Chapter 12: Real reason

The drive back to Magnolia Crest was drowned in silence. Just as they reached the villa, Sienna stopped in her tracks, "Wait."

Callahan turned around, his eyes unreadable, "Is there a problem?"

"I can’t," Sienna sucked a deep breath, "I thought I could but the truth is that I am not ready and..."

Sienna’s word trailed off when Butler Thomas opened the doors. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the living room, beautifully lit with candles.

And on the center table of the living room, there was a chessboard. There were flowers, red wine, and chocolates beautifully arranged next to it.

Sienna looked at Callahan in surprise.

"If we are going to play on your mother’s chessboard in the future, I guessed we could use some practice starting now," Callahan pulled the chair for her.

"When you said wedding night, you meant... this?" Sienna slowly took in the sight.

"Yes," Callahan nodded once, "Unless you were hoping for something else"

"No... No," Sienna’s face turned a light shade of pink as she got to one side of the table and sat on the throne chair, kicking off her heels, "Are you ready to be defeated, Mr. Hawke?"

Callahan leaned in and pinched her chin, seeing the fire back in her eyes, "I would love to see you try, Mrs. Hawke."

The next day, it was the day of both Sienna’s twenty-fourth birthday and the Qing Empire’s Annual Gala. That afternoon, Sienna stood inside J’s, the city’s most exclusive flagship luxury boutique.

"Ma’am, for your birthday gala tonight, this sapphire silk gown is the crown jewel of our collection," the store manager gushed, holding up a breathtaking dress.

Just as Sienna reached out, a manicured hand snatched the hanger away. "I’ll take it. In fact, mark it sold."

Kira stepped up, flanked by two socialites who immediately began whispering amongst themselves.

"Look... that’s Sienna Qing."

"She’s even more stunning up close..."

Sienna was a popular figure in high society for more than one. Be it her fashion choices, past relationships, educational background or accomplished feats in her family business, she had achieved that fame years ago.

Kira shot her friends a glare, instantly shutting them up. She grabbed every gown Sienna so much as glanced at, handing them to her entourage, "I need to make sure I look flawless tonight. It’s the Annual Event of the Qing Empire, and my boyfriend is finally escorting me."

Sienna didn’t even turn around, "A special day? How moving."

"You haven’t met him yet, have you, sister?" Kira gloated.

The boutique doors chimed, and heavy footsteps approached in their direction, "Sweetheart, what’s taking so long?"

Sienna stiffened. She did not even have to turn around and look at the person to recognize the voice.

Seth walked in, wrapping an arm around Kira’s waist. But the moment his eyes landed on Sienna, his expression turned harsh, "You? What the hell are you doing here?"

"I didn’t realize this store was private Hawke family property," Sienna calmly looked up at the man.

Seth’s jaw tightened, "Stay away from Kira. She’s pure and innocent, unlike you, who’s used to being a slu.."

PAK!

The sharp crack of the slap echoed off the walls. Seth’s head whipped to the side, freezing every employee in the room.

Silence deadened the boutique. Seth’s eyes turned bloodshot with fury as he lunged forward, grabbing Sienna’s wrist like an iron vise, "How dare you!" he hissed through gritted teeth.

"Seth, baby, stop!" Kira rushed forward, pulling at his arm, "Don’t lower yourself to her level!"

Seth took a trembling breath, tearing his eyes from Sienna’s calm face. Shaking off Kira, he pulled a black gold card from his wallet and slammed it onto the glass counter.

"Manager! Pack up every single piece of clothing on these racks right now," Seth barked, "I want this entire floor emptied."

The manager’s eyes lit up as she swiped the card. "Right away, sir! Payment processed. The entire display collection is yours!"

Kira turned to Sienna, her smile dripping with fake sympathy, "Oh, sis... since every dress in J’s is sold out now, you won’t have a decent outfit for your own birthday. Why don’t I be generous and let you pick one from my bags?"

Everyone waited for Sienna to be embarrassed. But, instead, a slow, dangerous smile curved her red lips as she pulled out her phone, dialing a number on speaker.

It rang once before a frivolous voice sounded:

"Princess, how is your birthday going so far? You know I’m stuck in these meetings or I would be celebrating with you already!"

The manager froze dead in her tracks, turning ghost-white as she recognized the voice.

Sienna tilted her phone lazily, "Jace, I’m standing in your store, but a generous buyer just bought out the floor. I have nothing to wear."

Jace let out a condescending laugh over the speaker, "Those off-the-rack rags on display are for commoners, darling. Your birthday gown is sitting in my private vault; custom-tailored, diamond-embroidered, and priceless."

"Thank you, Jace," Sienna murmured, hanging up.

The manager instantly dropped Kira’s garment bags onto the floor, rushing over to bow deeply before Sienna with trembling hands, "M-Miss Qing! We had no idea you were Boss’s guest of honor! Please, step into the VIP room—"

"No need," Sienna said softly, adjusting her coat over her shoulders. She spared one final, disdainful glance at Kira and Seth, whose faces had turned dark.

"Looks like I have to refuse your generosity," Sienna smiled at Kira before she turned around and walked away.

Seth looked at her retreating back then raked his fingers through his hair.

"Baby, what happened?" Kira held his arm.

The man gently pulled his hand out of her grip, "I need some fresh air. I will see you later at the gala, alright?" He cupped her face.

"Mm, can’t wait," Kira smiled until the man turned around. Once Seth was gone, she pulled out her phone and dialled a number, "Have you prepared everything?... Good!"

"Kira, what are you planning?" The two socialites approached her.

"It’s my sister’s birthday so she deserves a gift," Kira’s eyes darkened, "It’s time that everyone knows the real reason for her breakup with Seth."