5

Sebastian

I sat on the sofa in my room, nursing a glass of vodka as I gazed out into the void. Memories of last night kept flashing through my mind, fueling a cold rage. In all my life, I’ve never been more humiliated. Sienna knows how to play her cards well, but I need to step up my game. I cannot allow her to win. I am a professional at destroying lives—it’s what I do.

The way she embarrassed me in front of everyone is unforgivable. I have a reputation to uphold, one that was already compromised the moment I married her. Then she went and made a fool of me. Maybe I should trick her into signing another contract? No. I need to do something worse. But what?

Sometimes the dark thought of simply killing her crosses my mind, but I’m not a murderer. I want to ruin her life to the point that when she looks back, she is utterly shattered. I will break her into a billion pieces.

Just as those thoughts took hold, the door swung open. She walked in with a triumphant grin on her face. Speak of the devil.

“Get out! ”

“Good morning, Sebastian,” she said in her sweetest, most mocking tone. “Why are you drinking so early in the morning? ”

“Get out,” I barked.

“I just came to see if you were okay. You know, after you got punched in the face.”

“Get out of my room.”

“Why? Yesterday you were so nice to me.”

I stood up and bridged the gap between us in two strides. I grabbed her shoulders and gave her a powerful shove, sending her stumbling backward until her hand slammed hard against the dresser.

“Out! ” I roared. “You are the last person I want to see. Get out before I drag you out.”

She bowed her head for a second, looking embarrassed, but she immediately forced a brave face. “I’ll go make breakfast,” she muttered.

A few minutes later, my mother called. I rolled my eyes at the sight of her name on the screen, but I answered. I wasn't in the mood for the fit she’d throw if I ignored her.

“Hello, Sebastian. How are you feeling? ”

“I’m fine, Mother.”

“And how is your wife? ”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean? Do you think marriage is a joke? ”

“Let me be clear: we don't share a room, we don't share a bed, and I don't care about her. Don't ask me about her again. You’re the reason I’m in this mess. I agreed to marry her, and that's the end of it. Nowhere in the contract does it say I have to care for her.”

“I had to get you married! ” she shouted. “It’s humiliating every time you’re photographed with a new woman. It’s sickening! You are an embarrassment, and sometimes I regret not having that abortion. Even if I had to blackmail you, it had to be done! ”

“You’ll regret this. I promise you.”

“Don’t you raise your voice at me, little boy! ”

“I’m done talking,” I said, hanging up. I clenched my fists in frustration. Everything and everyone around me made me feel like I was suffocating. I grabbed my keys and headed downstairs.

In the living room, I found Sienna sitting on the couch, crying. As soon as I cleared my throat, she looked up and wiped her eyes.

“What’s your problem now? ” I asked.

“It’s nothing. Leave me alone.”

“This is my house. I can torment you as much as I like.”

“Why can’t you stop harassing me? ”

“Hmm… let’s see… because you’re a gold digger and I hate you.”

“I want to get a job,” she blurted out.

“You quit your last job just to marry me, and now you want to find another? Does that make any sense to you, Sienna? ”I knelt in front of her, giving her a wicked look. “You shouldn't be working, my dear wife. That’s the 'perk' of marrying a billionaire. So, suck it up and enjoy the show while I make your life hell. Don't even think about revenge; you’re too weak. I can snap my fingers and make you cry. Imagine what happens if I really try.”

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“Oh honey, I don’t have horns on my head. Unlike you, of course.”

“I despise you,” she said, walking away. I lunged after her and grabbed her hand.

“Don’t walk away from me! ”I tightened my grip." I don't know what came over me, but I kept squeezing. It was as if a voice was telling me to squeeze harder—she’s the one trying to steal your legacy. I didn't even notice her begging me to let go until she screamed.

“You’re hurting me! ”

I let go and stepped closer. Her eyes were brimming with tears, but she fought them back. She started to walk off again, but I caught her arm.

“Don’t walk away when I’m speaking to you,” I said sternly. She jerked her hand out of mine.

“The next time you try that, I’ll kill you,” she said, pointing a finger at me.

“Your empty threats mean nothing. Shut up.”

“I despise you.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet, Sienna. When I’m done with you, you won't even recognize the woman in the mirror.”

Sienna

I went to the back of the house and sat by the pool, dangling my feet in the water. It was the only way to clear my head. I tried to maintain a hard exterior and convince myself I wouldn't let Sebastian make me cry, but he was right—I was weak. Despite my talking back, his words cut deep. He had every right to be angry. I was, by definition, a gold digger, even if my reasons were valid.

“Hello, Sienna.” I turned to see Celeste standing over me.

“Mrs. Sterling. It’s… nice to see you,” I said, wiping my eyes.

“I know you aren't happy to see me, but here is your money,” she said, handing me a check. “Just as promised.”

I looked down at the amount. “One hundred and fifty thousand dollars,” I whispered with excitement. “Thank you! ”

“Yes. I’ll give you another next month. And remember: Sebastian must never know about this.”

“Sebastian shouldn't know about what? ”

I spun around to see Sebastian marching toward us. He repeated the question. I quickly hid the check behind my back.

“Shall I repeat myself a third time? Mother? ”

“It’s women’s talk, Sebastian. Don’t interfere.”

“What’s behind your back? ” he asked, closing the distance. I stepped backward slowly, stuffing the check into the waistband of my shorts.

“It’s nothing. I just felt like standing with my hands behind my back. See? I showed him my empty palms. He frowned, unconvinced.

“Whatever it is you and my mother are plotting, I’ll find out. I promise you that.” He turned and walked off.

Sebastian

Once I reached my room, I called Frederick, and he arrived within the hour. I poured a glass of whiskey for both of us as he took a seat.

“Sebastian Lander Sterling.”

“Frederick Kim Shaw.”

“I’m good, thanks for asking. How’s the married life? ”

“Stressful. That’s why I called you. You know the situation with this girl. I want a full background check. I need to know every single piece of information about her life.”

“How is this beneficial? She’s your wife.”

“I’m paying you, so get me what I need and stop the interrogation.”

“Fine. But I’ll be out of the country for a few months. I’ll call you when the file is ready.”

“Don’t make me wait.”

“Alright. I’ll be in touch,” he said, shaking my hand before leaving.