Mount Nelson was a 5-star luxury hotel. They were led to a massive hall, and if you walked outside, you would find yourself by a pool. It was mesmerising and filled with people dressed to the theme. As they walked past, everyone stared at the stunning woman that held the billionaire’s hand. All eyes were on Sienna. 

“Uh, so this must be the lovely fiancé.” Ryan Hoffman cheered and walked over to greet the couple. “You didn’t tell me she was so beautiful, Declan.” He said with a sly smile which made Sienna tense up. 

“Sienna, this is my business partner, Ryan,” Declan explained.

“Please, more like best friends. Hello sweetheart.” He bowed and placed a kiss on Sienna’s hand.

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr Hoffman.” Sienna politely replied. 

“How’s the pregnancy?” Ryan asked and placed his hand on Sienna’s stomach, which gave her a fright. She stepped back, and Declan shoved Ryan’s hand away.

“Touch her again, and I will kill you.” The billionaire hissed.

“Tisk tisk. So, protective. Maybe we can have a chat later, sweetheart, when the dragon isn’t around.” He laughed then walked off. 

“Your business partner is….” Sienna started to say.

“A dick.” Declan interrupted. 

“I was going to say strange.” 

“I think my description is more accurate.” Declan smiled.

“Thank you for the necklace,” Sienna added and stared into his eyes. 

“It suits you.” He nodded and introduced her to more people. Music softly played as people socialised, and Aaron kept his eyes open for any suspicious behaviour. He spotted Kian across the room and decided to go greet him.

“Aaron, hello.” Kian smiled and shook his hand. “You clean up nicely.” He added and scanned over Aaron’s body. 

“Thanks, man. Do events like this ever get fun?” Aaron asked.

“Not really. There’s a lot of business talk, some dancing and drama. I stay for the drama, to be honest.” He laughed, and Aaron found himself thinking that Kian had a cute laugh.

“Do you have any idea who Ryan Hoffman is?” 

“Uhm, he’s wearing a pink suit. Kind of difficult to miss. I have to introduce myself tonight, but first, I need more alcohol.” Kian replied and grabbed a drink from a waiter that walked past. 

“Are you nervous about speaking to him?” 

“Yeah, I don’t want to say something wrong and be fired.” 

“You will be fine.” Aaron laughed and looked around for the billionaire and the waitress.

Sienna smiled and politely spoke to a few people. Declan discussed business with the people he greeted, so she just had to stand there and listen. A waitress walked over with a tray of drinks.

“Would you like a drink, miss?” The waitress offered. 

“Oh, thank you.” Sienna smiled and was about to take a drink when Declan grabbed her hand. 

“She’s pregnant! What the fuck do you think you’re doing by serving my fiancé alcohol?” Declan thundered. The poor waitress jumped from his harsh voice and spilt the drinks.

“Sorry, Mr Foster. I did not know. I’ll get her a proper drink.” The waitress trembled and hurried off. 

“That was rude, Declan. How was she supposed to know I am pregnant?” Sienna questioned.

“Why were you taking the drink in the first place? You do not drink while carrying my child.” He snapped.

“I didn’t know it had alcohol. Stop saying it’s your child! This baby is ours!” Sienna yelled and stormed off. Everyone around them fell silent during the argument and mumbled between themselves. 

“Fuck off all of you!” He shouted, then also stormed off. 

Sienna walked outside, and the waitress from before ran after her with a glass of fruit juice. 

“I’m so sorry for Declan’s actions. Thank you for the drink.” Sienna apologised.

“It’s okay, Mrs Foster. I should have known.” The waitress remarked then left her alone.

Sienna found a bench by the pool and noticed Aaron followed after her. He turned his hand upside down to ask whether she was alright. Sienna nodded and held up her hand to stop him when he started walking towards her. She just wanted to be alone. Aaron got the message and nodded. He then walked away and stood somewhere where he could still see her but was out of her view. 

Sienna looked up at the beautiful night sky and watched the people around her. The lights danced on the water of the pool, and the atmosphere would have been pretty romantic if not for her irritable mood. She decided to stop sulking because the billionaire got upset and tried to mingle with the people there. These were going to be the people she would be around often since she was marrying into Declan’s life and wanted to try at least make friends. 

“Hello, I’m….” Sienna was about to introduce herself to the group of women when one squealed. 

“Sienna Foster! Oh my gosh, you are so beautiful. Hi, I’m Ayanda, but please call me Aya.” A friendly lady interrupted. 

“Nice to meet you, Aya.” Sienna smiled. 

“So, you’re the one Declan proposed to.” Another woman remarked and crossed her arms over her chest.

“How did he propose?” Another asked.

“Oh, he handed me a box and said it’s our engagement ring,” Sienna answered honestly, which made them all laugh. 

“You’re funny!” Aya said and gave her a hug. 

“Mysterious, I like it.” A lady added, and someone cleared their throat behind Sienna.

“Sorry ladies, can I steal my fiancé from you for a dance?” The billionaire asked, which made them giggle and blush. Sienna felt Declan wrap his arm around her waist and pull her away from the group. 

“I’m sorry about shouting.” He apologised as they walked away.

“You need to learn how to be polite.” She replied, and Declan pulled her closer to him. Perfect by Ed Sheeran started playing, and couples gathered on the dance floor. 

