"Anna, if—just saying if—I ever did something that let you down… would you still forgive me?" Zachary Sullivan stared at the girl in front of him, his eyes faintly uneasy, like he was scared of hearing the answer.
Sienna Shaw met his gaze with a soft smile, her bright eyes curving. But she shook her head without hesitation and said, "Nope."
She looked young, sure, but her attitude was firm, like she wasn’t the type to get swayed easily.
Zachary lowered his eyes. The moment her answer fell, a flicker of disappointment passed through his expression.
Sienna, however, just chuckled and didn’t take his question too seriously. "Come on, if you already know you’re messing up, why would you still do it? I’m obviously not giving you that chance."
Zachary let out a bitter smile, then looked up again, gaze suddenly steady. "Anna, I swear I’m gonna give you a good life. No matter what, I will."
Sienna nodded softly. "Yeah. I trust you. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll back you up."
With that, Zachary pulled her gently into his arms.
"Anna, it’s your birthday tomorrow. I’ll be waiting for you in Huayuan, room 309." As he spoke, he slipped a room card into her hand.
Sienna froze, staring at the card like she couldn’t quite believe it.
Seeing her confused and a little adorable like that, Zachary laughed. "Relax. It’s just a birthday celebration. Nothing else."
Sienna finally let out the breath she was holding. "But that place is super expensive…"
"Shh… don’t say anything. For you, it’s worth it. I’ll be there." Zachary spoke quickly, almost like he was afraid that if she kept talking, he’d break.
In the end, looking at him, Sienna couldn’t help smiling as she nodded.
The next day.
Nine p.m.
Sienna showed up as promised.
Holding the room card, she walked to the door of 309.
Standing there, she took a long breath before tapping the card against the lock. With a soft beep, the door clicked open.
Sienna pushed the door and walked inside.
As expected, Zachary Sullivan was already inside, fiddling with the bottle of red wine on the table. The moment he spotted her, a faint flash of amazement crossed his eyes. Even though Sienna Shaw was only nineteen, her beauty was the kind that made you forget to breathe.
His lips curved into a light smile. "You’re here?"
Sienna had clearly put effort into her look today—light makeup, a soft dress, the whole thing done with quiet care. After all, it was her birthday, and Zachary had prepared this for her.
She nodded and walked over.
"You look really pretty today."
Sienna gave a small, shy smile.
Zachary glanced at the red wine, then poured two glasses. "Come on, have a little."
"Okay." She reached out to take it.
"Happy birthday."
"Thank you."
Zachary lifted his glass as if to drink, but didn’t. Instead, he watched Sienna take a sip, his gaze turning darker, deeper, like something heavy was sinking inside.
…
After she set the glass down and chatted with him for a bit, a wave of dizziness suddenly washed over her.
"What’s wrong?" he asked, frowning.
"I… I don’t know. My head feels a little fuzzy…"
"Don’t tell me you’re already tipsy. Come on, let me help you lie down for a bit."
Sienna nodded weakly.
Zachary supported her and guided her toward the bed. It didn’t take long before she curled up on the mattress, the drowsiness overwhelming her.
"Sienna? Sienna…" he called softly.
But she was already out cold, her pale face relaxed in a peaceful stillness. Once he was certain she wouldn’t wake, Zachary finally let the tension drain from his shoulders. Guilt filled his eyes, raw and unhidden.
"Sienna… I’m sorry. Just tonight. I just need this one night."
"I’ll make sure you have a good life… I promise."
He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her forehead, barely a whisper of a touch. Then he turned and walked out of the room without looking back.
He didn’t dare. If he did, he knew he might break.