I've been married to billionaire CEO Christopher Hayes for two years, and only now does my ex, Benjamin Clarke, decide to propose.

The rumble of engines echoes as a fleet of black trucks lines up neatly outside my private estate. The drivers unload box after box of gifts—luxury watches, fine jewelry, couture gowns, and even a grand piano.

Standing proudly among the shower of rose petals, he announces, "Sienna, I told you—the only reason I had a child with my sister-in-law was because my older brother died in an accident, and she wanted to keep our family's bloodline alive.

"The baby just turned a month old. I've fulfilled my promise to her, and now I've come to marry you!"

I lounge in the heated pool, having just finished my postpartum recovery exercises, and I can't even be bothered to look at him.

He knits his brows, and his tone turns patronizing. "I know you're upset, but you're the heiress of the Grant family; you have everything you could ever want! Why can't you show a little compassion for a widow who just lost her husband?

"I know it was selfish of me to make you wait for two years, but I'm back now! Our wedding will be held in three days. I can tell you still care about me. If not, why would you greet me in such a revealing bikini?"

His overconfidence makes me chuckle. "Guards, get him out of here! I'm trying to swim here."

What a joke. I've just welcomed the heir of Hayes Group into the world, and Christopher has been insisting that I take our baby home to visit my parents. Yet, somehow, I end up running into this idiot.

Benjamin Clarke leaned against the door of his limited-edition Aston Martin like he owned the whole street. He took off his sunglasses, revealing sharp brows, deep-set eyes, and a mocking little smile.

"I get it," he drawled. "You're playing hard to get. You've got your pride, and I've got the patience to wait it out. I know you lash out at anyone who gets too close, but you'd never let yourself lose.

"Unlike you, Olivia's gentle and kind. Even when someone picks on her, she just cries in secret. She needs someone to protect her." His tone dripped with a pretentious tenderness that made my stomach churn.

"Sienna, even if I marry you, that doesn't mean you can use my love as an excuse to pick on her. Olivia will always hold the same place in my heart as you."

Two years ago, those words would have crushed me. Yet, I found them unbearably dull now.

"Benjamin, what makes you think I've been waiting for you all this time?" I asked calmly.

His expression stiffened.

"Did it ever occur to you that I might already belong to someone else?"

Benjamin stared at me for a second before bursting out in laughter, as if I'd just cracked the world's funniest joke. "As if that would happen! We've been engaged since we were kids. The whole city knows you're mine. Who'd dare touch my woman?"

He closed in on me and caressed my cheek affectionately, invading my personal space. "Let's be honest, you're gorgeous, but your temper's awful. Who else could ever put up with you besides me?"

"This is the real Benjamin—a narcissistic wolf in sheep's clothing," I sneered inwardly.

"Sienna, I may have been traveling with Olivia, but I still keep up with the business world," he continued. "Your family's business has been going downhill over the past two years. No one wants to marry you now.

"Plus, you're already 25. What are you going to do if you don't marry me? Save yourself for the grave?"

I plastered a smile on my face. In his eyes, I was still that useless little girl.

We'd grown up together and were childhood sweethearts for as long as I could remember.

At our college graduation, he'd proposed to me in public, turning our love story into a fairytale everyone envied. However, the night before our wedding, he'd gone behind my back and gotten his late brother's widow pregnant.

When I'd confronted him, he hadn't even tried to deny it. In fact, he'd said self-righteously, "My brother's gone, and Olivia's heartbroken; she wants a child to remember him by. Give me two years, Sienna. Once the baby's born, I'll marry you!"

My heart had gone cold when I heard that. Right then and there, I had thrown my engagement ring into the trash and blocked him on every social platform.

That same year, Hayes Group had hosted a grand business gala where the nation's elites drank champagne and made deals. I'd been cornered by two socialites who mocked me in public for losing my fiance, Benjamin, to his sister-in-law.

That was when Christopher Hayes, heir to Hayes Group, had walked into my life. He had placed a firm hand on my lower back and swept his sharp gaze across the hall. "Sienna's my fiancee, and anyone who disrespects her disrespects me!"

No one had dared to look me in the eye, let alone insult me again.

Then, he'd led me to the empty terrace and asked me to give him a chance to make his lie a reality. I'd said yes.

Benjamin's voice snapped me back to reality. "In any case, even though you've blocked me for two years, I know you were just mad at me."

He pointed at the white cat that was rubbing its head against my leg. "I bought that for you the year we got engaged. If you really wanted to cut ties with me, you'd have gotten rid of it ages ago. But you didn't; you've taken good care of it.

