Chapter 4

As soon as the words left my mouth, my dad's palm connected with my cheek.

His eyes were bloodshot, as if I were his enemy, not his daughter.

"Sienna! Have we spoiled you so much that you have to throw a fit now, of all times?"

"What other reason could you possibly have? You'd better explain yourself."

My mom looked like she was about to cry, pulling on my hand, pleading.

"Sienna, please stop. Everyone can see how good Ryan is to you. What else could you possibly be unhappy about?"

I pressed a hand to my burning cheek. My heart felt like a cold, dead stone.

"I don't love him anymore. That's my reason. Is that good enough?"

That made my dad even angrier. Without another word, he kicked me hard in the shin.

If I hadn't grabbed a chair, the pain would have sent me to my knees.

There was something murderous in his eyes.

"Listen to yourself! Ryan is a good man. He's taken care of you meticulously for ten years."

"Even someone as hard-hearted as me was moved. We bought you a car, put a down payment on an apartment, all so you could marry him and have a good life."

"And you want to call it off because you 'don't love him'? I'll beat some sense into you!"

My dad raised his foot to kick me again.

Ryan instinctively moved to shield me.

"Mr. Sterling, please! It's my fault. Don't take it out on Sienna."

He lowered his voice, pleading with me.

"Sienna, I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

"If you don't like my picture, I'll change it. If you're upset I work late, I'll take time off to be with you. Anything you want. Just… not calling off the engagement. We need to be together."

The guests murmured sympathetically.

"Love? Who cares about love? Maybe Sienna's found someone else and is using this as an excuse."

"Ryan is so devoted. Even after all this, he's still protecting her."

All I felt was a wave of disgust at Ryan's scent. I pushed him away.

"Get off me. Don't touch me."

Ryan finally broke. He looked like a child whose toy had been snatched, his voice choked with tears.

"Sienna… do you hate me that much? Is it true, like they say? Is there someone else?"

My dad shoved the shielding Ryan aside and roared.

"Ryan, move! I don't care if there's another man! If she won't go through with this engagement, I'll beat her until she agrees!"