Sienna was already done packing when she heard the soft rumble of the car outside. Everything looked different, with her whole wardrobe in five boxes. She didn't know how long she'll be playing Julian Blackwell's fiance and she wanted to be prepared for that.
“I think your driver is here,” Lola said, glancing at the window. “You almost packed the whole house in those boxes.”
Sienna laughed, grabbing the last bag. “You know that's not true, I still have some of my clothes in my wardrobe.”
Lola hurried over, helping her slide the heavy suitcase into the car trunk. “Girl, you’re going to be missed,” she said softly.
Sienna turned, wrapping Lola in a tight hug. They stood there for a long moment, neither letting go.
“I’m only minutes away,” Sienna whispered, pulling back slightly. “You can come see me anytime you want. I'm trying so hard not to get emotional.”
Lola sniffled lightly but smiled. “Be careful what you wish for, because I'll be there every spare second of the day I get. I'll be using your room to store some of my projects.”
Sienna laughed, brushing her hand across Lola’s cheek. “Girl, ain't you a terrible b***h? I’m not gone yet and you're already having plans of turning my room into a green house.You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
They stepped back, both smiling and teary eyed, and Sienna gave her one last squeeze. “Thank you for everything. Seriously.”
“You’re going to be great,” Lola said, then she reduced her voice, trying to be discreet with her words. “Don't go out with Johnny tonight.”
Sienna rolled her eyes. “I think he already cancelled the date.”
“Good. Keep your head on straight,” Lola said with a wink.
Sienna laughed as she closed the car door behind her. “I can do that.”
The car glided silently through the streets. Damien sat in the driver’s seat, calm and composed, hands steady on the wheel.
“Miss Vale, do you want to get anything before we head home?” he said politely.
“No, thank you,” Sienna replied, smiling. Head home? Did she have a home? “So, uh… is there anything I should be expecting?”
“Not that I know of.”
That was it, he didn't say another word. Just a calm, steady stare ahead. Maybe he was trained this way, maybe Julian didn’t like unnecessary chatter. Either way, she didn’t push.
Minutes later, the cityscape gave way to the penthouse. And Sienna froze.
It was breathtaking, better than she was expecting. The Blackwells had good taste and good money too. She wanted Lola to see this. She could almost hear her friend squealing in delight.
Damien parked smoothly, and Sienna stepped out. Servants moved quickly to help her with the bags, their movements precise, efficient. She followed behind, taking in the grandeur of the entrance hall, the high ceilings, the glimmer of gold accents.
Light streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting on polished marble floors. The furniture looked curated, luxurious, yet surprisingly warm. Everything had a purpose, everything was immaculate.
Julian was already waiting. He didn’t move from the center of the room, arms crossed, a faint crease between his brows. No smile. No welcoming gesture. Just him, cold and rigid.
“Follow me,” he said flatly.
Sienna blinked. She expected to be shown to her room, maybe something cozy, personal. But he led her upstairs straight to his own bedroom.
“Why am I here?” she asked once the servants had left.
He didn’t flinch. “My house. My rules. You only speak when I allow it. Sit.”
Sienna hesitated, glaring at him. “But you have so many rooms. Why do I need to stay here?”
“Because I said so,” Julian replied coolly. “Because I can. And because I want that.”
She hated him. Truly hated him in that moment. But she pushed the feeling aside. Tonight, she was going to see Johnny, and that was all that mattered.
Julian gestured to a chair. “Settle in. I’ll be dropping a card with you. You’ll use it to shop for new dresses.”
Her eyes narrowed. “New dresses? And what about…”
“I need you to get rid of all those boxes. I don't want my fiancé to appear tacky around me and outside. So getting better clothes are way better than those rags.” Julian’s said.
Sienna spun around. “Excuse me?”
He stared down at his phone, he looked like he was reading a text that just entered.
“They’re my clothes. You want me to throw them away?” she said, incredulous.
“No cheap things in my house. Use the card. Shop for more decent outfits .”
Sienna pressed her lips together, glaring but saying nothing. Without another word, he turned and left. The front door closed behind him, and she was alone.
………
She walked slowly around the room, absorbing every detail.
The bed was massive, soft, and perfectly made. A view of the city stretched before her, endless and dazzling. Art hung on the walls, each piece precise, commanding attention. She could get used to this.
Her phone buzzed. A FaceTime call from Lola. She answered immediately.
“Whoa! Look at you!” Lola’s eyes widened. “You’re like… in a movie!”
Sienna laughed, walking around to give her friend a tour. “You should see it in person. You’d never want to leave.”
“I’m coming,” Lola said instantly. “And don’t think you can hide from me. I’ll be knocking on your door every morning.”
“This is insane,” Lola said. “I can’t even… I’m speechless.”
“You’re just jealous,” Sienna teased.
“Maybe a little,” Lola admitted, laughing. “But seriously, don’t let Julian scare you. He’s… intimidating.”
Sienna smiled. “I can handle him. Honestly, I have other things on my mind today.”
“Other things?” Lola raised a brow. “Do I even want to know?”
“Maybe later,” Sienna said, eyes glinting with mischief. “For now, I’m just enjoying the view and planning my wardrobe.”
Lola laughed. “Well, you better. You’re about to have some serious shopping to do. And don’t come back empty-handed.”
“Never,” Sienna promised, hanging up with a grin.
………
She finally settled near the window, the city alive beneath her. Her heart was light, but a thrill ran through her veins. This was her world now temporary, yes, but hers to explore. And tonight, Johnny would be waiting.
The thought made her pulse quicken. Julian could enforce rules, command obedience, and intimidate her, but this little plan was hers.
Sienna let herself smile, feeling the power of small rebellion. She could play the game, follow the rules, and still carve her own moments of freedom.
And in this penthouse, with the city sprawling endlessly before her, she felt unstoppable.