Daniel wore a somber expression as he spoke, "Mrs. Lawson, I don't resent you. I understand your sentiments entirely. Were it my daughter, I would hesitate to see her with an anti-drug officer too." Shelly turned to look at Daniel, sensing in him a man of integrity. If not for his profession, marrying Sienna to him would be like winning the lottery. "About Felix's medical bills—" Shelly's words were cut short by Daniel's reassurance. "Mrs. Lawson, it's a small matter. There's no rush for repayment. "Once Felix wakes up and recovers, he can take his time to repay me when he's financially stable. There's no deadline."Shelly was moved beyond words. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she clasped his hand gratefully. "Thank you, and thank you on behalf of Felix," she choked out. Daniel offered a gentle pat on her shoulder, feeling a pang of sadness. To him, matters that money could resolve were insignificant. As long as he could help Sienna, he would do so without hesitation or regr

Sienna bit her lower lip and voiced her distress, "Can you persuade Mom to stop using her life as leverage against me?" "I wish I could, but Mom is unwavering. Every time she threatens to end her life, she means it," Felix lamented, shaking his head with resignation. Sienna fell into silence. She couldn't selfishly pursue her desires at the expense of Shelly's life for the sake of love. She held onto the belief in time's healing power, knowing she would eventually release Daniel, let go of their relationship, and rebuild her life. Love hadn't blinded her. Days later, Felix was discharged, and life resumed its rhythm. Sienna delved into writing, assisting Shelly at the shop, dabbling in cooking now and then, and unwinding with her closest friend.One day, Jane reached out and invited Sienna to a high school reunion. Sienna, often away for work, rarely attended such gatherings. Being back in her hometown this year, she thought it would be nice to catch up with her long-lost cl

Sienna found herself pulled forcefully into Daniel's home. With the click of the door, panic surged within her. Uncertain of what an enraged man might do, she struggled against his grip, desperate to break free. Yet, as a delicate woman, she couldn't match Daniel's strength. He dragged her into the living room, depositing her onto the couch. Tension gripped her as she cast anxious glances at Daniel, fearing he might rush over in a fit of rage. But instead of erupting, Daniel settled beside her. His demeanor was subdued as he bowed his head, hands cradling his forehead in evident distress. Silence enveloped them in the bright living room, broken only by the soft rhythm of their breaths. Outside the window, darkness cloaked the world. The atmosphere inside grew heavy as they sat in quiet contemplation. Sienna thought that perhaps Daniel was just angry and wanted a reason to spend some time alone with her. He wasn't directing his frustrations at her. "Daniel, didn't we agree no

Daniel pressed Sienna down beneath him. Her struggles only made things harder for him. Gradually, he pulled away from her lips and planted kisses along her fair neck.She gasped for air and whimpered softly. Terrified and shaking, she closed her eyes and pleaded tearfully, "Daniel, please stop.""Sienna, I love you," Daniel whispered as he kissed her ear. His voice was as deep and alluring as aged wine.Sienna felt as if electric currents surged through her entire body wherever his lips and hands had touched. It left her feeling numb and weak.She was trembling with fear, yet deep down, she couldn't deny a sense of longing. Eventually, she stopped struggling and leaned her body toward him.Before falling in love, Sienna had firmly believed in waiting until marriage for sex. However, overwhelmed by her deep love for him, her physical desires overtook her sense of reason.Sienna eased her tense body. She bit her lip to stifle any moans of pleasure caused by the strange feelings swe

Sienna couldn't wait to find Daniel after getting Shelly's approval. But reflecting on her harsh words from last night, she wondered how he was coping. Was he even willing to see her?She held onto her phone, her eyes fixed on the last message she sent to Daniel. There was no response from him yet.The day before, Sienna stated that she didn't have feelings for him and that she didn't love him. Would texting him now to express her desire to be with him seem insincere?Would Daniel think she had disregarded his emotions and taken him for granted?Sienna clutched her phone, a whirlwind of thoughts tormenting her. Neither calling nor texting seemed adequate to express her true feelings.As the evening approached, Sienna rode her electric scooter toward the police station. She figured this was around the time Daniel would be finishing work.The sunset cast a warm glow around her. She savored the beauty of the scenery along the roadside. A deep sense of contentment washed over her.H