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b133 /b

+25 bBONUS /b

Sienna’s POV

From time to time, I heard birdsong drifting in from outside the window, blending with the steady ticking of bthe /bwall clock. Amidst it all, I realized just how easily I could grow used to moments like this. How easy it was bto /bwant to believe that all the old wounds could heal simply by sitting together at the dining table, sharing warm coffee, and trading small smiles.

“Don’t overthink,” Liam’s voice broke through my reverie.

I lifted my head, meeting his gaze. “Why do you say that?”

He gave a faint smile and shrugged. “I can see it in your eyes. You’re thinking about a lot of things.”

I chuckled softly, trying to hide my nervousness. “Maybe. I’m just not used to it yet.”

I gripped my cup more tightly, feeling the warmth slowly seep into my palms. I lowered my gaze, as if searching for answers in the cooling coffee surface. “Not used to what?” I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam looked at me without rushing, as though he wanted to choose each word carefully so they wouldn’t frighten me. “To the simplicity of being together. To sitting without burdens. To me, maybe.”

I fell silent, then let out a long breath. “You’re right. I’m still learning. Learning to ept that maybe things have changed. Learning to trust that moments like this won’t copse at any second.”

His eyes softened, and I saw a patience there I rarely found before. “It’s okay if it takes time. I’m not here to push you. I just want you to know, you’re not alone.”

There was something in his tone that made my chest tremble. Not just because of his words, but because I knew he truly meant them. I lowered my gaze again, afraid my eyes would betray the feelings I’d tried so hard to

suppress.

I tried to lighten the mood. “You’re always so good at reading me. Sometimes it’s annoying, you know?”

He chuckled quietly, his low voice enough to make me smile too. “Maybe because I’ve known you for too long. Every little movement I can guess what it means.”

I looked up, pretending to sigh. “That means I have no secrets at all.”

Liam leaned back, arms crossed, his eyes steady on me. “You’re still full of mystery to me, Sienna. I might read your unease, but I can’t force myself to understand everything. And that’s exactly what makes me want to stay by your side.”

His words left me silent again. Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because I was afraid that whatever I said would open something I wasn’t ready to face. So I chose to sip my coffee, though it was almost cold, just to give myself an excuse not to look at him for too long.

Silence returned between us. But unlike before, this one didn’t suffocate me. There was a warmth in it that felt safe. Every now and then, I stole a nce at him, finding Liam still looking at me with patience, as if he didn’t mind waiting however long it took.

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+25 bBONUS /b

I set my cup down on the table, my finger gently tracing its rim. “Thank you,” I said suddenly.

His brow arched. “For what?”

“For not giving up,” I answered simply.

His eyes glimmered, his smile curved softly, but he said nothing. He only nodded, as though that simple sentence was enough for him.

My chest grew warm, this time without the anxiety weighing it down. For a moment, I let myself enjoy it, just sitting together, bathed in the morning light streaming through the window, with a sense of peace that finally felt possible.

The sound of small footsteps on the floor made me turn my head. I saw Noah shuffling out of his room, his eyes still heavy with sleep. His hair was a mess, and his tiny hands rubbed at his eyes as he called out softly.

“Mommy.”

I immediately went over and crouched in front of him. “Sweetheart, you’re awake?” I asked gently, touching his warm cheek.

He nodded slowly, but his expression quickly clouded when he spotted my small bag near the sofa. His eyes widened, his lips pouted.

“Mommy, are you leaving?”

That simple question pierced my chest like a de. I took a breath, then forced the warmest smile I could.

“Yes, sweetheart. Mommy’s going to the apartment for a little while. I need to pack up some of my things. But I promise I’ll be back soon, okay?”

His eyes filled with tears, his little voice trembling. “I’ll go with you, Mommy, I don’t want you to leave alone.”

My heart nearly shattered at his words. I pulled his small body into a tight hug, feeling his quick heartbeat against me, fueled by fear of being left.

“My love, I know you want toe. But if you go now, you’ll get so tired. We just went out yesterday, remember? You’re still tired, aren’t you? It’s better if you rest here for now. Mommy won’t be long, I promise.”

“Noah’s scared you won’te back,” he murmured against my shoulder.

I closed my eyes tightly, struggling to hold back tears. His fear hurt so deeply. Stroking his back gently, I lifted his face so I could look into his eyes.

“Listen, sweetheart. I promise I won’t be gone long. I wille back. I will never leave you again, Noah. Believe me, okay?”

He was silent for a moment, studying me with uncertainty. Finally, he gave a small nod, though his little lips still pouted. “Promise, Mommy?”

I gave a tender smile and kissed his forehead. “Yes, sweetheart. I promise.”

133

Behind me, I could feel Liam’s gaze watching us quietly. I rose slowly, still holding Noah’s hand before finally letting go with a heavy heart.

“Noah, wait for Mommy here, okay? y with the nanny for a bit, and then Mommy wille back with something for you,” I said, trying to distract him.

His eyes brightened a little, though sadness lingered. “y with Lego?”

I nodded with a smile. “Yes, y with Lego. Mommy won’t be long.”

Atst, though reluctantly, Noah let go of my hand. I stepped back, looking at his face one more time before turning toward the door with Liam. A heaviness pressed against my chest, as though I was leaving a piece of myself behind.

I lingered for a moment at the doorway, ncing back at Noah. He was already sitting on the floor, his little hands busy pulling Lego pieces out of his favorite blue box. Every now and then, he nced my way, making sure I was still there. A small smile curved on his lips when I waved at him, a tiny gesture to show I truly woulde back.

“Noah, let’s build a tower really tall,” the nanny said gently as she helped stack the blocks.

He nodded, his face lighting up again. “Yes! A tower so tall it almost touches the sky!” he said excitedly, his hands working quickly to stack the colorful blocks.

I held my breath, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall again. Seeing him smile, even after nearly breaking into tears just moments ago, made me realize how strong Noah really was. That little boy had learned far too quickly how to deal with feelings of loss, something he should never have had to learn at his tender age.

Liam stood quietly beside me, saying nothing. But I could feel the weight of his gaze, just as heavy as mine. There was both sorrow and admiration in his eyes as he watched Noah. As if he, too, understood that this child was more than just a child; he was the very reason why we were still trying to hold on amidst all the cracks.

“Noah is so brave,” I whispered, my voice trembling slightly.

The boy looked up for a moment, his smile widening. “Mommy, see? My tower is strong, it won’t fall easily.”

I smiled, nodding with conviction. “Yes, sweetheart. I see. That tower is strong, just like youb./bb” /b

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