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Sienna’s POV
I gently loosened the small hand clutching my shirt. Noah was fast asleep now, though his face still held a trace of worry even in his dreams. I took a deep breath and leaned down to kiss his forehead one more time before
slowly rising to my feet.
Each step out of the room felt heavier than thest. Even the soft sound of the door being pulled closed behind
me rang like a painful ending. I had never imagined returning to this house only to read a bedtime story and
then leave with a heart even more shattered than before.
I walked slowly down the hallway, returning to the main living area. The house was just like it used to be—
warm, neatly arranged, with a faint scent of soap and flowers lingering in every corner. But now it all felt
unfamiliar. As if I were merely a guest allowed to visit briefly, to remember, before being expected to leave
before staying too long.
At the dining table, there were still traces of Noah’s snacks—a half-eaten biscuit and a ss of milk that had
long since gone cold. I stared at them for a long time. I used to be the one who prepared those things. I used to
know exactly which biscuits he liked best, how much sugar to sprinkle on them to get him to eat eagerly. But
now… someone else took care of all that.
I lowered my gaze, letting my fingers lightly touch the cold surface of the table. The guilt crept in again,
pressing against my chest like boiling steam. If only I hadn’t left. If only I had held on a little longer-would
things have turned out differently? Would Noah have grown up without knowing loss at such a young age?
The dim light from the hangingmp illuminated the spacious room, and there they were. Liam and Emily.
Sitting on the sofa I once used to cradle Noah when he had a fever. Now upied by two figures who felt like
thorns in my chest.
Emily turned first. Her gaze was sharp, her chin slightly lifted.
“All done? Are you leaving now?” she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm and disdain, as if my presence here
was nothing but an unwee intrusion.
Liam said nothing, but the coldness in his eyes spoke volumes. He was waiting for an answer-waiting to see if I would choose to stay or walk away for good.
I straightened my posture.
11:17 AM Tue 2 Sep
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“I’m leaving,” I said, my voice steady despite the tremor in my chest. “I won’t being back.”
Emily smiled. A satisfied smile that turned my stomach.
? 50%
“Good,” she replied, standing. Her steps were light, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Without another word, she walked toward the bedroom I knew was now theirs. The room I once filled with love
and dreams that never got the chance to bloom.
I watched her until she disappeared behind the door.
Liam still said nothing. He sat there, arms crossed. I wanted to say something to him-some kind of proper
goodbye. But the words wouldn’te. My tongue refused to cooperate.
How could I say goodbye to someone who had carved my heart apart?
I turned my gaze away, looking at the empty coffee table, then at the bookshelf I had once arranged myself.
Everything was still the same, yet none of it belonged to me anymore.
This house. This life. Even my own family.
I walked slowly to the front door, grabbing the bag I had left near the shoe rack. My hands trembled slightly as I gripped its handle. Behind me, I could still feel Liam’s stare, but I didn’t turn around.
I opened the door carefully, not wanting to wake Noah. The night air greeted me with a sharp chill that bit at my
skin.
I drew a deep breath, letting the cold night air fill my lungs. It felt sharp but also calming—as if signaling that I was really leaving. That this step was not a dream, not a moment of weakness, but a decision born from a
wound I had hidden for far too long.
I stepped outside, onto the terrace slick with dew. My canvas shoes scraped softly against the floor. Around me,
the night was still. Only the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant hum of traffic could be heard.
I closed the door quietly, nearly soundless. Then I stood there for a moment, hugging my bag, frozen in front of the house I once called home. This was where everything had started between Liam and me. Back when hope
was whole and love hadn’t yet been tainted.
Now, all that remained were walls and a roof filled with too many memories-and betrayal.
The porch light still glowed dimly, and I saw my reflection in the side window. A weary face, eyes swollen. But
also… the face of a woman who chose to leave to save herself.
11:17 AM
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Tue 2 Sep
THE 50%
My steps felt heavy as I began descending the front steps. But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. Because if I stopped now, I might turn around. And if I turned around, I was afraid I’d crumble again.
I walked past the front garden I had once filled with rose bushes-some of them still bloomed, as if unaware this house no longer belonged to me. And when I opened the small gate, I knew: no one would stop me. No one would ask me to exin.
The taxi’s headlights approached slowly. I stepped forward to g it down.
But then I heard it-the sound of quick footsteps, followed by hurried breathing.
“Sienna!”
I turned.
Liam.
He approached with hesitant steps, his eyes filled with uncertainty, his lips parted as if unsure where to begin. I
didn’t move. I just looked at him over my shoulder.
“You… you should’ve stayed the night,” he said, his voice soft but cutting through the silence.
“It’s toote to be going home now,” he added, his tone faltering.
I stared at his face for a moment-a face I once memorized down to every line, now felt foreign, like a faded
painting. No words came from me, and no steps were taken to close the distance. The night wind blew through
my hair, lifting a few strands from my face, as if helping sweep away thest traces of hesitation still lingering.
GET IT N…