Elijah’s mother arrived unannounced, accompanied by Courtney. Without warning, she shoved Sienna aside and demanded arrogantly, “Hand over my grandson.”
Sienna steadied herself, swallowing her anger. She spoke as respectfully as she could manage. “Madam Nancy, the child is still very young and needs breast milk. Elijah agreed that I could care for him a little longer.”
Her words barely left her lips when Nancy, Elijah’s mother, slapped her hard. The force of the blow sent her reeling, leaving a burning imprint on her cheek.
“You shameless woman!” Nancy spat, her voice dripping with venom. “You’re nothing but a tool for giving birth. Even if Elijah has any interest in you, it’s just a fleeting novelty. Don’t think for a second you’re anything more than that.”
Courtney stepped forward, her voice soft as if trying to calm the situation. “Mom, don’t be so angry. She’s still young. Let’s explain it to her calmly.”
Nancy sneered, her anger unrelenting. “Young? She’s already an expert at seducing men at this age. Courtney, you’ve always had too kind a heart. I’ve told you before, the one thing I can’t stand is a mistress.”
Courtney’s face turned pale, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Mom, I’m just… afraid of Elijah.”
“Afraid? What’s there to fear? If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.” Nancy turned back to Sienna. “Now, give me the child. We’re leaving.”
Sienna’s heart pounded in panic. She knew if they took the baby, it would be near impossible to get him back. Desperately, she reached for the child, engaging in a tug-of-war with Courtney.
In a calculated move, Courtney let go of the child. The baby, barely a month old, fell to the floor with a heart-stopping thud. He let out a single cry, piercing the room like a knife, before falling silent.
Horrified, Sienna froze for a moment, then rushed forward, desperate to check on the child.
Nancy erupted in fury. “You vile woman! How dare you throw my grandson? I’ll kill you!”
As she lunged toward Sienna, chaos ensued. Sienna, frantic to get to the baby, pushed Nancy aside. The older woman stumbled, her forehead striking the sharp corner of the table.
A bloodcurdling scream filled the room as Nancy crumpled to the floor, clutching her head. Hot blood trickled down her face, spilling into her eyes.
Courtney’s voice trembled with panic. “Mom! You’re bleeding! Don’t move—I’ll take you to the hospital. Please, hold on!”
Courtney showed no concern for the child. Instead, she focused on helping Nancy, guiding her out of the villa without a backward glance.
Sienna’s hands trembled as she picked up the baby. His tiny face was pale, his lips tinged with blue. He cried weakly, his little voice barely audible. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gently cradled him, pressing her face close to his, softly murmuring, “It’s okay, baby, Mommy’s here.”
Still, the fear gnawed at her. She couldn’t risk anything—she needed to get him to a hospital. Barefoot and frantic, she hailed a taxi, holding the baby tightly against her chest.
At the hospital, the doctor reassured her that the baby was fine, but the ordeal had left him shaken. Relieved yet exhausted, Sienna sat in the hallway to catch her breath. She realized then that in her rush, she had sprained her ankle. Wincing, she limped to the pharmacy to get some medicine, only to freeze in her tracks when she saw Courtney.
Sienna’s first instinct was to approach her, to apologize to Nancy despite everything, but she hesitated. If she made things worse, it might affect her child’s safety. Gritting her teeth, she decided against it and returned home silently.
That night, the baby was restless. His small body was wracked with a fever, and he vomited milk several times. Sienna stayed by his side, rocking him gently, wiping his forehead with a damp cloth, and whispering soothing words. She didn’t sleep, not even a moment, until dawn began to break.
When she finally closed her eyes, exhaustion pulling her under, the sound of heavy footsteps jolted her awake.
Opening her eyes, she saw Elijah standing at the door, his expression dark and foreboding.
Before she could utter a word, he grabbed her wrist, his grip like iron. “Come with me.”
He dragged her into the next room, his movements sharp and unforgiving. Once inside, he slammed the door shut, then pushed her onto the bed. His tall frame loomed over her as he pinned her down.
“Sienna,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “You’ve gotten bold.”
Sienna shrank beneath him, her heart pounding. “Elijah, you’ve misunderstood. Let me explain—”
He cut her off, grabbing her hands and pressing them against the pillow, trapping her completely. “I hate excuses,” he said coldly.
“I didn’t hurt her intentionally,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “I would never—”
“You didn’t?” His sneer was like a dagger to her chest. “Then what about my mother? Do you think I’ll believe a word you say?”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes. “It was an accident. I didn’t mean to—”
But her voice faltered as she met his gaze, filled with mockery and disdain. He didn’t believe her. He never would. To him, she was nothing more than a tool—a vessel for his child, a convenient scapegoat.
Her throat tightened as his hand brushed her neck, his grip lingering with an unspoken threat.
In that moment, Sienna thought bitterly: If he strangles me now, it’ll all be over. No more pain, no more humiliation.
