The Foodie Gang chat group continued to explode with messages, faster and faster, as if they had just discovered a new source of endless entertainment, and unfortunately, that source was Sienna herself.

Sienna stared at the screen, her expression caught somewhere between disbelief and mild irritation.

The messages kept pouring in, one after another, each more dramatic than the last.

If she didn’t stop them now, they might start planning her imaginary wedding by midnight.

With a deep breath, she picked up her phone again and typed a new text.

[Sienna: Can we stop talking about it?]

She hit send.

For a brief, hopeful second, she thought maybe they would listen.

Then the replies came.

All at once and with the same answer.

"NO!"

Sienna laughed bitterly. "Of course they won’t agree..." She knows them better. They won’t stop until she gives them the right answer.

Her eyes returned to the screen, watching the chaos continue.

Clearly, dealing with her best friend’s logic wouldn’t work. Denial wouldn’t work. Even silence wouldn’t work.

She needed a strategy.

Something powerful enough to shift their attention away from this ridiculous "boyfriend" topic.

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she thought.

After a few seconds, an idea suddenly formed in her mind. Not a perfect one. Not an honest one. But she was sure this one was effective.

Without giving herself time to hesitate, she typed quickly—

[Sienna: Honestly, I’d rather not discuss it because it’s embarrassing. The reason I can’t join you this weekend is that I’m returning to my hometown...something’s going on here. You probably know what it is!]

She stared at the message for half a second before hitting send.

And just like that...silence. Not complete silence, of course. But the tone of the chat changed instantly.

The teasing disappeared. Replaced by concern.

[Ava: Sorry, Sienna. I’m truly sorry... If anything happens there, let us know.]

[Riley: Sienna, my phone is always on. Call me if you need help! I will come over.]

[Mia: Sorry, Sienna... I didn’t mean to tease you. I’m here, as always.]

Sienna’s lips curved into a small, soft smile.

"They really believe..." she whispered, her voice trailing off.

For a moment, warmth filled her chest. But almost immediately, guilt followed. She lowered her gaze to the screen.

’Wow, girl, you lied to them...’ Her fingers tightened around her phone. She then tries to lift her spirits, saying, ’No need to feel guilty. This is the best for now.’

After a few more minutes, she typed again:

[Sienna: Thank you all. I’ll remember that. Alright, I’m exhausted now. I need to sleep. Talk to you all tomorrow. Bye!]

This time, Sienna didn’t wait for a reply. She closed the chat group and placed her phone back on the bedside table.

The room fell quiet once more.

After setting the alarm, she turned off the light and slipped under the blanket. The darkness wrapped around her gently, like a soft reminder that the day was finally over.

Her mind slowly began to settle.

Her thoughts, one by one, began to fade.

But then, a single idea slipped through.

’A boyfriend...!?’ She let out a quiet breath, hearing her own thoughts. ’Girl, that’s ridiculous. Stop thinking about that possibility...’ she told herself firmly.

And yet... A faint smile appeared on her lips.

Her thoughts drifted...

To Zachary, who stood by a window, his back to her.

To his calm voice as he said, "I’m not married."

To his eyes, it seemed as if they watched her more than they should.

"...Impossible," she whispered.

But still... She didn’t stop imagining.

And somehow, that thought stayed with her... until sleep finally claimed her.

...

The next morning, the loud sound of her alarm shattered the quiet.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Sienna groaned softly, her brows knitting together as she shifted under the blanket. For a brief moment, she didn’t move, her mind still caught between sleep and reality.

Then she opened her eyes. The unfamiliar ceiling greeted her.

She froze.

"...Where am I?" she murmured, her voice hoarse.

For a second, panic flickered in her chest. Then, slowly... everything came back.

"Oh..." she exhaled, rubbing her face. "Right, I’m here at Zach’s villa to work..."

Without wasting another second, she threw off the blanket, sat up straight, and turned off the alarm.

She quickly freshened up and changed into simple, modest clothes. She put on a clean blouse, comfortable culotte pants, and tied her hair into a neat bun. Nothing too fancy, just enough to look nice and feel prepared for the kitchen.

Within minutes, she stepped out of her room and headed straight to the kitchen.

The villa was still quiet.

The sun hadn’t fully risen yet, and a soft morning light filtered through the windows, painting the space in gentle gold.

But Sienna was already in motion.

She moved around the kitchen with purpose, her mind focused on the plan she had made the night before.

Simple breakfast, tuna sandwich, fresh fruit, and warm tea. Nothing complicated, but enough to be satisfying.

Her hands worked quickly, slicing, arranging, preparing.

The kitchen slowly filled with the faint, comforting aroma of brewed coffee. It didn’t take long for everything to be ready.

She neatly packed the sandwiches for takeaway and poured the tea and coffee into a thermal container.

Just as she finished, a faint footstep could be heard from the stairs.

She turned slightly and saw Zachary descending the stairs, already dressed for hiking.

This time, he wasn’t wearing his usual formal clothes. Instead, he had on a black T-shirt that fit him just right, paired with casual shorts. He held sunglasses, and a simple backpack rested on his back.

For a moment, Sienna forgot to breathe.

’So... this is his casual look?’ she thought, her eyes unconsciously tracing his figure.

All this time, she had only seen him in suits or neatly pressed shirts. He always appears clean, sharp, and untouchable.

But now? He looked... different. More relaxed, and a bit fragile, like a real human being should, not just a gorgeous-looking guy in the movies or on billboards. And yet, he somehow also looks more dangerous.

Her gaze lingered just a second too long.

"Good morning, Sienna—"

His voice snapped her out of her thoughts instantly.

She awkwardly smiled, straightening up as if she had just been caught doing something suspicious.

"G-Good morning, Zach..." she replied quickly, mentally scolding herself. ’Control yourself, Sienna!’