A Sweet Taste of First Love

In September in Silvercrest, the air felt infused with a subtle chill and quietness. The airport was bustling with travelers hurrying to their destinations. “Sienna Hayes, did you hear what I said?” Sienna pulled her suitcase along as she made her way to the underground parking lot. She wore a floral maxi dress topped with a light white jacket and a pair of brown sandals, looking both playful and stylish. Her delicate features, partly obscured by sunglasses, caught the attention of hurried passersby, who couldn’t help but glance back at her. “Hey!” As the impatient voice of her friend Tara Quinn echoed through her Bluetooth earphones again, Sienna finally sighed, “I’m just looking for my car, Tara. Can you give me a moment?” “Didn’t you say your brother was coming to pick you up?” On the other end, Sienna finally located her car and freed one hand to press the button on the key fob, making the headlights flash. Tara continued, “It’s been five years! You finally return to Silvercrest, and this is how you’re treated? What’s wrong with the Reids?” Once inside the car, Sienna started the engine while explaining, “I told them not to come. The flight from Caya was severely delayed, and I didn’t want them waiting around. It was better to just leave a car for me.” The lighting in the underground parking lot was dim, so Sienna didn’t dare drive too fast. She looked around through the car window, realizing it was quite spacious, and she momentarily couldn’t find the exit. “Well, by the way, you’re not leaving again, right?” “I’m not going anywhere. I’m planning to open a studio, and I’ve already found a location.” Tara was silent for a few seconds before clearing her throat, “What if you run into Alexander Reid? That would be awkward, wouldn’t it?” The mention of Alexander’s name made Sienna pause for a second, then she replied nonchalantly, “It’s been five years. What’s there to be awkward about?” “You guys have more than just an ex-relationship. He’s a Reid! You have such deep ties with the family, and you still have to call him brother.” “I…” Before Sienna could finish her sentence, a sudden light flashed in front of her, blinding her momentarily. She instinctively turned her head away and then heard a loud “bang.” The car collided with something and came to an abrupt halt. Due to inertia, she lurched forward, her chest hitting the steering wheel painfully, scattering her thoughts momentarily. As she regained her senses and looked ahead, she realized her car had come to a stop just inches from a sleek, all-black sports car. The impact had been significant, and she noticed the front of the black car was slightly dented. “What happened? I heard a loud noise!” Tara’s voice crackled in her ear. “I can’t talk right now,” Sienna said hastily, tossing her Bluetooth earphones onto the passenger seat before she hurriedly exited the car. Just then, the passenger door of the sleek black sports car swung open, revealing a striking woman clad in a form-fitting black dress that hugged her curves beautifully, her hair cascading in glamorous waves. At first glance, she seemed to embody the same luxury as the car itself, radiating an effortless allure. With the tinted windows blocking her view of the car's interior, Sienna's attention was naturally drawn to the woman in front of her. Recognizing that she had been the one distracted during the accident, she offered a sincere apology, “I’m really sorry, miss. This was entirely my fault. Just let me know how I can make it right.” Sienna’s gaze flickered to the point of impact where the two cars met, and she couldn't help but admire how unfazed the woman appeared. Casually glancing at her own vehicle, the lady responded, “It’s fine, really. It’s just a minor issue.” Does that mean I don’t have to pay for the damages? Sienna mused, slightly taken aback by the woman’s nonchalance. Clearly, this sports car wasn’t a cheap one. At that moment, the driver’s side door swung open, revealing a hand resting casually on the door frame. The long, elegant fingers were distinctly masculine. Sienna’s eyes were instantly drawn to the wrist adorned with prayer beads. As if sensing the commotion, the woman turned around, her playful smile still in place. “Alexander, what do you think? Should we just let it go?” she teased. Sienna's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the name. Alexander? Her initial discomfort was soon validated. The true owner of the car emerged with a relaxed demeanor, his hand still resting on the door, unabashedly accepting the astonished gazes directed his way. The air between them thickened with unspoken words. Sienna remained frozen, her mind racing as she tried to process the situation. The moment stretched on until Alexander's cool, indifferent gaze pierced through her, making her finally look away. Now she understood why that wrist adorned with beads felt so familiar. She had an identical one, resting snugly on her right wrist. The woman remained blissfully unaware of the charged atmosphere swirling between them, her smile unwavering as she gracefully strolled over to Alexander, casually leaning against his arm. Standing beside him, her nearly five-foot-seven frame appeared almost delicate in contrast to his tall, athletic build. One radiated a fierce, untamed energy while the other exuded a sultry charm; together, they formed an alluring pair. “If you ask me, just settle the costs as they come,” Alexander said, his eyes briefly flicking to the woman clinging to him before returning to their surroundings. She shot him a curious glance. From what she understood, the second son of the Lu family typically avoided hassle, lavishly spending without a second thought but known for his temper—traits that made her choose to overlook Sienna's earlier blunder. Yet, here he was, choosing to engage in this situation. “Alright then, what do you suggest I pay?” Sienna responded with a calm demeanor, though the lingering affection from their youth twisted into an unspoken ache, leaving a chill that cut through her. Alexander’s gaze drifted to the point of impact before he replied coolly, “I’m not a mechanic. You’ll need a professional to assess the damage.” Sienna nodded, quickly adopting a polite smile as she turned back toward her car. A minute later, she returned with a business card, her steps brisk as she approached the duo and offered it to the woman. “My number is on this card. Once you determine the costs, please call me. I guarantee the payment will be prompt.” The woman hesitated for a moment, glancing at the impassive Alexander before accepting the card with an inquisitive look. “Is this young lady planning to walk away just like that?” Alexander's voice cut through the air as Sienna turned to leave. Sienna met his gaze, confusion flickering across her face. “What more do you want from me?” “What if you don’t pick up the phone? How will we sort out the repair costs?” What a drama king, she thought, barely stifling a roll of her eyes. “I promise I will answer,” she said, striving to keep her tone friendly and calm. “I don’t believe you,” he replied, his voice steady and serious. The woman looked taken aback, her eyebrows rising in surprise as she glanced at Alexander. His expression was one of calm confidence, which made her wonder—who would have thought that the notorious playboy of the Lu family, Alexander Reid, could be such a stickler for details? It was a stark contrast to the carefree persona he typically projected. “My address is Lanlin Villa,” Sienna stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “May I take my leave now?” she inquired again, a hint of impatience creeping into her voice. With a subtle smile that barely touched his eyes, Alexander replied, “Of course.” There was a flicker of amusement behind his calm facade, as if he found some humor in the situation. As Sienna drove away, the momentary warmth of Alexander's smile faded into the cool evening air. The façade of nonchalance fell away as he turned his attention back to the woman beside him. Reaching over, he snatched the business card from her grasp, his brow furrowing in contemplation as he examined it closely. The stark contrast of the glossy card against his tanned skin caught his attention, but it was the name and number that held his focus. “What a peculiar situation,” he murmured to himself, an inscrutable expression crossing his features. The woman beside him shifted, sensing the shift in his mood but unsure of how to respond.