Chapter 2

Sienna’s POV

The dinner ended with me having another indigestion. I didn’t even eat that much, but listening to them talk about other things like they never just told me to get married to the rival family.

“Surely, if the other party doesn’t agree, this wedding will not happen, right?” I blinked at the reflection in the mirror, holding back my emotions like I was told and trained while growing up.

Showing emotion would be a weakness, that was what my Father kept saying the moment I learned to comprehend human language. I lived the way he wanted me to, but still ended up a pawn to be discarded.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my train of thoughts. “Come in,” I said, turning my head to see who it could be.

One person came to mind, though I’d be lying to say I’d want to see her.

“Sienna,” Mother’s voice was gentle and soft, like a lullaby trying to put my worries at ease.

She was always like this, sneaking into my bedroom after Father and my brothers humiliated me over dinner. She would turn a blind eye on me when everyone’s watching, but would make time to comfort me afterwards.

At first, I appreciated it. It felt nice to have at least one person in the family come and check on me. Maybe it was because of her that I didn’t turn into a complete twisted mess.

“Oh, mia cara figlia,” she muttered as she sauntered toward me with open arms. “You think I didn’t know how it feels? I know it very well… That’s why I understand you.”

I said nothing and turned my head back to the mirror, watching her reflection brush my hair with her fingers.

“Do you think it’s unfair… And that it’s a disadvantage being a woman?” Mother whispered, her gaze filled with care as she continued playing with my hair. “But dear, being a woman doesn’t make you powerless,” she smiled and continued, 

“It only means you have to learn how to use what they overlook.”

My heart skipped a beat, surprised to hear my mother say something like that.

“Wh-What do you mean?” I asked, turning to face her.

Mother smiled, her delicate hands caressing my cheek. “Listen to me, Sienna. This marriage isn’t the end of your freedom unless you let it be. Your duty as a woman isn’t just to marry, it’s also to survive. And sometimes, it’s to outplay a game.”

She was saying it with a smile, as if she was never shaking when being told by father. Maybe, just like me, Mother also tried to live the life she wanted. 

But then she married a man who only saw her as a means to reproduce, and the responsibility of being a wife and a mother broke her wings, breaking her ability to fly freely like she wanted.

“I didn’t get to choose anything, not even the man to marry,” I whispered, leaning on her soft touch.

“No, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get to shape what happens next. Always remember, your future is in your hands,” she said, bending down to level our faces. “Whatever situation you’re in, what happens next is still up to you. You just have to use everything you can at your disposal, my dear.”

That night, my mother’s words kept playing in my head until I fell asleep. And slowly, it became a reminder that kept myself together.

~

“Listen, Miss Vale. You have to be on your best behavior,” Roman reminded me as we entered the hotel elevator to meet the Morettis and finalize the peace treaty before the wedding. He made it sound like I was causing problems every second.

Everyone representing the Vales had already gone ahead and I was left with this annoying man who wouldn’t stop pointing out every little thing about me.

A few moments later, I heard the elevator chime. I took a step, walking out without waiting for Roman. I needed to go to the restroom before meeting the enemy. My bladder couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Miss, where do you think you’re going?” Roman grabbed me by the arm before I could take a step further. “That is not the way we’re heading,” he said.

“I need to use the bathroom,” I replied, pulling my arm away. He was about to grab me again when I spoke, “You’ll leave marks on my skin, Roman. Do you want Moretti to think that I’m not your boss’s beloved daughter? If they find out I’m just someone you could easily abuse, they wouldn’t take this marriage seriously.”

Roman pulled his hand back. As the boss’s advisor, he knew I had a point. After all, the reason why the Morettis agreed to marry me was only because they thought I was someone precious to my father, their enemy.

“Ahem. Go ahead. I’ll wait for you here,” Roman said, fixing his tie.

“Get lost. I don’t want some creepy old man waiting for me outside the bathroom,” I said, turning my heels to walk away.

Roman was saying something behind, but I completely ignored him. He could nag all he wanted, I wouldn’t give a shit.

“Ah.” I let out a sigh of relief after emptying my bladder. I should be ready to face anyone now that I have nothing to worry about.

I washed my hands after and stared at myself in the mirror. I stretched my lips in a smile, checking if it would be enough to convince everyone.

“Looks too fake to me,” I grumbled, shaking my head.

“Couldn’t agree more,” a baritone voice said from behind. “Move and your head will be rolling off the floor.”

I held my breath, my body frozen. I didn’t even feel any presence earlier.

Plus, isn’t this a women’s restroom? Why would a man appear here with a knife, ready to slice my neck?

“Answer me,” he continued. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” His warm breath brushed my skin, and a shiver ran down my spine.