6

Sienna

We all have big dreams—visions that we hope will change our lives forever. But we also have nightmares, and those can be just as transformative.

I’m living in my nightmare right now. Each day, I wake up wondering what disaster is waiting for me. Ever since I stood at the altar and said "I do," my life has been a catastrophe. And it’s a reality I have to endure.

I tied my hair into a neat bun, grabbed my purse, and headed downstairs. I have so much to do today; honestly, I wish I could fast-forward five years, because I hate this chapter of my existence. I double-checked to ensure my bank card was safely in my bag as I entered the kitchen.

“Good morning, Alessia,” I said, taking a seat.

“Good morning,” she replied, offering a warm smile as she poured a cup of mint tea. Just as I took a sip, Sebastian walked in.

“Alessia, make me some coffee,” he said in his usual demanding tone.

“You could at least say please,” I muttered.

“Speak only when spoken to, woman.”

After I finished my tea, I stood up to leave, but Sebastian grabbed my hand.

“Where are you going, Sienna? ”

“Out.”

“Where?”

“O-U-T. Out.”

“I’ll have two bodyguards follow you to ensure you’re safe. Not that I care about your well-being—it’s strictly for the public image.”

“I don’t need anyone following me. I’m not a child; I can take care of myself.”

“It’s not about what you want. You will not leave this house unless my bodyguards accompany you. That’s an order! ”

“You can’t order me around, Sebastian,” I said, pulling my hand from his grip.

“Actually, I can.” He grabbed my hand again and leaned in close. “You’ll do as I say, always. You haven’t even been in this house for two months, and you’re already acting bold; don't make me cut you down to size.”

“I’ll be fine. I don’t want them following me,” I said, shooing him away.

“You don’t even have a car. How do you think it looks when people see you taking the bus? I won't have you ruining my reputation.”

“I don’t care what people think.”

He chuckled and let go of my arm, leaning against the counter and shaking his head in disgust.

“Of course you wouldn't. You’re used to taking the bus with all sorts of smelly, poor people. Dogs play in filth because they like it; I don't expect any better from you.”

His words stung like a hive of bees. I fought back the tears.

“Mr. Sterling, please don’t say such disrespectful things,” Alessia interjected.

“Shut up, Alessia! This doesn’t concern your broke ass.” She lowered her head in embarrassment. Sebastian turned back to me. “I’ll get you a car. In case you didn't know, that’s something you actually drive in.”

“I don’t want anything from you.”

“Isn’t that exactly why you married me? ”

“I’m buying you a car, and that’s final. I’ll take you to buy it tomorrow, my ugly wife.”

“I’ll get a job and buy my own car. If you buy me one, I’ll park it on the street with a note that says, 'Free: take it or leave it.'”

“I said you are not getting a job, and that is final.”

“You are not the boss of me.”

“Oh, but I am. Remember, I can choose to throw you out at any moment. You’ll be sleeping on the streets or running back home like the prodigal son.”

As he spoke, all I wanted to do was slap the arrogance off his face. He truly enjoys degrading people. Even though I was trying to look strong, it was exhausting. My self-esteem isn't high enough to simply shrug off his insults.

At that moment, my phone began to ring. I reached for it, but before I could answer, Sebastian snatched it away. Surprise filled his eyes, followed quickly by disgust.

“What kind of phone is this? ” he asked, laughing.

“It’s a Nokia 3310,” I said, lunging for it.

“Where did you even find this? I can’t believe people still use these. It’s disgraceful. I’ll have to get you a new one so people don't look at me with distaste. This is ancient.”

“You make everything about yourself. I like my phone, and there's nothing you can do about it.”

“Really? ” he asked, raising an eyebrow. He flung the phone against the wall with all his strength, causing it to shatter into pieces. “Now you don’t have a phone.”

I shoved him out of my way and stormed out of the house.

One Hour Later

I hopped out of the taxi and rushed into the hospital. Edward was already waiting.

“What’s wrong with your phone? I tried calling a dozen times.”

“Sebastian happened. He smashed it,” I said, pulling my card from my purse and handing it to him. “Go pay the bill. I’ll wait here.” I sank into a chair as he walked off.

The burden I’ve taken on is crushing me, but I have no other choice. In a way, I’m glad Sebastian smashed my phone; at least I don't have to see my mother’s messages. She’s likely furious that I’ve been ignoring her.

I wondered if Sebastian and I would ever find common ground. I doubt it. I see the pure loathing in his eyes when he looks at me. I want to be strong and show him I’m not afraid, but the truth is, I am. I have to walk this path carefully. Who knows what a man like him is truly capable of?

I wasted so much time as a girl planning a future I clearly wasn't in charge of. I wanted three kids, a loving husband, and a career. I guess destiny had other plans.

I rubbed my forehead, wondering what was taking Edward so long. My heart skipped a beat when I heard someone say, "Sebastian Lander Sterling." I stood up immediately, looking toward the voice.

I saw Sebastian stomping toward me. I prayed for the earth to open up and swallow me. I couldn't run; he had already spotted me, and now the entire waiting room was staring at us. When he reached me, he leaned in and did something that made my entire body freeze.

He kissed me.

He pulled away abruptly. “Remind me to bleach my mouth when I’m done,” he muttered. He gripped my arm and pulled me toward the restroom area.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a brand-new Samsung S10, and handed it to me. I didn't bother protesting; I took it with a hollow smile.

“I hope you know how to use this. I know you aren't exactly used to technology. If there’s anything you need to know, just look it up on YouTube. It's an app—”

“Thank you. You didn’t have to go through the trouble. I appreciate it,” I lied.

“First of all, I sent someone else to buy it. You aren't important enough for me to go myself. Secondly, I don’t want people talking when they see you, because it reflects poorly on me. I’m too successful for that.”

“I don’t care what anyone says.”

“Clearly. If I had looked like this for this long without getting plastic surgery—or better yet, killing myself—I’d understand why you don’t care.”

“You’re a monster, Sebastian.” I turned for the door, but he blocked my path.

“I didn’t follow you here just to give you a phone. What are you doing here? ”

“I think I’m pregnant.”

His eyes widened. He went silent for a moment before speaking. “We haven't had sex.”

“Correct. We… haven't had sex.”

“I told you that if you slept with anyone else, I would kill you.”

“You can’t tell me what to do with my body,” I said, pushing past him. I needed to find the doctor immediately and make sure he kept quiet if Sebastian started asking questions. He cannot find out the real reason I’m actually at this hospital.