A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo)

William intended to use Sierra's marriage for his own gain and to keep controlnoveldrama

over her, he needed to hold Vera as leverage. A divorce was out of the question— he would never let them go.

"Besides, even if we did end up getting a divorce, your father wouldn't let us off the hook so easily..." Vera's voice trembled, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"There are times I've thought about ending it all—at least then, I wouldn't be a burden to you anymore. But I'm too much of a coward... I don't even have the courage to die. I'm sorry, Cee. All I've ever done is cause you pain."

Seeing her mother so broken, Sierra felt her heart twist painfully.

"Cee, don't worry about me anymore. No matter how badly he hurts me, you must stay out of it. If you don't intervene, he won't be able to use me to control you or force you into things you don't want to do."

Vera clutched Sierra's hand tightly, her voice barely above a whisper, afraid that William might overhear.

"Mom, how could I possibly turn my back on you?" Sierra asked, her brows knitting together in anguish.

She wasn't heartless-she could never just stand by and do nothing.

Stepping out of the Shaw residence, an icy chill seeped into her bones. William had already thrown her clothes away-there was no point in searching for them.

The night spread out ahead of her, shrouded in darkness, with no light to illuminate her way.

Every step sent sharp pain through her feet. She glanced down at the ill-fitting high heels, biting her lip as she forced herself forward.

Clad in nothing but a thin white chiffon dress, she shivered violently as the cold wind wrapped around her.

Out of nowhere, a warm suit jacket was draped over her shoulders, its heat instantly enveloping her.

Sierra looked up in surprise, her gaze locking onto a pair of deep, unreadable eyes. "Uncle Theo? Why are you here?"

Her voice carried a hint of astonishment, and for a brief moment, a spark of light flickered in her eyes.

Theo's gaze swept over her pale face, taking in the way strands of her softly curled hair brushed against her cheeks.

Her long lashes quivered, and a wistful sorrow lingered on her aloof features, stirring something deep within him.

"I'm here to take you home," he responded, his voice low and steady.

Before Sierra could process his words, he effortlessly lifted her into his arms.

A faint blush crept up her pale cheeks as she gazed at his sharp, chiseled features. Warmth bloomed in her chest, and a sting pricked at her eyes.

Theo carefully placed her into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. Just as she thought he was done, he suddenly knelt before her and reached for her high heels.

Sierra's eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively pulled her foot back.

"Uncle Theo, what are you doing?"

Theo lifted his gaze, his eyes cutting through her defenses. "Wearing shoes that don't fit will only bring you discomfort."

Sierra hesitated, biting her lip. "Uncle Theo, how did you know?"

"I already noticed it at Gray Manor," he replied.

His words sent a tremor through her heart.

Theo had been the last to arrive, yet he was the only one who noticed that her shoes didn't fit.

"I can take them off myself. I don't want to trouble you, Uncle Theo," Sierra murmured.

However, before she could stop him, his warm hand had already wrapped around her delicate ankle. He lifted her foot effortlessly and slipped off the ill-fitting heels.

A deep flush crept up Sierra's face, her embarrassment intensifying.

Theo's gaze darkened as he took in the sight of her swollen, reddened feet. The skin on her heels had been rubbed raw, exposing tender pink flesh streaked with faint traces of blood.

Without a word, he stood up and retrieved the medication he had thoughtfully picked up on his way over. Using a cotton swab, he gently dabbed the cool ointment onto her wounds.

The chill against her skin made Sierra shiver slightly.

"Does it hurt?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

"N-No, it doesn't," she stammered, quickly shaking her head, unable to meet his gaze.

After applying the medicine, Theo carefully unwrapped a bandage and placed it over her wound. His touch was impossibly gentle as if he were afraid of hurting her even the slightest bit.