The Tired Bird Rests

Sienna Lewis had been with Sea City’s cold and distant CEO, Zayden Scott, for four years, but he still refused to let his guard down. So, she called her mother. “Mom, you can go ahead and arrange that pilot interview for me now.” On the other end, Helen Bennett sounded shocked. “Really? Didn’t you want to stay in Sea City and get married? You even gave up your dream of becoming a pilot.” Sienna looked at Zayden under the dim lights. He was madly obsessed with that girl and terrified of losing her. She smiled self-deprecatingly. Once she returned to Helmswick, her career would pick up again. From then on, nothing would hold her back. She would be Sienna Lewis, the pilot, again, not some pathetic woman—trapped in a forbidden love affair. Chapter 1 Sienna Lewis had been with Sea City’s cold and distant CEO, Zayden Scott, for four years, but he still refused to get close to her. So, she called her mother. “Mom, you can go ahead and arrange that pilot interview for me now.” On the other end, Helen Bennett sounded shocked. “Really? Didn’t you want to stay in Sea City and marry Zayden? You even gave up your dream of becoming a pilot.” Thinking about the stupid things she had done four years ago, Sienna smiled self-deprecatingly. She had given up her career for Zayden. But in the end, it was all for nothing. “I was just too full of myself.” She thought he would warm up to her. But she had lost completely. Helen chuckled and said, “Silly girl, when your career takes off, you’ll have any man you want. Don’t waste yourself on just one man. Leave Zayden and come back to Helmswick.” “Okay. I’ll get ready.” With that, Sienna hung up. The sounds of pleasure from the next room continued without an end in sight. When she reached the door, she heard Zayden’s low, muffled groans. Peeking through the crack, she saw the dimly lit study in utter chaos. A white dress hung around Zayden’s waist as his hand moved up and down. In the end, he leaned his head back and softly called out a name. “Riley.” A strawberry brooch was pinned to the white dress. Sienna recognized it instantly. The dress belonged to Zayden’s adopted daughter, Riley Scott. Sienna clenched her fists. The pain of her nails digging into her flesh was nothing compared to the stabbing ache in her heart. This had happened a dozen times in the past month. At first, she was shocked. Then, she broke down. In the end, she felt nothing but disgust. So, the heir of the Scott family in Sea City, who everyone said was cold, distant, and acted high and mighty, actually had urges he could not control. Also, the person he used to satisfy them was not his girlfriend, Sienna, but his own adopted daughter. Sienna numbly walked back to her room. She looked at their photo hanging on the wall, and her mind drifted back to four years ago when she had first met Zayden. It was her first year in Sea City. She had joined a flying competition, and Zayden was there as an investor. No one expected an accident to happen during the competition. She had almost been trapped inside a model plane. It was Zayden who saved her. With just one glance, she fell hopelessly in love with him. Later, she asked her friends about him and learned that he was the only son of the Scott family in Sea City, a cold CEO famous for never indulging in sexual pleasures. “You like him? Just give up. Zayden said he’ll never get married or fall in love with anyone. People like us aren’t even in his league.” But Sienna did not believe them. She kept asking around and got a job at Scott Corp using her family’s connections. She gave up the flying career she loved so much and worked as his assistant. She ran errands for him all day. She had never done any housework in her life, but for Zayden, she spent an entire year learning how to cook. She had tried getting him into bed by getting drunk and dressing up in a maid outfit, but he tied her hands and feet up without hesitation. She tried to act pitiful and stood outside in the pouring rain. She hoped he would feel sorry for her and let her stay in his room for the night. But he asked the housekeeper to bring her some cold medicine and told her to stop going out in the rain. Her most desperate attempt was to hide under Zayden’s desk at the office and tease his calf while he worked. But he coldly called security to throw her out and tossed her a towel. He looked down at her and said, “Since you like cleaning so much, spend the day doing housework.” Helen’s heart ached seeing Sienna throw herself at him like she was chasing the wind. “Why humiliate yourself for someone who doesn’t even love you?” Sienna refused to give up. “Mom, if I don’t try, how will I ever find out what’s possible?” For four years, she followed Zayden everywhere. Everyone in Sea City knew she was Zayden’s lovesick fool. In the end, all her devotion was for nothing. When people mocked her, Sienna sometimes doubted herself. She even thought about giving up. On Valentine’s Day, she decided to make one