracks and shifted his gaze toward the couch in the living room.

Sienna briefly met his gaze before quickly looking away, her posture tense with inner turmoil and anxiety.

After noticing Sienna sitting on the couch, Daniel gently set Jasper down. He removed the lollipop from his mouth, swallowing hard.

 

Chapter 765

Chapter 765

"Dan's back?"

"Daniel, why were you so late today? Were you busy?"

"Daniel, would it be okay if Sienna stays at our place?"

"Is everything okay with you?"

Daniel couldn't make out a single word amidst the noisy chatter of his family. He looked at Sienna with an intense gaze, feeling like he'd forgotten how to breathe, his heart racing.

Mila leaned close to Nathan, her hand muffling her soft giggles as she whispered, "Nate, did you notice how Daniel's looking at her? It's obvious he's smitten."

Nathan chuckled affectionately and caressed her head as he murmured, "Perhaps you should focus on my gaze instead of eyeing other guys."

"Let's play matchmaker for them," Mila suggested.

"Let's leave them be. We'll see how things play out," Nathan replied.

"But-"

Nathan gently held Mila's head, drawing her nearer as he whispered, "Forced relationships rarely end well. It seems your friend might not be as keen on him as you believe." Mila sighed with resignation, her tone tinged with bitterness. "Looks like you need your eyes checked."

Nathan shrugged, a puzzled expression crossing his face.

Daniel walked to the living room and sat on the couch directly across from Sienna. After sitting down, he observed her quietly.

Sienna began to feel increasingly uncomfortable, as if she were on edge.

Sounding gentle and calm, Daniel said, "Sienna."

Sienna's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sound of her name. She met Daniel's gaze with nervousness, trying to appear composed as she responded, "Yes?" "How's Mrs. Lawson and Felix been lately?" Daniel asked politely, prompting curious looks from everyone else in the room.

Sienna felt lost, unsure how to respond to such a heartbreaking question with so many people. listening. Sadness flooded her, but she forced herself to keep a

composed facade.

She didn't want her family's troubles to dampen everyone else's mood. So, despite her true feelings, she uttered, "They're both doing fine."

After speaking, she lowered her head. Tears welled up in her eyes for reasons she couldn't quite explain.

"You..." Daniel started to say something else but faltered; his words stuck in his throat.

Sienna stood up abruptly and anxiously offered an apologetic nod. "Sorry, everyone. I'm feeling a bit tired. I'm going to my room to rest."

Florence encouraged her, "Sure, go ahead. Go freshen up and get some rest."

After bidding them all goodnight, Sienna left the living room.

Daniel watched her leave, then slumped lifelessly onto the couch, taking deep breaths.

Mila leaned in toward Daniel,

speaking softly, "Daniel, have you et

noticed that Sienna is acting differently lately? She's not

and energetic as she used

chatty be."

Daniel fell silent, his gaze fixed on Sienna until she disappeared up the

stairs. He closed his eyes slowly,

feeling a strange desire growing inside him.

"Daniel, I—" Before Mila could finish her words, Nathan wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

Mila turned to Nathan helplessly. "What's the matter? I just wanted to talk to Daniel."

"Let's not interfere. If they're interested in each other, they'll get together eventually," Nathan said.

Mila nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Daniel stood up and made his way upstairs. His sudden departure surprised everyone in the living room, and they all turned to watch him go.

Daniel reached Sienna's room on the second floor and knocked without hesitation.

 

Chapter 766

Chapter 766

Sienna had just settled into her room when she heard a knock at the door. She opened it, expecting to see Mila, but was surprised to find Daniel standing there.

Feeling anxious, she asked, "Do you need something?"

Daniel's gaze was intense, but his tone was gentle. "My room is right next to yours. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come find me."

Sienna couldn't imagine what she might need from him. She pursed her lips, feeling a bit helpless. Mila must've deliberately placed her guest room next to Daniel's; she was sure of that. Out of politeness, Sienna nodded and said, "Okay."

Just as she was about to close the door, Daniel placed his hand on it, looking slightly nervous as he gazed at her.

"Anything else?" Sienna asked.

Daniel slowly withdrew his hand. His Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke in a husky tone, "How... long will you be staying?"

