Sienna had always hated mornings.
But this one was different.
This one started with a dress hanging from the bedroom door—still in plastic, still with the tag. Designer. Sleek. Silver.
It looked like something a woman might wear to her funeral.
She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. The room felt colder than yesterday. Or maybe that was just her mood catching up with her.
There was no knock when the maid entered. Just the polite voice.
"Mr. Knight asked me to help you get ready."
Sienna stared at her. "Get ready for what?"
"Your first appearance together. He's hosting a charity brunch. The press will be there."
"Of course they will," she muttered.
The maid smiled like she hadn't heard. "Hair and makeup are set for seven. Car leaves by eight."
"What time is it now?"
"Six-thirty."
Sienna didn't answer.
She didn't need to. None of this was a request.
---
Two hours later, she stood in the elevator, watching the numbers drop. The mirrored walls showed a version of herself she barely recognized. Smooth hair, soft lips, smoky eyes. The dress fit like a second skin.
She looked like a billionaire's wife.
But inside?
She felt like a fraud.
The doors opened to the lobby. A sleek black car waited outside with Alexander already inside, phone to his ear, sunglasses on.
He didn't look at her when she climbed in.
She didn't speak either.
The silence stretched between them like a drawn-out standoff.
Only when the car turned onto Fifth Avenue did he finally glance at her.
"You clean up well."
She looked at him. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"It's an observation."
She shook her head. "What do you want from me today?"
"Simple," he said. "You smile. You hold my arm. You pretend we're in love."
She let out a short laugh. "You think people will buy that?"
"They'll buy what we sell them. Just stay close and don't speak unless you're spoken to."
"Wow," she muttered. "You know how to charm a girl."
He smirked faintly. "Good thing I'm not trying to."
---
The event was hosted at the Knight Estate — a sprawling, historic building that looked more like a museum than a residence. Golden gates. A long driveway. Dozens of cars lined up already.
Photographers were stationed near the front, behind ropes, cameras ready.
As their car pulled in, flashes began before they even stepped out.
Sienna inhaled sharply.
Alexander opened the door, stepped out first, and turned back to offer his hand.
For a moment, she stared at it.
Then, slowly, she took it.
The moment she stood beside him, the world exploded in light.
"Mr. Knight! Over here!"
"Mrs. Knight, look this way!"
"Is it true you married in secret?"
"Will there be a honeymoon?"
The questions came from all directions, but Alexander didn't stop.
He just nodded, kept walking with that effortless confidence, and pulled her gently along with him.
She smiled. Thin. Controlled.
Fake.
Inside the estate, everything was brighter, louder, and richer. Chandeliers. Champagne. Gold details on everything from the tableware to the napkins.
Sienna felt eyes on her from all angles.
Women smiled politely. Men appraised quietly. Everyone pretended not to whisper.
Alexander leaned close and murmured, "You're doing fine."
She didn't answer.
Because she wasn't sure she believed it.
A waiter passed by with flutes of champagne. She took one without hesitation.
"Careful," Alexander said, arching a brow. "We don't want a drunk bride."
"Relax," she replied, taking a sip. "You're not that hard to stomach."
He chuckled. "Keep that up, and I might almost enjoy this."
---
An older man approached them — tall, with white hair, and a sharp suit. He had the same eyes as Alexander.
"Father," Alexander said, voice cool. "You remember Sienna."
The man didn't hide his judgment. "Of course. The girl who nearly tanked your IPO last year."
Sienna straightened her back. "Pleasure to see you again, Mr. Knight."
"I'm sure," he said dryly.
Alexander's grip on her waist tightened briefly. "She's family now."
"Temporary family," the older man said. Then smiled. "Let's not pretend otherwise."
Before she could reply, Alexander leaned in with a warning tone. "Enjoy the brunch, Father."
The older man walked away.
Sienna turned to him. "Your dad's a delight."
"Stay away from him," Alexander said. "He smells weakness."
"What do I smell like?"
"Regret," he said. "But you wear it well."
She shook her head. "I don't know how you do this. Smile. Lie. Pretend."
"I stopped pretending a long time ago."
---
They moved from guest to guest, face after face.
Every few minutes, someone would comment on how lovely she looked or how "unexpected" the marriage was. Some subtle, some not.
She smiled through it all.
But by the time they sat at the head table, her cheeks were starting to ache.
A woman in a red dress leaned across the table.
"I must say, I didn't see this coming, Alexander. Marriage? You've always been such a... bachelor."
"I make unexpected moves when necessary," he said coolly.
The woman looked at Sienna. "He's a handful, isn't he?"
"I manage," Sienna said smoothly. "I grew up handling disasters."
Alexander nearly choked on his drink. The woman laughed, clearly amused.
Sienna leaned back in her chair, oddly satisfied.
She didn't like this game — but she could play it.
---
The press conference came right after lunch.
A row of reporters lined up in the garden, cameras ready.
Alexander stepped up to the podium, hand extended to hers again.
She took it.
He spoke clearly. Smoothly. Controlled.
"I want to thank everyone for joining us today. As many of you know, I've recently married. While the decision may seem sudden, it was one made with intention."
He turned to her, giving the world that perfectly-timed smile.
"Sienna and I have known each other for a long time. Our paths haven't always been easy, but love rarely is. What matters is what we choose to build together."
The crowd clapped.
Sienna stared at him.
He was lying. Effortlessly.
Then it was her turn.
A reporter called out, "Mrs. Knight, how did he propose?"
Her mind blanked for a moment. Then, slowly, she smiled.
"He didn't," she said. "He told me to sign the contract and show up on time."
There was a beat of silence.
Then laughter.
More reporters shouted questions.
Alexander stepped in quickly. "My wife has a very dry sense of humor."
"Not really," Sienna added under her breath.
---
Back in the car, the silence returned.
But this time, it felt different.
Less angry. More... aware.
"You did well," Alexander finally said.
"I didn't do it for you."
"No," he said. "You did it for survival. Just like me."
She looked out the window. "Do you ever regret any of it?"
"Regret is a waste of time."
She didn't respond.
Because she did regret it. All of it.
But that didn't change the fact that this was her life now.
His name.
His rules.
His world.
And she had no choice but to survive it.