last effort. Just as she was about to leave, she got a call from Zayden. “Sienna, let’s get together.” Even after all these years, she remembered the heavy rain that day. Zayden stood outside in the rain with a bouquet of wilted flowers. She burst into tears of joy and threw herself into his arms. She thought her suffering had finally paid off. She treasured those flowers and kept them in her bedroom as if they were something precious. Looking back, they were probably flowers someone else did not want. But she was so caught up in her fantasy of love that she never realized it. During their first year together, Sienna never even held Zayden’s hand. Whenever she tried to get close, he would frown, move away, and go back to reading his finance magazine. Sienna thought he had been celibate for too long. A man who had never touched a woman would need some time to adjust. So, she patiently waited for almost three years. Eventually, she could not take it anymore and wanted to confront him about it. That was when she found her answer in the study he always kept locked. Inside the place she was never allowed to enter, Zayden held someone else’s dress. His eyes were dazed and frantic with desire. It seemed he did have desires after all. It was just that the person he wanted was not her. All along, the person who could awaken his desire had been his adopted daughter, Riley—the girl he had adopted for eight years. He was only with Sienna to cover up his forbidden relationship with Riley from the world. At that moment, all the love Sienna had held onto for the past four years crumbled to dust. When she came back to her senses, the noises from the study had stopped. Zayden took off the dress and held it close to his chest. He inhaled its lingering scent like a madman. He was no longer the untouchable man he pretended to be for the world. Sienna’s stomach churned. She leaned over the trash can and retched until her stomach was empty. Tears streamed down her face. She yanked the matching couple ring off her finger and hurled it out of the room with all her might. From that moment on, she swore she would never shed another tear for Zayden. Chapter 2 Early the next morning, Sienna went to the Sea City Aviation Center. She had originally come to Sea City for a flying competition. But after falling in love with Zayden unexpectedly, she moved to Sea City. She planned to return to what she loved and go back to where she started. “Your documents will be mailed to you in three days. Just sign for them when they arrive.” Sienna took the receipt and left the aviation center. As she looked up at the bright blue sky, a sense of relief washed over her. She was finally about to leave this place that had trapped her and the man, Zayden, who had wasted five years of her youth. She had overestimated herself. For him, she gave up her career. For him, she turned from a bright, confident woman into someone who humbled herself and begged for scraps of his affection. Everyone’s mockery had been right. She could never awaken any desire in Zayden. They were from different worlds. They did not belong together. “This is where it ends.” She put the receipt back into her bag. When she got home, she saw Zayden sitting on the couch with a dark expression. He looked like a solemn, unmoving statue. The way he sat there so upright and composed made it hard to believe he was the same man who had lost control the night before. But Sienna had seen it with her own eyes. A wave of nausea rose in her throat, and she almost threw up again. “Where did you go?” Zayden asked. “To a place you’ve always wanted me to go.” He had tried countless times to persuade her to get her license and leave. She had finally done what he wanted. He must be happy. Zayden frowned and walked to her. “There’s a business dinner tonight. Get ready.” A business dinner… After four years by his side, if there was one thing she had done plenty of, it was drinking. Every time, it felt like it was killing her. This time, Sienna did not want to go. “I’m not feeling well. I don’t want to go.” Zayden looked puzzled. “What are you throwing a fit about?” Every time she went against his wishes, he made it seem like she was being unreasonable. “That’s final. As my assistant, it’s your job.” He did not give her a chance to respond before walking away. In the end, Sienna showed up as expected. No one else in the company wanted to go because they were all terrified of Zayden, so it fell on her. “Who is this?” At the dinner table, aside from Zayden, every other person was a middle-aged man. Sienna had a great figure, and even in her neat work clothes, she drew lingering stares from the men around her. Their blatant gazes made her feel physically sick. She looked over at Zayden. His expression remained cold, and he did not spare her even a glance. “My assistant.” His words only made the men at the table even more eager. Sienna saw their restless movements and clenched her hands in nervousness. She heard one of