"I know you're still in love with me, Sienna. You've been waiting for me all this time."

I'd almost laughed at how confident he looked. I had barely been home since I married Christopher two years ago. My parents had been taking care of that cat.

Besides, it was such a sweet creature. How could I possibly take out my anger over a failed relationship on an innocent life?

He mistook my silence for surrender and smirked. "Don't worry. Three days from now, I'll throw you the grandest wedding this city has ever seen!"

I couldn't be bothered to waste my breath on him. I grabbed the garden hose by the pool, turned the nozzle, and sprayed him full force. "Get out of my face, Benjamin!"

He was drenched from head to toe. His hair clung to his forehead, and his bespoke suit was ruined, yet he was still all smiles. "That's my girl. You're still as fiery as you were two years ago. I know you still have feelings for me!"

He spread his arms, as if he was soaking in the moment. "I promise I'll never betray you, Sienna. You and Olivia are the two most important women in my life!"

Benjamin strutted off, convinced he'd already won.

I tossed the hose aside and rolled my eyes. No wonder his older brother died young. With someone like Benjamin in the family, even God Himself probably ran out of patience.

"James," I called over my shoulder to the butler, James Mercer. "Take note of all the gifts Benjamin sent and donate them to Hayes Group's charity foundation."

I paused before adding coldly, "And if he dares to come asking for them back, remind him what happens to people who harass Hayes Group's CEO's wife."

I then erased his existence from my mind.

I genuinely thought our paths would never cross again. Boy, was I wrong.

…

That evening, the marble floors of the private club gleamed under the golden lights, and soft jazz floated through the air. I was there for one reason: to taste the newly imported wine.

The moment I stepped into the lobby, a familiar derisive chuckle drifted down from the second floor. "So, you came after all."

Benjamin leaned against the railing like some spoiled prince while grinning. "To be honest, you seriously do not have to follow me around. I keep my promises. I said I'd marry you in three days, and I will."

Ignoring him, I walked straight toward the private room I had reserved.

He hurried down the stairs and stopped right in front of me. "Stop acting like a spoiled child, Sienna. I know your father's company is almost bankrupt, and you're strapped for cash.

"A glass of juice here probably costs more than your monthly allowance. You seriously do not have to embarrass yourself just to impress me."

I drew in a long breath. This man was exhausting.

It was true that my father's company had fallen on hard times, yet as Christopher's wife, I had more than enough assets to buy ten of these clubs. Besides, when I came home, he had given me a black card with no limit.

I took a deep breath and gritted out, "Did you lose your job or something? Is that why you're following me around like a stray puppy?"

He was caught off guard for a second. Then, he sneered, "Drop the act. Didn't you come here just to see me? Why are you acting all high and mighty now that you've found me?

"Come on. Let's go to the private room I reserved. Olivia's there too. You two should learn to get along. We're about to be one big family, after all."

As soon as his words rang out, Olivia sauntered over and wrapped her arm around Benjamin's. "Darling, is this Sienna?"

She sized me up. A flicker of envy and spite flashed in her eyes. "Now I understand why Benjamin couldn't get over you. You're beautiful. However, beauty alone won't keep a man."

Olivia tilted her chin and said condescendingly, "We'll be family soon. I can teach you how to keep a man. You really should learn to control your temper; men don't like difficult women."

I narrowed my eyes and studied her. She had radiant skin, bright eyes, and perfect posture. She didn't look like she was sad about her husband's passing.

"You want to teach me?" I asked quietly.

Olivia beamed, clearly pleased with herself. "Are you worried I'm better than you? I'm not spoiled like a certain someone. I know how to love a man." Right after saying that, she cast Benjamin an affectionate look.

I almost laughed out loud at her sheer audacity. "Clearly, no one's ever taught you when to keep your mouth shut."

I glanced at the woman behind me. She was Naomi Thompson, my personal bodyguard arranged by Christopher. She was trained in combat and once known for disarming a knife-wielding attacker with nothing but a corkscrew.

"Naomi, slap her and teach her some manners," I ordered. Naomi stepped forward without the slightest hesitation.

"Don't you dare touch her, Sienna!" Benjamin immediately stepped in front of Olivia. He stared at me in disbelief. "She's the mother of the heir of Clarke Group! How dare you lay a hand on her?"

I met his glare head-on. "Why can't I? I have nothing to fear."