Sienna felt a twinge of sadness but responded casually, "You don't want me to stay here?"

Daniel hurried to explain, "No, that's not it. I just wanted to know how many days you'll be in Phoenicia."

"I'll leave Morrison Residence once Wanda's wedding is over. But I have a book signing event next month. So, I'll leave Phoenicia after that," Sienna explained.

Daniel slowly clenched his fists, his breathing becoming a bit erratic. "What day next month?"

"The 5th."

"You don't have to rush off after Wanda's wedding. You can stay here," Daniel said, his voice tense as he clenched his fist tighter.

He added, "Just don't tell your mother you're staying at my place. I don't want her worrying about you."

His words stirred up Sienna's sadness. If Shelly were still alive, she wouldn't have worried about Sienna staying at her ex-boyfriend's house. His concern seemed odd to her. Sienna didn't respond. She just nodded in agreement.

Daniel gazed at her, wanting to say so much but was too nervous to speak.

Seeing that he had nothing more to say, Sienna closed the door. "Good night."

Reluctantly, Daniel replied, "Good night."

As Daniel shut the door behind him,

a sudden urge tugged at him to reopen it. His hand rested against the door, yet he couldn't justify a valid reason to do so. He balled his fist and pulled his hand away.

Daniel headed to his room next door and closed the door behind him. He sank onto his bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, overwhelmed by inner turmoil. Sienna dominated his thoughts entirely.

When they dated, they had never

lived in such close quarters. But after their breakup, they shared a roof, with only one wall separating them. This closeness triggered the deep and unsettling emotions within

him.

The realization that the person Daniel couldn't stop thinking about was just next door made it impossible for him to remain calm.

That night, he couldn't find any peace. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep until dawn.

The following morning, Sienna woke and went through her morning routine. She slipped into a plain, long dress. Then, she left the room with her phone and a small crossbody bag slung over her shoulder.

Upon descending the stairs into the living room, she came across Daniel. He turned to meet her as he heard her footsteps.

Sienna briefly glanced at him and softly greeted, "Good morning."

"Morning," Daniel replied, rising from his seat. Observing her neat attire and the bag hanging from her shoulder, he asked, "Heading out?"

"Yes, just going for a walk," Sienna responded.

Daniel pointed at the dining room. "How about grabbing breakfast before you go?"

He had been waiting for her to join him for breakfast.

"It's fine. I'm not hungry." Sienna

politely declined. She explained, "I've

already texted Wanda to let her

know I'll be out all day. I won't be

back

meals, so there's no need to

prepare anything for me."

Daniel paused, pursing his lips. A hint of nervousness flickered across his face as he swallowed. "I'm off today. How about I drive you? It'll make getting around easier."

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Chapter 767

Sienna shook her head again. "No, thanks."

Even though her tone was soft, she seemed distant.

Daniel was the one who ended their relationship, so he had even less reason to talk to her.

Despite knowing he shouldn't and knowing it wouldn't lead anywhere, he couldn't help but desperately want to be near her and be kind to her.

Sensing the tension, Sienna changed the subject. "Where are your parents?"

"They took some of their grandkids to classes," Daniel answered promptly.

"Oh." Sienna smiled and politely nodded goodbye. "Then, I'll be off."

With that, she turned and left.

Daniel paced around the living room, feeling restless. Unable to resist, he hurried out of the house and caught up with Sienna.

Sienna was strolling along the street before Morrison Residence when Daniel grabbed her arm and turned her toward him.

She jumped and looked at Daniel in confusion. When she realized it was him, a wave of anxiety washed over her, and she asked, "What is it?"

"Ditching breakfast isn't good for your stomach," Daniel said with a hint of urgency.

"I'll pick up something later if I feel hungry," Sienna replied.

"I've got the day off and feel like getting some fresh air. How about we go out together?" he suggested.

It was his first day off in a year, and he'd only decided on it that morning.

Previously, he had worked tirelessly without taking any breaks. Keeping himself occupied with work was a way to avoid thinking about Sienna and avoiding heartache and sadness. Daniel could stifle his love for Sienna, coldly distance himself, avoiding thoughts of her or any updates about her. But he couldn't help but feel drawn to her when she was close. The turmoil in his heart intensified with her proximity and drove him to madness.

