Chapter 5

Sienna’s POV

“You’re doing good so far,” Father said as he walked me down the aisle. “Just behave all the time and don’t do anything stupid. By doing so, you’ll be helping the family.”

The wedding proceeded and it seemed like nothing could stop it anymore, not even the groom who was waiting for me at the end of this boring march, with a dark expression on his not-so-bad looking face, and a frown.

“Take care of my daughter,” Father told Lucian as he handed my hand to him in front of everyone.

The guests gasped in awe, while I was barely holding back myself from running away and ruining everything.

“Of course, I will.” Lucian smiled, finally calming down as he held my hand. “I definitely will,” he muttered, looking me in the eyes as he kissed the back of my hand.

“No, thanks,” I said, flashing him a lopsided grin. “I know you’re going to fail anyway.”

Lucian didn’t say anything and we proceeded in front of the altar. It would have been nice if he said something and ended up raising his voice, embarrassing himself. Then, Father might have changed his mind about this marriage.

“If you think I’m going to fall for it again, you’re wrong,” Lucian said after a while, his expression was calm with a small smile playing on his lips.

“Who says I’m trying to make you fall into anything?” I responded, keeping my gaze in front, barely listening to what the priest was saying.

“Will you love and honor each other for the rest of your lives?” The priest finally asked.

Lucian and I answered ‘yes’ at the same time, despite knowing we both didn’t want any of this.

Moments passed and it was time to recite our vows. Roman gave me something to memorize last night, telling me it was important to leave a good impression. It was funny how I got to marry someone I didn’t want and even say the vows and promises I didn’t think of in the slightest.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest announced after sharing the vows and exchanging rings. “You may now kiss the bride.”

I felt a lump forming in my throat hearing what he said. There was no way Lucian would kiss me, right?

However, contrary to my belief, Lucian made me turn to face him. He had a serious look on his face as he lifted my veil. There was a hesitation in his eyes, and for a moment, I felt bad for him just how much I felt bad for myself.

We were in the same boat after all. We’d sail and sink together.

Do I really need to kiss this man?

Lucian gulped as he stared at my face for a few seconds. He wasn’t saying anything, just staring deeply in my eyes. I had to give him a nudge just to gather himself.

“Pretty, right?” I smiled, blinking my eyes to tease him.

He clicked his tongue and leaned forward. “Stop testing me,” he warned, and before I could say anything to amuse myself, his lips already claimed mine.

Lucian wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer, while the other held my face, keeping me in place as he brushed his soft and warm lips against mine.

I was taken aback at his sudden attack. I didn’t expect him to kiss me for real. My mind was a mess as I tried to push him away, but the harder I attempted to break away from his hold, the tighter his grip had become.

Another minute passed when I heard claps and cheers from the guests. I guessed they were enjoying this public show, huh?

While everyone was envious of me to be married to the most powerful bachelor in the city, no one even imagined what a dreary life was waiting for me after the wedding.

“Huh!” I gasped, successfully pushing him away.

Lucian smirked as he wiped his lips with a mocking gaze. “I thought you’d enjoy it,” he whispered, his thumb pressing against my lips.

“How dare you-”

“Congratulations,” my mother’s voice erupted from behind, pulling me back to reality.

I couldn’t lose my patience here.

“Mama! Thank you,” I smiled at my mother, hugging her as if holding on to my dear life. After this ceremony, I’d be living with Lucian, away from my family. I wouldn’t have anyone to visit me at night whenever I was troubled.

“Sono così fiera di te, mia figlia,” Mother whispered, rubbing my back. “Anche tuo padre è orgoglioso.”

“Good job, Sienna.”

I turned to face my father, smiling at me. It was the first time he smiled, but even after praising me for doing a good job by marrying Lucian, his smile never seemed to reach his eyes.

“Thank you, Papa,” I said, forcing myself to smile back.

After greeting the other guests, everyone started talking about business. After all, this wedding was only a front. The guests came to connect with the Vale and the Moretti family, not to genuinely congratulate the newlyweds.

“What do you think you’re still doing here?” Lucian whispered as he took the glass from my hand. “I don’t know about your alcohol tolerance, but I’ll be relieved if you refrain from drinking and stay in the corner instead.”

My eyes narrowed at his suggestion. We just got married and he was already acting like them… Like my father and my brothers.

“Why? Are you embarrassed to be seen with me next to you?”

Lucian flipped his head to the side. “And if I say yes? Will that be enough for you to stay somewhere people couldn’t spot you?”

“I-” I closed my mouth, holding myself from arguing with him now that there were eyes watching us. Clenching my fists, I took a deep breath and sighed. “Fine. I’ll get out of your way. Are you happy now?”

He emptied his glass and mine, too. “Very,” he smirked before turning his back and walking away.

“Lucian Moretti,” I said through gritted teeth. “Just so you wait…”