Zayden’s business partners tease him softly, “Isn’t she your girlfriend? Aren’t you afraid these old men will do something to her if you call her just your assistant?” Zayden’s answer would decide her fate. Sienna could not help biting her lip. Zayden remained calm and emotionless. “It’s fine. She can handle it.” In that instant, all the dignity she had carefully built up shattered. She could handle it? The table had strong, high-proof liquors. Did he think that she was just a useful tool? Did he simply not care whether she lived or died? If these men did something to her tonight, would he not care at all? “You really can put up with anything. She’s your girlfriend. If she doesn’t matter to you, then what does?” At that moment, the door to the private room suddenly swung open. Zayden’s bodyguard rushed in. “Sir, there’s bad news. Ms. Scott just left with a strange man!” Chapter 3 Zayden’s face changed instantly. He did not even have time to put down his glass before striding out in a hurry. Outside the door, Riley laughed and chatted with a man. Her arm was linked through his. “What on earth are you doing?!” He shoved Riley aside in anger and grabbed her wrist to drag her into his arms. Riley froze at the sight of him and struggled with all her might. “Don’t touch me!” “If I don’t, then who? Are you hoping he will?” Zayden’s eyes were bloodshot. He was like a beast on the verge of losing control. In the five years Sienna had known him, this was the first time she had ever seen him show any kind of emotion besides indifference. “That’s none of your business! You don’t want me anyway, so who I’m with doesn’t concern you!” “Who said I don’t want you?” Riley took a step closer and asked, “Then, why are you ignoring me? Why didn’t you come home for my birthday? Why didn’t you buy me anything for Valentine’s Day? Why? You never missed a single holiday before!” Her questions left Zayden momentarily speechless. Standing behind him, Sienna could see everything clearly. Zayden appeared aloof and proud, but his whole body was trembling. He was scared. But scared of what? Scared Riley would discover his filthy, depraved thoughts? Scared she would find out that him being with Sienna was just to hide his twisted desires? Scared she would find out he stole her dresses to do those disgusting things behind her back? Sienna let out a bitter laugh. How pathetic! Even at this point, Zayden was trying to protect Riley. Seeing her with another man made him jealous. Because of her, the high and mighty Zayden was afraid and frantic. Sienna was nothing but a shield he used to hide his ugly truth. “It all started because of Sienna. Ever since you met her, you’ve changed, Zayden! You treat me like this because of her. Did you forget that you promised to pamper and spoil me? How could you ever look at another woman? “Those men at the dinner… they’re no good, right? Zayden, if I get rid of her, you’ll come back to me, won’t you?” At that, Riley looked up, and her devilish eyes locked onto Sienna. She quickly walked to the private room’s door and yanked it shut. Panic rose in Sienna. She tried to get out before Riley shut the door, but only her hand made it through. Riley’s face twisted in madness. She pulled the door harder and harder. Sienna’s fingers were crushed. They turned red and swollen. The searing pain forced her to cry out. “Who told you to steal Zayden from me? Just you wait! You’re going to get played to death.” With that, Riley gave the door another yank. Sienna could not bear the pain and pulled her hand back. Bam! The loud sound echoed through the room. At once, the men inside stirred restlessly. “Ms. Lewis, Mr. Scott doesn’t want you anymore. Isn’t it better for you to be with us?” The group of men began to surround her. Their body odor hit her nose and made her gag. Sienna clenched her fists and stepped back in terror. “Get away from me!” Smack! Someone slapped her. Another held her chin in a tight grip. “Don’t act like some innocent, young girl. You’ve been with Zayden for years. Who knows what he’s done to you? I bet you’re well-trained. Hahaha! Otherwise, why would he bring you here?” “Yeah, so be smart about it. Behave, serve us well, and maybe we’ll go easy on you.” The men closed in on her. Sienna’s fear reached its peak. She saw the balcony nearby and ran toward it. In the next moment, she jumped and hit the ground hard. Pain exploded through her entire body. Sienna used her last ounce of strength to scream for help. She saw Zayden through her blurry vision. She could not take it anymore and passed out. Chapter 4 When Sienna woke up, she was in her own bedroom. Her head was pounding, and every inch of her body was sore. The housekeeper, who was bringing her some medicine, rushed over when she saw that she was awake. “Ms. Lewis, are you okay?” Sienna shook her head. Her voice was hoarse. “How did I get back here?” She remembered jumping from the balcony and crashing onto the ground. Before losing consciousness, she thought she