A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo) novel Chapter 400

Every corner of the villa reflected the presence of its female owner.

"You really have changed," Douglas remarked, watching Theo lean against a pink floral pillow while working on his laptop.

"Married life. You wouldn't understand," Theo replied in a flat tone without even looking up. Yet, somehow, Douglas could hear the unmistakable hint of satisfaction.

A lifelong bachelor like him was at a loss for words.

Sierra came downstairs after finishing her piano practice, absentmindedly massaging her wrist as she walked, still thinking about a problem she had encountered.

"Are you done practicing? Are you tired?" Theo heard her footsteps and immediately got up, waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.

The bachelor, seated on the couch, watched as they naturally took each other's hands, suddenly feeling like he was being hit with relationship envy. Maybe it was enough to last him through lunch.

"Sierra." Without Melody around, Douglas seemed much more normal. He stood up and greeted her politely.

Sierra didn't respond. Instead, she looked at Theo as if silently asking the purpose of Douglas' visit.

Theo led her to the couch before explaining in a low voice, "He said he had something to tell you in person."

Catching the cue, Douglas quickly placed the gifts and the folder on the coffee table. "Sierra, I was foolish last time. I'm here today to apologize. I'm sorry."

He bowed sincerely.

Sierra's expression remained calm. After thinking momentarily, she replied, "You're courteous, Mr. Brown. I accept your sincerity."

Her distant tone and the formal way she addressed him made it clear that she was forgiving him as the owner of the stables—as Mr. Brown—but not as Theo's friend.

"Theo, I meant my apology, but if she still won't accept it, you…" He trailed off, raising his hand in frustration, unsure of what else to say.

He scratched his head irritably.

Theo looked at him and didn't offer to help smooth things over. Instead, he asked bluntly, "How much of your apology was sincere, and how much of it was to keep Melody from having to apologize herself?

"Sierra is sharper than you think. She sees right through you. From now on, you're just Mr. Brown to her. Not a friend."

Douglas had oversimplified things, thinking that as long as he apologized, everything would be forgotten. And with Theo's influence, he assumed Sierra wouldn't stay angry.

By deliberately avoiding any mention of Melody, he had hoped to erase her responsibility in all this, but why should Sierra play along with his charade?