CHAPTER 11: THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Sienna's POV

The day I was not expecting to arrive so quickly had come. I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a powerful dress. It was a tailored navy blue suit with a crisp white silk blouse underneath. The jacket hugged my waist perfectly, showing off the curves I had hidden away for so long. The skirt fell just below the knee. Everything about it screamed confidence. Everything about it screamed power. This was a dress for someone becoming a CEO.

I moved my hair to the other side, exposing my neck adorned with a necklace Sebastian had bought yesterday. He had called it one of the benefits of this marriage. I did not read any deeper meaning into it. What I had acquired in this agreement were benefits. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Dominic and his cohorts had no idea what was about to happen today. I bet the news is going to be a shock to the whole world. The girl he had discarded. The girl he had thrown in a pool. The girl he had used and abused. That girl was about to become the CEO of one of the most successful companies in New York City.

The door pinged, interrupting my thoughts.

"Ma'am, let me escort you downstairs. Mr. Sebastian awaits your presence," the attendant said.

I chuckled at the choice of words. It was so Shakespearean.

"In a few seconds," I replied.

I took a black stoned designer purse and put some lipstick and rolls inside. Something that wouldn't make the purse look so empty. I got out and followed the attendant into the elevator. My reflection on the elevator walls showed someone determined. Not scared. Not uncertain. Just ready.

My phone pinged. I rolled my eyes upon seeing the saved name. Caseworker. The woman didn't know when to stop. I had sent her a message that she should not contact me. I couldn't believe anything from a woman who had left me, promising me all sorts of words about returning to take me, but then never did. But I opened the message anyway. I should have ignored it immediately, but something about what she said made me stare at the message interestingly.

"I KNOW YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR ME OUT, BUT EVERYTHING THAT LED TO ME LEAVING YOU IN THAT ORPHANAGE HOME WAS NOT MY FAULT. ONE MAN NAMED VITTORIO CASTELLANO THREATENED ME."

Castellano. Dominic's father. How? Did he know me then? I couldn't remember ever meeting him during the three years of secret relationship with Dominic. But why would he threaten the caseworker? Why would he care about where I ended up?

This got me really curious. I typed in a few words that we needed to meet.

The elevator pinged as I descended to the ground floor. I retained my composure and put on a bright face.

Sebastian was pacing near the entrance, his phone pressed to his ear. He was on a call. A serious one based on the expression on his face.

"What do you mean? I told you I am not meeting any of your people," he said into the phone, his voice tight with anger.

He paused, listening to whoever was on the other end.

"We are not going. Whatever events the Castellano's are hosting, we are not going and that is final," he said coldly.

He raised his head, lowering his phone as he saw me. His expression softened immediately, but I could still see the anger underneath. The frustration.

"Oh, jeez," he whispered, rubbing his head like he had a headache.

"What is wrong? You look angry," I asked, worried. I didn't know if that was the right emotion or the right question to ask, but I was genuinely worried about him.

He managed a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"I will tell you after the announcement. I don't want anything to ruin today," he said.

I nodded. Though I had a lot of questions running through my mind, I did not pester him. My eyes ran over him, taking him in. He was dressed in a corporate outfit I had seen in business meetings. It made him look handsome. Hot. I would have to use that word one more time, even though I was trying not to.

"You look good by the way," he complimented, lifting up the tense air.

Warmth spread to my cheeks.

"Thanks," I replied.

"Alright, the board members are waiting already," he said.

"Already?" I asked, quite surprised.

"Yes. I had a quick video meeting last night about a CEO I would be appointing. They are expecting me," he explained.

We walked out into the white Bentley that was prepared for our presence. The driver got into his seat and started the car smoothly.

"The board members are just like my counselors for my companies. They advise me on major decisions," Sebastian started to explain as we settled into the back seat.

"You think they won't go against you?" I asked, cutting him off. He smiled as he looked at me, the car already moving through traffic.

"What you should be worried about right now is your stomach. You did not eat anything," he said instead of answering my question.

And with that, my stomach gave an embarrassing loud growl. I had told the cook earlier I wasn't eating that morning. I wasn't going to allow anything to keep me slow today. But it seemed like this was going to slow me down anyway.

"I am good. This is just..." I started.

"Michael," he called out, ignoring me completely.

"Yes, sir?" the driver responded.

"Inform Pastries & Co to get me a light breakfast," Sebastian said.

"Yes, sir," Michael replied.

I looked at Sebastian, unable to say anything. My stomach gave another growl, betraying me completely.

"Don't fight it," he smirked, his voice giving a teasing tone. "You do not have to worry about anyone, including the board members. How would they go against their boss?"

His voice was reassuring. My heart did an unusual flutter. Something it had started doing three days ago. I reminded myself that this was business. Whatever feelings were building up should go away. I turned my head, avoiding his clearly ice blue eyes.

"If you are not sure on how to do the talking after I announce you, I can help," he offered.

"No," I cut in, glancing at him briefly. "If I am to become a CEO of TX Textiles, I should be outspoken. Make them know I am capable."

"Hmm," he made a low sound, staring at me so quietly. An amused expression was written on his face.

"What?" I asked.

He suddenly leaned in, leaving me to instinctively lean back. My heart was suddenly beating fast. He held my eyes. Gosh, his eyes were so captivating. I noticed that. And I hated that I noticed that.

"What... what are you doing?" I stuttered, folding my hands so hard that I could feel the pain I was inflicting into my palms.

He stayed like that for seconds, then he smiled. He slowly raised his hand. I flinched, unable to hold his gaze.

"Stay still," he whispered, his breath warm, flaring on my face.

I didn't realize how fast my heart was beating for this man or just how close he was to me. He gently moved a strand of hair that was hanging loosely by my ear. I shivered at his touch. Why was I reacting like this?

"You are so smart, and I am happy to have you as my temporary wife," he said after minutes of tense interactions.

Yes, just temporary. But it sounded somehow wrong in my ears. I shook my head, pushing down every thought. This was not the time for this. Not now. Not when I was about to become a CEO.

"Your cheeks are so red," he whispered again.

"No... no, they are not," I managed to say as I pushed him off to the other side of his seat.

He chuckled. I wound down the window, letting cool air splash in on my face. I was unable to face him. I closed my eyes.

"What are you doing, Sienna? Get a grip," I muttered to myself.

The car swerved right as we soon entered a curb restricted only for him. We were at TX Textiles. One of the most productive companies in New York City. And I was about to be the CEO of this famous company.