Chapter 2

SIENNA THORNE 

“Xander,” I whispered as I walked towards our room. 

Diane had passed me in the hall looking completely pleased with herself for showing me up again. 

“You should have informed me before doing this.” Xander said as soon as I stepped into the room. 

“It was supposed to be a surprise Xander,” I told him, rolling my eyes. 

“We don't need all this. We've always celebrated quietly.” he reminded me. “Are you trying to embarrass us? Now all people will be talking about for weeks is how I showed up drunk to my anniversary party.” 

“Then maybe you shouldn’t have been drunk in the first place,” 

Those words were at the tip of my tongue but I sighed and walked towards him. “I didn't mean for….” 

“Just go, please. I'll get dressed and meet you downstairs.” he said, his tone leaving no room for arguments. 

I opened my mouth to argue against my better judgement and he lashed out. 

“Leave Sienna, haven't you done enough?” 

Hurt, sad and a little confused at his sudden hostility, I ran out of the room unaware that someone else had witnessed my humiliation. 

I took my time before I rejoined the guests not wanting to show any sign of panic or weakness that the perfect night I had planned seemed to be falling apart. 

Once I was sure I would be able to socialize without bursting into tears, I walked out and joined the party, checking on the guests and making light conversation. 

Suddenly everything seemed fine again. 

“Could I steal my wife for a minute?” 

I froze as his hands wrapped around the small of my waist and forced a smile. 

He was being nice to me now? 

“Of course Mr. Smith, she's all yours.” One of the women I had been talking to said. 

“Thank you,” he retorted and then led me away, towards the kitchen. 

I used my legs to shit the door not wanting anyone to witness whatever showdown was coming. 

“I know now that you didn't want a party with all these people and I'm sorry. Next time I'll just ask you first,” I rushed to apologise before he could say anything. 

Xander shook his head and pulled me closer with his hand that was still wrapped around me. “No, I'm sorry babe. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that earlier.” 

A gasp left my mouth before I could stop it and then I blinked. “What?” 

He chuckled and leaned closer, his lips almost touching mine. “I'm trying to apologise here babe.” 

“Sorry I'm just confused. A moment ago you yelled at me and now, this?” 

I was stunned. Where did the change of heart come from?

“I know I yelled at you baby but you know me, I never yell.” 

A nod. “Then why did you?” I asked, my anger already melting away because I loved the man. 

“Because I'm a shitty husband who doesn't deserve such an amazing wife.” he whispered and I cooed. “Let's go and enjoy the party that you organised which is beautiful by the way. I saw the handmade roses.” 

I flushed and blinked back tears. Everything was fine! 

“Don't cry, I'm apologising.” 

“I know. Let's go.” And we walked hand in hand towards the living room. 

As soon as the guests saw us, they cheered, clapping for us with so much enthusiasm. 

“Thank you so much for coming to celebrate our third anniversary with us.” Xander said once the applause had died down. “To my amazing wife, thank you for everything you do for us. I don't deserve you but I'm glad I have you,’ 

Tears clouded my vision as I leaned in to kiss him. “I love you.” 

“Now let's enjoy the party and eat as much as you want!” 

I went back to mingling with guests as Xander went to talk to some of his colleagues. 

Soon it was time to cut the cake. I stepped into the kitchen to get the cake and knife for cutting but as I got out, I felt a change in the energy around me. 

People were hurdled up together in groups, whispering to each other. 

The minute they saw me, they went quiet and started avoiding my eyes. 

That was weird. 

I walked up to Lilian who was trying to escape and caught her by the arm. “What is going on?” I hissed and she shivered, avoiding my eyes. 

“There's a video,” she said and I frowned. 

“What video? What's in it?” 

She shook her head and pointed towards a group of people bent over a phone. “I can't say it. You'd have to watch it.” 

A sense of dread enveloped me as I walked towards the people and grabbed the phone without asking. 

“What the…?” One of them started to protest until she saw it was me and ahrang back. 

With shaky hands, I pressed play and froze. The knife in my hand fell out and tears clouded my vision as I stared down at the screen. 

“What's going on? Why is no one dancing?” Xander's voice reached my ears and I finally got the strength to move. 

I marched towards him and slapped him right across the face. “How could you do this to me?!” 

Xander's facial expression changed from surprise to confusion to rage in seconds. 

He grabbed my arm and glared down at me. “What is the meaning of this? You're embarrassing us.” 

A chuckle left my lips before I could stop it and I elbowed him, the action causing his hands to fall to his side. “You're talking about embarrassment? Xander, you've done a fine job of that all by yourself.” 

“You need to stop.” He hissed and reached for my hand. “Let's go and talk about this in private, we have guests.” 

I laughed and clapped my hands. “The time to talk is over Xander.” 

“Then tell me what this is about?” 

“You cheated on me, that's what this is about!” I yelled and the room fell silent. 

My father stepped for

ward. “Al men sleep around Sienna, get over it.” 

I saw red. “He cheated on me with my stepmother Dad, your wife!”