Damien gritted his teeth as he stepped out of his car, his father’s voice still ringing in his ears.
“You’re a disgrace, Damien. Running around like a common nobody instead of handling your responsibilities. You will marry who I tell you to marry, and you will not embarrass this family.”
The anger pulsed through him, hot and consuming. His father had spent his entire life trying to mold him into the perfect Lancaster heir, but Damien refused to be a puppet. He didn’t want the polished, obedient socialite his father had chosen for him. He wanted to live his life.
His grip tightened around his phone before shoving it into his pocket. He needed a distraction. Something—anything—to shake off the rage crawling beneath his skin.
Without thinking, he pushed open the door to a small diner. The bell above the entrance chimed, the scent of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon wrapping around him. He barely noticed.
Then his eyes landed on her.
Sienna.
The tension in his shoulders loosened as he watched her move behind the counter, completely unaware of his presence. She had her dark brown hair pulled into a messy ponytail, her uniform simple yet somehow still tempting. She looked nothing like the woman he had held in his arms last night, but the way she made his pulse quicken remained the same.
She turned, probably to grab something from the coffee station, when her gaze suddenly met his.
She froze.
Damien smirked.
Tasha, the waitress standing next to her, followed Sienna’s gaze and gasped. “Oh, this just got interesting.”
Sienna swallowed visibly, setting the coffee pot down with more force than necessary. “What are you doing here?”
Damien slid onto a stool at the counter, resting his elbows on the surface. “Having breakfast.”
“In this diner?” she asked, folding her arms.
He tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. “Is that a problem?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Yes.”
Tasha leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Sienna, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”
Damien glanced at her with mild amusement. “Damien Lancaster.”
Tasha’s jaw dropped. “Lancaster? As in the Lancaster family?”
Sienna kicked her under the counter. “Not important.”
Damien chuckled. “I like her.”
Sienna shot him an irritated look. “What do you really want, Damien?”
His smirk faded slightly, replaced with something unreadable. “To see you again.”
She shifted uncomfortably. “Why?”
Because you make me forget who I am. Because I don’t feel like my father’s puppet when I’m around you.
But he didn’t say that.
Instead, he shrugged. “Because I’m not done with you yet.”
Tasha let out a dramatic gasp, clutching her chest. “This is better than my favorite soap opera.”
Sienna ignored her. “Well, I’m done. It was one night.”
Damien leaned forward, his deep blue eyes locking onto hers. “You sure about that?”
She inhaled sharply, her grip tightening on the notepad in her hands.
He was pushing her, testing her resolve, and damn it, it was working.
Desperate to end the conversation before she melted under his gaze, she flipped open her notepad and forced her voice to stay steady. “What do you want to eat?”
Damien grinned, sensing her struggle. “Surprise me.”
Sienna turned on her heel, disappearing into the kitchen before he could get another word in.
Tasha smirked at Damien. “You love messing with her, don’t you?”
He leaned back, stretching out comfortably. “More than I should.”
Tasha whistled. “This is gonna be good.”
Damien chuckled, but his gaze remained on the spot where Sienna had disappeared.
Maybe today hadn’t started so badly after all.
Sienna hadn’t expected to see him again.The man from that reckless night—the stranger whose name she hadn’t even known until this moment—was now sitting in her diner, looking at her like he had been expecting her all along.Damien Lancaster.She barely had time to process it before he smirked, his gaze locked onto her as if he had all the time in the world.“Mint chocolate chip,” he murmured, his voice carrying over the low hum of the diner.Her stomach flipped. He remembered.Sienna’s grip tightened around the notepad in her hand. “So, you do know how to introduce yourself properly,” she said, trying to sound unaffected. “Would’ve been useful the first time.”Damien leaned back in the booth, the very picture of effortless confidence. “Would it have changed anything?”She flushed, knowing the answer was no. That night had been impulsive, wild—a break from reality she hadn’t allowed herself in years.But now, reality was here, and it was staring at her in the form of Damien Lancaster.
