Chapter 164

Chapter 164
Sienna's POV

As we pulled up the circular drive, the main house was ablaze with lights, and the front entrance had been decorated with an enormous wreath, twinkling lights, and elegant ice sculptures that caught and reflected the warm glow from within. Ophelia and Ava were already waiting by the front door, their faces bright with welcoming smiles.

Hayes parked the car and came around to open my door, taking my hand as we walked toward the entrance.

The moment Hayes opened the back door, Buddy bounded out of the car, immediately racing toward Ophelia and Ava with his characteristic enthusiasm.

"Sweetheart!" Ophelia rushed forward to envelop me in a warm hug. "I've been waiting for you! Come inside, it's cold out here."

I felt the last of my nervousness melt away under her genuine enthusiasm.

Ava bounced over to link her arm through mine. "You weren't here last time I visited, so this time we need to have a proper chat."

Hayes chuckled behind us. "Could you two at least let her get inside before you start talking her ear off?"

Ophelia laughed. "Of course, of course. Come in. Dinner will be ready in just ten minutes."

The dining room had been set with gleaming silver and fresh flowers, creating an elegant but comfortable atmosphere. Malcolm sat at the head of the long table, his expression neutral but not unwelcoming. Ophelia, Hayes, Ava and I took our places around the table, with me seated to Hayes's right, directly across from Ava.

The butler guided us to our seats with practiced efficiency, and I noticed that appetizers had already been placed at each setting. Malcolm looked up as we settled in, his gaze meeting mine with what might have been approval.

"Sienna," he said with a slight nod. "Welcome home."

The words sent a warm flutter through my chest. "Thank you."

Ophelia smiled as she poured wine for the adults, placing fruit juice in front of my glass instead. "Sweetheart, you must try this smoked salmon. It's the chef's specialty."

I picked up my fork and took a small bite, the rich flavors melting on my tongue. "It's delicious. Thank you."

Malcolm cleared his throat slightly. "How is the FlexTech collaboration progressing?"

"We've completed the first batch of design concepts, expected to launch in the mass market this spring," I responded smoothly.

Ava raised her juice glass with theatrical flair. "I propose a toast! To welcoming Sienna to her first official Sterling family dinner!"

Hayes shook his head with fond exasperation. "Stop being so dramatic."

Ava grinned at me across the table. "Sienna, could I commission you to design a pair of shoes for me too?"

I felt myself relaxing into the conversation. "What kind of style were you thinking?"

"Red and white color scheme, with snowflake elements," Ava said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"We could add reflective materials to the upper," I suggested, warming to the creative challenge. "Under stage lights, they'd really sparkle."

Ava's eyes went wide. "That sounds even better!"

The conversation flowed naturally from there, with Ophelia asking about our work schedules and Ava regaling us with stories from her recent school experiences. Malcolm contributed occasionally, his questions thoughtful rather than interrogating. I found myself genuinely enjoying the family dynamic, the way they included me without making it feel forced or awkward.

As the main course was served, I realized that my earlier nervousness had been completely unfounded. This wasn't a test I needed to pass—it was simply dinner with people who had already decided to care about me.

---

As we moved into the dessert course—delicate raspberry tarts and matcha cookies—the atmosphere around the table had grown completely relaxed. Hayes had been reaching across occasionally to adjust my napkin or refill my water glass, small gestures of care that I was beginning to recognize as his way of showing affection in public settings.

Suddenly, Hayes pressed a hand to his lower back and winced slightly.

I immediately turned toward him with concern. "What's wrong?"

Hayes sighed dramatically, his voice taking on an exaggerated tone of suffering. "My back's a bit sore... aftereffects from the last game."

"Did you pull something again?" I asked, worry creeping into my voice. "I can ice it when we get back."

Hayes blinked at me with an expression of theatrical helplessness, drawing out his words like a petulant child. "But it hurts now... Baby, maybe you could feed me so I don't have to reach."

Heat rushed up my neck as I stared at him suspiciously. "Are you faking the pain?"

"No," he insisted, his voice taking on an even more pitiful quality. "I can barely move... Come on, baby, just help me out."

I could see Ava covering her mouth to hide her laughter, and even Ophelia was struggling to maintain her composure. I glared at Hayes, but eventually picked up a matcha cookie and held it toward his mouth.

Hayes opened his mouth obediently, biting down on the cookie with obvious satisfaction, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he chewed.

"Don't do this again," I whispered threateningly.

Hayes leaned closer to my ear, his voice dropping to a murmur only I could hear. "But I love seeing you like this."

My ears burned with embarrassment as I turned away from him, but I couldn't quite suppress the smile tugging at my lips.

As we finished the last of our dessert, the atmosphere had settled into the comfortable warmth that comes after a good meal shared with people you care about.

Ophelia set down her coffee cup and smiled at us both. "So, you two have been married for a month now? How does it feel?"

I felt my cheeks warm as I glanced toward Hayes.

Hayes reached over to take my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. "It feels perfect. Every day is a blessing."

Ophelia nodded with obvious satisfaction. "That's wonderful to hear. Speaking of which..." She paused, her expression becoming slightly more pointed. "Have you two thought about... children?"

I nearly choked on my water, and Hayes immediately began patting my back while shooting his mother a look of mild exasperation.

"Mom," Hayes said with strained patience, "we'll handle that when we're ready."

Ophelia waved her hand dismissively. "I'm just asking out of concern. You're both at a good age for it, and it's better for your health to start earlier rather than later."

Ava jumped into the conversation with obvious glee. "I want to be an aunt! Sienna, if you have a daughter, I'll buy her the most beautiful clothes!"

I had absolutely no idea what to say to any of this, so I took another sip of water and hoped the conversation would move on.

Malcolm set down his napkin and stood, his expression diplomatically neutral. "Children are something that should happen naturally. Young people have their own timeline for these things." He looked toward me with what might have been the hint of a smile. "Sienna, I hope you find this house comfortable. Consider it your home as well."

I felt a rush of warmth at his words and quickly stood as well. "Thank you, Dad."

Malcolm nodded once and excused himself to attend to some business matters. After he left, Ophelia checked her watch.

"It's getting late. I've already had the rooms prepared."

Hayes nodded. "That sounds perfect."

I felt a sense of relief wash over me, along with a deep feeling of contentment. Tonight had gone better than I could have hoped.