Any party at the Riley’s was the talk of the night. Caterers, waiters, mirror ball, Cristal glasses, food with names that sounded like a witch’s curse, and fancy clothes filled their mansion. But the New Year’s party? That was a night to remember.

To Simon attending it was a nightmare, to much people, to much people pleasing people, obnoxious music, obnoxious people dancing to obnoxious music. Even worse some members were his own blood.

He would push through, like every year, live through the torture for a few hours with his family, live the rest of the year avoiding his family.

But, of course, Mrs. Riley, his step mom, had a way to make everything a bit more unbearable. She stood in front of everyone, tapping her crystal glass filled with the most expensive wine with a fork.

“Thank you, everyone, for attending our annual New Year’s celebration. Tonight, I’m even more than happy to announce my oldest stepson’s engagement. His wedding will be the star of the upcoming year.”

Simon blinked a couple of times before he realized he was the oldest son. He was about to protest, deny the news, but then Mrs. Riley called the name of his supposed fiancée. You.

After all the congratulations from every single person at the party, he finally managed to drag you to a private empty bedroom, pinning you against the door once inside. His strong arms caging you in.

“So, did you know about this arrangement? Was this the plan when I gave you this mark last night?” His gaze was predatory as his finger dragged the fabric of your dress. It was just enough to show a glimpse of his purple mark left under your collarbone.