Chapter 34

Caitlin’s Pov :

The moment Joseph slid the sleek black folder across the polished mahogany desk toward me, I felt a swell of emotions – irritation, disbelief, and most of all, a sharp, burning anger.

He sat there with that infuriatingly confident smirk, as if handing me an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. The “face of Clarity and Co.” The centerpiece of their next big campaign. A sponsorship deal wrapped in pretty words and marketing jargon.

I stared at the folder, but I didn’t even need to open it.

Because no amount of glossy contracts could erase what I knew.

What I saw.

What he did.

Joseph Mendes – CEO of Clarity and Co – the same man who shattered Sienna’s trust and heart.

His assistant Rudy, the quiet blonde man who brought in coffee with flushed cheeks, was clearly more than just an assistant. The way Joseph looked at him – that slow, intense, possessive look – it was blatant. The kind of look only lovers share.

And I saw it all unfold right in front of me.

But I forced calm on my face, my voice steady as I said, “Thank you for the offer, Joseph. It’s very generous.”

His grin only grew, like he already had me in the palm of his hand.

But then I pushed the contract away gently, my eyes locking onto his.

“I’m going to have to decline.”

I saw his jaw drop. The usual smug confidence wiped away in an instant.

“Pardon me?” His voice cracked slightly.

“I said no,” I repeated, standing up slowly.

He was still staring at me like I’d grown a second head.

I looked him dead in the eye.

“I don’t make deals with cheaters.”

Joseph’s face tightened.

“Especially ones who fumbled a goddess for a boy.”

His mouth opened slightly, but no words came.

I didn’t wait for a reply. I turned and walked out.

The door clicked softly behind me, the sound final.

The elevator ride down was a mix of racing thoughts and clenched fists. My heart was pounding-not from fear or nervousness-but from a fierce, protective anger for the woman I loved.

I remembered the way Sienna had looked that day, outside this very building – tears streaming, heart breaking. And now I knew why.

I got to the lobby, nodded at Darla without a word, and stepped outside into the cool afternoon air.

I slid into my car and exhaled slowly.

I had done what needed to be done.

–

The drive home was quiet, Taylor Swift’s 1989 album playing softly as I tried to steady my racing thoughts. The city lights blurred through the windshield, but nothing else distracted me.

At home, I sank onto the couch, drained but oddly satisfied. My phone buzzed.

Incoming FaceTime: Sunshine ☀️💞

I didn’t hesitate. I answered, and immediately, my heart softened at the sight of her smiling face.

“Hey, baby,” I said softly.

“Hey you,” she whispered, her voice still tinged with the fatigue of travel. “How are you?”

“Better now,” I said, curling up on the couch with the phone in hand.

“How is Boston?” I asked. “How did the interviews go-with both the Celtics and the Pacers?”

She brightened. “They were amazing. The energy was electric. Boston fans are something else.”

I grinned. “I bet you stole the show.”

She laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You always know how to make me smile.”

“What about you?” she asked, tilting her head. “How did you spend your day while I was out conquering the NBA world?”

I groaned, flopping back against the pillows. “I had a sponsorship meeting.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “With who?”

I sighed. “At Clarity and Co.”

There was a pause.

Her voice lowered, laced with concern. “Wait. That’s Joseph’s company.”

“I swear, baby, I didn’t know,” I said quickly. “My agent wanted me to meet the CEO after three months of silence. I was shocked when I saw him today – right in his office.”

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “How did it go?”

I let out a breath, remembering every detail. “He gave me the whole sales pitch – commercials, billboards, my own product line. Then he slid the contract to me like I was supposed to jump on it.”

I smiled bitterly. “But I didn’t even open it.”

Sienna’s voice was quiet. “You didn’t?”

“Nope. I told him flat out I don’t make deals with cheaters.”

She gasped softly. “No way.”

I laughed. “And then I stood up and said, ‘Especially ones who fumbled a goddess for a boy.'”

There was silence for a moment, then Sienna laughed. “God Clark, you’re something else.”

I grinned, “And you love it.”

“I do…I do love it, Clark.” She said softly, a smile tugging at those beautiful lips that I loved so much.

It was silent for a moment, I couldn’t help but look at Sienna’s mesmerizing features. The curve of her jaw, wishing I could plant kisses on it, the emerald green eyes that make my knees wobble everytime I look at it, the slope of her nose, she was beautiful and I would never get tired of seeing her beautiful face everyday.

Finally, I broke the silence.

“I saw the way he was eye-fucking Rudy right in front of me.” I said, shaking my head. “I finally connected the dots. You were right all along.”

She smiled softly, her eyes warm. “I’m glad you saw it for yourself.”

I nodded, feeling the sting of betrayal on both our parts.

She changed the subject gently, “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“I’ll pick you up from the airport.”

“No,” she said firmly. “Camden’s picking me up. We need some friend time. It’s been a while.”

I didn’t say anything.

But my heart broke a little.

I forced a smile. “Okay.”

We laid there, talking softly, until the silence stretched between us.

“Stay with me?” she whispered.

“Always,” I said.

We fell asleep together on the phone – miles apart, but somehow still close.

Together.

Authors Note :

Hello lovelies, short chapter I’m sorry but I have writers block but don’t worry I’ll try and write the next chapter….. also thank you so much for y’alls lovely comments and the support, I love y’all so much. Until next time my loves.

XoXo V 💜💜💜