Chapter 83: Sienna Squeezed Her Eyes Shut

Sienna squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact. But she never hit the ground. Strong arms caught her, cushioning her fall. She landed squarely against a warm, solid chest. A pained grunt echoed beneath her. Lucas. Her eyes fluttered open to find him sprawled beneath her, his body taking the brunt of their crash. A crimson stain was already blooming across his shoulder, seeping through his white shirt.

"Are you hurt?" Her voice was tight as she scrambled up, Noah clutched safely in her arms. A thread of panic she didn't recognize laced her words.

He managed a weak, pained smirk. "You're worried about me."

"Stop being ridiculous, Lucas! This isn't a joke!" She shot him a sharp look, her heart hammering.

"Just a scratch from the glass. It's nothing." He pushed himself up, wincing slightly, trying to downplay it for her.

Her eyes scanned his back. A shallow cut, but thankfully, nothing more serious. The rest of him seemed intact. This Ferris wheel was a death trap. She needed to call for help immediately. As she fumbled for her phone, the massive structure shuddered and then, inexplicably, the machinery groaned back to life. The ride resumed its slow, creaking rotation. What incredible timing.

"See? It's okay now. Don't be afraid." Lucas's voice was low, a soothing balm. He mistook her stunned silence for terror.

A warmth radiated from his tone, gentle and reassuring. He couldn't help the flicker of satisfaction seeing her concern for him. Noah peeked out from her embrace, a tiny, secret smile playing on his lips. Yes! Sienna likes Lucas a little more now! Finally, the ride shuddered to a complete stop at the platform.

"That's enough for today. You need to go home and tend to that wound," Sienna stated firmly, carrying Noah out of the carriage.

"It's truly nothing. A simple bandage will suffice," Lucas murmured, brushing it off.

He wasn't about to let this rare opportunity slip away. This was his chance. Sienna grimaced. "Lucas, be serious..."

"Then do it for Noah. You know how much he adores you. And so do I." His words hit her with unexpected force, making her chest feel strangely full.

"Noah needs his mommy! Noah doesn't want to leave mommy!" The little boy's eyes instantly welled up with big, fat tears. His lower lip trembled dramatically.

"If mommy leaves Noah... mommy might leave forever..." He looked utterly heartbroken, on the verge of a full-blown sob.

The sight wrenched her heart. How could she say no to this precious five-year-old?

"Don't cry, sweetheart. I like you very much. I'll definitely find another time to play with you, okay?" She forced the comforting words out, her resolve crumbling.

"Really? Pinky promise, mommy!" Noah's tears vanished, replaced by a brilliant, hopeful smile as he eagerly locked his tiny pinky with hers.

What had she just done? She had intended for this to be the final goodbye. But now, bound by a promise to Noah, there would inevitably be a next time. Nothing was going according to her plan.