The Wrong Woman

Daniel's Adam's apple bobbed as he searched for the right words, his voice husky and hesitant. "Sienna, if you're willing, I'll transfer all my shares from the family to you. My salary, savings from my insurance, a few properties, and some investment projects-"

But before Daniel could finish laying out his financial situation to express his sincerity, Sienna interrupted, "I appreciate your generosity, but I don't want to be kept as a mistress."

Daniel's fist tightened, silencing his words. He forced a bitter smile and lowered his head in silence.

Sienna's emotions churned within her. Drawing a deep breath, she gathered her courage and said, "Daniel, my family isn't wealthy, and I'm just a writer, struggling to earn a living through my online novels. But have my principles; I won't accept being kept."

His grip on his fist intensified, discomfort gnawing at him.

Exhaling softly, Sienna's voice lightened as she smiled gently. "I hope to find someone with shared values, to build a life together, raise a family, and live a simple life.

"Money isn't everything to me. Even when my father fell ill and we were buried in debt, I never considered selling myself or being kept. And I certainly won't now. "Thank you for your kindness, Daniel." Rising gracefully, Sienna bid her farewell. "Take care. I shall leave."

A darkness settled over Daniel's heart, mirroring his hollow eyes, heavy and oppressive. His clenched fist ached with the intensity of his emotions.

side. How had things come to

of the word had

care for her, to be with her, but not in

sound of the door closing echoed in his

leaped to his feet, knocking into the coffee table with his knee.

But he stumbled into a couch

blindly reaching out, eyes brimming with tears, and heart aching, Daniel called out,

response from beyond the

She was gone.

pocket, urgency coloring his voice as he commanded, "Hey Siri, call

voice assistant promptly replied,

instantly, Daniel intervened,

the call

over and sank into it. He placed a hand over his forehead and closed his eyes, @cloud of desolation settling over him,

wasn't