Sienna’s POV


    After a brief nce, Liam replied with an affirmative, “Alright. Please reach out to me after you’ve finished.”


    The door <b>was </b>closed with a gentle nod as I nodded in anticipation. While he drove away, I watched his <b>car </b><b>pass </b>by in front of the <b>café </b>and stared at my reflection through the ss window. There was a face that seemed to be moreposed and alive in the


    reflection.


    My heart didn’t feel cold, even though the air in the middle of the afternoon still had a soft chill. I felt a sense of lighterness after talking about everything in the car, including the meeting tonight. Maybe I had finally gotten over the feeling of being disconnected from everything.


    I turned around and saw a small sign that said Bloom & Brew Café. The ce wasn’t very big, but it always had a good vibe. With the ss open, I could hear some people chatting over coffee, and each time it opened, the door held out with the sweet scent of cinnamon and caramel.


    The handle of the door caused my hand to squirm. I could have sat in silence<b>, </b>called off my meeting with Liliana, found some reason to go home and rx. I was aware of my past mistakes, which involved taking a while to make important decisions and avoiding emotions that were necessary to confront. I had no desire to be like that person any longer.


    After sitting there for a moment, I took ten breaths and attempted to keep my heart rate stable, but it was moving too fast.


    I scanned the ss once more and noticed my reflection. The wind tugged at my hair, and the cold caused my cheeks to turn a pink hue. But that change was apparent when my eyes looked as pale as the shadows of my past. There was a distinct<b>, </b>faint but authentic stillness that I sensed in them.


    I pressed down on the ss, as if to verify that it was me who was looking at the woman behind me.


    The woman, who was once heartbroken, stands before the cafe with her head raised and breath still.


    Liam’s car ceased to make any noise. A moment of silence was achieved in the midst of the city’s noise. Despite being alone, I was not lonely.


    I didn’t realize there was a smile on my face. Despite everything, I still had to face Liliana and Liam’s mother before the day even began. I realized that I was truly alive when everything seemed overwhelming. I had the determination to face any eventuality.


    “Sienna, it’s time to move on,” I whispered.


    I toned my shoulders, tucked in my jacket, and then nced at the ss door to see what I looked like. Once again, there was a face that seemed to be moreposed and alive than before.


    The cafe greeted me with warmth and the distinct aroma of coffee. I observed the street’s increase in traffic while sitting by the window. I waited for someone toe up to me, yet the cappino in front of me still had a slight amount of steam.


    I moved the little spoon around inside a serving bowl, monitoring the foam as it began to swirl and sink. The café seemed serene that afternoon, with soft jazz ying in the background and quiet conversations happening around me. There was that peace inside me, but it felt fragile like a thread with no end.


    Liliana had been absent from my sight since yesterday. Earlier, our conversations were brief and unsettling. At one point, she was a close friend, colleague and acquaintance of mine who had knowledge of my marriage to Liam. What happened? The things I never shared with anyone else.


    Looking out <b>the </b>window, I observed trees swaying, inward with the wind. It was strange to realize how much had changed in a rtively short period of time. I used to frequent her ce and we would chat for hours about writing, clients, or little dreams that were <b>out </b>of our grasp. <b>Here </b>I was, sitting by myself and waiting for someone I knew from a long time but didn’t feel the


    <b>same </b><b>way</b><b>. </b>


    I took a deep breath, trying to unwind. Two old friends can easily meet up and have a good time. I was aware that the situation would not be as straightforward as it seemed, considering my disappearance, prolonged silence<b>, </b>and unreported tales.


    I couldn’t hold onto the spoon. After a quick check, I got out my hair and checked my watch. It had only been ten minutes since the incident. Each second seemed to stretch beyond its usual duration, as if time was stagnating before something significant happened.


    My gaze widened to my drinking cup. The heat was still in the air, blending with the growing tension in my chest. It had almost dissipated. The barista walking by seemed to be more reserved than I had ever been, so I smiled at her with a wink.


    During the clinking of dishes and the gentle sound of the door, I heard footsteps that were both familiar and sudden. The sound of high heels hitting the wooden floor.


    1 straightened instinctively. There was some speed in my heart.


    Upon mere moments, the familiar sound of those steps hit my table. I smiled and turned when I saw Liliana enter with her usual confidence, wearing a crisp ck zer and neatly pinched hair. With a beaming smile, she waved her hand.


    “Sienna!”


    She yfully teased as she approached, “I’m finally getting to meet our famous writer again!”


    Her sitting across from me made me grin as I looked up at her. “You have retained your dramatic quality.”


    After winning arge case, she smiled and crossed her legs, asking if she could change something.


    A five–star establishment was the recipient of my client’s favor during our dinnerst night! You ought to have observed the other attorney’s defeat.


    “I thought to myself, Liliana, that you’re amazing.”


    It was a casual conversation and she enjoyed the freshly made coffee. “As I always say, I’m no match for anyone in court.”


    I couldn’t help but smile, her energy was just floating around.


    Despite her selflessness, Liliana was the ultimate loyal friend. She had always been confident and unyielding.


    With a nk expression, she stared at me. “Are you okay? I read yourst chapter. Your aplishment speaks volumes, I’m sure. The ending was incredibly powerful.”


    With a grimace in my eye, I held my breath. “I’m happy you enjoyed it.”


    “It’s not just me, I mean,” she stated. “You know, that story could win over the rest? After that, there will be a flood of offers.‘


    I lowered my head, feeling both amused and skeptical. “I don’t think I have made it far enough forward, Liliana.”


    She replied, “That’s the issue with you! You’re always soposed. Upon finishing thepetition, and opting to publish your book as a result, your life will be transformed. There will be a lot of interviews, promotions, bookunches, and signings.”


    I smirked softly. “That’s quite tiresome.”


    She quickly responded with “Exciting! I have an idea for you before that.” Immediately following her answer, she nodded.


    “Can we take a vacation?” She requests.


    I stumbled, uncertain. “Are you on vacation?” This made me look up.


    “Yes, I can assure you. For a few days now<i>.</i><i>” </i>She said softly.


    “Perhaps on the beach or in <b>the </b>mountains with me. It would be great if you had some downtime, Sienna. You’ve been working


    too hard.”


    <b>For </b><b>the </b>time being, I remained silent. Vacation was a foreign concept to me. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to, but rather out of habitual urrences and life–style dilemmas. Why?


    <b>I </b>caught Liliana’s eye. “Are you unsure about what she saw?”


    Shaking my <b>head </b>slightly, I forced a small smile. “Not that I’m saying. I haven’t thought about it at all.”


    The oue is uncertain for me after all these years.


    She let out a soft kiss. “Sienna, I believe you are happy to have me pleased for you. Your hard work should be rewarded for your efforts<b>.</b><b>” </b>


    After looking at my cup, the steam had dissipated and I finally admitted to thinking about it. It was a good idea of what happened.


    “Good,” Liliana patted my hand and smiled in delight. She was ecstatic.


    <b>“</b>I’m not allowing you to stay home and write incessantly this time. The world beyond your reach awaits you.”


    I giggled, the heat slowly permeating my chest. Maybe she was right. Perhaps I should have started to live my life slowly again.


    I chuckled, but my heart felt warm. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was time for me to learn to enjoy life a little bit at a time.


    “Bring Noah and Liam too. You guys rarely go on family vacations, right? Would you mind if <b>I </b>came?” Liliana eximed, more enthusiastic than I was.


    I nodded happily. “I’ll think about it,” I replied gratefully.


    Cede


    <strong>Cede</strong> is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a ir for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cede’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.