Sienna glanced at him, her emotions swirling in a confusing mix. She felt a heaviness in her chest, like she couldn't breathe, and an overwhelming sense of discomfort washed over her. Despite wanting to be angry, she found herself unable to. She shook her head weakly and rejected his offer once more. "I'm sorry, but this isn't right. I can't go with you."

With that, she turned away, quickening her pace as she walked ahead.

Daniel pursued her relentlessly. He grabbed her arm and anxiously blurted out, "Sisi..."

Hearing him call her "Sisi" so

intimately again, Sienna couldn't hold back any longer. She turned abruptly and shook off Daniel's hand. Her heart ached intensely, and her eyes brimmed with tears.

Angrily, she said, "Daniel, please stop. We've broken up. Don't call me 'Sisi,' and stop clinging to me."

Daniel froze, looking both nervous and guilty. His eyes were filled with tender affection, and he couldn't hide the burning intensity in his gaze.

Sienna could see it clearly, but it only deepened her sorrow. Already in a bad mood, his actions pushed her to the brink of tears.

Holding back her sadness, she emphasized each word as she spoke, "Can you act like a proper ex? Let's just pretend we don't exist to each other, okay?"

Daniel's chest tightened, and he looked down, trying to calm himself with deep breaths.

Tears clouded Sienna's eyes as she angrily confronted him, "When we broke up, you said the initial

excitement had faded, and you met

longer felt the same. You claimed you couldn't commit to me anymore, which is why we ended things.

"But now, after a year apart, does distance suddenly make you miss me? Have I reignited any feelings in you? And if so, how long will they last this time? A day? A week? Maybe a month?"

Her words dripped with sarcasm, and she felt like she was on the verge of losing her mind.

The pain was suffocating. Sienna wiped away the tears that shouldn't have been there and bravely suppressed her emotions. After saying her piece, she turned and strode away.

Chapter 768

Chapter 768

This time, Daniel decided not to go after her anymore. Sienna's words helped him think again. Knowing they didn't have a future together, he realized he shouldn't keep bothering her. Even though it hurt, and he desperately wanted to be with her, he had to accept it. They couldn't overcome the obstacle of Shelly between them, so why make things harder for Sienna? As Daniel watched Sienna walk away, tears filled his eyes. He realized that holding back his love was even more painful than losing her.

Daniel stuck to his usual routine of going to work and returning home in the following days.

Sienna made a point to steer clear of him. At home, she tried to keep her distance whenever he was around.

Meanwhile, Mila and Nathan were caught up in their wedding plans. Sometimes, Mila would ask Sienna to join her in checking out things and making decisions.

Despite Mila's insistence, Sienna remained firm in her decision not to be a bridesmaid as she felt it wasn't right for her. Mila respected Sienna's choice and didn't press the matter further.

Mila stayed at her parents' house two days before the wedding to prepare for the big day.

Meanwhile, a lot was going on at Morrison Residence. Everyone was busy decorating the house for the wedding.

Sienna pitched in with Mila's sisters-in-law, helping blow up balloons, stick decorative paper, arrange flowers, and set up decorations. They were all enjoying themselves while bustling around.

As Sienna got to know Mila's sisters-in-law better, they often teased her about Daniel. Little did they know about Sienna and Daniel's past relationship.

"Sienna, Dan is still single. Maybe you should consider him. He's a great catch-good-looking, charming, and kind."

"Yeah, we could be sisters-in-law. Marrying Dan wouldn't be a bad idea. Even though he doesn't have a high salary, he owns a lot of property, shares in companies, and makes investments. He brings in a substantial annual income."

"Sienna, you've known Dan for so long. Don't you have any feelings for him?"

Sienna simply kept her smile and stayed quiet.

Whenever Mila's sisters-in-law brought it up, Sienna would say, "I'm not interested, and I don't have feelings for him."

According to tradition, the bride and groom were expected to enjoy lemon meringue pie on their wedding day.

The pie's lemon filling needed to be thickened using a mixture of cornstarch, flour, and egg yolks.

Florence volunteered to prepare this

special dessert for Nathan and Mila. Intrigued by the process, Sienna decided to join Florence in the

kitchen to lend a hand and learn more.