Benjamin froze. Multiple emotions flashed across his face. "You always got into trouble as a kid, Sienna. Do you remember how you swung your backpack to protect that kid who was being bullied and accidentally hit the heir of Hayes Group back in school? I stepped in to cover for you.

"But we're adults now. I can't keep cleaning up your messes. If you dare lay a hand on Olivia today, you'd dare to cross that cold, ruthless man tomorrow. If you actually caused a scandal, your family would be finished!"

I couldn't believe how he had the nerve to look so proud of himself. He looked as if I should be thanking him. I almost snorted.

After marrying Christopher, I learned that he'd never blamed me for that incident. In fact, he'd admired the way I stood up for the weak.

Benjamin was the one who had thrown himself into that mess, attempting to play the hero. Thanks to him, I missed the chance to befriend Christopher back then.

With that thought in mind, my patience snapped. "I'll say this one last time, Benjamin. I came here tonight for the wine, not for you. Also, stop mentioning our wedding; we'll never have one."

His expression hardened. He narrowed his eyes like he wanted to see through me. "I'm not in the mood for your games, Sienna."

Right then, Olivia smiled sweetly. "Calm down, Benjamin. Sienna's just throwing a tantrum. It's my fault. I forgot to prepare a gift for our first meeting," she said softly while rubbing his arm.

With that, she took off her gold earrings and held them out to me. They were old and worn, with visible scratches on the surface. "Benjamin gave me these. They are made of pure gold and are extremely expensive. They're a little outdated for me, but they'd suit you.

"Go on, take them! Don't be shy. I have plenty of jewelry. Once you marry Benjamin, you can come to my room and pick whatever you like!"

I watched her pitiful performance with a cold expression.

Benjamin scowled and ordered, "Hurry up and take them. It's a kind gesture from Olivia. Your family could use a little help maintaining appearances. Those plastic earrings you're wearing are embarrassing."

Plastic? I touched my earrings.

These weren't made of plastic; these were made of rare starlight sapphires, mined exclusively from Hayes Group's private reserves. Christopher had hand-engraved our names on the back of each priceless gem.

My husband's thoughtful gift was nothing more than cheap plastic in Benjamin's ignorant eyes. I sighed, losing all interest in the wine. I turned to leave.

"Stop right there!" Benjamin snapped, furious at being ignored. Then, he yanked the earrings right off my ears.

Excruciating pain shot through me.

"Get rid of that junk on your ears!" he demanded. "Olivia, put yours on her instead!"

"Give them back!" I yelled, reaching out to snatch the sapphire earrings in his hand. If Christopher found out I'd lost the earrings he gave me, I knew he'd make sure I couldn't get out of bed for the next three days.

My desperation only fueled Benjamin's anger. He dropped the sapphire earrings onto the marble floor and ground them beneath his heel.

For a moment, Christopher's flushed face flashed through my mind. I was about to crouch down to pick up the scattered gems when a hand clamped around my wrist like a steel vise. It was Benjamin's.

His eyes were dark and menacing. "So this thing matters that much to you, huh? Tell me, which bastard gave it to you?"

Before I could answer, Olivia gently tugged at his sleeve. "I'm sure Sienna isn't such a promiscuous woman, Benjamin. Perhaps she bought it herself?"

She deliberately raised her voice so that everyone around us could hear her every word.

"Did you hear that? Benjamin, the CEO of Clarke Group, caught his fiancee cheating."

"He tried to reason with her, but she didn't even care. How shameless!"

"If my wife ever did something like that, I'd cut her off right away!"

Olivia clicked her tongue sympathetically and pretended to be concerned. However, her voice rose an octave. "You should explain yourself, Sienna! People will think you're a slut if you sleep around before you're married. Even if Benjamin loves you, his family will never accept you!"

Benjamin tightened his grip on my wrist. He stared at me, waiting for me to say what he wanted to hear.

I looked up and met his gaze calmly. "It was a gift from my husband."

The hall went completely silent. For three long seconds, no one made a sound. Then, Benjamin let out a low, mirthless chuckle.

"Your… what?" He flung my hand away. His voice was trembling. "Your husband? When did I ever give you this piece of trash?"

"You're right," I said softly. "You didn't."

His eyes widened. "Then whose filthy hands touched you? Who is he?"

Just then, Naomi ran over. She was clutching the cracked sapphire earrings in her hands, and she was almost in tears. "Mrs. Hayes…"

I looked up and shot her a look, stopping her before she could say another word. Before returning to the country, Christopher had specifically told me to keep my identity a secret. It was to avoid giving those shameless reporters something to write about and disturbing my family and friends.

