Episode seven
999 Words
I glanced at him, studying his expression. He was unreadable as always, but I could sense the tension beneath his composed exterior.
This game was more dangerous than I had realized.
The evening dragged on, filled with endless conversations, forced smiles, and the ever-present gaze of the media. Damien played his role effortlessly, but he could sense Sienna’s discomfort growing.
He leaned in slightly. “Tired?”
She shot him a look. “Exhausted.”
“Let’s step outside.”
Without another word, he guided her toward the balcony, away from the noise and scrutiny. The cool night air was a relief, and Sienna let out a breath as she leaned against the railing.
“I don’t know how you do this,” she admitted.
“You get used to it.”
She turned to face him. “Do you?”
He hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. “You learn how to manage it.”
Silence settled between them. The city lights stretched before them, the sound of distant traffic humming below.
Then, Sienna spoke again, her voice quieter this time. “Does your grandmother ever ask why you’re in such a rush to get married?”
Damien’s jaw tightened. “She trusts my decisions.”
She studied him carefully. “That’s not an answer.”
He met her gaze, something flickering in his eyes—something unspoken. But before he could respond, the doors behind them swung open.
“There you are!” Elyano’s voice rang out, warm and filled with joy. “I was wondering where my grandson and his lovely fiancée disappeared to.”
Sienna straightened, slipping seamlessly back into her role. “Just getting some air.”
Elyano beamed. “Well, don’t stay out too long. The press wants a photo of the two of you.”
Damien nodded, but as Elyano turned back inside, his gaze lingered on Sienna.
Something about this arrangement felt different tonight.
And he wasn’t sure he liked it.
If I had to smile for one more camera, I was going to lose my mind.
The flashing lights were relentless, the press swarming Damien and me the moment we stepped back into the ballroom. Elyano stood proudly beside us, her smile radiating the kind of happiness I wished was real. She had no idea this was all a lie.
“Mr. Sinclair! Miss Carter! A few words, please?” one of the reporters called out, shoving a microphone toward Damien.
Damien’s grip on my waist tightened. “We’re thrilled to be here tonight,” he said smoothly, his deep voice carrying over the noise. “It’s an honor to celebrate with friends and family.”
A female reporter turned to me. “Sienna, how does it feel to be engaged to one of the most powerful men in New York?”
I swallowed, keeping my smile in place. “It’s—” I hesitated, feeling Damien’s eyes on me. “It’s unexpected, but wonderful. Damien is an incredible man.”
A chorus of excited murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“Have you set a wedding date?” another reporter pressed.
Elyano clapped her hands together. “We’ll be announcing that soon,” she said, taking charge of the conversation. “It will be a beautiful wedding, I assure you.”
I exhaled subtly. Thank God for Elyano. She was so genuinely excited about this marriage that it made me feel worse about deceiving her.
After what felt like an eternity, Damien finally led me away from the cameras, guiding me toward a quieter corner of the ballroom. My cheeks ached from fake smiling, and I could feel the tension simmering beneath my skin.
“You handled that well,” Damien murmured, his hand still on my waist.
I let out a dry laugh. “Do I get a gold star?”
He smirked but didn’t reply. Instead, his gaze flickered toward the entrance of the ballroom, his expression darkening.
I followed his line of sight—and felt my stomach drop.
Standing near the entrance was a tall, striking brunette in an emerald-green dress, her piercing blue eyes locked onto Damien.
And she didn’t look pleased.
The moment he saw her, he knew trouble was coming.Victoria Langley Damien’s ex
She sauntered toward him with the confidence of a woman who knew exactly the effect she had on people. Her red lips curved into a smirk, but her eyes were sharp.
“Well, well,” she drawled, stopping in front of them. “Damien Sinclair. Engaged. Who would have thought?”
Sienna stiffened beside him, her body going rigid. He could practically feel the question forming in her mind.
Victoria langley ignored Sienna completely, her attention focused solely on him.
“You didn’t think to tell me personally?” she asked, tilting her head.
“I didn’t think it was necessary,” Damien said coolly.
She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You and I both know that’s a lie.”
Sienna shifted beside him. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Victoria turned to her, her expression unreadable. “Oh, I know who you are.”
Sienna arched a brow. “Do you?”
Victoria smirk widened, but there was something razor-sharp behind it. “Damien and I have… history.”
Sienna didn’t flinch, but Damien could sense her discomfort. He placed a hand on her lower back, a silent reassurance.
“Victoria ,” he said, his tone edged with warning.
She raised her hands in mock innocence. “Relax. I’m not here to ruin your little fairytale.” Her gaze flickered back to Sienna. “I just wanted to see it for myself.”
With that, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind a suffocating silence.
Damien exhaled, rubbing a hand over his jaw.
Sienna turned to him, her eyes dark. “Care to explain?”
He met her gaze, knowing this was going to be a long night.
- Writer