Florence patiently walked Sienna through every step, from gathering ingredients to preparing the filling. Sienna was eager to learn and paid close attention.

As they bustled around, Florence's phone rang. Juggling a pot of hot sugar mixture, Florence grabbed her phone to see who was calling.

When she turned around, she accidentally collided with Sienna, who cried out in pain as she got burned on the back of her hand. Sienna quickly moved away. After realizing what had happened, Florence quickly put her phone down and set aside the pot of hot sugar mixture she was holding.

"I'm so sorry, Sienna. Are you okay?" Florence was panicking, feeling guilty as she gently held Sienna's burned hand.

Sienna endured the pain, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Florence. It's just a little—"

Before she could finish, Daniel rushed in and pushed Florence aside. He anxiously grabbed Sienna's hand, his eyes filled with concern.

Sienna hadn't quite caught on to the situation yet. When she caught how solemn and worried Daniel looked, she nervously tried to withdraw her hand.

However, Daniel held onto it firmly, unwilling to release his grip. He immediately led her to the sink and turned on the cold water to rinse her burned hand. He remained silent, his demeanor replaced by an unusual seriousness.

Feeling guilty, Florence quickly explained, "I'm sorry. It's my fault. I was too focused on my phone and didn't see you."

Sienna felt uneasy with Daniel

standing so close and gripping her wrist. She found his actions too intimate. She wanted to move away, but she attempted to do so subtly.

As she tried to pull her hand away, she reassured Florence, "Madam Florence, please don't blame yourself. I'm truly okay."

Noticing her repeated efforts to

withdraw her hand, Daniel became

increasingly displeased. He quietly

ordered, "Stay still. Your hand is

burned, and you're saying you're okay?"

Chapter 769

Chapter 769

Florence felt even more guilty. "Daniel, please take Sienna to the hospital later."

Sienna frowned and looked at Daniel. "It's not as serious as you're making it out to be."

She then gently reassured Florence, "Madam Florence, I'm really fine. It'll get better after I cool it under running water." Florence was overwhelmed with guilt. She left the kitchen and asked a maid to clean up the sugar mixture on the floor. Standing before the faucet, Sienna could feel her back almost pressed against Daniel's chest. Her breathing grew a bit erratic.

Daniel's warm hand held her wrist, sending an electric sensation through her skin and spreading through her whole body, making her legs feel weak.

"I can do it myself. Can you let go of me?" Sienna muttered quietly.

Daniel's heart pounded. The refreshing fragrance of her hair made his mind wander, and he couldn't stay calm.

He slowly released Sienna's wrist and advised, "Cool it under running water for another ten minutes. I'll take you to the hospital afterward."

Sienna replied helplessly, "It's really fine. I get burns like this often. It's not serious enough for a hospital visit. Just some burn ointment will do."

Hearing this made Daniel's heart ache even more. He went to the living room to fetch burn ointment from the first aid kit. Later, he returned with the ointment in hand.

After running her hand under cold water for a long time, Sienna felt the pain subside and turned off the faucet. As soon as she turned, Daniel gently took her hand and wrapped it in a clean white towel.

"I can do it myself." Sienna resisted his touch and tried to pull away.

Daniel didn't let her. After gently

drying her hand, he held her wrist and led her to a chair by the kitchen island. He unscrewed the burn ointment and carefully dabbed some on his finger.

Holding Sienna's soft, fair hand, he gently and cautiously applied the ointment to the reddened area.

The maid who watched from the side couldn't hide her pleased smile.

Sienna felt very embarrassed but couldn't pull her hand free. Looking at Daniel's handsome, manly face, she felt a strange flutter in her heart. Her heart thumped wildly, like a rabbit was trapped inside her chest.

His touch was gentle, his eyes filled with tenderness and worried concern. He was more anxious about her injured hand than she was.

After applying the ointment, Daniel

slowly screwed the lid back on and softly instructed, "Stop what you were doing. Let the maids handle it. You need to apply the ointment several times on the burned area."

Sienna lowered her gaze, examining her reddened hand, and murmured, "I want to learn how to make lemon meringue pie from Madam Florence."

Feeling helpless, Daniel gently asked, "That's usually reserved for people getting married. Even Wanda doesn't make it. Why do you want to learn it if you're not planning to get married?"

