Chapter 9 Moving Overnight

Sienna really wanted to say no, but after thinking it over, she realized the kids had just arrived and were already close to Elodie. Plus, Elodie was a great cook, and they had always gotten along well. So, Sienna agreed.

"I'll cover Elodie's salary. As for Aria, please let her know."

Sienna carefully cradled Henry in her arms. His arm, still showing scabbed-over wounds, looked alarming. Alexander, who originally had more to say, swallowed his words.

The kids had no idea that their sleeping arrangements had changed overnight. The villa across the street had been prepared, with a children's room on the second floor, along with a study and master bedroom. Elodie and Harold's rooms were downstairs. Though not as large as The Knight Manor, the decor was simple and to Sienna's taste.

The children's room upstairs had just been set up with a bunk bed—William on top, Henry on the bottom—similar to their place abroad. Harold had clearly put thought into it.

"Harold, thanks for setting everything up. I really appreciate it!"

"Ms. Blake, it's my honor."

Sienna smiled and patted his shoulder. "Just call me Sienna. I'll be at the hospital prepping for surgery tomorrow, so I'll be busy all day. The house is in your hands."

Harold nodded. "Don't worry, Sienna. I'll take care of the kids."

It was midnight before Sienna finally fell asleep, exhausted from the day. But someone else was having a sleepless night—Alexander, who was now alone in his room, feeling an unexpected emptiness.

He rarely stayed at the Knight Manor since he moved out, preferring to return to the villa he bought when he got married, as it felt more like home. But ever since Sienna returned, he found himself wanting to be near her, especially after their interaction today, which left him restless.

At six the next morning, Sienna woke up as usual, a habit she had developed over the years. No matter how late she slept, she always woke up at six.

After washing up and changing, she went to the children's room. Seeing the kids sleeping soundly, she kissed their little faces before heading downstairs to make breakfast, only to find Elodie had already prepared it.

"Elodie, thanks for getting breakfast ready!"

Elodie beamed at Sienna. "I'm glad you like that!"

Enjoying a rare breakfast at home, Sienna was surprised to see Alexander's car parked outside when she left.

"Mr. Knight, off to work so early?"

Alexander didn't respond, just opened the driver's door and got in.

"Get in. I'll take you to the hospital."

Sienna didn't hesitate and went to the back seat, but the door wouldn't open, so she had to sit in the front.

As soon as she got in, she regretted it. Alexander's presence was overwhelming, and despite five years of toughening up, she couldn't ignore him.

Sienna, sitting in the car, felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as she struggled to fasten her seatbelt, causing her to furrow her brow.

Then a warm hand covered hers, and she quickly pulled away, glaring at Alexander. But with a click, the seatbelt was fastened.

Alexander looked at her teasingly. "You act like a scared cat around me last night. Why do you look scared of me now? Sienna, you're a complicated woman. You clearly like me but insisted on a divorce, and now you're back. Don't you think your reasons are ridiculous?"

Ridiculous? Sienna turned to Alexander, laughing in anger.

"You're as awful as ever. You didn't like me but married me anyway. Three years of marriage, and you never ever kissed me. I even thought you might prefer men! But it turns out, Mr. Knight, you're the one with issues!"

The car, which had been moving smoothly, screeched to a halt by the roadside. Alexander turned, glaring at Sienna.

"Sienna, provoking me won't do you any good. Don't act so high and mighty. You married me with an agenda, and now you play the victim. Who's really the awful one here?"

Sienna realized they were incompatible, always ending up in arguments. She unbuckled her seatbelt and got out.

"I guess I'm not fit to ride in Mr. Knight's car. I'll get a cab. Goodbye!"

Alexander, also angry, sped off. Sienna quickly called a cab and headed to the hospital.

When the kids woke up in their new home at eight, they were surprised by the familiar-looking room.

"Henry, is this our home abroad?"

Henry shook his head. It looked similar but wasn't the same.

Thinking of something, Henry got out of bed and ran out, with William following, calling, "Mommy, Mommy!"

Hearing them, Harold rushed upstairs, scooping up the barefoot kids.

"Harold, wow, you're here!"

William's eyes widened in surprise, laughing happily.

"Great, we finally have someone to play with. Henry, it's Harold!"

Henry, initially anxious, calmed down. This wasn't the Knight Manor, but seeing Harold meant it was safe.

"Your mommy went to work and left me to take care of you. William, have you been doing your homework?"

At the mention of homework, William's face fell.

"I'm just a kid. I hate homework!"

Henry, more serious, said, "Harold, I've done my homework. I'll show you later."

Harold kissed them both and took them to wash up.

"Let's eat first, then we'll look at homework. Time to wash up!"

The kids, very independent for their age, washed and dressed themselves in sportswear before heading downstairs, delighted to see Elodie.

"Elodie, you're here too! Great, I can have burgers again!"

Elodie, equally happy, had already prepared the burgers.

"Don't worry, William. Your double burger and Henry's cheese burger are ready. You can eat now!"