Chapter 17

Daniel’s POV

Lila’s footsteps faded, and the door softly closed, leaving me and Sienna in her living room. The air felt heavy, like a fight was about to happen. Her apartment smelled like paint and coffee, and a half-finished painting in the corner seemed to show how much she hurt.

She stood by the couch, arms crossed, her dark eyes fixed on me. They looked sharp with anger but also soft with pain. My chest felt heavy, filled with guilt for hiding Maya’s problems and for letting the news tear Sienna apart. I wanted to hold her, feel her close, and hear her voice be gentle again, but the memory of her slamming the door in my face was still fresh. Could I make her trust me again, or was this my last chance?

She broke the silence, her voice sharp. “What do you want, Daniel?” She leaned against the couch, her sweater loose but clinging to her. Her lips were tight, like she was holding back a scream.

I stepped closer, holding my hands out. “I’m sorry, Sienn