Chapter 10 Eventful
SIENNA
As soon as it reached closing hour, I let out a deep breath and turned off the system. Ever since I joined this company, today has been the most dramatic episode I’ve ever experienced. From Lucian to my ex-husband, Ethan—it was as though the duo had been sent to take my life.
Immediately, I picked up my bag and spotted Angel, my friend from work. She was also ready to go home. Actually, I had plans to speak with her before closing time, but the events that unfolded really made it slip my mind… or maybe I was just too terrified to raise my head. I was scared I might see Lucian standing if I did.
“Angel!” I called, standing and walking toward her. She had already started strolling toward the elevator.
“Sienna!” She stopped. “I pitied you so much today. You were really on Mr. Ethan’s bad side.” She glanced to both sides and lowered her voice. “He even sent you to that new demon’s office.”
I chuckled. It was weird how everyone saw Lucian as a devil on his first day, while I saw him as a pervert. He was crazily gentle with me, and that was extremely suspicious.
“Thank God the day has ended. I don’t have to be his scapegoat anymore.” I paused briefly, then continued. “I have something to discuss with you.”
“Okay, girl. Speak up already. Spill the tea,” she beckoned, her lips forming into a smile. I bet she assumed I was about to drop some hot gist. Angel and her love for gossip were on another level. She was always ready to suspend serious work to focus on the gist.
“I know the excitement on your face, but unfortunately, it isn’t something to be happy about,” I let out a deep breath. “It’s a cry for help. I have a problem with my apartment right now, and I need a place to stay until I’m buoyant enough to get a new one. Do you mind if I come stay with you for the time being?”
I couldn’t tell her the whole truth because my marriage to Ethan was a secret in the company. Nobody knew we were once married, and I also didn’t want to talk about it with anyone for now. Was it even worth talking about? It ended on a really bad note.
She laughed and hugged me gently. “For a second, I was scared because of how serious your expression was,” she mumbled and patted me. Then she broke the hug. “My house is yours, Sienna. You can stay for as long as you want. Just contribute to the water and electricity bills. I’ve already cleared the rent for the year.”
Although I already knew Angel would accept, I didn’t expect things to be this easy and smooth. I fought back the emotions surging within me and nodded. “Thank you, Angel. You are such a gem.”
She shrugged and swirled her hair dramatically. With a sheepish smile, she said, “Of course, my love. I know very well that I’m one of a kind. You'd better cling to me and never lose me.”
We burst into laughter.
“Alright, Sienna. I’ll send the address to you on your phone now. You can come over anytime.”
“I’ll just go pack my clothes at my previous apartment and move into your place today. Is that fine by you?” I asked.
“Definitely. I have no problem whatsoever. But are you sure you don’t need me to drive you there? That will make it easier for you. We can just pack your things into the trunk and drive to my place afterward,” she said, her tone filled with concern, sincerity shining in her eyes. I’d always known Angel to be kind; I just didn’t expect her to be this kind.
“No, Angel.” Ethan had already left the office, which meant he could be home with his sweetheart. My secret would be exposed if I allowed her to come with me. “I’ll go there alone. You don’t need to worry. Just send me the address. I’ll find my way to your place myself.”
She glanced at me for a few seconds. My heart skipped a beat. She must have suspected something. Then she smacked her lips. “Well… if you insist. I’ll send the address now.” She brought out her phone from her bag and continued toward the elevator. I followed suit.
•
I stood outside Ethan’s apartment, uncertain of what to do. This place used to be my home too. It held so many memories—our memories. Even in a thousand years, I would never have imagined I’d become a stranger in the same home I helped build.
The thought of what he could be doing inside rolled through my mind, and irritation swelled within me. I hated that I felt a slight pain in my heart because of it.
After standing there for a few minutes, I walked inside. The door was locked. Luckily, the password hadn’t been changed, so I was able to get in easily. Deep down, I prayed he wouldn’t be home.
But the prayer didn’t last. As soon as I stepped into the living room, I found him there with his beloved new wife, Bianca, cuddling on the sofa.
His eyes widened the moment he saw me, and he jerked up. He even pushed Bianca aside as though he’d forgotten she existed.
“What are you doing here?”