From Breakup to Forever

Cracks and Challenges

Clara wasted no time. By the end of the week, her presence seemed to linger in every corner of the company like a perfume Siena couldn’t escape.

She appeared in the lobby chatting with senior partners. She “accidentally” dropped by meetings she had no reason to attend. And worst of all, she always hovered near Liam—too close, too familiar, too sure of her place in his past.

Siena tried to keep her composure. Tried to remind herself of the way Liam had pulled her close, had kissed her in front of the entire city, had called her the woman he loved. But jealousy was a vicious creature. Every time Clara’s hand brushed Liam’s arm or her laugh rang out a little too loudly at his jokes, Siena’s stomach twisted tighter.

Emma noticed, of course. She slid into Siena’s office with a smirk. “If looks could kill, Clara would have been buried twice this morning.”

Siena groaned. “Don’t start.”

“I’m just saying,” Emma continued, sipping her coffee, “if Liam doesn’t shut that woman down soon, I might do it myself. You deserve better than some snake slithering around in designer heels.”

Before Siena could reply, Liam appeared in the doorway. His gaze softened when it landed on her, but Clara wasn’t far behind, heels clicking as she breezed into the room.

“There you are, darling,” Clara purred, ignoring Siena completely. “I was hoping you’d escort me to the investor’s luncheon this afternoon. Just like old times.”

Siena’s breath caught. Old times. The words were designed to sting, and they hit their mark.

Liam’s jaw clenched. “Clara, that’s not happening.”

She pouted prettily. “Why not? You know how well we work a room together.” Her hand lifted as though to touch his chest.

Before she could, Siena stood abruptly. “Because he already has a partner.”

Clara’s eyes flicked to her, gleaming with challenge. “Do you?” she asked Liam, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

For a moment, silence pressed down on the room. Siena’s chest tightened, fear clawing at her—what if Clara was right? What if Liam wasn’t ready to sever those old ties?

But then Liam stepped forward, his arm circling Siena’s waist with deliberate force. “Yes,” he said firmly. “I do. Siena is my partner—in business, in life, in everything. And I won’t let anyone, not even you, disrespect her.”

Clara’s smile faltered, but only for a heartbeat. She tilted her head. “Strange. You never seemed to mind me being close before. I suppose Daddy will be so disappointed if he finds out you’ve suddenly changed.”

Siena’s eyes widened. Daddy?

Liam’s expression darkened. “Clara, let’s not twist this. I’ve only ever tolerated your presence out of respect for your father. That respect does not extend to your games, and it certainly doesn’t excuse your behavior toward Siena.”

For the first time, Clara’s mask cracked. A flash of venom burned in her eyes, but she forced her smile back into place. “My mistake,” she said lightly. “I suppose I’ll see you at the luncheon anyway.”

With that, she swept out, her perfume lingering like smoke.

Siena exhaled shakily, her body still tense in Liam’s hold. “You only let her get that close… because of her father?”

Liam cupped her jaw gently. “Yes. And I should have told you sooner. But don’t mistake courtesy for affection, Siena. Clara doesn’t mean a thing to me. You do. Only you.”

Siena wanted to believe him. She wanted to let his certainty wash away her jealousy. But as she leaned into his embrace, she couldn’t shake the nagging thought: Clara wasn’t finished.

And the next move could be far more dangerous.