Herra raised an eyebrow. Seems Julian had sobered up!
Sare rough.
message came through
Delete that post Now]
Juban: 156ll pushing for marriage? Did nothing I said get through to you??|
julisac [Sierra, enough I
She didn’t bother responding.
Chapter 22
She called Asher |
He answered quickly,
dy, his voice gen
gende. Tound a favorite among these gowns, Liar
the replied. “Which one do you prefer?
She benchuckle “Did I say i get all three? My assistants already secured them
“That fad? I just posted.”
“Limited editions sell out quickly. Wouldn’t want in miss them.”
“Thank you, Asher.
“Lix you’re my fiancee now. We’re family. No need for thanks
Tre enough, but she couldn’t quite step into the fiancée role yet. In her heart. Asher was still the patient tutor from next door
by the way, getting around New York by Uber must be tiresome. I’ve arranged for a car. Just send me the address for delivery”
Dy
sherra felt a pang of guilt. Aber must know why shed fed to New York to escape their arranged marriage, why her father had cut off her accounts||
She’d been inang ke any other working professional in New York–no rar, no property
Her Landon friends had offered in “sponsor” her, but she’d refined.]
She’d only accepted help for those first two months, paying them back as soon as she started earning.
Now here was Ather, the very person she’d run from, offer her a car without a hint of resentment
Shame htened her grip on the phone.]
“Really, ride sharing i
“Are you stil ka n
sech as reluctant about our engagement? ||
Sierra shook her head instinctively, then remembered he couldn’t see her.
“No, Asher agreed to the engagement because 1 want to. I just… I’m coming back to London in a few days anyway. A car stemi
“= mates. We can have a shipped back.“[]
“But=”
“Don’t you have that court appearance in jersey next week Driving would be easier.”
“How did you
You posted about it two
about it two months ago “||
The bearing was indeed scheduled for September 25th at the curul court is New Jersey. Shed inade a casual stagram past joking about the “humaness trip” planning to try that fatious panies place everyone talked about and maybe do some aphtering!
arm unde. “Having a car would make it more convenient. You could explore the an
standing in his london office overlooking the city lighti. Aibers expiresti aadr
Thier years ago, learning about her. cat life in New York, he’d wanted desperately to help–buy her a car. palowiulit linse been refurd||
Now things were differem. Their engagement finally gave hau the right to care for her properly
Sierra felt something shaft in her cheat at his words, like ripples spreading acrosa sill water.
capartment, anything. But he’d had no right then. Aaj
Hier Instagram pints were set to delele after three days Sourites the forgid what the d posted herself, yet Asher remembered every detail
juhas had never paid attention to her postikker that
Even when she’d expärily told him abou
trips, led still call in the day, confused about her absente |
serised to care. Haces she’d wanted to vin two years ago remained unseen
Shed meationed wanting to travel so many times, but falian never se
So this was what it felt like in he truly noticed
Sierra stopped resisting and gave him the Tribeca address]
“You’ll be home tomorrow morning? Til have it delivered then.
“YEL TWILL ||
Shortly after hanging up, julian returned–with Aria
Sierra was watching TV in the living room, barely glancing at them.||
julan said nothing, but Aria spoke up: “Sierra, we meet again.”
Sterra lounge on the sofa, eyes fixed on the true crime documentary, ignoring her.
Unfazed, Arsa sai
Aria sat down. “Such serion viewing habits.“]]
“Going to shower” Julian announced, beading upstairs Unclear who he was talking to ||
“You saw the valence pullon left. Ar dropped her smile. “Julian loves me.”
kerra nodded absently, eyes still on the TV. Noted.”
Her indifference irritated Aria. “Haying it cool! Let’s see how long that lasts.
“You’d kname about playing parts.” Sierra replied coldly.
Aria scoffed, heading upstairs, Julian, let’s shower together.“||
She threw Sieme a challenging look: wasted on her disinterested target.
At dinner, jalan and Ari sat together, Sierra alone.]]
set down a place of seamed broccoli. That’s everything.”
Sierra frowned. “Now, why only these?
The table was covered
lemure, spinach, kale, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, cucumber salad.
Nothing but vegetables
“Acto pueders vegetables.” julian said Catly.