Sienna would have undoubtedly retorted him, given her personality in the past. But now, she didn't have the energy for it. She simply felt like she wasn't qualified to do so.

After all, her hometown didn't have such customs. She wasn't marrying into a Phoenician family or marrying Daniel, either.

"Thank you." Sienna expressed her gratitude in a subdued tone. She stood up and left the kitchen.

Daniel watched Sienna's retreating figure, feeling a heaviness in his heart.

The Sienna before him seemed to lack vitality. She resembled a child who had grown up overnight, becoming introspective and melancholic.

What had she been through this past year? Why did she seem unable to find happiness even when she smiled?

Chapter 770

Chapter 770

As the sun sank beneath the horizon, casting the sky in shades of red, Daniel stood on the balcony just off the living room, enjoying the beautiful view. He felt much better since Sienna's arrival. Nathan came down from upstairs and noticed Daniel on the balcony, looking lonely and sad. He walked over and put a hand on Daniel's shoulder.

"You've been taking more breaks lately," he said.

Daniel turned to him with a gentle smile but remained silent.

He hadn't taken a day off in the past year. He kept himself occupied with various tasks. It was to prevent his mind from wandering to Sienna and to suppress any urge to reach out to her.

Daniel even avoided learning about any news regarding her or mentioning her name, fearing he would lose control and struggle to move on.

"How's it going?" Nathan asked as he dropped his hand and leaned against the railing, looking at Daniel.

"What do you mean?" Daniel looked puzzled.

"She's here. What's your plan?"

Daniel understood the implication. He lowered his head and said with a touch of sadness in his voice, "I appreciate Wanda's intentions, but there's no future for us. She's a great person. I don't want to hurt her. "There must be a reason, right?" Nathan probed, aware of Daniel's feelings for Sienna.

"Her mother doesn't approve," Daniel replied, his tone tinged with resignation. "She even knelt before me." Daniel was always upright and respectful. He felt it was a weighty plea to have an elder kneel before him.

"You and Sienna were in a relationship before?" Nathan's surprise was evident.

He recalled Daniel had only been in the small town for a few months, yet he had quickly won Sienna over, entered into a relationship, and broken up. The speed was beyond his comprehension. Daniel simply nodded.

Nathan was taken aback. Over the year, Daniel had seemed content with a straightforward life, focusing solely on work and showing little interest in romance or marriage.

Despite the attention of many affluent young women in the past year, he had kept them all at a distance. It turned out he couldn't shake his feelings for Sienna.

After a moment of consideration, Nathan extended his hand again to comfort Daniel. "It's time to move on. It seems Sienna may not feel the same way about you." Daniel scowled, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Did Wanda ever tell you that you're a pro at cheering people up?"

"No, Wanda mentioned I'm not great at sugarcoating things. She even suggested I get my eyes checked." "Wanda knows you too well."

"You sound like you're mocking me." Nathan couldn't shake the unpleasant feeling that Daniel's words left him with. Daniel shifted his gaze toward the living room, peering inside.

Nathan grinned. "She's in my room, having a chat with Wanda."

Daniel turned to lean against the

railing

e and rested his handset

Ho de Nathan, mirroring his

on it.

He faced toward the living room.

"Who's going to be the bridesmaid?"

"It was supposed to be Sienna, but she turned it down."

"Why?"

"No idea."

Daniel hummed in response.

His despondent demeanor caught Nathan's attention. "Since she's staying for a few more days, why don't you take a vacation?"

Daniel remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Suddenly, the noise of hurried footsteps echoed through the house. Mila and Sienna descended the stairs in a rush with Sienna appearing flustered and tense.

Daniel glanced up at Sienna before nervously heading to the living room.

Seeing Daniel, Mila hurriedly asked, "Daniel, can you give Sienna a ride somewhere?"

Daniel looked puzzled.

"It's fine. I can just hail a cab," Sienna interjected immediately.

"It's tough to find one at this hour." Mila sounded slightly helpless. "Just let Daniel drive you."

"I'll drive you," Daniel said. Despite

his confusion about Sienna's

situation, her evident distress

vel

compelled him to act without hesitation.

He headed to the sideboard for his car keys. Passing Sienna, he took the briefcase from her hand and said decisively, "Let's go."