Chapter 3 Into His Arms

For as long as Benson could remember, Sierra had clung to him like glue, constantly meddling in his business. It was obvious that she adored him, but she always put on that aloof front, pretending she didn't care. Her life was a quiet routine of reading, blending perfumes, playing the piano, and cooking—so dull, so lifeless. Being around her felt suffocating like all the fun had been drained from his world. The only saving grace? She was obedient. There was no way she'd go through with breaking up. She was just angry. Sierra had been mad at him before, plenty of times. He'd give her a small gift, toss out a few sweet words, and soon enough, she'd come running back to him with that same silly devotion. "Just watch. Once this blows over, I'll send her a quick text. Next thing you know, she'll be at my place making me that special hangover remedy of hers. Women—you can't spoil them too much." He spoke with utter confidence, certain she would never leave him. His self-satisfaction brought a lazy smirk to his lips. "Damn, Benson! You've got your girl wrapped around your finger!" "Honestly, I'm jealous. Even my housekeeper isn't as attentive as she is!" Benson chuckled, draping an arm around Sophie's waist. "I'm in a good mood tonight. After we finish the cake, we'll head out for more fun. Tonight's on me—whatever you want." … Sierra stumbled out of the hotel, the blood from her wound had soaked through half of her white dress, and the sight of it drew curious glances from passersby. Their expression was full of ridicule as if they were watching a clown staggering through the streets. Tears spilled down her cheeks uncontrollably, and all she wanted was to disappear. So distracted was she by her anguish that she didn't even notice the man stepping into her path until she collided headfirst into his chest. "Mr. Gray!" Adrian Cole, trailing closely behind, jumped in alarm. He quickly stepped forward, ready to pull away the woman who had just stumbled into his boss, Theo Gray. His immediate assumption was the usual—a shameless attempt by yet another woman to throw herself at Theo. But before Adrian could intervene, the woman staggered back on her own and collapsed to the ground. He blinked, momentarily thrown off. Was this some kind of scam? "Hey! Don't even think about faking a fall here! You were the one who ran into Mr. Gray!" Adrian snapped. Theo's sharp gaze shifted downward, immediately catching the smear of blood now staining his shirt where the woman had collided with him. His brows drew together in a slight frown. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," Sierra murmured instinctively. She struggled to push herself off the ground, but her body felt utterly drained, her limbs limp and unresponsive. Her vision wavered, dark spot flickering at the edges. At the sound of her voice, Theo's dark eyes flickered with a sudden intensity. He stared at the woman crumpled on the ground, and for a brief moment, disbelief flitted across his face. Without hesitation, he crouched down beside her and reached out and brushed her disheveled hair back from her face. Under the dim glow spilling from the hotel entrance, her features came into full view. "Sierra," he murmured, his deep voice resonant and smooth, like the lingering note of a piano. Sierra struggled to lift her head, her vision hazy, as though she were staring at a familiar face she couldn't quite focus on. "You…" Before the word could fully escape her lips, her world faded to black. She slumped to the side, unconscious. Theo moved swiftly, catching her before she could hit the ground. His sharp eyes immediately zeroed in on the gash on her arm and the deep crimson soaking through the fabric of her white dress. His expression darkened, dangerous glint flickered in his gaze. "Isn't she supposed to be getting married soon? How did she end up like this?" he muttered, his voice low and unreadable. Whether it carried concern or disdain was impossible to tell. Without hesitation, Theo scooped her into his arms. The motion was unexpectedly gentle, almost cautious. She was all grown up, but why did she feel even lighter than before? Adrian, who had yet to get a proper look at Sierra's face, was frozen in disbelief. The notoriously aloof, untouchable Theo, who prided himself on his indifference to women, was now cradling one in his arms. Had the collision somehow sparked feelings? "Mr. Gray, are you—" Adrian began, his voice full of shock. "The hospital," Theo interrupted. "But you have an important meeting scheduled. We're at a critical stage in the negotiations! If you don't attend, we might lose the project!"