Not his first choice

chapter 10

The office is quieter than usual, the hum of productivity muted by the weight of unspoken things. Sienna moves through the day like a ghost, performing her duties with precision, answering emails, scheduling meetings, all while ignoring the gnawing feeling in her chest.

Lucian barely speaks to her beyond the necessary exchanges. He spends most of the day behind closed doors, presumably dealing with whatever pressing matters require his attention. Or maybe, she thinks bitterly, he is just avoiding her.

Not that she can blame him. It is easier this way.

But the silence between them feels unnatural. And the worst part is knowing that she has no right to want anything different.

She is halfway through reviewing a contract when the intercom buzzes.

"Sienna," Lucian’s voice comes through, cool and composed. "My office. Now."

Her heart lurches at the summons, but she quickly pushes the reaction aside. He is her boss. This is work. That is all it will ever be.

She takes a steadying breath before standing and making her way to his office. The door is slightly ajar, and she steps inside to find him staring out the window, his back to her.

"You need me?" she asks, keeping her tone professional.

Lucian turns, his expression unreadable. "Close the door."

A prickle of unease runs down her spine, but she does as he asks.

For a long moment, he just studies her, his gaze sweeping over her face like he is searching for something. It makes her stomach twist in ways she wishes it wouldn’t.

"Are you alright?" he finally asks, his voice quieter than before.

The question catches her off guard. She straightens her spine. "Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?"

His jaw tightens slightly, as if he doesn’t believe her. "I just need to make sure everything is running smoothly. The gala is in a few days. Camilla will be expecting everything to be in order."

And there it is. The reminder. The sting beneath the surface.

Sienna forces a nod. "Everything is under control. I’ll send over the final itinerary by the end of the day."

Lucian exhales, looking like he wants to say more. But whatever it is, he holds it back. "Good. That will be all."

Sienna hesitates for the briefest second before giving a sharp nod and turning to leave.

As she reaches the door, his voice stops her. "Sienna."

She turns, schooling her expression into neutrality. "Yes?"

Lucian’s fingers drum against the desk, his eyes unreadable. "You don’t have to handle everything alone."

She forces a small, polite smile. "Neither do you, sir."

And with that, she walks out, leaving him staring after her, his expression unreadable.

Later that evening, Sienna sits on her couch, staring at her untouched glass of wine. Sophie has called twice. Theo has sent a text, asking if she wants to go out. She has ignored both.

She should move on. She should let this go.

But how do you let go of something that has never really been yours to begin with?

Her phone buzzes again, this time with a FaceTime request from Theo. She debates ignoring it, but then sighs and picks up.

"Finally!" Theo exclaims, his perfectly styled hair in place even though he’s clearly at home. "I was about to send a search party."

Sienna snorts. "I’m fine. Just tired."

Theo narrows his eyes. "Lies. You’re spiraling. I can hear it in your voice."

She leans back against her couch. "I am not spiraling."

"Oh, really? Then why do you look like you’ve been contemplating the meaning of life for the past two hours?"

Sienna exhales, pressing her fingers against her temple. "I don’t want to talk about Lucian."

"Who said anything about Lucian?" Theo grins. "I was actually calling to discuss something way more important—me."

She laughs, the sound surprising even herself. "Oh? Go on."

"I met someone," Theo announces dramatically.

Sienna’s brows lift. "You? The relationship-phobe?"

"Shocking, I know. But he’s different. He’s smart, charming, and get this—he actually enjoys the same trashy reality shows as me."

Sienna gasps in mock horror. "A soulmate."

"Exactly!" Theo claps his hands. "And speaking of soulmates, I’m still waiting for you to dump the tragic pining act and find someone worthy of you."

She rolls her eyes. "I am not pining."

"Mmmhmm. And I’m the Pope."

She shakes her head, but she is smiling now, the heaviness in her chest momentarily lifting. Theo keeps talking, and they spend the next hour laughing over nonsense, teasing each other, and sharing stories.

By the time they hang up, she feels lighter.

It doesn’t change anything. But at least, for now, it helps.