When the spoon fell, the clink echoed louder than it should have been. Brian flinched and looked at the sofa where Hunter was glaring at him.

Yeah. He could tell, even when his boss was wearing dark glasses.

Ma’am was sleeping, and Mr. Levisay might murder him for waking her up, "I’m sorry, sir," He mouthed silently.

But the threat on Hunter’s face stayed there. He took a sigh of relief when Hunter’s phone started ringing.

"Yes, Logan?" He paused for a moment and then shook his head, "No... I can’t be there for this dinner. Sorry..." using his other hand, he picked up the TV remote and started switching channels, "Not possible. I’m needed here."

Now Brian could see irritation on his face, "Come up with any excuse, Logan. Create one. And no more calls now!" He was about to raise his voice, but then realized something and stopped himself in time.

After cutting the call, he got up and headed to Sienna’s room to have a look at her. Brian had seen him doing it several times today.

He curved down his lips and shrugged, "Wow. Did the sun rise in the west today?" he mumbled to himself.

***

Sienna stirred a little and then stretched, smiling to herself. A pillow was clutched to her chest, and the blanket was tucked up to her shoulders.

She needed to go to the bathroom. When she got up, she found some crazy snacking stuff on her nightstand.

A simple fruit bowl covered with cling film, dark chocolate packs, dates, and nuts.

She chewed her lower lip with the slight shake of her head. Right now, she wanted coffee!

Yup.

Perfect idea!

***

"Hello," She stepped into the living room and then paused for a few seconds. Brian and Hunter were watching a talk show on TV. Hunter was occupying the larger sofa while Brian was seated on the smaller one.

Brian’s face snapped up at her voice, and he hurriedly got up as if he was caught stealing. Hunter stayed in the same position without even moving his eyes from the TV screen.

Sienna watched him for a while and then decided to sit beside him, "Thanks," she muttered, but no acknowledgement was paid to her thanks.

What happened? Why is he behaving like this? Earlier, he was so caring.

"I’ll bring you something to eat," Brian called from the kitchen. Sienna made a face, shaking her head.

"Just bring me coffee, Brian," She said with a faint smile, "I’m not hungry at all."

She found a business magazine on the coffee table.

With a frown, she picked it up. The bold words on the cover caught her attention:

The Levisays Strike Again!

Oh. So that was the reason. Those Levisay people were playing with the money, and here their illegitimate child... Sigh!

Her heart went out to Hunter.

So that was the reason for his not-giving-a-damn attitude. Sienna felt sorry for him. The way he took care of her was enough to tell her that he had a gentle heart.

This man had the habit of looking after people without making it obvious. And right now?

Right now, he must be angry. And sad.

Her attention shifted to the tray that Brian had placed on the table. A serving dish that had steaks along with mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies.

Sienna’s mouth watered as she reached out to pick up the plate.

"It smells amazing," She said excitedly and sliced a piece of the steak with the help of a knife and fork.

"Umm..." Her eyes were half closed when it melted in her mouth, "Brian. You’re a magician," Brian was standing there with a nervous smile.

The poor man was trying to say something, but then decided not to do it when his employer gave him the familiar look behind those dark shades.

Sienna attacked the food without bothering to offer Hunter. The meat, the veggies. Everything was cooked to perfection.

She didn’t know that Brian could cook so well. When he placed a plate of garlic bread, she placed her palm over her mouth to cover the loud burp, "Goodness, Brian. I’m already full. Take it back..."

Hunter was still sitting there like a dummy, not moving at all. He seemed too engrossed in the political talk show.

"Ma’am..." Brian scratched the back of his neck, "This is for sir."

For sir?

Sienna turned her head to look at her contract husband. Like, really look at him.

"Are you planning to eat only garlic bread for dinner?" If he could show care, then she could too, "You must take proper meals, Hunter."

She placed her palm on his arm, "Don’t take it to your heart. The things that are meant for you will reach you."

Hunter, at last, settled his gaze on her face. Sienna nodded at him and then patted his arm, "I’m asking Brian to bring something for you... Like... like a croissant or something..." She leaned towards him, "Not those butter ones. The chocolate ones work best."

After some time, they both were eating chocolate croissants, and Sienna was trying to figure out why Brian was smiling unnecessarily.

She even asked him to bring nuts from her room and feed Hunter.

"Don’t worry, Hunter. Just save your energy for those who matter," She tried to suppress the yawn. God! Why did she feel so sleepy?

***

Brian took the dishes out of the dishwasher and placed them in their respective cabinets. He was still smiling when he imagined Hunter’s helpless face.

His wife ate all of his food and then fed him something he disliked most.

The chocolate croissants.

Ha-ha.

He was aware that later he would end up laughing about it with Logan.

He walked out of the kitchen and stopped dead in his tracks at the sight in the living room.

Sienna’s body was leaning on Hunter, with her head resting against his arm. While Hunter’s head was tilted against the cushion on the back of the couch.

They were both sleeping. And for some reason, Brian found it so wholesome.

He had been with Hunter for such a long time and never found him this unguarded before. He knew this was wrong, but he silently took his phone out of his pocket and clicked a photo of the couple.

Great! I can use it later to blackmail him. Ha-ha.