Forgotten Wife My Ex-Husband Regrets It After I Left (Clara and Liam) novel Chapter 286

Sienna’s POV

My thoughts drifted back to Liam. The way his voice had sounded earlier. Calm. Trusting. Not interrogating, not controlling, just present. I realized how rare that feeling was: being supported without being watched. It gave me a kind of courage I hadn’t noticed before.

I took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. My shoulders felt lighter.

“Qkay,” I whispered again. “One step.”

I turned off the light in the workspace and carried the tote bag to the door. I picked up my car keys from the small bowl on the side table. Everything felt orderly, as if today had been carefully arranged from the start.

A few minutes later, I stopped in the middle of the living room. There was a large mirror there, reflecting my entire figure from head to toe. I looked at my reflection briefly not with criticism, but with acknowledgment.

Once everything was ready, I stood before the living room mirror. I adjusted my hair, pulled on a light cardigan, and made sure my face didn’t look too pale.

“Not too bad,” I murmured to myself.

It felt like a strange mix of nerves and excitement.

Meeting someone new, especially someone like Rudolfwasn’t something I did often. But in my book my future needed this step.

I grabbed my bag, checked that my phone was inside, and closed the door gently.

Today might become one of the turning points of my life, and somehow, I felt ready to face it.

walked toward the parking area, gripping my car keys tightly. My breathing wasn’t completely steady, half nervous, half excited. Meetings like this weren’t sómething I did often, so it was only natural that my heart felt like it was pounding against my chest from the inside.

Once inside the car, I sat there for a moment without starting the engine, simply staring at the steering wheel and taking a deep breath.

“Come on, Sienna, you’ve got this,” I whispered to myself.

I fastened my seat belt and started the engine. The car slowly pulled out of the apartment parking lot and merged onto the main road. The radio played softly, filling the silence, yet my left hand was still damp with sweat against the steering wheel.

During the drive, images of what Rudolf might be like filled my mind. From what I’d read online and the little Liam had told me, he was a highly talented illustrator who didn’t enjoy being in the public eye. His appearance was rarely seen on social media; only his work spoke for him.That work was extraordinary:

I swallowed.

“Yeah. I just left the apartment,” I admitted. “I’m a little nervous.”

He chuckled softly. “I figured.”

I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see me. “Thanks for the empathy.”

“I’m serious, Sienna,” he continued, his tone gentler.” Rudolf may not be big on small talk, but he’s not a difficult person. If he agreed to meet you this quickly, it means he’s genuinely interested in your idea.”

I bit my lower lip. “You’re sure he won’t think I’m an amateur?”

“You’re not an amateur,” he said without hesitation. “And even if you’re nervous, that’s normal. He values honesty and preparation. Focus on your work, not on him.”

I nodded slightly, though once again he couldn’t see it. “It sounds easy when you’re the one saying it.”

“I know.” His voice softened. “That’s why I called to remind you that you’re not alone.”