Declan helped Sienna out of the car as they stopped by the beach. He thanked Zem then led his fake fiance towards an ice cream shop. The billionaire ordered chocolate chip flavour while the waitress took a while to decide and finally chose blueberry cheesecake. When they got the ice cream, it had candyfloss covering it, which made Sienna feel bubbly. It was strange for the emotionless, strict billionaire to enjoy something that looked fun. 

“To be honest, I thought you wouldn’t even eat ice cream,” Sienna stated as they walked on the beach. It was a warm day, and a soft breeze blew while children laughed and shouted from splashing in the waves. 

“Maybe I don’t show it, but I do like joyful things such as candyfloss and ice cream.” He winked and took her hand in his. Someone pulled out their phone and took a photo as the couple walked past, but Declan let it slide. He was in a good mood today. 

“Don’t you hate me for burning down your house?” She asked and licked the melted ice cream that ran off the side of the cone.

“No, I know exactly how you felt in the moment.” He sighed, then explained, “When I was younger, I was full of hatred and anger. So I set my room on fire. Luckily, they stopped it before it spread, but I just wanted to destroy everything.” 

“It made me feel… in control for a second. Yet, ironically it spread out of control.” 

“It’s okay. No one was hurt.” Declan said with a smile and watched her long, black hair flow in the wind. He loved its length and thought it made her look beautiful. It was one of the reasons he found himself attracted to her that night she served him. 

They found a large rock and sat down while looking out to sea. Sienna smiled and let the warmth of the sun fill her body. She rested her head against the billionaire’s shoulder and wondered if their relationship would stay as it is now. She touched her stomach and thought of the baby. 

“Do you want to have a son or daughter?” Sienna asked and moved Declan’s hand onto her stomach. 

“As long as the baby is healthy, I’ll be happy with either. If it’s a girl, then she will have an overprotective father. I would be terrified to let her leave my sight.” He replied with a laugh. 

“If the baby is a girl, what would you name her?” 

“There’s this story my granny told me once. This princess was neglected and hated by her father, so she trained to be a warrior and eventually took over her own kingdom. I always thought she was strong and brave, so I would name my daughter after the princess. Her name was Amara.” 

“Amara, what a beautiful name.” Sienna smiled. “I never really thought of baby names before. My life goal was never to have children and marry. I just wanted to help my family and make sure they were happy, and I guess you helped me achieve that.” 

“Don’t you feel that they let you down?” 

“Of course not. Why would you ask me that?” 

“Your parents never let you finish school or gave you a good life. Doesn’t that make you angry?” Declan asked.

“No. My parents wanted me to finish school, but I chose to work. We didn’t have much money, but I still had a good life. They tried their best to find work, but no one wanted to employ an old man or a sickly woman that could barely breathe. I love my parents, and they gave me all that they could.” Sienna replied and sounded quite defensive. She got off the rock and started walking away. 

Declan ran after her and walked next to her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you upset. I’m trying to get to know you better.” 

“Obviously, I wished I could have had a normal life. A life where I didn’t have to grow up so quickly and take care of people that were supposed to take care of me. Not everyone can have an easy life. We were given different situations, and my family made the best of what we had.” Sienna said tearfully. 

“I know, and I’m sorry. I wish I had been there to help you sooner. All I want is your happiness.” Declan mumbled and pulled her into his arms. Sienna let him hug her and felt safe in his arms. It was nice to have him around, and they held onto each other like they were the only ones on the beach. 

“Sorry for getting upset,” Sienna stated and looked up at the billionaire. He kissed her lips gently and then took her hands into his. 

“Let’s go check out our new house and meet with the interior designers.” He remarked, and they walked towards the car where Zem waited. 

He drove them to the first house, a 1 story house with a flat concrete roof that had artificial grass covering the yard and roof. It was unique and looked bizarre, but Sienna didn’t feel like it could be her home. The second house had a beautiful garden full of flowers and looked like a cottage in the woods. It had many open spaces and areas that children could fall from, which the billionaire didn’t like. On the way to the 3rd house, they drove past a villa that caught Sienna and Declan’s attention.

The billionaire made Zem stop the car outside and the realtor parked behind them. 

“What about this?” Declan asked. 

“Sir, this house already has an owner and is used as a holiday rental. It is not for sale.” The realtor replied. 

“Let me speak with the owner. I want to look around if you don’t mind.” He stated, then walked off towards the house. After some calls, a car pulled up in the driveway, and Ryan Hoffman climbed out.

“Oh, dear me. Hello Declan.” Ryan greeted. “Miss Chae-Soo, always a pleasure.” He added with a bow and kissed her hand. 

“Is this your villa, Hoffman?” Declan asked.

“Uh, yes. One of many. I heard about your house burning down, a shame, really. Are you interested in looking at the place?” He questioned and gestured towards the villa. It had a lot of windows and was stunning.