saw Zayden’s shadow. Did he bring her back? “The driver saw you passed out by the roadside and brought you home,” the housekeeper said. Sienna’s mind went blank for a moment. It was not Zayden? Had she imagined it? Well, that made sense. He was probably with Riley. As she thought that, her phone suddenly started vibrating nonstop. She picked it up and saw texts from her friend. [Sienna, are you feeling better now? Go check my social media! I avenged you for what happened yesterday!] Sienna clicked on her friend’s social media. She saw a long post that detailed everything that had happened yesterday. It called out Riley for her actions and questioned her relationship with Zayden. This friend of Sienna was well-connected in Sea City. She had the contact details of countless rich heirs and socialites. As soon as the post was up, gossip-hungry elites rushed to it. [Is Riley insane? Sienna would become a member of the Scott family someday, right? So why does Zayden allow her nonsense?] [You didn’t know? Zayden has spoiled her rotten for years. With how close they are, do you really think there’s nothing going on?] [That’s Zayden for you. He sure knows how to have fun.] … The comments kept pouring in. Before Sienna could finish reading, the door to her room was kicked open with a loud bang. Zayden stormed in angrily. He did not say a word and threw a phone at her. The phone’s sharp corner nearly hit her eye. “Why did you do it?!” It was not a question. It was an accusation. He did not even ask how she was feeling or if she was recovering properly. The moment Riley was in trouble, he came running. Sienna laughed at herself. She had treated him well for so many years and done so much for him. She had paid such a heavy price, yet he had never spared her a single kind word. “It wasn’t me.” Sienna met Zayden’s gaze. Zayden did not believe her and sneered. “If it wasn’t you, then who? Sienna, I know exactly what kind of tricks you play. If you have a problem, come to me. Why go after Riley?” Tricks? Sienna frowned. What tricks was he talking about? Was it the “trick” of seducing him? Or the “trick” of drinking so much for him that she ended up in the hospital, vomiting blood, and ending up as Sea City’s laughingstock? Or did he mean the “trick” of almost being violated like some throwaway object? The terror from last night still haunted her. Everything felt as fresh and vivid as ever. She clenched her fists and snorted. “Why? Did that post hit the nail on the head, and now, you feel guilty?” Smack! Zayden slapped her hard across the face. The slap was forceful. A red mark bloomed on her pale cheek. It looked painful and humiliating. Even the housekeeper standing by could not bear to watch. “Sir, Ms. Lewis just woke up. She really doesn’t know anything.” Zayden shot her a glance. “You think I can trust you? Throw her out!” “No!” This housekeeper had come with Sienna from her mother’s house. She had been with her for over ten years. She was one of the few people Sienna could call family in Sea City. How could Zayden treat her like this? Sienna bit down hard on her lip. Her eyes turned red with tears as she looked at him and asked, “Riley treated me like that, and you didn’t punish her. But now, just because of a post that only tells the truth, you’re treating me like this? Zayden, is there really no place for me in your heart?” Seeing her stubborn yet wounded face, Zayden felt a strange pang in his chest. But it vanished as quickly as it came. “What nonsense are you talking about? Delete that post, and I’ll let this go.” Let it go? How merciful! Sienna almost laughed out loud. Her hand was bandaged. If she had not jumped off that balcony last night, she would be a laughingstock in the city and nothing more than an empty shell. How could he be so heartless? “If I don’t?” Zayden’s expression turned icy. “Then… don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Chapter 5 In the end, the post was deleted. The Scott family held too much power in Sea City, and Sienna’s friend had no choice but to back down. But as compensation, Zayden made Riley apologize to Sienna. “I’m sorry, Ms. Lewis. I didn’t mean to.” Looking at the smug, taunting smile on Riley’s face, Sienna clenched her fists. Did they really think a simple “sorry” could erase everything she had suffered? What did they take her for? “I don’t accept your apology,” Sienna said. Zayden frowned. Just as he was about to say something, Riley stopped him. She smiled sweetly and said, “That’s fine, Ms. Lewis. Of course, you’re upset. Let’s have a drink, okay? Alcohol fixes everything!” Without waiting for a response, she started drinking on her own. Riley had a poor tolerance for alcohol. Zayden stood by her side and held her with care. He looked like he was afraid she might bump into something and get hurt. The scene made Sienna’s chest tighten, but she said nothing. She got up and walked to the bathroom. Out of sight, out of mind. By the time they got home, Riley was passed out