chapter812

The honeymoon period was a profound immersion in affection and tranquility. To Daniel, Sienna was no longer just a partner he had fought to keep; she was the "Beloved Wife" who now occupied every corner of his heart.

He was incredibly attentive, often waking early to prepare breakfast before she even opened her eyes. When she complained of a tense neck after hours of writing, he didn't just suggest a break; he hired a professional to teach him the proper techniques so he could personally ease her discomfort. He filled their days with small surprises, thoughtful gifts, and spontaneous trips to admire the scenery of Norvania, ensuring she felt cherished in every moment.

To Daniel, being married wasn't just "getting by." It was a mission to provide the warmth and security she had lacked for so long. Even Lindsey, sensing Daniel's fierce protectiveness, chose to withdraw, leaving the couple to their well-deserved peace.

However, a month passed all too quickly. After his vacation concluded, Daniel reluctantly returned to his duties, leaving Sienna to navigate the quiet mornings alone. The house felt larger without his presence, and a surge of longing followed her as she shifted her focus back to her career—and the looming legal battle that would define it.

As the trial date for the manuscript theft approached, Jane grew increasingly restless. Desperate and anxious, she requested a private meeting at a local coffee shop.

Sienna, knowing she had truth on her side, agreed to meet alone. As they sat across from each other, the old warmth of their friendship was nowhere to be found. Sienna looked at her former colleague with an indifferent, cold detachment.

"You have something to say?" Sienna asked, her voice steady.

"I don't understand where you get the confidence to sue me," Jane replied, her voice shaking with a mix of nerves and bravado. "You know how difficult these cases are to prove."

"I’m giving you one last chance to be honest," Sienna countered. "Why did you steal my work? Was it for the money?"

Jane gritted her teeth, refusing to break. "I didn't steal anything. If anything, you were the one who—"

"Are you truly that desperate?" Sienna interrupted, her expression shifting to one of pity.

Jane snorted, a bitter edge to her voice. "It’s easy for you to say. You have a steady stream of royalties, film adaptations, and a husband who provides everything. You aren't short of money, Sienna. You have everything."

"That is not an excuse for theft," Sienna said firmly. "Success isn't a justification for others to take what I’ve built with my own hands."

Jane remained stubborn, her eyes darting around the room, likely fearing that their conversation was being recorded. She clung to her denial, but her body language betrayed her. She nervously rubbed her hands together and took a shallow breath.

"Sienna," Jane said, her voice dropping into a pleading tone. "Considering our past friendship... I won't ask for an apology or any counter-claims. Can we just agree to drop this? Can we just not take this to court?"