1

Sienna

I stared down at the ring on my finger and took a deep breath. My lips were sore from biting them raw. This was it. I had to do this. Marrying into wealth was my only option.

Call me a gold digger if you like, but you wouldn’t understand, even if I tried to explain. Marrying a man with money was my only way out—my family’s only way out.

As a little girl, I dreamed of a perfect wedding with the man of my dreams. I never imagined it would end like this. Marrying for money—something I had always despised—was exactly what I was doing. No one wants to marry a beast, but what choice did I have? I had none.

I glanced at my new husband. He took another sip of wine, his hand clenched into a tight fist. He barely looked at me. Even our kiss at the altar had been cold, clinical, and far too brief.

This was the worst, yet somehow the best, decision I had ever made. I watched him out of the corner of my eye: his dark hair, piercing light brown eyes, and the sharp line of his mouth. He was tall, well over six feet, with a lean, muscular build.

I looked over at my mother and her boyfriend. They were wearing small, triumphant smirks. They had finally gotten what they wanted—one of her children married off to a billionaire so they would never have to work another day in their lives. My brother, however, was furious. He hated that I had taken such a drastic step for our mother’s sake. I suppose he’s the only one who actually cares about me.

The room was filled with the elite—top models, powerful businessmen, and even the Prime Minister. I was the only "low-ranking" guest at my own wedding. I could hear their whispers cutting through the music:

“How could he marry a girl like that? ”"Ugh… look at her.” “All that jewelry can’t hide her commoner roots.”

Suddenly, Sebastian leaned over, cupped my face, and kissed me. I felt the sheer tension as our lips met. I wanted it to be over—but at the same time, I didn't. Because once the party ended, I would have to submit to this stranger. And that was terrifying.

There would be no honeymoon, but I knew what he expected. Typical man. I felt a sharp pang of grief for the life I wanted. My dreams of becoming a fashion designer were gone. Now, I was just a trophy housewife.

I should have run when I had the chance.

Two Hours Later

I followed Sebastian into the master bedroom. Rose petals covered the floor and the bed, a romantic setup that felt like a mockery. I swallowed hard, knowing my "duty." I walked toward him and slowly began to undress.

He looked startled, stepping back with a scowl. “What are you doing, woman?! ”

“I… I’m giving myself to you,” I said, my voice trembling as I cleared my throat. “As… as your wife.”

He let out a sharp, cruel laugh. Then his expression turned ice-cold. He stepped forward, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look up at him.

“You’re nothing but a low-rent gold digger,” he hissed. “Being with you would be like lying down with a stray dog—and I don’t do dogs.” He chuckled darkly and shoved me away. “I’m sick of women like you, chasing bank accounts. I curse the day I met you! You will never step foot in this room again. Ever. Every night, I’ll bring a different woman here, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

He pressed a finger firmly against my forehead.

“And don’t you dare bring another man into my house. If I’m on the left, you stay on the right. I don’t want you anywhere near me. When my friends visit, stay in your room and mind your business like the child you are. You made a mistake marrying me, Sienna. I am a dragon—I’ll breathe fire down your neck. I’m a lion—I’ll tear you apart. I plan on ruining your life.”

He shoved past me and flung the door open. “Alessia! Alessia! ” he barked.

Within a minute, a woman in her late forties appeared. She wore a crisp maid’s uniform, her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail.

“Hello, Mrs. Sterling—”

“Don’t call her that! ” Sebastian snapped. “Take this woman to the guest room.”

“But sir, she’s your—”

“Unless you want to be unemployed by morning, do as I say! It’s not hard to find another maid! ”

Alessia nodded quickly and signaled for me to follow. She led me down a long hallway to a room that was enormous, though smaller than his.

“Just let me know if you need anything, Mrs. Sterling,” she whispered kindly.

“Please… just call me Sienna,” I replied.

She nodded and slipped out. I closed the door and sank to the floor. My life had always been a mess, but the hope of ever being loved was officially dead. I was stuck with a beast.

When the first tear fell, the rest followed like a storm. My life. My dreams. Everything was ruined. Because of him.

Sebastian

I felt a twinge of guilt for how I’d snapped at Alessia. She had worked for me for seven years and was nothing but loyal. But right now, I was livid.

I grabbed several bottles of wine from the kitchen and retreated to my room. I needed to drink that woman out of my system.

Marriage was never the plan. I loathed the idea of commitment. Spending forever with one person seemed idiotic, and I didn't intend to start now. I had no feelings for Sienna—and I never would. Beyond maintaining a public image of a "happy couple," I wanted nothing to do with her. She wasn't my type, and she never would be.

I should have fought harder against this. But my mother had threatened me, as she always does. She gave me that tired speech about how she loves me and how I need to stop being a "man-whore" for the sake of the family name.

Apparently, marrying a gold digger was her idea of a solution.

I slammed my door and threw myself onto the bed, clicking on the TV. Our wedding was already the top headline; pundits were already placing bets on how long we’d last.

If I had refused, my mother would have ruined me. She claims to care, but she only cares about appearances. She was tired of me being photographed with different women every week.

It’s my damn life.

If that incident years ago hadn't happened, she wouldn't have any leverage over me. But she has the proof, and I'm trapped. I reached for my phone to call one of my usual girls, then stopped. The paparazzi were likely circling the house like vultures.

I am tormented. I am frustrated. And I am going to make sure she regrets ever saying "I do."