Chapter 2

Arianna

I woke up in pain. An unbearable ache spread through my body the second I tried to move. I whimpered as the memories of last night flooded back.

Damian’s cold eyes, his rough hands against my skin, his cruel voice and the conversation he had over the phone about how healthy I was to carry his heir.

I jerked up on the bed and instantly regretted it as dizziness washed over me. The room spun. I pressed a hand on my mouth and forced myself to breathe. This wasn’t a nightmare. I was married, this was my life now.

I looked down at the dark bruises on my arm and thighs. Tears sting my eyes, but I blinked them away. Crying wouldn’t help me. I can endure this marriage for Noah.

I dragged myself out of the bed and into the fancy bathroom. My reflection mocked me. I stared at my swallow lips, purple marks covered my neck, and my eyes looked tired and empty.

A knock on the door made me flinch. A maid stepped in with her head down. “Mrs. Liam, breakfast is ready.”

I almost laughed at the title, it felt like a bad joke.

I nodded and she left.

The dining room was massive, with a long black marble table, and tall windows. Damian sat at the far end, looking perfect in his black suit. He didn’t even glance at me when I sat down.

A servant poured coffee, another placed fruit and toast in front of me. I stared at the food, I had no appetite at all.

Damian finally broke the silence. “You’ll move into the master suite tonight.”

I tightened my grip on the fork. “Why?” I blinked.

His cold grey eyes met mine. “My wife does not sleep in another room.” His voice was impatient.

Wife? The word twisted painfully in my chest.

He kept eating. “You will also attend events with me.”

I frowned. “What events?” I didn’t know if it was the anger speaking this time or just my curiosity.

“Business dinners, galas,” he finally set down his knife, “to keep up appearances.”

I watched him as he spoke. He looked so charming on the outside, but untouchable. I looked away quickly so he wouldn’t see the pain in my eyes.

“If that’s what you want.” I said softly, Maybe being close to him will soften him.

One month later, I stood in front of a full-length mirror dressed in a silver gown I could never have dreamed of.

The fabric hugged my body like moonlight. The neckline was low enough to make me blush. Diamonds sparkled at my throat. My dark hair fell in soft waves.

I looked beautiful. Like a wealthy princess from a fairy tale. I was indeed a billionaire tycoon wife now.

When I walked downstairs, the maids and everyone present including Damian looked up. His eyes darkened for a second. Then his face turned hard again.

“You’re late.” he said.

My cheek flushed. “I’m sorry.”

He offered me his arm, I hesitated before taking it. The warmth of his skin against mine sent a confusing shiver down my spine. He led me out of the mansion toward the waiting car.

The charity gala was held in one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. It was glamorous, and women dripped in diamonds. Men in designer’s suit laughed over champagne.

The second Damian and I entered, people turned in our direction and soft surprised whispers followed.

“That’s his wife?”

“She’s beautiful.”

“I heard she came from nothing, she’s too innocent for him.”

I lowered my eyes. Damian’s hand pressed against my lower back, it felt possessive. I gasped softly at his touch.

We moved through the crowd together. He introduced me to CEOs, politicians, rich businessmen. I smiled politely, nodded when expected, and spoke when spoken to.

I felt like a doll on display. I didn’t belong here, I wanted to leave.

While Damian talked with a group of men, I slipped away to the balcony for air. I felt suffocated inside with those sophisticated people.

“So Damian finally replaced Enola?” a woman said nearby.

I froze and glanced in the direction to see three women gossiping about Damian at the far end of the balcony.

“She looks nothing like Enola,” one scoffed.

“Of course not,” the third said, swirling her drink. “Enola Moretti was untouchable, and pretty, no one can compare to her.”

Air stuck in my throat. I had heard the name Enola Moretti. A lot of girls from school talked about her and how pretty she was. She was Damian’s former fiancée, a mafia princess who disappeared mysteriously.

“Poor girl probably doesn’t know she’s just a substitute,” the first woman sighed.

Cold washed over me and glued me in place. Substitute? Heat flushed painfully through my chest and I backed away before they saw me. Was that all I was? Was I just a replacement?

I was still shaken when Damian found me near the dance floor. He took my hand. “Dance with me.” he said unexpectedly.

I stared at him in surprise. “What? I don’t know how to dance.” I said, especially not in front of wealthy crowd who had been staring at me all night.

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

He pulled me onto the floor before I could protest. The music started slow. He slid his hand around my waist, pulling me closer. I rested my hand on his shoulder, and he guided me effortlessly.

For a fleeting moment, his touch felt warm. I forgot the cruelty of that first night. I leaned closer. His face was so close I could feel his breath. His silver grey eyes held mine. My heart betrayed me and fluttered.

Maybe I was wrong, maybe Damian wasn’t as cold as he appeared to be, maybe…

My illusions shattered when the room went quiet. Damian’s body stiffened, his gaze left mine. The music seemed to fade. I traced Damian’s gaze across the room.

A tall elegant woman with raven-black hair walked in wearing a stunning red gown. Everyone’s eyes in the room followed her and people whispered her name.

“Enola…” Damian breathed, almost like a prayer.

She walked straight toward us, her gaze fixed on Damian like she had him wrapped around his finger, like he was hers. My fingers slipped from Damian’s shoulder. He looked stunned, completely lost in her, I could see her reflection in his eyes.

When she reached us, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek possessively, right in front of everyone.

“Do you miss me, darling?” she asked in a sweet voice.

The color drained out of my face as I stared in shock. Everyone was whispering now, yet Damian didn’t push her away. I felt humiliated.

Tears filled my eyes. I grabbed the side of my dress, turned around, and I ran.