“Never have I had to be polite. I’m rude and have a temper.” He whispered into her ear as they started dancing. Her dress flowed beautifully as they danced, and people stared at them, amazed. His hand held hers, and she stood ever so close to the billionaire. They stared into each other’s eyes and disappeared into a world where it was only the two of them in the room.

“I want to be better. I want to try to be more like you.” Declan softly said and twirled Sienna into his arms. He leaned to the side and her body pressed against his like he was supporting her. 

“Emotional and naïve?” Sienna asked.

“No. Selfless, caring, brave, gentle… strong.” He replied and gently touched his forehead against hers. 

“You have to let me in, Declan. I can’t help you if I don’t know why you are the way you are.” 

“You’ll hate me.” He sighed, and Sienna touched the side of his face. She slowly leaned in and placed a soft kiss against his lips as they danced. 

Aaron watched the waitress kiss the billionaire and felt happy they were getting along. Someone bumped into him, and he turned around to see a drunk Kian stumble away. 

“Woah, where you going?” Aaron asked and wrapped his arm around the man’s chest. 

“To find Ryan,” Kian replied with a sleepy smile.

“You’re drunk. Now is not the best time. Let’s sober you up a bit.” 

“I guess you’re right.” He laughed and let Aaron help him walk out of the room. They found a couch near a water dispenser, and Aaron poured him a cup. 

“Here, man, drink this,” Aaron ordered and handed him the cup. Kian thanked him and placed his hand on Aaron’s leg to prevent himself from swaying. 

“I feel sick,” Kian mumbled and tumbled over. He messed some water on Aaron’s leg, but luckily the sickness never came. Aaron felt worried about Kian and pulled him upright; his head leaned over onto Aaron’s shoulder. 

“Don’t worry. I have you; just rest a little. You are safe with me.” Aaron gently stated and ran his fingers through Kian’s hair. He hoped Sienna would be okay. 

The song came to an end, and Declan stepped away from his fake fiancé. He felt so drawn to her and grabbed her hand to pull her outside, where they went to sit on a bench in the dark. 

“Here, in case you get cold,” Declan muttered and took off his suit jacket to place over her shoulders.

“Thanks, see you starting to be kind.” She smiled.

“I am going to try for you.” 

“I’ll try not to anger you. I know you have a temper, and I always poke at it.” 

“We both at each other’s throat.” The billionaire laughed. His laugh was rough and warm, just like her fathers. Declan noticed the sadness wash over her gorgeous face and worried he had said something wrong again. “What’s wrong?” He asked, concerned and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. 

“I just miss my family; I’m sorry,” Sienna replied and looked away at the lights in the distance. 

“We better get home. Let’s go find Aaron.” Declan said and forced himself to push away from this conversation. He felt guilty for taking the waitress away from her family, but he forced himself to shove all emotions aside. He hated having feelings, and that topic would make them surface. 

***

“Thanks for helping me sober up,” Kian mumbled and sat up straight. 

“Don’t mention it.” Aaron shrugged and ran his hand through his silver hair. He had shoved his and Kian’s masks into his pocket for safekeeping. He stood up and was about to walk away when Kian grabbed his hand. His fingers curled around Kian’s, and this spark ignited between them. 

“Uh, there you are.” Ryan cheered and walked over to them. Aaron quickly let go of Kian’s hand and looked over at Hoffman. “Don’t worry, your little secret is safe with me.” He smirked and handed both Aaron and Kian a heavy brown file.  

“What is this, sir?” Aaron questioned.

“Information about everything you need to know about Declan and some of the business he does that don’t show up in legal records,” Ryan responded. 

“Thank you, sir,” Kian remarked.

“Thank me once you read who your boss truly is. We’ll meet in a few days. I’m sure you will both have questions. Until then, bye, love birds.” He chuckled and walked off. Declan found Aaron with Kian and watched as Ryan walked away from them. 

“Wait here.” He instructed Sienna and went to find out what Ryan was up to.

“Hoffman, what did you hand my men?” Declan inquired. 

“Oh, just a little bit of everything. Let them find out your dark secrets, Declan. Then you’ll see who’s loyal. I have a file for your fiancé as well.” Ryan replied.

“No.”

“Fine, suit yourself. The truth always comes out. Eventually, she’ll learn that we are both monsters.” 

“Shut up, Ryan.” Declan hissed then walked up to Aaron and Kian. Ryan smirked. He always knew exactly what buttons to press to make Declan fume, which made him both clever and dangerous. He stopped by Sienna and bowed in front of her. 

“Miss Chae-Soo, we meet again. How did you enjoy my party?” Ryan asked. 

“It was… the best I’ve been to,” Sienna answered, which fed Ryan’s ego.

“Only the best for you, sweetheart. I hope Declan treats you well; I genuinely do. From the bottom of my heart, I say this: even a heartless dragon deserves to be loved.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“All will be revealed in time, sweetheart. For now, I bid you goodnight and good health.” Ryan smiled then walked off before Declan caught him talking to Sienna. 

Declan Foster was not someone whose bad side you wanted to be on. Yet, Ryan enjoyed testing his limits and touching his foot across the line. Whatever Declan tried to do against him, Ryan could return with a bit of poison. 

That’s how the game was played since they were in high school.