Chapter 18

Before Thomas and Yosef could speak, Cedric sprayed a burst of champagne everywhere. Embarrassed, he quickly apologized, "Sorry, Josiah, but using lines like that to impress girls these days is a cliché. You'll definitely get turned down."

Josiah looked at him, confused.

Thomas and Yosef exchanged glances and burst into laughter. "Oh, man," Thomas said, patting Josiah on the shoulder. "You got roasted by a kid, huh?"

Josiah laughed helplessly, brushing Thomas's hand away. He lifted his gaze back to the stage—it felt so familiar, yet he couldn't place it.

As the song ended, Sienna removed her hat, placed it over her chest, and gave a slight bow. The crowd erupted in cheers.

"Hey, don't just take off the hat! What about that mask, too?"

"Yeah, that dance was amazing! And what a body! I wonder what she looks like."

"Come on!"

No matter how loud the crowd became, Sienna smiled, dipped into a slight curtsy, and twirled back to the wings.

"Hey, why did you leave?"

"Don't go! If you won't take off the mask, at least give us another dance!"

Sienna didn't glance back, leaving the buzzing crowd behind as she made her way to her dressing room.

Soon, Henry walked in, a wide grin on his face. "Sienna, your jazz performance was amazing!"

Sienna stood, smiling humbly. "You're flattering me, Mr. White. I was just doing my usual dance."

"No need to be modest," Henry waved his hand dramatically. "Just as I expected, everyone's talking about you. I told you, you're going to be a star."

"So, Mr. White, I really don't have to perform again tonight?" Sienna asked.

Earlier, Henry had said she only needed to prepare one piece. But he'd also mentioned he wasn't sure how it would play out, so they'd have to improvise. Now that her performance was over, he still hadn't sent a second outfit. She figured they were sticking to the original plan, but she wasn't entirely sure.

"Yep, no more dancing tonight," Henry confirmed. "If you go out there again, all that mystery you've built will disappear. People want what they can't have. You know what that's called?"

"Hunger marketing," Sienna replied.

"Bingo!" Henry clapped his hands and laughed. "You're good to head home. There's nothing more on the agenda."

Sienna was surprised and a little embarrassed. "But I only performed one dance."

"That's plenty," Henry reassured her. "It's just the start, and one performance keeps the mystery alive. Later, as you make more appearances, there will be more work and social events. Be ready for that."

"Of course," he continued, "on top of your base salary, you'll also earn bonuses and commissions later on."

Sienna nodded. "I understand. Thanks, Mr. White."

Henry chuckled. "No need to be so formal. It's all on your talent. Keep up the good work."

"Yes, Mr. White," Sienna replied as she showed him out, then sat to remove her makeup.

She mused, 'So, I'll only be at the club for about four hours each night, just for one dance routine. Even with rehearsals, it's not that tiring. It looks like I can find a part-time job during the day. More money never hurts.'

After removing her makeup and changing back into her regular clothes, Sienna left the dressing room. She slung her bag over her shoulder and headed out of Maze.

"Wait! Miss, up there!" a young man called from behind her.

Confused, Sienna turned to see Cedric a few steps away. He was nearly six-foot-three, slim, young, and handsome—a total sunny guy.

Sienna pointed at herself, unsure. "Are you calling me?"

"Yep," Cedric replied, stepping closer and holding out a key pouch. "Is this yours?"

Sienna glanced down and realized it was hers. She felt her backpack, puzzled. "How did it fall out?"

"Here you go," Cedric smiled, handing it to her. "Just be careful not to lose it again."

"Thanks a lot," Sienna smiled sincerely. Losing the key pouch would have meant she couldn't get into her house tonight, and hiring a locksmith would be expensive.

"You're welcome." Cedric stared at her, feeling he knew her from somewhere. Without thinking, he blurted out, "Haven't we met before? You look really familiar."

Sienna paused, a smile playing on her lips before she chuckled lightly. "Isn't that a bit of a cliché pickup line?"

"I…" Cedric froze, his face reddening. He shook his head and hands, insisting, "No, you've got it wrong. I really just think you look familiar."

Sienna didn't need him to explain. Clutching the key pouch, she said, "Thanks again, goodbye." She smiled and walked away.

Cedric watched her leave, tapping his forehead. "Why did I have to be so blunt? Who's going to believe that? I just called Josiah old-fashioned, and now I'm acting the same way."

He sighed deeply. "What a pity. That girl is stunning. I wonder if she's just passing through or if she works around here. Will I ever run into her again?"

Before dawn the next day, Sienna woke—it was that time of the month, and her stomach ached so severely it jolted her awake. She hadn't experienced this level of pain before having the baby. After giving birth, she couldn't even afford to catch her breath, struggling to meet her basic needs and utterly worn out.

Ever since, she'd dealt with significant pain each month. Over the years, she'd gotten used to it. During those times, she'd sometimes avoid dancing and simply endure it.

Sienna got up and applied a heating pad to ease the pain. Even though she didn't have to dance today, she had important errands to run. Today was Fiona's memorial day. Sienna had recently returned to Jejar City and had been busy, so she hadn't had a chance to visit Fiona's grave. The memorial day presented the perfect opportunity.

By the time Sienna left the house, it wasn't even eight o'clock. As she got into her car, her phone rang—it was Josiah. She frowned and answered, "What's up?"

"Usually, she's the one always calling me," Josiah thought, feeling irritated. "Can't I call you just because?"

"I didn't mean that. So, do you need anything?" Sienna asked, tolerating his bad temper. She wondered how she'd ever liked someone so hot-headed.

"Meet me at the courthouse at 3 PM today," Josiah said.

Sienna realized it was about the divorce. But today? She hesitated and asked, "Could we do it another day?"

"What? Another day? Which day exactly?" Josiah snapped back sarcastically.

Realizing he misunderstood, Sienna quickly added, "How about tomorrow? Would that work? Just a one-day delay."

Josiah, convinced it was a delaying tactic, sneered, "Postpone it by a day, then another? You just don't want to go to the courthouse, do you?"