Chapter 79

Riley and Sienna sat in the center of the mini stage as the reception began. The host had prepared a video tribute featuring heartfelt messages from their loved ones, celebrating the couple's wedding. Riley noticed Harriet catching the host's attention, animatedly conversing with him while handing him something. The host smiled and nodded, as if Harriet's message was clear.

Returning to the stage, the host announced, "Alright, everyone. I have an additional video for you—something special from someone dear to our newlyweds and to everyone here. She couldn't attend the wedding, but she prepared this recording in advance for this memorable day." He signaled the staff to play the video.

As the screen flickered to life, Riley and Sienna froze in surprise, the footage pulling Riley back into vivid memories of the past.

"I found you, Riley!" a familiar voice exclaimed, revealing the face of a ten-year-old Riley.

"Sophie," the young Riley greeted, avoiding the gaze of her older sister.

"Eh? What's with you holding my sister's bag? And Mia's too?" The camera shook slightly as it panned around to show Sophie Reed, seventeen, standing next to her ten-year-old sister, Riley Pierce.

"Your sister always does this," young Riley said, explaining Sienna's habit. "They'll play and let me hold their bags."

Sophie's laughter echoed softly in the background, pure and joyful, as if she were still alive. Riley and Sienna squeezed each other's hands tightly, reminiscing about Sophie's vibrant spirit.

"Right, Riley," Sophie said, her smile brightening the screen. "Can you do me a favor?"

The young Riley raised an eyebrow. "What favor?"

"Well," Sophie continued, not caring about the recording, "can you take care of Sienna for me?"

"Why would I take care of your sister?" young Riley replied, scribbling something in the dirt as she crouched down.

"Just because," Sophie insisted. "Promise me you'll look after her."

Riley sighed, glancing at something off-camera. She clicked her tongue and shrugged.

Sophie scoffed lightly, "You know, whenever you look at Sienna, you give off the same look Harriet gives me."

Riley turned to Sienna beside her. "Wow, so you were into me even back then?" Sienna nudged playfully.

Riley laughed, shrugging again. "Who knows?"

The video was a treasure trove of memories from Sophie before the accident, filled with her recordings of Riley and Sienna together—almost as if she had foreseen their future.

"I miss my sister so much," Sienna said softly. "It's like she had a gift for seeing the future, driving us toward each other all along." She wrapped her arms around Riley's right arm, resting her head on her shoulder.

Riley kissed the top of Sienna's head, her heart swelling with love. "Well, we're meant to be—there's no denying it."

It had been three years since Sienna married Riley, and their relationship had been smooth sailing. They rarely fought; whenever misunderstandings arose, they made it a point to talk them out, especially Riley—she always wanted to ensure everything was settled to avoid any miscommunications. Sienna scoffed at the thought, feeling grateful for Riley's commitment to open communication.

Currently, Sienna sat in their usual café, having just finished an interview and a modeling photoshoot. She had messaged Riley to pick her up nearby, wearing a fitted black turtleneck tucked into khaki trousers, paired with ankle-strap heels. She chose a corner window seat, eager to spot Riley's arrival.

"Excuse me," a guy slid into the seat next to her, catching her off guard. She instinctively shifted away, her brows furrowing. "Can I get your number, Ms. Beautiful?" he asked, flashing a confident grin.

Sienna rolled her eyes, scoffing at his boldness just as she spotted Riley entering the café, ushering two kids in front of her. She noticed Riley raise an eyebrow at the situation, and Sienna shrugged in response.

"Hey—" Sienna began.

Riley approached their table, lightly tapping it to get the guy's attention. "Excuse me, can you move out from my seat?" she said, fixing the man with a steady gaze.

The guy laughed, misinterpreting Riley's intentions. "Miss, if you're trying to hit on me, can't you see—"

"Oh, sorry, I'm not hitting on you," Riley cut him off. "I'm hitting on this woman beside you. I'm hitting on my wife, so move over."

"What? W-what wife?" The man looked at Sienna, who tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her wedding ring.

"           Yes, she's my wife. And can you see these kids right here?" Riley gestured to the twins. "They're her kids, so move out."

The man stood up, disbelief etched on his face. "I feel so sorry for you," Sienna said, eyeing the man.

Sienna smirked and winked at him. "But I'm already married," she replied, waving him off playfully.

"Mommy!" the twins giggled, trying to climb onto the couch where Sienna was seated. Riley laughed as she helped each of them settle beside their mother.

"Hello there, my babies," Sienna said, wrapping her arms around the twins in a warm embrace. Riley took her place next to Sienna, ensuring the kids didn't tumble from their seats.

"You really look stunning every day," Riley said with a chuckle. "It's no wonder most men think you're single."

Sienna smiled, her heart full as she glanced at her beautiful family. "Well, they're mistaken," she said, squeezing Riley's hand. "I'm all yours."

"How's work? How are you?" Riley asked, lifting their little girl into her lap. She smiled at Sienna, still feeling as in love with her wife as the day they said "I do."

"Same old stuff, but I have good news!" Sienna replied, beaming as she gently hugged their little boy, who was standing on the couch.

Riley raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What good news is that?"

Sienna let out a soft shriek of excitement as she settled the boy onto her lap, hugging him tightly. "My clothing brand has been selected for the fashion show lineup!" she exclaimed, her smile brightening the room.

Riley's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? The spring collection, right? Wow, love, congratulations! I'm so proud of you!" She leaned in to plant a kiss on Sienna's forehead, her heart swelling with pride.

"I couldn't have done it without you and our little ones by my side," Sienna said, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "You guys are my inspiration to strive harder."

Riley turned her attention to their daughter, who was giggling in her lap. "Now, now, that calls for a celebration, doesn't it? Lovey, Mommy's doing well at her job. What do you think we should do to celebrate? Should Mama give her another baby?" Riley said, her voice turning playful as she babytalked to their little girl.

Sienna burst into laughter, playfully pinching Riley's waist. "Why you—stop it, love!"

Riley laughed, the warmth of their family surrounding them. "Okay, okay! But seriously, let's celebrate your success tonight."