Sienna wasn’t sure how long she sat there, staring at Damien like he had grown two heads.Five million dollars.That was the price of marrying him.It was the kind of money that could erase every hardship she had ever known. The kind of money that could pull her out of the endless cycle of struggling, working late shifts at the diner, and worrying about bills.And all she had to do was put on a ring and pretend to love a man who—if she was being honest—was dangerously easy to want.Still, the words refused to leave her mouth.Damien was patient. Too patient. Like he already knew what her answer would be. Like he was waiting for her to accept what they both knew—she didn’t have a better option.Finally, she found her voice.“You’re out of your mind,” she muttered, shaking her head.His smirk widened slightly. “So I’ve been told.”“This is insane,” she continued. “You don’t even know me.”“I know enough,” Damien countered smoothly. “I know you’re independent, stubborn, and a hell of a l
Sienna sat stiffly on the leather couch in Damien’s penthouse, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The city skyline stretched behind her through floor-to-ceiling windows, glittering under the night sky, but she barely noticed. Across from her, Damien leaned against the sleek marble counter, a glass of whiskey in hand. He looked perfectly at ease, like he hadn’t just thrown a bomb into her life by proposing a marriage that wasn’t really a marriage. A contract. A deal. And yet, the weight of it settled on her shoulders like a burden she wasn’t sure she could carry. “You’re overthinking,” Damien said, watching her carefully. Sienna shot him a glare. “Excuse me if I don’t make life-altering decisions in five minutes.” His lips twitched in amusement, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he set down his glass, reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket, and pulled out a folder. Sienna stared at it warily. “What’s that?” “The contract.” Of course, he already had it pr
Sienna had expected luxury, but this? This was something else entirely. The penthouse wasn’t just expensive—it was ridiculous. Everything was sleek, modern, and massive. The open floor plan stretched endlessly, floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline, while the marble floors gleamed under soft lighting. Her entire apartment could fit into Damien’s living room. Hell, her entire building could probably fit in here. She tried not to look impressed as she stood just inside the doorway, gripping the strap of her bag. “Welcome home,” Damien said, strolling inside like this was completely normal. Sienna arched a brow. “You say that like I have a choice.” “You did have a choice,” he reminded her, shrugging off his watch and setting it on the entry table. “And you signed a contract, remember?” She muttered something under her breath. Damien chuckled as he walked toward the bar in the corner of the room, pouring himself a drink. “Relax, sweetheart. I don’t bite.” Sienna
The tension in the dining room was suffocating. Sienna could feel the weight of Victoria Lancaster’s glare like a knife pressed to her throat. Damien’s mother sat regally at the head of the table, her pristine white dress untouched by a single wrinkle, as if even her clothing refused to betray weakness. Alexander Lancaster, Damien’s father, was just as unreadable. His expression remained cold, his presence commanding—like a king surveying an unworthy subject. Isabelle, Damien’s younger sister, leaned against the table with an amused smirk, clearly entertained by the entire show. And Damien? Damien was too relaxed, twirling the stem of his wine glass between his fingers, watching the exchange as if it were a game. But Sienna wasn’t playing. Not today. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m not asking for acceptance.” Victoria’s expression didn’t change, but Sienna didn’t miss the slight tensing of her jaw. Isabelle’s smirk widened. Damien chuckled under his breath.