drunk. “Riley will stay here tonight,” Zayden said. Then, he walked into the kitchen. He tied on an apron and began making her some hangover soup. He moved with such focus and care that he looked like a loving husband taking care of his wife. Sienna remembered the time she drank too much and landed in the hospital. He did not even call to ask if she was okay. She would never have a place in his heart like Riley did. She turned away and went upstairs. When she reached her room, she realized that she had left her phone in the living room. As she opened her door to go back down and retrieve it, she saw something that almost suffocated her. She saw Riley with her arms around Zayden’s neck. Their faces were so close that their lips were only inches apart. “Zayden, I’m wearing the lipstick you bought for me. Don’t you want to know if it tastes sweet?” Riley leaned in close. Zayden froze for a moment. Then, all of a sudden, he pulled her into his arms. The kiss was fiery and desperate. Their bodies soon pressed tightly together. “Riley…” He whispered her name before pinning her beneath him. Sienna could not hold back anymore. She turned and fled back to her room. The moment she shut the door behind her, the strength she had been clinging to crumbled all at once. She broke down and sobbed uncontrollably. All the pain and humiliation she had endured over the past five years came flooding back at once. She recalled accidentally cutting her finger while learning to cook for him. She remembered drinking so much that she ended up puking blood all over the hospital floor. Every moment and memory was nothing more than a cruel joke. That night, Sienna could not sleep. Early the next morning, she packed her things. When she opened her door to carry her luggage out, she saw Riley leaning casually against the doorframe. “Where do you think you’re going?” Sienna shot her an icy glance. “None of your business.” She lifted her luggage and was ready to head downstairs. But just as she stepped forward, Riley stuck out her foot. Sienna could not dodge in time and was sent tumbling down the stairs. She struggled to get up. Blood was already seeping from a cut on her forehead. Riley walked down the stairs slowly and stopped in front of her. She grabbed Sienna by her hair. “How dare you talk to me like that? Zayden spoils me. Even if I kill you, he’ll take my side.” Then, she stomped down hard on Sienna’s injured hand. “Didn’t you love flying? I’ll make sure you never touch a joystick again!” Crack! Sienna could hear her bones shattering. She struggled desperately, but Riley refused to lift her foot. It was not until a man’s furious shout came from the doorway that Riley finally stopped. “Enough!” Sienna’s vision went dark, and she lost consciousness. When she woke up, she was in a sterile white hospital room. As soon as she woke up, she grabbed her phone and called Helen. “Mom, help me sort out my flying documents. I can’t stay here another day!” She did not want to stay in Sea City any longer. Just then, the door swung open. Zayden walked in. “What flying documents? Didn’t you give up flying?” Chapter 6 When Zayden walked in, Sienna quickly put away her phone. “It’s nothing. Just some document renewal.” Zayden frowned. “Really?” He did not believe her. Sienna tightened her grip on her phone and forced out a small laugh. “What’s wrong? You never cared about this stuff before. Why are you asking me now? Do you want me to go back to flying?” Her words left Zayden speechless. He could only change the topic. “How are you feeling? Do you feel… unwell?” “Thanks to Riley, I feel terrible.” Her whole body was painfully sore. She was not lying. Zayden let out a sigh. “Don’t take it to heart. She’s been spoiled since she was a child. Her temper is bad, but she doesn’t mean any harm.” Sienna scoffed. “No harm? If I had died, would you still have said it was just an accident and she didn’t mean it?” The way Riley acted made it clear she had done it on purpose. She wanted Sienna dead. Zayden’s frown deepened. “What nonsense are you blabbering?” “You know exactly what I’m saying. Zayden, I regret ever falling in love with you.” “Enough!” he snapped. In the past, he would have felt relieved to hear her say she no longer loved him. Her feelings had never mattered to him. But today, her words irritated him. “I’ve already put her under confinement to reflect on her actions. What more do you want?” Sienna’s anger flared. She had almost died, and all he did was confine Riley? What did he take her for? “I want her to apologize.” The moment she finished speaking, Zayden shook his head. “Impossible. I promised Riley she would never have to suffer.” For the first time, Sienna did not back down. Her gaze remained firm. “But this was her fault. Isn’t apologizing the most basic thing?” “Riley cares about her pride. She wouldn’t like it.” So, Riley’s feelings could decide whether Sienna lived or died? Why? Sienna stared at him in silence. “What if I insist?” Zayden’s gaze