Chapter 3 Prepared to be Back

"Mommy, I'll follow you everywhere!" the small boy exclaimed, his round eyes shining with joy, his smile stretching wide as if the entire world were his to explore.

Sienna's heart clenched with a warmth she couldn't quite control. Every time she looked at her son, a deep sense of pride and gratitude overwhelmed her. He was her light, the beacon that guided her through the darkest chapters of her life, her miracle after all the heartache.

"All right, let's prepare. We leave for the airport tomorrow afternoon," she replied softly, her voice betraying none of the turmoil that churned inside her.

The boy nodded enthusiastically. "Okay!" He darted off, eager to pack his tiny suitcase, his little feet pounding against the silent apartment floor as if he could outrun his own excitement.

Sienna took a deep breath, her eyes glazing for a moment as memories flooded back to her. It had been five long years since she'd left, trying to rebuild her life in a foreign country after her father's cruel expulsion. She hadn't come back lightly. She was returning only because she had to. The necessity was one she hadn't anticipated, yet now, she had to face it. Could she confront the man who had turned his back on her all those years ago? She wasn't sure. But she had made her decision. She would return to the city she once called home if only to see her father one last time.

The bustling airport was a far cry from the silence of her apartment. Travelers hurried in all directions, their voices blending into a constant hum. Sienna wheeled a trolley through the crowds, her son perched atop the largest suitcase, his wide eyes drinking in the excitement around them.

As they neared the exit, two men in perfectly tailored suits approached them with the grace of seasoned professionals.

"Miss Tillman," one of them said, his voice smooth and respectful. "Old Madam Eleanor Blackwell has sent us. We've made travel arrangements for you and your son."

Sienna's body stiffened, despite herself. She had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but deep down, she had known it was inevitable.

"Thank you for your kindness, Madam Blackwell," she replied, her tone polite but firm. "But I've already arranged my own transportation. There's no need for you to trouble yourselves."

The two men exchanged a glance, a flicker of hesitation passing between them.

"Madam Eleanor insists. She has given us specific instructions to ensure your safe arrival at her estate."

Sienna's expression remained unwavering. "Please, convey my gratitude to Madam Blackwell, but my decision stands. I have no debt to repay."

With a final, resolute glance, she turned on her heel and moved toward the exit. One of the men discreetly reached for his phone and dialed a number.

"You're sure?" the voice on the other end asked. "She declined?"

"Yes, Young Master Damien. Miss Tillman has turned down our offer."

In a sleek, black luxury car, Damien Tillman leaned back in the plush seat, his eyes narrowed as he studied the departing scene from the terminal. His gaze fixed on her, the woman who, from afar, seemed just another face in the crowd. But there was something about her-something familiar.

The woman moved with an effortless grace that caught his attention, despite her simple attire of a white blouse and pants. Her demeanor was understated, yet undeniably elegant. But it wasn't just her presence that intrigued him-it was the child.

The boy, no more than five years old, was strikingly handsome, his features so sharp and defined that they hinted at the man he would one day become. The resemblance was undeniable, even from a distance.

Is that her son? Damien's thoughts ran wild, but he couldn't shake the odd, lingering curiosity that gnawed at him.

He watched as Sienna crouched down to adjust the boy's jacket, her movements tender and affectionate. The way she cared for him spoke volumes.

Is she married? He couldn't help but wonder. It would certainly make things easier, wouldn't it?

The car jolted as the fleet slowly began to pull away from the curb, but Damien's mind remained fixed on the woman and her son. He couldn't tear his thoughts away.

At the sprawling Blackwell estate, Eleanor Blackwell listened attentively as her staff recounted the latest developments.

"She has a son?" Eleanor's voice wavered slightly. "Is she married?"

"No, Madam. There is no record of a father for the child. It appears the boy was born out of wedlock."

Eleanor exhaled, a deep sigh escaping her lips. "Poor girl. To raise a child on her own at such a young age... she must have gone through so much."

Her thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Amelia Chapman-the brave policewoman who had saved her and Damien from a vicious attack years ago. Amelia had sacrificed her life to protect them both, but the memories of that day still haunted her.

Damien stepped into the room, his expression unreadable, but his gaze sharp. Eleanor turned her attention to him immediately.

"You've seen her?" Eleanor asked a quiet urgency in her voice.

Damien nodded. "I saw her at the airport. She declined the offer."

Eleanor's eyes darkened. "Did you see the boy? He's just a child-about four or five, I think. A poor little thing, growing up without a father."

Damien stiffened. The mention of the child brought a flicker of discomfort, though he masked it quickly. "We don't need to take this any further, Grandma. There are other ways to honor Amelia's sacrifice."

But Eleanor wasn't so easily swayed. Her voice was firm, resolute. "No. The only way to truly honor Amelia is to take care of her daughter. You will marry her, Damien. Take her and her son in. Keep them safe. That is how we repay Amelia's debt."

Damien clenched his jaw, and his emotions tangled. "If that's what you want... I'll do it," he said, though the weight of the decision settled heavily on him.

Back at her new apartment, Sienna sat on the edge of the couch, her son already curled up asleep, his tiny form wrapped in a blanket. The silence of the room was a stark contrast to the turmoil within her.

The memories of her past-the betrayal by her best friend, the cruelty of her stepsister, her father's cold rejection-rushed in on her like a tidal wave. Her heart tightened as she gazed at her son's peaceful face.

Despite the scars of her past, she had built a life for herself. She had made it through, raising Elliot alone and carving out a career in design. Now, with the offer she had accepted, she had a chance to provide for her son-perhaps a chance to move on from everything.

Her fingers hovered over the phone as she stared at her father's number.

Five years. Would he still hate her?

With a soft sigh, she put the phone down, whispering to herself, "Maybe one day..."

But as she settled back against the couch, the phone rang. The number on the screen made her stomach churn. It was a call she had never expected to receive.