“Preters vegetabiles?” Sierra’s side was sharp.: “Or marking her territory in green? ||
“Terra! Whats wrong with you?” Julian’s fate darkened. “Watch your mouth!”
tir eyes fixed on the obvious Jackey on his neck: []
miled savetiy at julians anger. “Are you sure
I’m the one who needs watching?||
dan glowered. “Lat or don’t. And Arias paying here for a while, Get used to vegetarian dinners or cook for your self-||
They had a homekeeper kut julan wouldn’t allow extra duhrs. She remembered he’d never been found of purely vegetarian meals before. He’d rather inconvenience
was still angry about the watch, but she felt nicneed in explain or apologize ||
She hadn’t done anything wome
quidd always order i
inching. Achers ar atlived
Chapter 23
The ice blue Bendy Cominental GT gleamed in the mornings, in onique color breathtaking Sierra’s eyes up
She loved it
A man in an impetrable suit stepped out, offering her the keys with polished deference. “Miss Jameson, from Mr. Blackwond ̄||
Taking the keys, Sierra le touched.
Waher was incredibly generous–the car must end over $300,000.|||
Thank you” she said to the delivery man
My pleasure. Miss. I take my leave if there’s nothing else. He gave a slight hows, maintaining perfect professionalism.
“How’s the cat Ho lone was casual, as if asking about hanch
Three red thousand dollars, discussed like grocery shopping
In their social circle, such gifts to flances were unremarkable. But after three years of middle–class, she’d almost forgotten that world
“I love IL Asher Thank you.
Tremembered you like blue” his rich vor carried warmth.[
How did you know that?”
She couldn’t recall ever mentioning her color preference
Asof chuckle. “During tutoring sessions- all your notebooks and pencil cases were light be.“]
Slemma was surprised he’d noticed such details.
She did love blue, and the blue Bentley had genuinely stunned her.
The moment I saw it. I new you’d love Asher said softly. “Take it for a spin perfectly sized for you“]]
After hanging up. Merra sat in the driver’s seat, hands on the wheel feelings mixed.
nie and had driven plenty these past three years.
But always julian a cats, while her own sat gathering dust in her family’s London garage ||
Wah Julian, she’d been more like his deugnated driver than girlfriend.
He di call from Dart too drunk to drive, expecting her to pick him up.
she heard his friends atentad
previous girlfriend an $80,000 BMW after their breakup |
we offered to get her a car.]
Not that the a warded une
jot required frequent travel–court appearances, client meetings, case negotiations–he’d never unce
nude wah Adur’s made the difference is consideration painfully clear
“bà my god, what a gorgeous cat The been dyeg to get me of these Arias voce carried across the driveway
Though De wander
à mais Aria and julian approaching l
ce Blur Bentley Continental–ishade Julian’s horase ||
Hei fandy, while friends with the Westwoods, were hardly old my comfortable, but not wealthy
Recent business troubles had left her father a company singeling. They weir counting on her marriage to Julians to save them through Westwood Capitals support
Aria made in effort to bude her enthusiasm, running her hands over the carte acced teruger
“Julian, take my picturer“]}
She promped in the window, not realizing was one way gla
I one–way glassi
Frum inside, Sierra watched her like a mildlyinteresting zao exhibit
fast as Arin was getting the perfect angle, Sierra lowered the window, meeting her eyes:||
Hello there.” Sierra’s smile was sugar–wet||
Sierra? What are you doing here?”
Julian reached them
Seeing Sierra, his brow furrowed. “Why are you renting a Bentley?”
He didnt even ask- assumed she’d rented i
Ana recovered, smurking. “Oh, photo shoot? The hisury car rentals must cost what, a month’s salary for one picture?]
julian’s frown deepened, dupest endent. You’re renting cars for social media? Have you lost 117′′]
Realy, Sterra,” Arts, added, “everyone knows what lawyers make. People will just call you desperate for posting fake lifestyle photos, Why bother?”
Sterra gave her an amuard look. “Speaking from experience with rentals? ||
Arte’s snde Daltered:
because she nad rented before
When her social circle was posting cars and bags, she’d begged her father for a usury car, Herd refused, citing financial troubles_||
Angry and competitive, she’d rented a Lamborghini for instagram photos
The memory of enbarrassment faded as she rallied–at least she’d rented a Lamborghing, worth’over a million. Much more expensive than this Bentley
Though she’d rented, she never admit it to Julian]]
Chin high, she declared. “I don’t need rentals. My Lamborghini in Paris cost way more than this“]]
“Where is it?” Sierra asked
Ana lied smoothly.” “Got bored of it. Sports cars are flashy but impractical. I just got a Porsche Panamera–you can take pictures with it sometime. No charge.
