Daniel stopped in his tracks and looked at Ryan, asking, "So, should I have forced her to choose between her mother and me?"


    Ryan was at a loss for words. Making his ex-girlfriend choose while he couldn''t give up his job did seem selfish. He suddenly understood Daniel''s decision. "Do you love her that much? Even more than your job?" he asked.


    "Yeah."


    "Is there no other way?"


    "No."


    "It''s been a year. Are you sure she still likes you?"N?velDrama.Org content.


    Hearing Ryan''s question, Daniel''s expression darkened, uncertainty clouding his eyes.


    Reading Daniel''s thoughts from his expression, Ryan eximed, "You never discussed this with her, did you? Do you think quitting your job will fix everything?" "Not yet. I want to get her mother''s approval first."


    Ryan scoffed and patted his shoulder. "Don''t be naive. After a year apart, she might not feel the same. Women nowadays are practical, and they can''t stand loneliness. She''s probably dated a few people and moved on by now."


    Daniel fell silent, his heart tightening painfully. He recalled seeing Sienna and Dominicughing and flirting at the wedding. She no longer seemed like the shy, lively girl he remembered from a year ago. She didn''t seem to love him much back then, let alone now.


    Ryan saw Daniel''s stunned expression and patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don''t rush into quitting. Think it through."


    On the way home, Daniel''s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, all centered on Sienna. He passed an old bakery and remembered how much she loved their handmade pastries. He stopped his car and bought two boxes.


    Returning to Morrison Residence, he walked in with the bag, his eyes scanning the living room before ncing upstairs toward Sienna''s room.


    It was almost dinner time, and the family was chatting in the living room while waiting for everyone''s return for the meal. After greeting them, Daniel continued looking around.


    Florence remarked calmly, "Stop looking. Sienna left."


    Daniel paused. "Left? Where did she go?"


    Florence sighed. "She thanked us and said she didn''t want to be a burden. She said some pleasantries but didn''t tell us where she was going."


    Daniel set down the pastries and dashed upstairs, bursting into Sienna''s room. It was spotless, with no trace of her presence.


    He clenched his fists, feeling a painful throb in his heart and a spasm in his stomach. It was hard to breathe.


    Daniel pulled out his phone and tried


    calling Sienna, but the call


    go through. After their breakdo


    had blocked all contact with him.


    Dejected, he walked into her room and sat on her bed. He leaned forward with his hands covering his face, trying to calm his turmoil.


    Florence entered and saw Daniel''s despair. She felt his pain deeply.


    "Daniel, Sienna is a wonderful woman. If you love her, be brave and tell her. It''s okay even if she rejects you. Our family is well-off, and you have many good qualities. If you show her your sincerity, she''ll be moved."


    "Mom, just leave me alone." Daniel''s voice was low and trembling.


    Florence sighed softly and left the room, closing the door behind her.


    Daniel let out a long breath and copsed onto the bed, covering his eyes with his arm.


    In the silent room, the feeling of loneliness grew ever stronger.