Sienna wasn’t sure when it started. That feeling. That strange, unsettling awareness of Damien Lancaster. It wasn’t just about the deal anymore. It wasn’t just about pretending. Because when she woke up in his penthouse the morning after meeting his family, her first thought wasn’t about the money, or the contract, or even his mother’s judgmental glare. It was about him. And that? That was dangerous. — She found Damien in the kitchen, dressed casually in a white t-shirt and dark sweatpants, hair slightly tousled. It was unfair how good he looked. He glanced up as she entered. “Morning, Mrs. Lancaster,” he greeted, sipping his coffee. Sienna rolled her eyes, grabbing a mug from the cabinet. “Still not used to hearing that.” “You better get used to it,” he smirked. “You’ve got a whole year left.” A year. Right. She tried to ignore the way her stomach twisted at the thought. They sat in comfortable silence, the smell of coffee filling the space. For a moment, it felt
Sienna had survived her first meeting with the Lancaster family. Barely. Victoria’s sharp tongue, Alexander’s cold disapproval, and Celeste’s barely contained amusement had all been exhausting. But now? Now, she was walking into something even worse. A high-society gala. Damien had barely given her any warning before dropping the bomb that they were expected to attend one of the most exclusive events of the year. And she? She had no idea how to survive it. — The dress arrived at the penthouse that afternoon. A deep red, floor-length gown with an open back and a slit that climbed up her thigh. Sienna stared at it. Then at the designer heels. Then at the absurdly expensive jewelry. “This is too much,” she muttered. Damien leaned against the doorway, watching her. “It’s what’s expected.” She turned to him, crossing her arms. “You mean this world expects me to dress like a trophy wife?” His lips curled. “You are my wife.” “For a year,” she shot back. “Let’s not forget t
Sienna had never felt so watched in her life. The entire night, eyes had followed her. Some curious. Some judging. And some? Some were waiting. Waiting for her to fail. For a crack in the fairytale. For proof that she was exactly what they thought she was. A nobody. A gold digger. A temporary inconvenience. And Sienna? She refused to give them the satisfaction. — She sat at the bar, swirling the champagne in her glass, forcing herself to breathe. Damien had been dragged away by business associates, leaving her alone to navigate the world she didn’t belong in. She hated this. Hated feeling like an outsider. Like a fraud. Like she had a countdown ticking over her head. And she could feel them watching. Waiting. But she wasn’t going to break. Not now. Not ever. — A voice pulled her from her thoughts. “I have to admit, I was curious to meet you.” Sienna turned— And came face-to-face with a man who oozed power. He was older, mid-forties, with sharp features a
Appreciation MessageFirst and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey while writing Married to the Heir. This novel is not just a story about love and betrayal, but one of strength, resilience, and growth.To my readers, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your feedback, encouragement, and connection to the characters kept me inspired and motivated throughout this process. Your emotional investment in Sienna and Damien’s journey made every chapter more meaningful.To those who believed in me from the beginning, especially during moments of doubt, your support has been invaluable. Writing this novel has been a journey of creativity and self-discovery, and I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement.I also want to extend my appreciation to platforms like GoodNovel for providing writers like me with the opportunity to share stories that touch hearts and inspire others.A Lesson to Be Learned from Married to
Time passed swiftly, and their daughter, Sophia Lancaster, became the light of Damien and Sienna’s world.With her father’s dark hair and her mother’s warm eyes, Sophia was a perfect blend of the two people who had fought against all odds to give her a life free from the shadows of the Lancaster name.But as Damien held her tiny hand and watched her giggle in her crib, he realized something profound—she was the true heir. Not to the Lancaster empire, but to the love and strength they had built together.Embracing FatherhoodFatherhood transformed Damien in ways he hadn’t expected.He was no longer the cold, calculated businessman who once believed love was a weakness.Every time Sophia wrapped her little fingers around his, every time she giggled at his attempts to make silly faces, Damien felt something he had never experienced growing up—pure, unconditional love.Sienna often teased him for being overprotective.“Damien, she’s crawling, not running a marathon,” Sienna laughed as Dam
The arrival of their daughter had transformed Damien and Sienna’s world in ways they never imagined.The once cold and calculated heir to the Lancaster fortune was now a devoted father, and Sienna—who had fought through betrayal and humiliation—had finally found the family she’d always longed for.In the quiet moments between late-night feedings and soft lullabies, Damien and Sienna realized that this was the life they had fought so hard to protect.This was their true legacy.Adjusting to ParenthoodThe first few weeks were a whirlwind of sleepless nights and learning curves.Sienna, though overwhelmed with love for her daughter, found herself struggling with the exhaustion that came with being a new mother.One night, as she rocked the baby to sleep in the nursery, tears slipped down her cheeks.Damien found her there, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight.“Sienna,” he murmured, stepping into the room. “What’s wrong?”She wiped her tears quickly. “I’m just… scared.
