Chapter 162 FRACTURED BOND

Chapter 162 FRACTURED BOND
SIENNA

A week later, Dad approached me and asked if I was finally ready to accompany him to the company as agreed.
I nodded, agreeing to what he said.
Leo had advised me to stop holding myself back. He said that the more I hid from the world, the harder it would become for me to rise again and move forward.
I followed his advice, and that's why I agreed to go with Dad.
Leo is the only one who can make me do things without complaint.
Let's say I'm so docile and loyal to Leo that I cannot question his words. He has such a powerful influence over me… this didn't start today either. It's been this way since we lived together.
That morning, Alex did speak to me, although we had greeted each other and he had replied casually—like his usual self.
Deep down, however, I knew there was a little space between us that kept expanding and triggering silence.
I know why he was acting this way. It's because I accepted Jason's breakup and didn't even care.
Since last night, Alex had been questioning the reason behind my decision—who and what was influencing me.
I just understand that love can fade. I accept all the names everyone is calling me because of Alex.
I know he didn't deserve such a level of betrayal from me, but it's fate. It's destiny. I can't even debate it.
“Honey, are you ready?” I heard Dad's voice from behind the door.
“Five minutes, Dad,” I raised my voice.
I was even on a video call with Leo, who was helping me choose the perfect outfit for my first day at the office.
“How about this one, honey?” I showed Leo a sapphire blue corporate suit from the phone.
“Not so cool. Try something else,” he said.
“Gosh! Dad's going to be late because of me,” I muttered, hurrying to get another outfit.
Finally, I found a blush pink suit and then walked back to where I had positioned the camera.
“I’m just going to go with this,” I muttered.
“Hmm, seems perfect. Try it on,” Leo replied.
With measured speed, I untied my towel before Leo on the camera.
I noticed his eyes widen through the camera, like he would just jump from the phone to devour me.
“I missed this body. You just awakened the man in me. I want to devour you right now,” he moaned softly.
I laughed softly as I rushed to wear my outfit.
Leo's eyes popped. “Turn around for me, baby.”
I slowly turned around for him, forgetting I had just five minutes to finish up.
“You're making me hard.”
“You’re spoiling me, lover boy,” I chuckled softly. “Let’s get back to work.”
I slipped my underwear from the bed and wore them.
“You’re the hottest girl I've ever seen,” he said, not getting enough of my beautiful body.
“Oh, there he goes again,” I laughed and quickly grabbed my trousers. “Tell me if you like this one.”
“This would be perfect for you. Wow,” he said.
“I know,” I giggled.
After wearing the trousers, I grabbed the suit jacket and wore it.
“Hmm, do I look—” I asked, swaying my hips from side to side.
“Wow! Gorgeous. You're such a beautiful woman, honey. And you know what? I feel like flying down there to give you a sweet kiss you—”
Suddenly, a knock.
“Miss Sienna,” I heard my name from behind the door.
Leo had barely finished before the knock came.
It's a good thing I always bolt the door from the inside.
Hurrying to the tripod, my voice lowered. “Baby, I think I have to go now. I'll call you back. Love you.”
“I love you more. And please be careful,” he said—not too slow, not too fast.
The call ended.
I turned to the door.
“Who’s there?”
“It’s Annabelle. Mr. Cruz is waiting. Please hurry,” she said.
I sighed, my breath heavy.
“One minute, please,” I raised my voice, hurrying to get my black stilettos.
“I’ll just inform Mr. Cruz,” the voice faded away.
Giving a sigh, I made a frenzied attempt to fix everything at once—my hair, lips, wristwatch, jewelry.
None ever worked out.
Untying my hair, I grabbed the brush, but it slipped clumsily away from my hands.
“It’s all your fault, Leo,” I frowned, putting the blame on Leo for having stolen the time I planned on dressing up.
Finally, it took twenty more minutes for me to finish.
By the time I got to the living room, Dad was sitting but distracted by a call.
“Dad, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting—” I barged into Dad but had to swallow everything I wanted to say.
Narrowing my eyes around, I couldn't find Alex anywhere.
I wonder where he had gone.
Dad finished his call, turned, and stood up.
“What has been keeping you?” he asked.
“I was trying to look good for the occasion. Pardon me, Dad.”
“You look good and well put together. It's worth the time.”
“Thank you, Dad,” I said. “Where's Alex? I haven't seen him.”
“I think he's in his room getting his things ready.”
“Ready? Where's he going?”
“He didn't tell you?”
“No, Dad,” I replied, shocked.
“Alex will be going back to school in two days,” Dad said, shocking me.
“What? He didn't mention it to me.”
“Is everything okay with you two?”
“I don't know, Dad. I feel something has shifted between us,” I buried my head.
Dad was shocked. “Can we talk about it in the car?”
“Yes, Dad,” I replied.
Dad stretched his hands and held me tightly.
“Let's go, darling. I'll speak to your brother when we get back.”
I nodded silently, following him and two of his men.
He knew I was feeling down because of Alex. He too was shocked and never expected such silence between us, considering the bond and love we share.
Alex used to be all I had before Dad and I reconciled.
Everything happening between us—the silence, distance—was as a result of my breakup with Jason.