"Dan's back?"

"Daniel, why were you so late today? Were you busy?"

"Daniel, would it be okay if Sienna stays at our place?"

"Is everything okay with you?"

Daniel couldn't make out a single word amidst the noisy chatter of his family. He looked at Sienna with an intense gaze, feeling like he'd forgotten how to breathe, his heart racing.

Mila leaned close to Nathan, her hand muffling her soft giggles as she whispered, "Nate, did you notice how Daniel's looking at her? It's obvious he's smitten."

Nathan chuckled affectionately and caressed her head as he murmured, "Perhaps you should focus on my gaze instead of eyeing other guys."

"Let's play matchmaker for them," Mila suggested.

"Let's leave them be. We'll see how things play out," Nathan replied.

"But-"

Nathan gently held Mila's head, drawing her nearer as he whispered, "Forced relationships rarely end well. It seems your friend might not be as keen on him as you believe." Mila sighed with resignation, her tone tinged with bitterness. "Looks like you need your eyes checked."

Nathan shrugged, a puzzled expression crossing his face.

Daniel walked to the living room and sat on the couch directly across from Sienna. After sitting down, he observed her quietly.

Sienna began to feel increasingly uncomfortable, as if she were on edge.

Sounding gentle and calm, Daniel said, "Sienna."

Sienna's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected sound of her name. She met Daniel's gaze with nervousness, trying to appear composed as she responded, "Yes?" "How's Mrs. Lawson and Felix been lately?" Daniel asked politely, prompting curious looks from everyone else in the room.

Sienna felt lost, unsure how to respond to such a heartbreaking question with so many people. listening. Sadness flooded her, but she forced herself to keep a

composed facade.

She didn't want her family's troubles to dampen everyone else's mood. So, despite her true feelings, she uttered, "They're both doing fine."

After speaking, she lowered her head. Tears welled up in her eyes for reasons she couldn't quite explain.

"You..." Daniel started to say something else but faltered; his words stuck in his throat.

Sienna stood up abruptly and anxiously offered an apologetic nod. "Sorry, everyone. I'm feeling a bit tired. I'm going to my room to rest."Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org

Florence encouraged her, "Sure, go ahead. Go freshen up and get some rest."

After bidding them all goodnight, Sienna left the living room.

Daniel watched her leave, then slumped lifelessly onto the couch, taking deep breaths.

Mila leaned in toward Daniel,

speaking softly, "Daniel, have you et

noticed that Sienna is acting differently lately? She's not

and energetic as she used

chatty be."

Daniel fell silent, his gaze fixed on Sienna until she disappeared up the

stairs. He closed his eyes slowly,

feeling a strange desire growing inside him.

"Daniel, I—" Before Mila could finish her words, Nathan wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

Mila turned to Nathan helplessly. "What's the matter? I just wanted to talk to Daniel."

"Let's not interfere. If they're interested in each other, they'll get together eventually," Nathan said.

Mila nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, Daniel stood up and made his way upstairs. His sudden departure surprised everyone in the living room, and they all turned to watch him go.

Daniel reached Sienna's room on the second floor and knocked without hesitation.

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