A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo)

Instead of taking the coat, Theo stepped forward and draped it back over Sierra's shoulders.

As he moved closer, that familiar crisp, clean scent surrounded her again.

"It's chilly. Keep it on," he said softly. "And don't think you owe me anything. I never help you because I expect something in return."

His voice, low and smooth, felt even more captivating in the quiet of the night. His deep eyes carried emotions she couldn't quite read—like the darkness itself, impossible to see through.

Sierra got into the car, and Madison grabbed her hand the moment she sat down, barely containing her excitement.

"Sierra, Mr. Gray was standing so close to you just now—was that a confession?"

"It wasn't. Stop overthinking," Sierra replied, her voice light. She glanced out the window and saw Theo standing by the hotel entrance. Even from this distance, she could feel his gaze lingering on her.

Without another word, she rolled up the window and sat up straight.

As Madison started the car, she said, "Cee, I should be thanking you today."

Sierra frowned slightly. "Thanking me? For what?"

"You seriously don't get it? Theo only agreed to adapt my novel because of you."

Sierra blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, she shook her head. "That's impossible. Maddy, your imagination is running wild."

"Then, tell me why would he suddenly take interest in my book?"

"Maybe because he read some of it at the hospital and liked it?" Sierra suggested seriously analyzing the situation as if it were a logical puzzle.

Madison couldn't help but laugh. "Cee, you're too cute. Do you think Theo is the type to read romance novels?"

Sierra hesitated, pursing her lips before mumbling, "He doesn't seem like it..... but you never know. Maybe he secretly enjoys them. People aren't always what they seem."

Madison sighed dramatically and patted her shoulder. "Cee, don't tell me you've completely shut off your 'love radar' just because you broke up with Benson?"

"You need to snap out of this novel-world mindset and start facing reality. And stop trying to pair me and Theo together—it's not happening. I don't want to date anyone."

Sierra could tell where Madison's thoughts were headed and cut her off before she could say more.

"Fine, fine." Madison let out a helpless sigh.

Still, if Theo had shown up earlier in Sierra's life, things might have been different. They were a perfect match. But who could say what the future held?

After resting at home for two days, Sierra's face had almost completely healed, thanks to the ointment Theo had sent over. The redness on her wrist from Hanson's grip had faded as well.

Yet, the fear from that night still lingered. She found herself waking up from nightmares more often than usual.

Three days later, Sierra got the news that she had officially made it to the finals of the Marisol Cup. Overjoyed, she snapped a screenshot and sent it to Jemima.

Within seconds, her phone rang.

"Ms. Anderson! I made it past the preliminaries!" Sierra answered, trying to keep her excitement in check.noveldrama

"I saw," Jemima replied. Her voice was calm as always, but there was unmistakable pride in her tone. "But don't forget—you promised me a top-three finish in the finals."

"Don't worry, Ms. Anderson. I'll meet your expectations and stay your student," Sierra said, her voice steady and determined.

On the other end of the call, Jemima smiled. "Good. Come to campus tomorrow—I'll give you some pointers before the finals."