turned cold. “Sienna, there are limits to your tantrums.” He tried to explain because he did not want this to create distance between them, but she showed no intention of backing down. Instead, her words grew sharper and colder. All these years, she had always been gentle and obedient. She had never been so forceful. His words were a warning. Sienna found it ridiculous and pathetic. Her face turned icy as she pointed to the door. “Get out.” “What nonsense is this now?” “I said, get out!” She grabbed the pillow and threw it at him with all her might. Zayden stood up immediately. “Get some rest. I’ll come back another day.” The door closed with a click. Sienna collapsed back onto the bed. She was exhausted. She had loved him for five years. In the end, she was nothing but a joke and had nearly lost her life for it. She covered her eyes with her hand, and tears spilled out uncontrollably. Chapter 7 In the following days, Zayden seemed like a completely different person. He visited the hospital often. Every time he came, he brought Sienna her favorite seafood porridge. But Sienna did not touch it. She did not even glance at it. She would rather eat the bland boxed meals from the hospital than take a single bite of what he brought for her. She knew it was neither care nor concern. It was just guilt. After everything he had done to her, his kindness was nothing more than fake sympathy. When she was discharged and returned home, Zayden was not there. Sienna began packing up her things. She gathered all the items she had once chosen so carefully, along with the gifts she had given to Zayden. She threw everything into the trash. As for the gifts, she handed them to the butler. “Miss, these are all unopened. They’re too expensive! I can’t possibly accept them.” The butler felt happy, though he did not dare show it. Each item was worth a fortune. Sienna looked at the gifts. They were all still in their packaging. A small, relieved smile appeared on her face. She had chosen every single one with care. Back then, she sent them to Zayden with so much hope. But he had never even bothered to open them. It showed how little she meant to him. Her entire world had revolved around Zayden. She had never even stopped to think about anything else. Looking back, she saw how pointless it had all been. How wasteful! As she finished sorting everything out, Zayden walked through the door. Riley followed behind him. The moment Riley saw Sienna, she lowered her head reluctantly. “I’m sorry, Ms. Lewis. What happened the other day was my fault. Please forgive me.” Sienna was surprised. She had not expected Zayden to actually make Riley apologize to her. But she did not feel any satisfaction in it. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw herself falling down those stairs. She had almost died at the hands of the woman standing in front of her. How could a simple “sorry” fix all that? Sienna looked at her and said, “I don’t accept your apology. “Until you feel the same pain I did and kneel to beg me for forgiveness, I’ll never forgive you. If you can’t do that, don’t bother coming to me again.” With that, she walked into her room. Riley’s face instantly turned red in anger. “You! Zayden, did you hear what she just said?” Zayden had not expected Sienna to react like this. He went upstairs. Just as he was about to knock on her door, he noticed the trash can overflowing with things. A vein twitched on his forehead. He recognized everything inside the trash can. These were matching couple gifts Sienna had once insisted they use together, including toothbrushes, cups, bedsheets, and quilts. What was she throwing a tantrum about this time? He pushed open the door and saw Sienna packing everything. He frowned. “Riley already apologized. What more do you want?” Sienna did not respond and continued with the packing. Then, she took the framed photo by the bed and raised it over her head, ready to smash it on the floor. Zayden’s eyes widened. He rushed forward to stop her. But he was too late. Sienna used all her strength. The frame crashed to the floor, and the glass shattered into pieces. She picked up the photo of them together, tore it into tiny shreds, and tossed them into the trash can. “Sienna, what are you doing?!” For the first time, Zayden showed an emotion other than cold indifference in front of her. He was angry and confused. Sienna met his dark gaze. “I’m clearing out the trash.” Riley rushed upstairs, too. She walked to Zayden’s side and said softly, “Zayden, does Ms. Lewis hate me so much? Is that why she’s so angry? It’s all my fault! If you hate me too, I’ll leave…” Her eyes turned red and welled up with tears. Zayden immediately pulled her into his arms to comfort her. “How could I ever hate you? You’re my favorite. Sienna’s acting up again. Give her some time. She’ll come running back to me, like always.” His last words sounded like he meant for Sienna to hear them. She caught every word indeed. She sneered inwardly. In the