Chapter 7 She's A Close Friend Of Sienna's

Sienna was wheeled onto the stage just as the music started. Natalia's voice soared through the air as she began to sing.

Her skilled singing quickly won the audience's admiration, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Then it was Sienna's turn to perform. She grasped the microphone confidently.

Her singing began, her voice a smooth, flowing melody that filled the hall. Even the challenging high notes were met with graceful ease, her voice sweeping through the room with an impressive flourish.

A hushed awe spread among the audience, completely taken by the beautiful melody.

Sienna, momentarily lost in the performance, imagined herself under the grand spotlights of the National Theatre once again, basking in the glow of a captivated audience.

Reality snapped back harshly in the next instant. She was indeed the center of attention, but confined to her wheelchair amid a crowd of finely dressed onlookers.

Her fleeting sadness caught the keen eye of Julian.

He watched her intently, his gaze unsettling yet piercing, as if he understood her deeply.

Sienna acknowledged him with a nod. Julian reciprocated and began clapping.

No one could tell how chaotic his emotions were beneath his composed demeanor.

For a brief moment, he thought he saw the proud and radiant Sienna again, the brightest part of his world.

Meanwhile, Natalia's attempt to regain the spotlight led to an embarrassing coughing fit, eliciting laughter from the audience.

The performance ended on this unintentionally humorous note.

Danica couldn't help but laugh, saying, "What a spectacle."

Ivy looked on with displeasure, and Tricia frowned, muttering, "That was embarrassing."

Rhett, filled with awe and pride, couldn't take his eyes off Sienna.

After the performance, he assisted her from the stage, saying, "Sienna, you were absolutely amazing."

Yet, Sienna felt her performance could have been better if she had been standing, believing it would have improved her vocal control.

"Oh no!"

At the sudden cry, Rhett turned to see Natalia struggling awkwardly on the steps.

He moved to assist her, but in doing so, he failed to notice Sienna's wheelchair had not yet cleared the slope, causing her to begin sliding down unexpectedly!

Sienna quickly applied the brakes, yet the sudden stop made her jolt forward.

Her eyes shut instinctively as she prepared for impact, but instead, she found herself enveloped in a warm embrace that carried the scent of cedar.

"You okay?"

Upon opening her eyes, Sienna was greeted by the sight of dark plaid pattern.

It was Julian.

Her gaze remained downward, her heart pounding not just from the shock, but from an unexplained thrill. "Thank you. Could you please put me down?"

The incident quickly captured the attention of all present.

Julian held Sienna carefully, placing her back into her wheelchair with a gentle touch, ensuring her dress was properly arranged before he straightened up to confront Rhett.

Julian's expression was curious as he half-smiled and asked, "Who is this lady, Mr. Wells, that you would neglect your wife's safety to help?"

The crowd's interest quickly turned towards Rhett and Natalia.

Rhett, jolted by the comment, quickly released Natalia as if burned.

"She's a close friend of Sienna's," he stammered, ridden with guilt. "I mistakenly thought the wheelchair was secure on flat floor."

Turning to Sienna, he asked, "You don't hold this against me, right?"

Natalia, looking embarrassed, chimed in, "I'm sorry, Sienna. My heel twisted, so Rhett came to help me. Please don't fault him for it."

Sienna looked at them calmly, suddenly realizing how naive she had been not to notice anything amiss before.

With a knowing smile, she responded, "You know, if it weren't for Mr. Lawson's timely intervention, I could have been seriously injured."

At the main table, Ivy wore a look of displeasure. "Everything's fine now, isn't it? Let's not make a fuss; it's my birthday."

Danica, not missing a beat, asked her, "A fuss? Are you sure you're seeing things as they are, or are you simply choosing to overlook your grandson's faults?"