Naomi immediately corrected herself. "What do we do, Ms. Grant? If your husband finds out, he'll definitely blame me!"

I glanced at Benjamin and shrugged. "Blame you? No way. Didn't this guy here say he'd protect me?"

Benjamin snatched the earrings and, this time, noticed the name engraved on them. "Pebble."

"Pebble?" He was caught off guard. Then, he burst into laughter. "Is that the pet name you gave your mysterious lover? What is he, a nobody? A stray from the slums? A man who digs ditches by day and warms your bed at night?"

He closed in on me and continued, "It's alright. You don't have to tell me. By tomorrow at the latest, I'll find him, break his hands, and drive him out of town!"

I tilted my head and smiled. "You talk a big game, Mr. Clarke. Why don't you say that to my husband's face?"

The anger blazing in his eyes looked like it could swallow me whole. "Don't test me. In this city, I can crush the lowlife who seduced my fiancee like an ant!"

I arched my brow. "I'll look forward to it then."

All of a sudden, his chest heaved, and his pupils contracted as he asked in a low voice, "Did you sleep with him?"

I nodded. "Of course." After all, we even had a child together.

He staggered as if I had slapped him. For a second, he looked lost. Then, his face flushed crimson and paled in the end. "Y-You shameless wench! You couldn't even wait for me for two years? It was just two years! Were you that lonely?"

Olivia hurried over, pretending to comfort him. "Benjamin, I'm sure Sienna must have her reasons—"

"Bullshit!" he snapped. "A woman as shameless as her deserves to die!"

He wiped his face and tried to salvage his bruised pride. "I'll have my private physician give you a thorough examination later. From now on, if you ever see that man again, I'll lock you up!"

He took a few steps back. His voice was hoarse and bitter. "Do you think, just because I love you, you can walk all over me? Fine, you win! Let's call this your payback for the two years I wasn't there for you… We're even now."

He looked up with tears brimming in his eyes and announced hoarsely, "Our grand wedding in three days is canceled. We'll just sign the papers in a small chapel. That's all you deserve!"

I stared at him for a moment and chuckled. So, this was his idea of revenge. He was going to strip me of my dignity, hide me away like some shameful secret, and force me to marry him.

He didn't want a wife. He wanted a puppet.

Olivia trailed after him, but before leaving, she turned around and flashed me a triumphant smile. "You've completely broken his heart, Sienna. From now on, don't expect him to ever love you again!"

However, when the two of them reached the entrance, Benjamin stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder. "Pack a bottle of the red wine Ms. Grant likes. Make sure it's from the finest vineyard and the first harvest of the season."

His voice was ice cold, but when his gaze landed on me, there was a burning obsession in it. With that, he left.

The triumphant smile on Olivia's face stiffened. She shot daggers at me before hurrying after him.

…

Benjamin's private physician was already waiting for me when I arrived home. As I wasn't around, he had started bossing James around. "Mr. Clarke said, since Ms. Grant has no shame, he wants her to return all the gifts he sent—"

Before he could finish, two black-clad bodyguards appeared silently behind him. One of them grabbed his arm like a vise, causing the physician to scream. Ignoring his cries and struggles, they dragged him to the entrance and threw him out like he was a piece of trash.

The physician ran back to Benjamin in tears, claiming that I was violent, rude, and unfit to be his wife.

Benjamin paced back and forth across the room in anger. After a long while, he gritted out, "Let her be for a few more days. Once she becomes my wife, I'll make sure she learns who her master is and what true obedience entails!"

But, of course, things didn't go the way he planned.

The very next morning, Christopher's chief assistant showed up at my doorstep, flanked by a group of imposing bodyguards. "Mr. Hayes asked me to bring you home right away, Mrs. Hayes. He said he misses you and the baby."

…

Two days later, Benjamin's estate on the outskirts of the city was filled with guests. The lush lawn was decorated with white silk and fresh flowers. It was a scene straight out of a dream. Even though he had claimed it would be a small, quiet ceremony, he'd secretly prepared a wedding fit for royalty.

Time ticked by, but the bride never showed. The guests' whispers eventually turned into open chatter.

Benjamin pulled out his phone and called me time and time again, yet his calls went straight to voicemail. He was about to flip and rush out to find me when a news alert popped up on his screen.

He cursed under his breath and opened it. Then, he froze.

"Breaking News! Christopher Hayes' Mysterious Wife Turns Out to Be the Heiress of the Grant Family, Sienna Grant!" Benjamin stared at his phone, dumbfounded.