Her man dripped condescension.
did have a Panamera- used un
Her family’s fortunes had fallen, her father’s business losing money yearly, their house mortgaged.
If not for chaung Julian, she wouldn’t have bought even that to keep up appearances
“Ahh.” Larra drew out the sound “unt you want photos? Feel free to use this one.”
Aurs face durbited. “No thanks“[]”
are when dad you become so desperate for attention?“|||
Chapter 24
Sierra smbed lightly. “You’re right–you don’t know me at all.
Terning in Aris with mork sweetness, she added, “Sure you don’t want that photo? I’m about to leave…
Aria’s fare lightened with frustration. She desperately wanted photos with the rat
But with Sierra inside? Her pride wouldn’t allow it
Tai not interested.” she said stiffly.|
“If you may ju! Bye!” Sierra waved cheerfully, hitting the gas and leaving them
As the body disappeared, Arised. Julian, how dat
at you end up with someone so desperate for attention
Julian massaged his temples. “She wasnt like this hedon on’t know what’s gotten into her lately–pushing for marriage, renting, cari…..”
“She probably feels threatened by me,” Aris suggested. Tryng in it in with our crowd with rental cars.”
posed her arms, shaking her head with theatrical sympathy. []
Jom rentals are just rentals. She can take pictures, but it’s not really hers. How sad.”
“Stop. It’s embarrassing enough pilian said, heading back inside. []
Later, Sierra parked the Bentley in a secure garage clude the gated comwaty.
She didn’t want it in Juban’s garage–not time for revelations yet.||
She’d origmally planned to tell utan about her background herself, but now? Let him figure it out.
That evening, another all vegetarian dinner appeared
Sierra sat down with her takeout from Le Bernardin, the aroma of perfectly seasoned seafood Elling the dining room
jillian couldn’t helps glancing at
at her food
-poached lobster, pan–urated sex hass–the presentation was immaculate. The rich scent made his mouth water, especially compared to his plate of bland vegetables.]
Sierra savored nach Bite with olivams pleasure:||]
He loved seafood too. They used to share meals at Le Bernardin, where Sierra would always save him the best bites |
ther swallowed, watching her hopefully, expecting her to affor him a taste.|||
timead. Steris enjoyed every juursel bersed
dig hii stare, she asked inaccently, “Something wrong?”||
Julian rover et kas awitwardness path a cough. – “Could you not eat such strongly favored food?”||
Before serta could tripout, Aris jumped in “Well, only commun prople need such heavy favors. Serra, maybe at that somewhere else?
Hed been practically drool over that food, and Arts had to call a commun).
bija, Harling Dharuther perfect bute “Arbo, you deadly dont know Julian vell. And him if he likes commun food. |
Ariablardan, do you
Julano rje begched as he forced down some kale. “Drop it. Lattral
imed happůj through bet gan
After dinner, Arie prowded the
completely clashes with the tim
dredi Bower
The nuts were beast, the a
kase her purchase, the lower arrangement her desd.
het design. Aria knew this
w this of cour
ryeri Bicked to Sierraache added.
Sierra watched their performaner silently.
Not her house anymore anyway.||
Arla, mistakingsence for hurt, belt triumphant. Sierra was losing
Julian called Rosi to remme the dowers|||
Row hesitated. “Sir, but Miss Jameson choor those…t
checks? || Julian’s voice sharpened. “So what? Who owns this place? Who is your cher
Th’s fine, Rosa Sierra said rally. Those them out.“[]
As a left with the vase, she muttered under her breath about drama queens and the
lexdemands.
In the living room. Aris draped herself on pian’s arm. “Take me shopping for new curtains tomorrow? ||
Julian glanced at Sierra, imitated by her complete lack of jealousy!
Why wasn’t she upset about the flowers?
The very qualities he’d prized in ber–understanding, accommodation now grated on him.||
Atele jealousy wouldn’t hurt |
He was suddenly tired of her perfect composare.
When he ain’t respond. Aria pouted, hugging his arm. ” “Julian, are you Estening?“||
He grunted acknowledgiem, distracted
The next day. At weat on a decorating rampage, ordering workers to replace curtains and accessories
Everything Sierra had chosen went into dumpsters ||
When Sierra returned. Aria met her eyes triumphandly.
Sierra merely glanced at the chaos before heading upstairs.]]
Shed packed most things already, leaving only essentials and a few days‘ clothes.]