The world around Damien and Sienna had changed.No longer bound by the ruthless grip of Richard Lancaster, they had built their own empire from the ashes of betrayal and manipulation. Monroe & Lancaster Developments thrived internationally, Isabelle had found her own path in fashion, and the toxic legacy of the Lancaster name was slowly fading.But now, Damien and Sienna were preparing for something far more meaningful—a future that would redefine what family meant.They were expecting their first child.The Moment Everything ChangedSienna had suspected for days. The fatigue, the dizziness, and her sudden aversion to coffee had been clues she couldn’t ignore.But as she sat in the bathroom, staring at the pregnancy test in her trembling hands, reality hit her like a tidal wave.Two pink lines.Her heart pounded as emotions flooded through her—excitement, fear, and overwhelming joy.When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Damien pacing in the bedroom, anxiety etched on his fac
The Lancaster name had once been a prison for Damien, a legacy that bound him to cold expectations and ruthless ambition. But with Sienna by his side, he had shattered those chains.Now, with the weight of the past lifting, Damien was ready to focus on something far more meaningful: the future they were building together.A New Chapter BeginsDamien woke to the soft morning light streaming through the curtains of their penthouse bedroom. Sienna lay beside him, her head resting on his chest, her breathing slow and steady.In this moment, there was no chaos, no scheming from Richard, no media storms.Just peace.Damien brushed a strand of hair from Sienna’s face and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Good morning,” she murmured with a sleepy smile.“Good morning, Mrs. Lancaster.” Damien smirked.Sienna groaned playfully. “You love calling me that, don’t you?”“Absolutely.” He leaned down, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss.Strengthenin
The wedding had been perfect.Damien and Sienna had renewed their vows, free from the chains of the Lancaster name and the chaos that had once surrounded them. Yet, as the days passed and life slowly settled, Damien couldn’t ignore the weight that still lingered deep within him.There were wounds that no public victory or romantic gesture could heal.Wounds from a childhood filled with coldness, rejection, and the relentless pressure to become the heir Richard Lancaster had molded him to be.If Damien wanted to fully embrace the future he was building with Sienna, he knew he had to confront the past that still haunted him.The Weight of the PastIt was late at night when Sienna found Damien sitting alone on the balcony, staring out at the city lights.She quietly approached, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind. “Can’t sleep?”Damien sighed, leaning into her touch. “I keep thinking… about everything. My father. The way I was raised. The things I buried for years just to
The world had seen their rushed marriage, forged in chaos and necessity. But this time, Damien and Sienna would celebrate their love on their own terms—with no secrets, no fear, and no interference from the Lancaster name.It was about love. Pure, undeniable love.The Venue: A New BeginningNestled on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, the private villa they had chosen for their vow renewal was breathtaking. The golden sunlight reflected off the waves, and a gentle breeze rustled through the white roses and greenery that decorated the ceremony arch.Every detail was intentional.This wasn’t about impressing the elite or making headlines. It was about them—Damien and Sienna—finally sealing their love in front of those who mattered most.The Guest List: Only Those Who Truly BelongedIsabelle stood proudly as Sienna’s maid of honor, having grown closer to her since the night Sienna saved her life.Aria, Sienna’s best friend, was there as well, along with a handful of Damien’s loyal busine
The tension of the past months had finally lifted. The Lancaster name was behind them, and Damien and Sienna had built something truly theirs—an empire founded on love, trust, and resilience.Yet, one thing remained unfinished.Damien had married Sienna out of necessity to protect her from the threats of his family. But that marriage had been rushed, with no romance, no moment that reflected how deeply he loved her.And tonight, he was going to change that.The Perfect PlanFor days, Damien had been planning the proposal. He wanted something intimate, something that reflected who they had become as a couple—two souls who had fought against the odds and emerged stronger.He chose the rooftop of their penthouse, the place where they had shared countless quiet moments and built dreams of their future.With the help of Aria and Isabelle, Damien transformed the space into something magical. Fairy lights twinkled above, casting a warm glow over the soft white blankets and cushions scattered
Damien Lancaster had spent his entire life living under the shadow of his father, Richard Lancaster—the man who built an empire with ruthless ambition and demanded loyalty at all costs.But those days were over.Damien was done bowing to a man who had tried to destroy the woman he loved.Tonight, he would face Richard once and for all.The Walk into DarknessThe Lancaster estate was eerily quiet as Damien and Sienna walked up the grand marble staircase leading to Richard’s study. The heavy wooden doors loomed before them, holding years of fear, manipulation, and control behind them.Sienna squeezed Damien’s hand. “You don’t have to do this alone.”Damien turned to her, his eyes filled with determination. “I know. But this… this is something I should’ve done a long time ago.”With that, he pushed the doors open and stepped inside.Face to FaceRichard stood by the massive fireplace, a glass of whiskey in hand. His expression was calm, almost amused, as if he’d been expecting this momen