Chapter 5

“You’re serious about this,” I said, staring at the stack of papers Max had placed on the table between us. “You want me to marry you?”

Max leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but unwavering. “I don’t play games, Sienna. This is a business arrangement. You sign the papers, follow the terms, and we both get what we want.”

“And if I refuse?”

He smirked. “Then you’ll find yourself back in that cockroach-infested apartment with no money and a child on the way.”

I bristled at his tone but kept my voice steady. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I won’t stay in the same house as you.”

“That’s non-negotiable.” Max’s reply was immediate. “You’ll live with me. If we’re going to convince the world this marriage is real, you have to be in my home. End of discussion.”

I folded my arms. “You think you can control every part of my life, don’t you?”

“No, Sienna. I know I can.”

Before I could argue further, Max’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then gestured to the butler standing by the door. “Call the lawyer. Tell him to bring the contract now.”

I stared at him, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. “You had this planned all along, didn’t you?”

Max met my gaze, his green eyes cold and unflinching. “I always plan ahead. It’s how I’ve survived.”

Minutes later, a sharply dressed man entered the room, briefcase in hand. He placed the contract on the table and slid it toward me.

“Take your time to read through it,” Max said, leaning back in his chair. “But I suggest you don’t keep me waiting.”

I skimmed the document, noting the clauses Max had outlined. A one-year marriage. Sole custody of the child to Max after the term. Assistance in reviving my career. And, of course, revenge against my family.

“This is... thorough,” I muttered, setting the papers down.

Max didn’t respond. He just handed me a pen.

With a deep breath, I signed my name at the bottom. Max took the pen, signed beside me, and handed the contract back to the lawyer. “It’s done.”

The next few days felt surreal. Suddenly, I had everything I’d lost—and more. A wardrobe full of designer clothes appeared in the guest room Max had reluctantly allowed me to stay in. A team of stylists arrived to prepare me for press interviews and photoshoots. It was overwhelming.

But the wedding was the real whirlwind.

“You want me to do what?” I stared at Max in disbelief as he leaned casually against the kitchen counter.

“I’m announcing the wedding,” he said simply. “The press will be there. Everyone important will be there.”

“Everyone?” My stomach turned at the thought. “Including my family?”

“They’ll be there,” Max confirmed. “I made sure of it.”

I clenched my fists. “Why would you invite them?”

“They need to see that you’re not someone they can trample on anymore,” Max said, his voice calm but firm. “You’re my wife now. That means something.”

I opened my mouth to argue but stopped. Maybe he was right. Maybe seeing me on Max’s arm would finally shut them up.

“What’s the guest list like?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“Everyone who’s anyone,” Max replied. “Including your ex-husband. He’s very eager to attend.”

My heart sank. Ethan. The thought of seeing him and Edwina made my stomach churn, but I refused to show weakness. “Fine. Let them come.”

***

The day of the wedding arrived faster than I’d expected. The venue was a grand estate, its sprawling gardens filled with flowers and fountains. Journalists lined the gates, cameras flashing as the guests arrived.

I peeked out the window of the bridal suite, my heart pounding. The crowd was massive, and the noise from the reporters was deafening.

“Sienna,” a stylist said, stepping into the room. “It’s time to get ready.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. This wasn’t the wedding I’d imagined for myself, but it was the one I had.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Max was the picture of confidence. He mingled with the guests, shaking hands and making small talk. My family, of course, was among them.

“Maxwell, it’s such an honor to be here,” my father said, his tone dripping with false sincerity.

“The honor is mine, Mr. Brooks,” Max replied smoothly, though the slight twitch of his jaw suggested otherwise.

Edwina, standing beside Ethan, smiled coyly. “You’ve outdone yourself, Max. This is... extravagant.”

Max didn’t bother to respond, his gaze scanning the crowd. “If you’ll excuse me.”

As he walked away, he overheard Ethan whisper to Edwina, “I wonder who the bride is. He’s been so secretive.”

“I’m sure it’s someone from high society,” Edwina replied, her voice tinged with jealousy. “It couldn’t possibly be some—”

The sound of a microphone interrupted her. Max had stepped onto the stage, his expression unreadable as he addressed the crowd.

“Thank you all for coming,” he began, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the guests. “As many of you know, I’ve kept my personal life private. But today, I’m proud to share a new chapter of my life with all of you.”

The crowd buzzed with anticipation. My family exchanged curious glances, clearly wondering who the mystery bride could be.

“And now,” Max continued, gesturing toward the entrance. “Allow me to introduce my bride.”

The doors swung open, and I stepped through, my heart pounding as all eyes turned toward me. The whispers started immediately.

“Is that...?”

“It can’t be...”

Edwina’s face turned pale, and Ethan’s jaw dropped. My parents stood frozen, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.

I walked down the aisle, my gaze fixed on Max. His expression softened, just slightly, as I reached his side.

He extended his hand, and I took it, forcing myself to stand tall despite the weight of the stares around me.

Max leaned toward the microphone, his voice calm and confident. “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mrs. Sienna Hollandale.”

The room erupted into chaos—gasps, whispers, and even a few exclamations. But all I could focus on was the steady grip of Max’s hand in mine.

This was just the beginning.