Married To My Bully

Chapter 1

2011 – 14 Years Ago

Author’s POV

The private terminal of JFK Airport buzzed with quiet elegance. Security guards stood stiffly by the gates, suited men pushed trolleys stacked with designer luggage, and the flashing lenses of sleek black cars gleamed under the New York sun.

Twelve-year-old Aliyah Kimberly walked beside her older brother, Adam, her small hand gripping the strap of her pastel pink handbag. Their polished black shoes clicked against the marble floors as they followed behind their parents, flanked on both sides by their family’s bodyguards.

It was their first time in New York after moving from California, and everything felt different louder, richer, colder in the air, but somehow more exciting.

“I still can’t believe I won’t be able to talk to my friends anymore,” Adam scoffed, adjusting his expensive headphones around his neck.

“I’m sure you’re going to make new friends here, Adam. And you too, Aliyah,” Her father said calmly, his voice confident like always. He glanced at his children over his shoulder. “I promise you're both going to love it here in New York.”

“I have no objections, Father. I know you mean well for both of us,” Aliyah responded sweetly, her voice soft but firm. Always the pleasing daughter, she smiled up at her dad, trying to keep the peace.

“That’s my girl,” Her father smiled proudly, placing a hand briefly on her shoulder.

Adam just rolled his eyes in response, clearly not convinced.

“Don’t worry, Adam. I promise you’ll grow to love it here,” Her mother added, adjusting her black designer sunglasses as she walked elegantly beside them.

By the time they arrived at the estate, Aliyah could hardly keep her eyes off the towering iron gates. Their new home looked like something out of a movie a timeless, old-money mansion tucked between tall trees and blooming gardens. The ivy crawling up the stone walls, the vintage fountain in the driveway, the silver lion statues watching the entrance it was everything.

The sleek black SUV stopped just outside the main entrance. Two butlers came forward immediately, one opening the door while the other greeted the family with a deep bow.

Aliyah stepped out and looked around with wide eyes. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

The inside didn’t disappoint either glimmering chandeliers, high arched ceilings, vintage rugs over marble floors. The living room had a cozy warmth to it despite the wealth screaming from every corner. It wasn’t too modern it had charm. Class. History.

Aliyah flopped gently onto the velvet couch beside her father while her mum walked toward the kitchen, heels clicking softly.

Adam darted upstairs immediately, calling, “I’m picking the best room before anyone else!”

Her mother laughed lightly and returned with a glass of water for her husband. “Aren’t you going to pick your room too, sweetie?” she asked Aliyah with a smile.

“Yh, I should do that,” Aliyah said, springing up with a grin.

She chose a room on the second floor. Not too big, not too small just perfect. A huge window looked out into the garden below, where white roses and trimmed hedges framed a cobblestone path. It already felt like hers.

She had just started unpacking when her mom entered, looking around approvingly.

“Nice pick,” Mrs. Kimberly said, arms crossed.

“Thanks, Mum,” Aliyah said with a smile as she folded a few dresses neatly into the closet.

Her mother stepped forward and sat on the edge of the bed. “So, Aliyah, when you’re done unboxing, please freshen up and dress nicely. We’re having dinner tonight with the Bruces your father’s best friend and his family.”

Aliyah nodded. “Yes, sure, Mum. No problem.”

“Alright. I’ll go check on your brother,” her mom said before exiting the room.

By the time Aliyah came back downstairs, she looked simple but lovely. She wore a light blue gown that stopped just at her knees, paired with classic black shoes and a soft blue bow clipped into her shiny, freshly brushed hair.

As she reached the bottom of the staircase, her eyes landed on the two guests already seated with her parents in the dining room a man and a woman. Both were well-dressed and carried the unmistakable air of wealth and influence.

“That must be the Bruces,” Aliyah mumbled to herself. Adam sat nearby, scrolling through his phone without interest.

Then, her eyes spotted him.

A boy.

He looked her age or a bit older dressed in all black, with sharp eyes and a face that made her heart skip for a second. His aura was different. Cold. Distant. He barely looked at anyone.

And beside him sat a cheerful girl with long dark hair and a sweet smile.

“Ah, Aliyah! What took you so long?” her father asked, gesturing for her to come closer.

“Nothing much, Dad it just took me forever to unpack,” she said politely.

“Well, of course it did. You basically packed the entire state of California,” Adam muttered under his breath.

“Oh my god, can you shut up? I wasn’t even talking to you,” Aliyah snapped.

“Kids, behave,” their mom warned sharply, shooting them both a look.

“Sorry,” they mumbled together.

Her father stood up with a warm smile. “Anyway my dear old friend, this is my son Adam, and that’s my daughter Aliyah.”

Mr. Bruce nodded and smiled. “And this is my daughter, Serena… and my son, Saint.”

Aliyah’s breath caught the moment Saint looked up at her. He was gorgeous. Almost unreal. But the expression on his face? Stone cold.

As if he didn’t care to be here. As if he didn’t care to know her.

Still, her cheeks warmed slightly as she looked away.

“Hi, Aliyah!” Serena said with a friendly wave. She looked genuinely sweet.

Aliyah waved back. “Hi.”

Unlike her brother, Serena seemed really nice.

“So kids,” Mr. Kimberly announced, “you’ll be starting school next week. You’ll be going with Saint and Serena. Same school, same classes, hopefully.”

Aliyah nodded with no objection. To her surprise, Adam didn’t complain either.

“Oh my gosh! We’re going to be besties, Aliyah!” Serena clapped excitedly.

“Definitely,” Aliyah smiled back.

“I need to go to the toilet,” Saint said suddenly, standing from the table.

It was the first time Aliyah heard his voice. Deep, calm, and somehow… annoyingly attractive.

“Aliyah, darling take him there, will you?” her mother said gently.

Aliyah stood up quickly. “Yes, ma.”

She turned to Saint and motioned for him to follow her.

Aliyah led the way through the grand hallway, her shoes making soft tapping sounds against the polished marble floor. She could feel Saint’s presence behind her silent, cold, but somehow intense.

She stopped in front of the guest bathroom near the lounge.

“There it is,” she said softly, pointing.

Saint didn’t even say thank you. He simply walked past her toward the door. But before he stepped in, Aliyah worked up the courage to speak.

She smiled politely. “Um… hi, I’m Aliyah. Just thought I’d formally—”

He cut her off without even turning his head.

“I didn’t ask,” he muttered flatly.

Aliyah blinked. Her smile dropped.

What?

The door closed behind him with a soft click.

She stood there for a moment, stunned. Her fingers clutched the hem of her dress as the silence hung in the air like a slap to the face. Her heart sank, not because she liked him of course not—but because it was the first time she had ever introduced herself to someone and gotten that kind of response.

What the hell is his problem?

She bit her lip and forced herself to turn away, her pride stinging as she walked back toward the dining room.

By the time she reached the table, her parents were deep in conversation with the Bruces, and Adam was laughing with Serena about something on his phone.

“You took long,” her mom said softly as she rejoined them.

“I was waiting for him,” Aliyah replied in a low voice, her tone colder now.

She sat next to her dad, her mood completely changed.

Saint returned a few minutes later and took his seat without looking at her.

Aliyah didn't even glance his way this time.

So this is what kind of person he is, huh? Cold. Rude. Full of himself.

And something in her already knew they were going to clash.

Again and again.

And again.