past, she was nothing but a lovesick fool who followed him everywhere and did everything to please him. It was no wonder he felt so confident. But she had changed. Looking at the two of them only filled her with disgust. As for running back to him? That would never happen. That evening, Zayden knocked on her door again. Sienna did not want to answer it, but he just would not stop. Annoyed, she finally opened the door. Zayden handed her an invitation. “There’s an airshow in Sea City tonight. Want to go?” “No.” “But your favorite pilot will be there. They say it’s the only time he’s visiting. Are you sure you want to miss it?” Chapter 8 In the end, Sienna agreed to go. Even though she hated Zayden, she could not refuse because the pilot visiting tonight was someone she had always admired. When they arrived at the venue, it was packed to the brim. Zayden and Riley came too. Sienna paid no attention to their interactions. Her eyes stayed fixed on the show. As the performance neared its end, she got up to leave. Suddenly, a model plane overhead began to shudder. It swerved off course and shot toward the crowd. It was heading straight for Sienna and Riley. “The plane’s out of control!” Screams erupted all around. The audience scattered in panic. But Sienna and Riley stayed frozen. People pressed in on all sides. They could not take a single step. The crashing plane drew closer and closer. Riley burst into tears. “What do we do? What do we do? I don’t want to die…” Sienna’s palms were sweaty. She was terrified, too. But fear would not save them. She forced herself to stay calm. At last, the people around them began to move. Sienna seized her chance and ran toward the exit. But the plane was still falling. Boom! A deafening crash split the air. The force of the impact sent Sienna and Riley flying to the ground. Pain ripped through her body. When Sienna opened her eyes, she saw jagged pieces of the wing that had impaled itself deep into her and Riley’s lower legs. “Riley!” Through the ringing in her ears, she heard Zayden’s voice. She used every ounce of her strength to turn to look. Zayden was fighting his way through the fleeing crowd to reach them. Panic, urgency, and fear shone in his face. Even his perfectly styled hair was a wild mess. He finally reached them. Before Sienna could say a word, Riley’s sobs filled the air. “Zayden, it hurts so much! Please save me!” Zayden did not hesitate for a moment. He did not even glance at Sienna. Between the two of them, he chose Riley without hesitation. As he lifted Riley into his arms and turned to leave, instinct forced Sienna to shout out his name. “Zayden!” He turned back and saw her lying there in puddles of her blood. But Riley kept crying. His face twisted with worry. In the end, he said carelessly, “Wait here. Rescue will be here soon.” Then, he disappeared from Sienna’s sight without looking back. Exhausted and in pain, Sienna closed her eyes. … At Sea City Central Hospital, Sienna jolted awake. She tried to move her legs but felt nothing. When she looked down, she saw both her feet encased in heavy casts. “You’re awake. Just rest for now. You’re still very weak after donating your bone marrow to Riley.” Zayden’s words took the air out of her gut. Sienna’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What bone marrow?” Zayden explained casually, as if he were telling her about the weather. “Riley’s leg was pierced through. She needed a bone marrow transplant right away. Time was tight, so I used yours. Don’t worry. The doctor said it will grow back. It’ll just take a few years.” He made it sound so normal and easy. Sienna felt like her world had collapsed. “You’re saying… you took the marrow from me and gave it to Riley?” “Yes. But don’t worry. I’ll make it up to you. Haven’t you always wanted to go out for a barbecue? I promise, after Riley’s surgery is over, I’ll take you. You love spicy barbecue, don’t you?” Zayden made it sound like he was doing her a favor, as if he had no other option. That was the last straw for Sienna. Her composure shattered. She lifted her hand and slapped him hard across the face. The slap rang out in the silent hospital room. Even Zayden’s assistant froze in shock. He had never seen anyone dare hit Zayden before. “Who gave you the right to decide for me?! Do you even know what happens to someone without a bone marrow?! Riley was hurt, but so was I! Why did you have to take what belongs to me?! Have you lost all your humanity?!” Seeing Sienna completely lose control, Zayden, for the first time ever, did not get angry. Instead, he reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Calm down.” “Don’t touch me!” Sienna shoved him away, like he was something disgusting. Sienna’s eyes were red in anger, and she trembled. She pounded her fists against his chest again and again. “Give it back! Give me back my marrow…” Without sufficient marrow, her bones would become brittle, leaving her no different from a cripple. How could a cripple ever fly? She