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Sienna’s POV

My words made him giggle softly, though he quickly bent back down, busy stacking the blocks again. Pride. shone on his little face, as if he wanted to prove to the world that he truly could be that strong.

The nanny looked at me, nodding politely. “Don’t worry, Ma’am. Noah will be fine. I’ll stay with him until byou /breturn.”

I returned the nod, though my heart still resisted moving away. Every second in that room felt precious, like small fragments I would one day hold onto as memories.

Liam gently touched my arm, a signal that it was time to go. I turned to him, then looked back at Noah. He was already lost in his y, stacking Legos higher and higher, humming softly to himself.

“Mommy loves you, Noah,” I whispered before finally turning away. fn6134 This text is hosted at find{n}ovel/fn6134

“I love you too, Mommy,” he replied quickly, without looking up. Simple words, yet they pierced straight through to the deepest part of me.

As the door closed softly, I could still hear Noah’s little voice calling faintly, “Come back soon, Mommy.”

I lowered my head, holding my breath for a moment, then walked beside Liam. In my heart, I promised myself once more, I really woulde back. For Noah. For this family.

“Ready?” Liam’s voice cut through my thoughts.

I looked at him briefly, then nodded. “Ready.”

We walked slowly toward the yard. The morning air brushed gently against my skin, the pale blue sky streaked with thin drifting clouds. Liam’s car was parked there, and I felt my heartbeat quicken when he opened the door for me.

“I can go home by myself, Liam. You should stay with Noah,” I murmured.

He gave a small smile, his eyes warm. “I know. But I want to do this. Noah’s already used to the nanny.”

I couldn’t say anything in response, just stepped inside and sat in the passenger seat. When the door closed, the familiar scent of the car mixed with the soft trace of his cologne, making it even harder to keep my emotional distance.

The car rolled slowly out of the yard. The streets were still quiet, with only a few vehicles passing by. I kept my gaze fixed outside the window, trying to focus on the scenery instead of the silence that filled the car.

The ride was steady, the smooth hum of the engine and the faint sound of music from the radio filling the quiet space between us. I still stared outside, watching trees rush past, houses fade into the distance, and the afternoon sunlight reflecting off window ss.

“You’ve been quiet the whole time,” Liam finally said, his voice soft but clear.

I nced at him briefly, then quickly turned my eyes back to the road. “I’m just tired.”

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He shot me a sidelong look, then gave a faint smile, “Tired, or avoiding?b” /b

I frowned slightly, trying to hide the unease that suddenly welled up. “Avoiding what?” I asked quickly, almost defensively.

Liam didn’t answer right away. He exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel in time with the music. “You’re still hesitant, aren’t you? About me, about us.”

My heart leapt into my throat. I opened my mouth, wanting to deny it, but the words felt too heavy. “I’m just not used to it yet,” I finally whispered.

“Not used to having someone who cares? Or not used to believing that you deserve to be loved?” His question was gentle, without pressure, but that was exactly what made my chest tighten.

I stayed silent, staring at my hands clutching the bag on myp. His words struck directly at the most fragile ce inside me.

The car paused briefly at a red light. I could feel his gaze, but I didn’t dare look back.

“I don’t want to make you feel forced, Sienna,” he continued, his voice even softer this time. “I just want you to know I’m not here out of pity. I’m here because I truly want to be by your side.”

I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to steady my ragged breathing. How desperately I wanted to believe him, but the shadows of the past always seemed toe back and haunt me.

The light turned green. The car moved forward again. I forced myself to nce at him, catching his face, serious yet calm. There was something in his gaze, a sincerity I had rarely found in my life.

“Liam,” My voice nearly broke. I wanted to continue, but I didn’t know where to start.

He only gave a faint smile before turning back to the road. “It’s okay if you can’t talk now. I can wait. I’m not going anywhere.‘

Silence filled the space between us again, but this time it felt different. Not awkward, but warm, as if his words had be a fragile bridge slowly connecting the gap between us.

“How long do you think you’ll be staying at the apartment?” Liam’s voice made me turn to him.

I thought for a moment before answering. “I don’t know for sure. Maybe a few days. Maybe a week. í just need time to sort out my thoughts.”

He nodded, though I could sense tension behind his calm expression. “During that time, may I still reach out to you?”

I turned to him, a little surprised by the question. “Of course, Liam. You’re Noah’s father. And…” I hesitated for a moment, lowering my gaze. “…and you’re also part of my life.”

The words slipped out without nning. I could feel my face heat up, but I didn’t regret saying them. Liam’s smile bloomed, this time warmer, more genuine. “Thank you,” he said softly.

I quickly turned toward the window again, hiding the expression I couldn’t control. The scenery of tall buildings

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shifted as we drew closer to the city center. People crowded the sidewalks, the morning rush resuming its rhythm.

“What about Noah?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“I’ll exin it gently. I don’t want him to feel like you left him. I’ll tell him Mommy just went home for a while to take care of something.”

I nodded in relief. “Thank you, Liam. That matters. I don’t want him to feel like I left him again.”

He nced at me, his eyes soft. “I know. And I promise, I’ll always be there for him. And for you, if you’ll let me.” My heart trembled again at his words. I wanted to answer, but my lips froze. Part of me wanted to say yes, I’ll allow it, I need it, but another part held me back. I stayed silent, letting his words linger in the air.

The car kept moving, merging into busier streets. I leaned my head against the window, letting the cool ss soothe my thoughts. Closing my eyes briefly, I steadied my breathing.

When I opened them again, my apartment building was already visible in the distance. A strange pull stirred within me, relief at returning to my own space, yet sadness knowing it meant leaving behind the warmth I’d just felt at Liam’s home.

“We’re almost there,” I whispered.

Liam only nodded, his expression calm though his eyes held something unspoken. The car turned into the parking area and stopped right at the entrance to my apartment.

He turned off the engine and looked at me. “I’ll help carry your things upstairs.”

I shook my head quickly. “No need. I can handle it myself. Besides, you have to get to work.”

He studied me for a moment, then gave a faint smile. “Alright. But if you need anything call me.”

I nodded softly, meeting his gaze for a second before opening the door. “Thank you, Liam. For everything.”

I stepped out, and before closing the door, I saw him still watching me, as if unwilling to let go. There was something in that look, fear, longing, and hope all at once.

I shut the door gently, lowered my head, and walked into the apartment lobby. But my heart was still left behind in that car, with Liam.

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