Everyone was already seated downstairs, waiting for dinner. At the sound of footsteps, they all looked up to see Sierra chatting animatedly with a bright expression, while the tall man beside her lowered his head slightly to listen attentively.
Benson stared at their tightly clasped hands and felt as if he had been punched in the chest.
Over the past few meetings, he had noticed the growing intimacy between Sierra and Theo. What had once been distant politeness now evolved into naturally holding hands and embracing each other. Their relationship was deepening quickly.
If he didn't act now, he was going to lose her forever.
Sierra had no idea what Benson was thinking. If she did, she would have told him in his face that it would be useless no matter what he did.
After dinner, everyone stayed in the living room for a while, chatting with Edward. Then, they eventually headed upstairs to rest.
For some reason, Benson followed Sierra closely. The moment he saw her entering Theo's bedroom, he suddenly reached out. "You can't stay with him."
Sierra was stunned momentarily. Then, she turned her arm, trying to shake him off. "Theo is my husband. If I don't stay with him, where else would I be?"
Benson's face was filled with urgency as he pointed to her old bedroom. "Go back to your own room."
She let out a short laugh, feeling both amused and exasperated. She didn't bother arguing, simply focusing on prying his fingers off her arm.
"Cee, I know you married Uncle Theo just to spite me. I realize now that I was wrong—I regret everything. Stop punishing me."
For the first time, Benson admitted his mistakes, looking visibly uncomfortable.
"Let go." Sierra's voice was icy, and her eyes were devoid of any warmth. Her frigid gaze left him frozen in place.
Why was she so calm?
There was no lingering affection or resentment in her eyes, which was something he hadn't expected. There was no love or hate.
At that moment, genuine panic set in. Benson tightened his grip as if holding onto her physically could somehow preserve what they had once shared.
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