They were supposed to return to the city at noon, but as soon as they arrived at the villa, Zachary announced they would return to the capital immediately.

Sienna didn’t ask anything; she simply hurried to pack her things, knowing something might happen in the city, which is why Zachary rushed to end their trip.

The helicopter ride back to the city was not as scary as before.

It felt manageable for Sienna.

Maybe it was because the sky was clear, bright, and open. No clouds. No signs of trouble.

Her hands still tightened slightly at times, and her thoughts still wandered into unnecessary scenarios, but it no longer consumed her like before.

She even managed to glance out the window and enjoy the greenery from above.

By the time they began descending, she realized she had made it through.

...

"Thank God, I survived," she muttered when the helicopter finally touched the ground.

"How is it?" Zachary asked while helping her step out of the helicopter.

"Perfect landing, Capt! Thank you..." She gave him two thumbs up. She feels grateful to finally be able to step onto the ground again.

"I’m glad to hear that," Zachary said as he took out her suitcase and placed it beside her.

Before Sienna could say anything, a small hand suddenly grasped hers. She lowered her gaze and met Skylar’s clear, innocent eyes.

She couldn’t quite explain why, but she felt her heart ache at the thought of parting from this little boy. "Sky..." her hand tightening around his.

"Aunty Sienna, next time, we can go again to the villa. And I promise, I will show you more places."

’Next time...? Will it be next time to meet you?’ Sienna thinks.

And without warning, an unfamiliar warmth spreads through her heart. She wants to say something to him, but she suddenly loses her ability to form words.

’What should I say...? Yeah, sure?’ she was confused. ’Or should I say... ask your dad to hire me as a chef again...?’

Unable to voice her thoughts, Sienna simply sighs.

In the end, she could only say, "Su-Sure..." She hesitated, caught between honesty and kindness.

Zachary watched the interaction quietly, clearly aware of her dilemma. Then, before he could stop himself, he said, "Sienna, we will return there in autumn..."

Sienna turns to him, her eyes widening in surprise at his words. She needs a few more seconds to respond, "Hmm, sure..."

Her words seemed to satisfy Skylar, and the little boy happily shouted, "Thank you, Daddy..."

Soon after, two cars pulled up not far from them.

Sienna prepared to leave, holding his suitcase, but before she could step away, Zachary approached her.

He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice. "Sorry, I can’t drive you home. My mother is in the hospital, and I need to go there now. Logan will drive you... "

Sienna’s expression softened instantly. Now she understands why he rushes them to return... It’s about his mother.

"I’m sorry to hear that, Zach. I hope she is alright."

He gave a small nod. "Thank you."

She stepped back, offering a small wave. "Take care."

"You too."

Skylar waved enthusiastically, "Bye, Aunty Sienna!"

"Bye, Sky..."

She watched them for a moment longer before turning toward the car waiting for her.

...

The next morning arrived with a quiet kind of kindness, the kind Sienna rarely allowed herself to notice.

Normally, her Monday morning would have been enough to make her groan, roll over, and bargain with herself for five more minutes of sleep that would inevitably turn into twenty.

But today felt... different.

She woke up without resistance. No alarm-induced panic. No heavy thoughts pressed down on her chest the moment her eyes opened.

Just a soft awareness of light and warmth, gently pulling her out of sleep.

For a while, she stayed exactly where she was. Lying on her back, eyes half-open, she watched the sunlight filter through the loose curtains at the window.

Sienna allowed herself to enjoy it. Just a few extra minutes of peace.

Eventually, she sat up, pushing her hair back as she made her way to the kitchen.

By the time she started preparing her coffee, she didn’t realize she was humming. Not loudly, but enough to fill the small space with a gentle rhythm that felt entirely her own. She was in a good mood.

With her warm latte in hand, she moved toward the window and leaned lightly against the frame, her gaze drifting down to the street below.

The city was waking up, people moving with purpose, cars sliding through the roads, the familiar rhythm of life continuing as it always did.

And somehow, instead of feeling overwhelmed by it, she felt calm. However, the calm didn’t last long. Because her thoughts, uninvited but persistent, began to wander...Back to the mountain villa and then, to him, Zachary.

His face appeared in her mind too real. The way he looked at Skylar. The way his expression softened without him even realizing it. The rare but genuine smiles that seemed to come more easily when she was around.

Sienna tightened her grip on her latte cup.

Her heart reacted before her mind could stop it, a slow warmth blooming in her chest, followed by a steady rise in her heartbeat, leaving her all too aware of herself.

"...No! That’s just my wishful thinking," she whispered, almost sharply.

She shook her head, as if she could physically push the thought away.

"Please, girl... stop dreaming of stepping into his world. You won’t fit in there..." Her own voice sounded firm, almost strict, as if she were scolding a version of herself who had already wandered too far.

Sienna didn’t linger to take in the scenery; she returned to her bedroom and began preparing for the office.

It only took a few minutes, and she was already neatly dressed in a white blouse, a navy A-line knee-length skirt, and a matching wrap coat that fit her figure perfectly. Her appearance was simple and professional.

Today was a new start. There would be no Angie Feliz in the Imperial Hotel, no drama in her department.

As Sienna walked out of her apartment, she allowed herself a small, hopeful smile.