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    Sienna’s POV


    Liliana chuckled. “Not the right thing to say, just the truth. My sole desire is for you to cease being reactive. Sienna, I have so many beautiful things in my possession. Don’t let fear hide them.”


    I looked back at the cup of coffee with a nk stare. It was half–way through. I reflected on it, looking fragile but also slightly fortified. Liliana was correct in saying that I couldn’t tolerate hiding.


    Taking it in stride, I opened my bag and took out some pages of the manuscript I had prepared. It was all red on the sheets, evidence of how hard I had fought for each sentence. I pushed them towards Liliana, cing them on the table.


    “Let’s hope you are the first to read myst chapter, then,” I said with a screeful voice, full of determination.


    With gleeful eyes, Liliana stared at the papers and smiled broadly. “I take pleasure.”


    Warmth spread through my chest. It was a small step, but crucial.


    The waiter came back and we ordered steak, which she had chosen over her favorite steak. I chose pasta with fresh tomato sauce instead. We both ordered it. We ordered a small bottle of white wine to


    celebrate her win.


    We shifted our focus to lessmon topics, such as vacation ns and old friends‘ conversations, while also discussing thetest movie that everyone had rmended. Between the giggles, Liliana would asionally look at me with a serious expression.


    “Are you prepared for the challenge ahead, Sienna? Is it possible that Liam and Emily are involved in the process of getting back to their house?”


    My heart sank. “Are you aware of the rumors about Emily too?!” I concur.


    She nodded slightly. “I’m aware that she won’t be quiet. Her constant desire is to win.‘


    I lowered my head and held my spoon tightly. “That’s the source of my fear. Noah should not be drawn into adult conflicts. All I want is for him to be pleased. Emily doesn’t shy away from talking like Noah, does she?”


    Liliana tapped her finger on the table, her expression cold as silk, like that of awyer ready to fight, “If she gets close, know that I’ll be right beside you. Noah is your son. That’s an unchallenged legal fact. Don’t let Emily shake you.”


    Looking at her, my skin sparked with excitement. “Liliana, I’m lucky to have you with me.


    A kind–hearted expression was spoken by her. “I’m fortunate to have you with me. While it’s easy to


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    question oneself, my confidence in you is unparalleled. Don’t forget that.”


    Eating, talking andughing were the usual ways we spent our time, asionally resuming serious conversation. As time went by, the restaurant’s atmosphere became more tranquil. Half a ss of wine was left, and I settled back into my chair, experiencing surprisinglyfort. It was incrediblyforting.


    Using my fork, I slowly watched as Liliana continued to talk with great enthusiasm. Even though she was so warm, I could tell that she always had sharp eyes to read my troubles.


    “Liliana,” I called softly.


    She stopped chewing and quickly turned. “Hmm, what happened?”


    “I will have to face Emily in the future. I mean more than a friendly hello at the mall or small talk at Noah’s school. If she were to actually try to take Noah away from me, would I be able to hold my own against her might?”


    Liliana ced her ss gently and looked at me with a profound seriousness. “The question is not about whether you are strong enough, Sienna. To what extent are you willing to engage inbat?”


    She spoke through the thick walls I had constructed around me.


    She kept her words to aposed and unassuming tone, noting that she may have possessions like money and status. This included her association with Liam. “Your connection with Noah is the one thing she can never have. And that will always be your best weapon. Remember that.”


    I held my hands low and tried to hold down tears while holding a spoon. “I’m scared, Liliana. I’m scared of losing him. The moment I see Noah, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss and gratitude.”


    With her fingers in her mouth, Liliana reached out and brushed my hand. “You won’t lose him. You stand with him and the world wille to your aid.”


    Her words evoked something within me. I felt like there was a solid foundation beneath me tonight.


    Somewhat.


    We continued eating more quietly. Every now and then, Liliana cracked a joke that made me burst intoughter even as I was still thinking about things. My friend was always there for me, even when I needed assistance. They were both smart and supportive.


    Following my break, I said, “Liliana, if this is something I’ve never said before, you’re like family.”


    Whenever I am uncertain, you are always there to lend me some support.


    She smiled, her eyes sparkling with gleam. “Sienna, I’m your family. Friendship goes beyond friendship. We address the gaps that are beyond understanding.”


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    The warmth in her hand grew throughout my body as I held it tightly.


    “Thanks Liliana. I’m feeling a little better for now. You can hear me back here.”


    Her ss was raised, and she smiled at me. “Seen for good times, Sienna. Whether in the courtroom or in your own writing. We will fight together ande out on top.“”


    I lifted my ss and ced it over hers.


    The small crack seemed to seal the night with an unreserved assurance that I was not alone and that someone still had confidence in me.


    It was that, which gave me the confidence to go forward.


    The taxi I rode gliding around the city was quiet. I could see the moon shining through the window, but it was half open. As I gazed into the cool ss, I could see the city lights go back out.


    A taxi halted in front of my apartment. Pay and I was in the quiet lobby, where. The elevator made me feel like I was ascending to the topmost floor. Each second was lengthy, as if the world wanted me to truly feel everything inside my head.


    The apartment door opened, I lit up the light, threw my bag onto the sofa, and sat down without taking off my shoes. Thank goodness!


    After licking my face, I headed towards the corner of my desk.


    Myptop was still in use, with manuscript pages awaiting me. Despite my writing the previous evening, I was still left with unfinished words on the screen. Slowly I went over and then sat down, staring at them for hours without stopping.


    My fingers were upied with typing, but I was filled with thoughts of memories and fears. Why? Moments of a home that had once again felt warm, even for moments. Noah’s fear of loss, the fear to face Emily and hope in Liam. Why? It caused me to experience pain in my chest due to the force of it


    colliding.


    Close my eyes and hold back my air. I could have written these feelings, Liliana. Thank you for your insight. Pain, longing, fear, and hope. All real. All could be a story.


    I didn’t feel like writing tonight. Why? My sole intention tonight was to.


    I arose and opened the window, feeling the glow of night. A slight lightening of the sea breeze hit me. Holding my hands over my shoulder, I looked up at the hazy sky, frozen in time.


    I muttered “I’ll start over again tomorrow. I’m going to finish everything.”


    There was a slight boost in the power of those words. My faith in Liliana was matched by Noah’s eagerness to assist me, and I knew that I couldn’t surrender. I needed a single night to absorb


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    everything and give myself space for my tired heart.


    With a soft touch, I shut the window andid down on the bed. There was silence around me but this time wasn’t scary. With a simple promise, I closed my eyes andmitted to writing withplete honesty, even if it meant opening every one of my wounds. <fna449> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n FιndNovel</fna449>