Chapter 2

Benjamin strutted off, convinced he'd already won.

I tossed the hose aside and rolled my eyes. No wonder his older brother died young. With someone like Benjamin in the family, even God Himself probably ran out of patience.

"James," I called over my shoulder to the butler, James Mercer. "Take note of all the gifts Benjamin sent and donate them to Hayes Group's charity foundation."

I paused before adding coldly, "And if he dares to come asking for them back, remind him what happens to people who harass Hayes Group's CEO's wife."

I then erased his existence from my mind.

I genuinely thought our paths would never cross again. Boy, was I wrong.

…

That evening, the marble floors of the private club gleamed under the golden lights, and soft jazz floated through the air. I was there for one reason: to taste the newly imported wine.

The moment I stepped into the lobby, a familiar derisive chuckle drifted down from the second floor. "So, you came after all."

Benjamin leaned against the railing like some spoiled prince while grinning. "To be honest, you seriously do not have to follow me around. I keep my promises. I said I'd marry you in three days, and I will."

Ignoring him, I walked straight toward the private room I had reserved.

He hurried down the stairs and stopped right in front of me. "Stop acting like a spoiled child, Sienna. I know your father's company is almost bankrupt, and you're strapped for cash.

"A glass of juice here probably costs more than your monthly allowance. You seriously do not have to embarrass yourself just to impress me."

I drew in a long breath. This man was exhausting.

It was true that my father's company had fallen on hard times, yet as Christopher's wife, I had more than enough assets to buy ten of these clubs. Besides, when I came home, he had given me a black card with no limit.

I took a deep breath and gritted out, "Did you lose your job or something? Is that why you're following me around like a stray puppy?"

He was caught off guard for a second. Then, he sneered, "Drop the act. Didn't you come here just to see me? Why are you acting all high and mighty now that you've found me?

"Come on. Let's go to the private room I reserved. Olivia's there too. You two should learn to get along. We're about to be one big family, after all."

As soon as his words rang out, Olivia sauntered over and wrapped her arm around Benjamin's. "Darling, is this Sienna?"

She sized me up. A flicker of envy and spite flashed in her eyes. "Now I understand why Benjamin couldn't get over you. You're beautiful. However, beauty alone won't keep a man."

Olivia tilted her chin and said condescendingly, "We'll be family soon. I can teach you how to keep a man. You really should learn to control your temper; men don't like difficult women."

I narrowed my eyes and studied her. She had radiant skin, bright eyes, and perfect posture. She didn't look like she was sad about her husband's passing.

"You want to teach me?" I asked quietly.

Olivia beamed, clearly pleased with herself. "Are you worried I'm better than you? I'm not spoiled like a certain someone. I know how to love a man." Right after saying that, she cast Benjamin an affectionate look.

I almost laughed out loud at her sheer audacity. "Clearly, no one's ever taught you when to keep your mouth shut."

I glanced at the woman behind me. She was Naomi Thompson, my personal bodyguard arranged by Christopher. She was trained in combat and once known for disarming a knife-wielding attacker with nothing but a corkscrew.

"Naomi, slap her and teach her some manners," I ordered. Naomi stepped forward without the slightest hesitation.

"Don't you dare touch her, Sienna!" Benjamin immediately stepped in front of Olivia. He stared at me in disbelief. "She's the mother of the heir of Clarke Group! How dare you lay a hand on her?"

I met his glare head-on. "Why can't I? I have nothing to fear."

Benjamin froze. Multiple emotions flashed across his face. "You always got into trouble as a kid, Sienna. Do you remember how you swung your backpack to protect that kid who was being bullied and accidentally hit the heir of Hayes Group back in school? I stepped in to cover for you.

"But we're adults now. I can't keep cleaning up your messes. If you dare lay a hand on Olivia today, you'd dare to cross that cold, ruthless man tomorrow. If you actually caused a scandal, your family would be finished!"

I couldn't believe how he had the nerve to look so proud of himself. He looked as if I should be thanking him. I almost snorted.

After marrying Christopher, I learned that he'd never blamed me for that incident. In fact, he'd admired the way I stood up for the weak.

Benjamin was the one who had thrown himself into that mess, attempting to play the hero. Thanks to him, I missed the chance to befriend Christopher back then.

With that thought in mind, my patience snapped. "I'll say this one last time, Benjamin. I came here tonight for the wine, not for you. Also, stop mentioning our wedding; we'll never have one."

His expression hardened. He narrowed his eyes like he wanted to see through me. "I'm not in the mood for your games, Sienna."

Right then, Olivia smiled sweetly. "Calm down, Benjamin. Sienna's just throwing a tantrum. It's my fault. I forgot to prepare a gift for our first meeting," she said softly while rubbing his arm.

With that, she took off her gold earrings and held them out to me. They were old and worn, with visible scratches on the surface. "Benjamin gave me these. They are made of pure gold and are extremely expensive. They're a little outdated for me, but they'd suit you.

"Go on, take them! Don't be shy. I have plenty of jewelry. Once you marry Benjamin, you can come to my room and pick whatever you like!"

I watched her pitiful performance with a cold expression.

Benjamin scowled and ordered, "Hurry up and take them. It's a kind gesture from Olivia. Your family could use a little help maintaining appearances. Those plastic earrings you're wearing are embarrassing."

Plastic? I touched my earrings.

These weren't made of plastic; these were made of rare starlight sapphires, mined exclusively from Hayes Group's private reserves. Christopher had hand-engraved our names on the back of each priceless gem.

My husband's thoughtful gift was nothing more than cheap plastic in Benjamin's ignorant eyes. I sighed, losing all interest in the wine. I turned to leave.

"Stop right there!" Benjamin snapped, furious at being ignored. Then, he yanked the earrings right off my ears.

Excruciating pain shot through me.

"Get rid of that junk on your ears!" he demanded. "Olivia, put yours on her instead!"

"Give them back!" I yelled, reaching out to snatch the sapphire earrings in his hand. If Christopher found out I'd lost the earrings he gave me, I knew he'd make sure I couldn't get out of bed for the next three days.

My desperation only fueled Benjamin's anger. He dropped the sapphire earrings onto the marble floor and ground them beneath his heel.