Chapter 26 Ethan’s trouble
SIENNA
I kept staring at the dress like it might blink first. It hung there, draped over the chair, silent and unassuming, yet it carried Lucian’s presence so strongly that I felt watched. The room was quiet, too quiet, and my thoughts filled every corner of it. I told myself I wouldn’t wear it. I told myself I would put it back in the bag, lock the box away, and forget this ridiculous impulse ever existed. He gave me what I’d always wanted on a platter of gold. He promised to leave me alone if I don't honor his invitation.
I should be excited. That was what I should do instead of sitting here and feeling horrible about it. I shouldn't be here making excuses for him and myself so I could wear the dress.
After what felt like an eternity, my curiosity won.
My fingers moved on their own as I undressed, my heartbeat loud in my ears. I wore everything he gifted me—the lingerie, the dress, every sinful inch of it. The fabric hugged me in ways no dress ever had before, clinging to my body like it belonged there. When I finally stood in front of the mirror, I barely recognized myself.
I looked… bold, desired, and unapologetic. The woman in the picture was different from me in every way, and that frightened me.
I grabbed my purse before I could change my mind and left the apartment.
•
The address led me to an upscale part of town I’d only ever seen from afar. When I arrived, my breath caught. It wasn’t a club or some dimly lit private gathering like I’d imagined. It was a mansion—grand, elegant, glowing with soft golden lights. A dinner party. My nerves tightened instantly.
It had been a long time since I attended one. The last one I attended was at my previous company, before I submitted myself totally to Ethan like a fool and resigned from the job.
Cars lined the driveway, and laughter drifted through the open doors. I hesitated at the entrance, suddenly too aware of my dress and of the way heads turned subtly as I walked in. The place was breathtaking—crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, and art pieces that probably cost more than my entire salary for years.
I walked slowly, pretending I belonged there… Or maybe I really did belong there.
I admired the décor, the effortless luxury, and the way everyone seemed comfortable in their skin. A server passed by with a tray of wine glasses, and I accepted one just to give my hands something to do.
I glanced around for him, but Lucian was nowhere in sight. That unsettled me more than his presence would have.
I wandered toward the far end of the room, near tall glass doors that opened onto a terrace. The night air beckoned, cool and calming, and I was just about to step outside when…
“Sienna?” My name rang. It was a familiar voice. I froze.
I knew that voice. I had spent years learning its tone, its inflections, and the way it always carried entitlement even when it tried to sound gentle. My stomach churned even before I could see the owner of the voice’s face.
Slowly, I turned, and it turned out to be the same person I predicted in my mind. Ethan.
For a moment, the world tilted. Not now. Not today. I didn't come here today just to be troubled by my ex-husband.
He stood a few feet away, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His eyes were fixed on me, wide and stunned, roaming over me with naked mesmerization. I could see it clearly… shock, desire, and disbelief, all warring on his face.
“Sienna,” he repeated, softer this time, like he was afraid I might disappear.
My chest tightened. “Ethan.”
He took a step closer. “What are you doing here?”
I scoffed lightly. “That’s rich, coming from you.”
His gaze never left me. “You look… incredible.”
The word slid over my skin like something unwelcome. “Don’t.” I snapped at him.
He smiled faintly, the same smile that once fooled me into thinking I was cherished. “I didn’t know you moved in circles like this now.”
“I didn’t know you still thought you had the right to comment on my life,” I replied coolly.
That seemed to snap him out of his trance. “I’m just surprised. Last I checked, you hated places like this.”
“People change,” I said. “Especially after betrayal.”
His jaw tightened. “That again?”
I laughed bitterly. “Again? Ethan, it never stopped being that.”
He stepped closer, invading my space. “You didn’t look like this when you were with me.”
I stiffened. “Because I didn’t need to dim my light for you to shine anymore.”
Something dark flickered in his eyes. “So this is for someone else?”
“That’s none of your business.”
He reached for my arm. “Sienna, wait…”
I yanked my hand away. “Don’t touch me.”
A few nearby guests glanced in our direction, sensing the tension. My heart pounded. I didn’t want a scene. I didn’t want him. I could take it if it was in the office. Not now. Not here. He should stay far away from me.
“I’m leaving,” I said firmly, turning away.
But Ethan followed.
“Sienna, don’t walk away from me like this,” he insisted. “We need to talk.”
“We have nothing to talk about.”
“You’re still angry,” he said. “I get that. But this…” He gestured vaguely at me, at the room. “This isn’t you.”
I spun around. “You don’t get to decide who I am anymore.”
He scoffed. “You think whoever invited you here actually cares about you? Men like that don’t invite women like you without expecting something in return.”
The words hit hard.
My hands trembled. “You don’t know anything.”
“I know men,” he said confidently. “And I know you.”
“No,” I snapped. “You knew the version of me that tolerated your lies.”
Silence fell between us, thick and charged.
“I made a mistake,” he said quietly. “I admitted that.”
“You made a choice,” I corrected. “Over and over again.” I scoffed. “What do you think your beloved Bianca would think when she finds out that you are here talking to me?”
He looked at me then, really looked at me, and I saw regret flicker across his face. “If I asked you to come back…”
I laughed. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I’m serious.” He said. The mere sight of him infuriated me so much. He still had the nerve to say such deceiving words in front of me?
“And I’m done. Even in my grave, I will never return to you,” I vowed, my voice sharp and decisive.
I turned to leave again, but he blocked my path. This time, he snatched my wrist. “Who is he?” he demanded. “Who brought you here?”
I refused to answer.
Above us, unseen by both of us, Lucian stood on the upper level.
I didn’t know he was there, but I felt it.
Later, I would remember the way the air felt heavier, charged. Lucian leaned against the railing, a cigarette burning between his fingers as he watched us. His jaw was tight, his gaze dark, smoke curling around him as he inhaled aggressively and exhaled sharply.
He didn’t look away.
Down below, Ethan was still talking, still pushing. “You’re not like this, Sienna. This dress, this attitude… it’s not you.”
My voice shook with fury. “You don’t get to define me. I stopped being a pushover for men like you.” I jerked my hand away. “Are you angry that I didn't end up the way you both wanted? You thought I would be miserable after the whole divorce thing, right? I'm not sorry to announce to you that I've moved past that, and I want you to leave the fuck alone,” I yelled.
He reached for me again, trying to hold me, but I shifted backward. “Let me go!” I hissed.
A hush rippled through the nearby guests.
Ethan froze, realizing too late that he’d drawn attention.
From above, Lucian crushed his cigarette into the ashtray, his eyes never leaving us.