“If you don’t mind, sir.” The realtor quickly said. 

“I don’t mind at all. Anything for a friend.” Ryan smirked. “You can go now. I’ll show them around.” 

The realtor nodded and left as Ryan led them inside. They walked into the living room first with glass walls that looked out to the pool and the gorgeous view of the ocean. It had fascinating 3D artworks, and Ryan walked over to a bar area. He pulled out a cool drink for Sienna and poured himself and Declan a glass of whiskey. 

“So, how did that fire start anyways?” Ryan asked and noticed a minor burn scar on Declan’s wrist. The news said everyone got out before the fire spread, so how did Declan burn? He didn’t cook or work with his hands. It made Ryan wonder if there was something more to the story. 

“Like you heard, there was a short circuit.” The billionaire replied and glared at Ryan. His cold, dark blue eyes made him stop asking questions, so he started the tour. 

The dining table was also in the same massive open space as the lounge and bar. They then looked at all 6 main bedrooms with their own bathrooms and were bigger than the apartment Sienna lived in back in Samjiyon. There was an entertainment area with a pool table and a ping pong table. The entertainment area also had another lounge set, with blackout curtains and a surround sound that acted like a cinema. The next room had a massage table next to a gym, and a water fountain ran down the wall, which was soothing for yoga sessions. 

Outside there was a large yard, a well-maintained garden blooming with flowers, a glass-walled swimming pool, another lounge set and an outdoor dining area. It was beautifully decorated with traditional South African prints and ornaments, which Sienna found fascinating. 

“What do you think?” Declan asked his fake fiancé and watched her eyes fill with love for the place. 

“It’s incredible.” She smiled then asked, “Don’t you think it’s too much.” 

“Nothing can be too much if you love it.” He replied, then looked back at Ryan. “Hoffman, how much will you accept to give up the place?” 

“Uh, so you like my place. Hmmm, well, Declan seeing how much your fiancé loves it, take it as an early wedding gift from me to the both of you.” Ryan remarked with a delightful twinkle in his eye as he looked at Sienna. Her gorgeous mouth flew open by what he said, and he wondered how Declan convinced her to stay with him beside the whole money thing. 

“No need, Hoffman. I can buy it from you.” Declan shook his head.

“Please, I make more a month than what the villa is worth. I can’t think of a better wedding gift in any case, so I insist.” 

“Very well, my assistant will be in touch.” 

“Uh yes, young Mr van Zyl. How is that private investigator of yours?” 

“Well. We’ll be on our way now, Hoffman. I would say it was nice seeing you again, but that would be a lie.” Declan chuckled.

“Tisk tisk, always so rude. Oh, Sienna, a word?” Ryan asked and watched her look at Declan for an answer. He nodded, then added, “I’ll be in the car” before walking off. Sienna felt a bit hurt that the billionaire left her here with this man who made shivers run down her spine. 

“No need to be afraid, dear. I would never hurt you. I might seem heartless, but I promise you that I watch over anyone Declan cares for.” Ryan added. 

“I wouldn’t call you heartless, but cunning perhaps,” Sienna replied, which made Ryan smile.

“You have me all figured out.” He laughed then sincerely asked, “Are you happy with Declan? I only ask because I want to let you know that I can help you. If money is what you need, then I will give you as much as you want.” 

“Why would you help me? What do you want in return?” 

“Nothing, maybe I just have a soft spot for pretty women.” Ryan shrugged. 

“To answer your question, yes, I am happy. We have our ups and downs, but I think we can find a neutral ground where we can both be happy together.” Sienna responded.

Ryan nodded and added, “Uh, good. Promise me something, dear. When Declan opens up to you, don’t be afraid. Just let him explain and try to not hate him.” 

“Why does everyone say that I’ll hate him?” 

“Declan is… a difficult man to love,” Ryan stated and held out his arm for Sienna to take as they walked towards the front door. “Just know that if you need to get away, don’t be afraid to call me. Here’s my business card. My personal number is on the back.” He said and gave her a card which she shoved his her pocket. “Very well, Miss Chae-Soo, until next time.” 

Ryan locked the door then watched the woman walk over to the car. Declan opened the door for her and looked over at Hoffman, who smirked then walked off towards his own vehicle. Ryan was up to something, as always, but Declan couldn’t figure out what his plan was this time. Hoffman had already bought 2 more people into the billionaire’s secret, and Declan would do everything and anything in his power to keep Sienna from finding out. 

Some secrets are meant to stay hidden. Declan held onto the door and the image of his finger pulling that trigger shot to his mind. 

“Declan, are you okay?” Sienna asked as the billionaire looked worried. 

“All good.” He said and quickly smiled before his face revealed how he truly felt.