could already see what her future would become. Tears streamed down her face. Zayden looked at her. She was a mess. She seemed fragile and defeated in his arms. For the first time, he felt a flicker of pity, maybe even sorrow. A memory came to him of Sienna smiling with bright, innocent eyes. Zayden’s throat felt tight. He was about to comfort her when a loud knock sounded at the door. It was Riley’s attending doctor. “Mr. Scott, Ms. Scott is awake.” The moment he heard that Riley was awake, Zayden let go of Sienna without a second thought and walked quickly toward the door. Before leaving, he turned back to her. “Get some rest. When you’re feeling better, we’ll have a barbecue together.” With that, he left the room. As soon as he disappeared from sight, Sienna buried her face in the blanket and broke down in tears. Chapter 9 On her second day in the hospital, Sienna received a message from Helen. [Everything is sorted.] She replied with a simple “Okay” and quickly contacted the hospital to arrange for an early discharge. During this time, Riley was still recovering from surgery. Zayden had not even visited once. By the time he finally showed up, Sienna would probably have already left Sea City. After completing her discharge paperwork, she hired a caregiver to wheel her to the aviation center to get some documents sorted out. Then, she asked the caregiver to take her back to the hospital. At that point, Zayden was at work. Only Riley was in the hospital room. Riley was lying comfortably in bed. Hearing someone at the door, she turned to look and saw Sienna. “What are you doing here?” “I came to tell you something. You know Zayden’s feelings for you aren’t exactly normal, right? Guess why.” She thought Riley would look suspicious or confused, but instead, Riley let out a small laugh. “You don’t need to tell me that. I know Zayden likes me.” Sienna’s eyes widened. “You know?” “Of course I do. I’m not stupid. I’ve known about it for a long time. Sienna, I don’t care. As long as he gives me a good life, I couldn’t care less. In fact, I hope he loves me forever. That way, I can be his wife and get half of the Scott family’s money. Zayden is nothing more than a tool for me to get what I want.” A greedy light shone in Riley’s eyes. Realization dawned on Sienna. “All this time, you’ve been doing it on purpose. You wanted to drive me away.” “So? It doesn’t matter how much you love him. As long as I call for him, he’ll come right back to me. Sienna, if you want to blame someone, blame yourself for loving the wrong man.” Riley crossed her arms proudly. So, that was how it was. It was no wonder Riley was always picking on her. Everything finally made sense. Sienna slowly unclenched her fists. Before coming here, she had turned on the recorder on her phone. She thought she would just end up with a recording of Riley mocking her, but instead, she ended up getting the truth. “Well, I guess you won’t have to worry about me anymore.” For the first time, Riley looked puzzled. “What do you mean?” “I’m leaving. I hope you get your wish and become his wife.” With that, she turned and walked away. After leaving the hospital, Sienna scheduled the recording to be sent to Zayden. It was set to go out three days later. By then, she would already have left. She wanted him to know that Riley was never the innocent girl he thought she was. She wanted them to resent each other and feel the same pain she did. Once everything was done, Sienna and the caregiver went to the most famous barbecue place in Sea City. She ordered her favorite spicy barbecue. Just as she was about to finish eating, she saw Zayden walk in. She was sitting in the common area, while he went straight into a private room. Moments later, her phone buzzed with a text from him. It had his location, along with a message. [I’m at the barbecue place. Ordered your favorite spicy barbecue. Once it’s packed, I’ll bring it to the hospital.] Sienna glanced at the message before slipping her phone back into her pocket without replying. After eating, she got up and left. As she walked past his private room, a sweet, fragrant smell wafted out. It was not the usual spicy barbecue. It was sweet barbecue, which happened to be Riley’s favorite. He was still lying to her. But it did not matter anymore. She bid Zayden farewell in her heart. At the airport, Lewis Corp’s private jet was waiting for her. “That guy really did this to you?” Justin Lewis was furious seeing his once bright and cheerful little sister reduced to this state. He looked like he was ready to storm off and settle the score with Zayden. Sienna stopped him. “Let’s go, Justin. I never want to see him again.” “Alright, let’s go. We’ll find the best doctors to treat you.” The plane took off, and Sea City grew smaller and smaller beneath her. She snapped her SIM card in half. That ended not just her phone number but also the chains that had bound her for the past four years. She whispered her final goodbye to Zayden in her heart.