Chapter 778
Dark clouds shrouded the rising sun, and mist spread across the landscape. Sienna stood halfway up the hill of Memorial Heights, clutching a bouquet. Her gaze was full of sorrow as she looked at Shelly’s photo on the tombstone.
For the past year, she had been traveling and working. It had been too long since she visited Shelly’s grave.
“Mom, I came back yesterday. I visited Felix. He’s doing great in the prison, behaving well, and even had his sentence reduced.”
Sienna moved closer, placing the flowers near the headstone. She sat next to it, leaning against Shelly’s grave. Gazing at the distant mountains, she appreciated the serene, beautiful surroundings. “It’s peaceful and lovely here,” she murmured with a faint smile.
“Mom, living here isn’t bad at all. At least it’s away from the noise and worries. It’s peaceful here, and we can enjoy mountains, scenery, and moonlight.
“I have another important reason for coming back this time. I want to find Jane.” Sienna’s tone grew heavy, her mood somber.
“But her parents said she’s working in Phoenicia now, and I can’t reach her. Do you think Jane could’ve been the one who stole my manuscript?” Naturally, Shelly couldn’t respond.
After a moment of reflection, Sienna continued, “She’s the only one who had access to my laptop. The plagiarized parts are exactly what I had saved before leaving the town. Everything I wrote afterward is different.
“But we grew up together like sisters. I can’t believe she’d do such a thing. I can’t find her now, Mom, and I feel so lost.
“There’s one more thing. I saw him.” Sienna lowered her head.
Thinking of Daniel made her mood sink into inexplicable sadness. “I don’t know what he wants. He clearly despised my background and thought I wasn’t good enough for him, yet he’s acting like he still cares.” “Mom, I miss you so much!” Sienna poured her heart out, even though there was no response. Just saying the words made her feel a bit better.
After all, there was no one else in the world with whom she felt safe enough to share her innermost thoughts.
By noon, Sienna left Memorial Heights. She visited her old apartment, only to take a glance before moving on.
Dragging her suitcase, she headed to Market Street to see Shelly’s old corner store. But time had changed everything; the store was gone and replaced by a small restaurant.
She stood at the entrance for a
moment,
Memories flooding back. She recalled Shelly being busy restocking shelves while Felix lazily played games at the counter. They were scenes of ordinary, happy times that now felt like distant, blurred recollections.
With tears welling up in her eyes, Sienna moved on, dragging her suitcase through familiar streets and alleys.
She boarded a bus, leaning against the window to watch the passing scenery.
At that moment, she felt utterly lost with no goals, no direction, no endpoint, and nothing to strive for.
Sienna had no clue why she was
earning money anymore. She had no
desire to indulge in food, drink, or
entertainment. Dressing up or pleasing herself, or anyone else, felt pointless.
She had no desire to buy a car since she did not know how to drive, and the thought of traveling alone held little appeal for her. With no one else to live with her, she had no interest in buying a house.
Her phone rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the unfamiliar number and answered.
“Sienna, it’s Jane. My parents said you were looking for me. What’s up?” Jane’s voice came through. Sienna felt a surge of emotion. “Jane, why didn’t you tell me you changed your number?” “Sorry, I forgot.”