But Noah ignored her. Started walking down the stairs.
Each step felt like forever.
When he reached the bottom, his eyes found Sienna's.
And she wished they hadn't.
Because the way he looked at her. It was worse than his mother's rage. Worse than the slap.
It was empty. Hollow. Like something inside him had died.
His gaze caught on her cheek. The red mark there. His jaw tightened. Fists clenched at his sides.
For a second, just a second, Sienna thought he might defend her. Might say something to his mother.
But then he didn't.
He just looked away.
"Noah," Sienna breathed. Took a small step forward. "Please. Just listen..."
He laughed. But it wasn't real laughter. It was broken. Painful.
"Listen to what? More excuses?"
"It wasn't supposed to happen l
