Chapter 106: The Moment Noah Left the Room

Just as he anticipated, the moment Noah left the room, Sienna spun around to face him with a stern expression. “Lucas. I expect you to behave appropriately around me from now on. Especially in front of the child. He’s still young and impressionable.”

“Hmm? Behave inappropriately? When did that happen?” Lucas’s expression was the picture of pure innocence.

Sienna was momentarily speechless. ‘Am I reading too much into this? His acting skills are truly exceptional,’ she thought to herself.

“In that case, let’s address the real issue. Starting today, do not come looking for me with Noah,” Sienna stated firmly.

Lucas’s hand, which was holding the fork, twitched almost imperceptibly. The warmth in his eyes gradually cooled. Sienna continued, undeterred by his shifting mood. “You know perfectly well that nothing can ever happen between us. Noah needs to adjust to life without me. A clean break is better than a prolonged attachment. As his father, you should help him move on. Otherwise, he’ll be devastated when the inevitable separation comes.”

Lucas’s face darkened. He set down his fork and fixed her with an intense gaze. “I’m curious. What gave you the impression that we are impossible? What exactly is it about me that you find so objectionable? Feel free to be blunt.” His demeanor was deadly serious, his eyes probing. Sienna’s heart gave a little flip before the memories of five years ago came rushing back. She remembered her circumstances.

Avoiding his penetrating stare, she replied coolly, “I don’t care for men who are overly persistent. It’s unattractive. I prefer men who are aloof and unattainable. I enjoy the challenge. Furthermore, I believe in instant connections. To be perfectly honest, my first impression of you was not favorable. I never developed any feelings for you. Love cannot be forced.” Lucas suddenly rose and leaned across the table, closing the distance between them. Sienna watched his face draw nearer, her heart beginning to race uncontrollably. She struggled to maintain her composure. “What are you doing?”

He captured her wrist with one hand, his other tilting her chin upward. His lips moved inexorably closer. Trapped by his grip, Sienna could neither retreat nor pull away. In an instant, his face was mere inches from hers, so close their noses almost touched. With each breath, she was enveloped by his distinct, masculine scent. One small movement forward would bring their lips together… Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs, like a frightened animal fleeing for its life. It felt ready to burst from her chest.

Lucas watched her, his lips beginning their final descent. Sienna quickly turned her head, evading the kiss. His cool lips brushed against her cheekbone, landing perilously close to her earlobe. A wave of sensation swept through her, leaving her momentarily paralyzed. A faint smile touched Lucas’s lips as he whispered near her ear, “A normal resting heart rate for a woman is between sixty and one hundred beats per minute. In the last thirty seconds, yours was fifty-five. Are you still certain you feel nothing for me? Hmm?”

As he spoke, his grip on her wrist tightened almost imperceptibly. Sienna’s body went rigid. So that was his game. Grabbing her wrist, moving closer… all to measure her pulse? The man was infuriatingly meticulous. She snatched her hand back, fighting to keep her voice steady. “Has no one ever told you that heart rates fluctuate? Temperature, digestion… countless factors affect it. I told you I have no feelings for you. That is the truth. From now on, unless it’s strictly business, do not seek me out.” Her tone was ice-cold, utterly devoid of emotion.

For the first time, Lucas felt a sharp, slicing pain deep in his chest. He was silent for a long moment before replying with quiet resignation, “Very well. I will respect your wishes.” Perfectly on cue, Noah returned with the juice, entering the kitchen. Lucas took the glass and set it on the counter before reaching for the boy. “Come. We’re leaving.”

“But… Noah hasn’t finished his steak yet…” Noah’s face fell, disappointment written all over it.

Lucas gently stroked his hair. “Be good. I’ll make you more another time. We mustn’t disturb Mommy today, alright?”

“Okay.” Noah pouted, turning to wave at Sienna. “Goodbye, Mommy. Eat lots and get super full.”

An unexpected ache tightened Sienna’s throat. It felt constricted, and it took her a moment to force out a single word.