She’d hoped these final days would pass peacefully, but Aria seemed determined to furce her nut.
Chapter 25
The night before court, Sierra heard something break while showering
She quickly pissed off, threw on her robe, and rushed out.
The bedroom was empty, but porcelain shards littered the floor
Her Beart Hopped–it was the ceramic figurine her mother had left her.
They’d painted it gether at a pottery studio on her twelfth birthday. A pale idar puppy, with
Seeing it shattered, rage consumed her.
“Whe
in did this?!” she shouted, storming out.
ang! She poinded on Jubon’s door arross the hall ||
Julian Aria Which one of you was in my room?
Julian opened the dose, irritation clear. “What’s with the note? People are trying to sleep.”
serra’s chest heaved with fury, her eyes murderous. “Were you in my room?”
“Why would 1 he in your rom Julian
i frowned. “Sup making scenes. Eve her reviewing contracts
“If not you, then Arla® Sierra turned toward Aria’s room at the end of the ball ||
Julian followed, concerned by her intensity.
“Aria! Open up Serraced the door.
ared. Was this really his usually grade Sierra
hat had happened to make her the angry?
Ar opened the door lily. “Having a breakdown
Sierra grabbed Ariars wrist, dragging her toward the bedroom.]
pot Let go of mar” Aria stumbled along.]
vshoved her into the room, making her stumble against a cabinet.||
“Are you insane?” Ann durched her knee, shouting.
“Ind you break my figurine?” sprza advanced “Why were you in my room?”
Masajes darted awej. 7. I want. Eve been in my room. Don’t accuse me,
met her gaze cuelly. “Bay? I saw your beige dress through the door.”
“Yourer İying! I was wearing grey when I wend—” Aria’s mouth ran ahead of her brais
ni tricked me! You didn’t see anything“]
She Blushed angrily.
vole turned arcu “You changed to that beige dress aller, didn’t you?“||
Her eyes gluted dangerinudy. “Why were you as my room
Aria osaliswei, terrified Sierra would ducover everything ||
The slap echoed the
■. “Sierra, Hop misking drama over a stupul figurine just boy wither sue. Leave Aria aloer“])
ra had aruck julian with all her strength ||
Both Julian and Aria trope
“Get out!” Sarrra roared at Julian. This at your business! How dare you forgive on my behalf
Seeing Julian stopped. Aris snapped. She showed past him. “How dare you her
CRACK) Another sharp dap.
You get out too!
A red handpret bloomed on Aria’s cheek
d, but Sintra caught her wrist and loved here. Aria fell her palm landing on the ceramic shards Blood welled immediately
Enraged. Aria raised her own hand,
“My hand! My hand!” Aria screamed.|
Julian rushed to check her mou
cher impary. “Aria, are you okay?“[]
“Servra you right.” Sierra said coldly. “Wouldn’t be but if you hadn’t broken IL ||
“Sierra, you’ve gone too far!” Juliam glared. “Apologize to Arial”
sierras eyes were glacial “She should apologize, she broke my property.”
“Juban, it hurts so much” Aria collapsed against him sobbing Take me to the hospital, please.“||
Hold on, well go right now
Julian lified Aria, shooting Sierra a venomous lock as he passed “Get out. I never want to see you again.
Tine Serra’s face was expressionless.
Julian panced struck by how unlike herself she seemed.
Bai Arsa’s hand was still bleeding. He gave Sierra one last look before hurrying downstar’s
Once they left, sience
Sierra knęli by the shards, hands trembling at the reached for them]
Tears fed onto the broken partes ||
I couldn’t protect your g… Im so sorry-
In the empty room, the girl sobbed
At twelve, her mother had fallen terribly
That elegant, always smiling woman had wasted away, ravaged by dissue.
Sierra, just starting secondary school would rush to the hospital every day after classes
She d
her mother. Rosalind, sharing school stories and singing newly learned songs
“Mum, when will yo
you get better? Young Sterra sat beside the hospital bed, grief hiding behind bright eyes]
Her mother had been ack for six mouth growing werker each day.
pound stroked Sierra’s hair. ading gently. The doctors say I can leave hospital soon.“||
Really?” Sierros eyes in up, spice tupeňa!)
kudad’s eyes held both warmth and deirimination. “19 be out in time for your budalay “Ü
Gerra had believed her.||
her mother would crtuver
Later, she learned leaving hospital meast something ele–her mother was beyond help, and docis gested she spend her remaining time with family. Calling last
