Chapter 9: Got married today

2 hours later. Qing Mansion.

"This... This is not even the first time it has happened," A woman covered her face with both her hands, "We have been trying to be so careful with her since she lost her mother. But things are turning awry with passing time. Sienna grows more and more wilful."

A man sat on the single couch in the living room, supporting his forehead on his hand, "Leave that, Beth. Has Kira stepped out yet?"

"No," Beth sobbed, "She is a sensitive child, I am afraid she might end up doing something, Daniel."

Daniel Qing’s face hardened, "Call the guards and ask if Sienna is here yet."

"You called her 2 hours ago, asking her to show up in 30 minutes. It takes 15 minutes to reach our mansion from the place where she lives. If... Sienna had to show up, she would have."

Daniel frowned.

Beth looked away from the man, "I had always known that the child did not like us, me and my daughter because at the end of the day, we are not related to her. I am her stepmother and Kira is her stepsister. But to think that she wouldn’t even put you in her eyes..."

Daniel’s face hardened.

At this moment, the servants broke out in gasps and whispers.

"She is here..."

"Young Missy is here finally..."

The main doors fully opened, and Sienna stepped inside. She was dressed in a simple but classic trench coat paired with black heels. Her hair was tied in an elegant bun and although there was light makeup on her face, the blood red lipstick made her features even more striking in the night time.

Beth stepped forward, "Your father and I had been waiting for you for hours now. What took you so long?"

Daniel frowned, "I asked you to be here in half an hour."

Sienna opened her mouth to speak but Beth cut her off calmly, "Your father is a busy man, darling. He works all day and then comes home, thinking and worrying about you children. You are no longer a child, must you always go against him?"

Sienna looked at the woman, "Last time I visited, I hadn’t done my makeup. You said that it would damage father’s reputation if I am captured being so shabby. So, I took a decent amount of time dressing up today," she touched the side of her hairdo, "Dad, do I still look shabby?"

Daniel’s frown loosened slightly as he turned to look at his, "Is Sienna speaking the truth?"

Beth’s smile wavered a bit, "I don’t remember these trivial discussions but if our darling has mentioned it, it must be the truth. As the elder daughter of the Qing family, she cannot be casual with how she appears in the public."

Daniel paused and then nodded, "You are right,’’ He then turned to Sienna, "It’s good that you have been listening to your mother’s advices. You look lovely."

Sienna smiled, two dimples appearing on her cheeks.

"You have visited after so long. Kira would have been over the moon to see you here," Beth suddenly said.

Daniel’s face turned solemn, "I have heard of some very absurd rumors today and I would like to believe they are untrue."

Sienna’s smile faded slowly, "What rumors?"

Beth sighed, "Darling, at this point, why are you still putting up an act? Didn’t you reveal it to the lawyer yourself? It’s time you tell your father that you are married."

Daniel stepped towards Sienna, reaching out his hand to her shoulder, "I believe there must be some misunderstanding regarding this. Marriage is not a casual affair and my daughter would never treat it as such..."

"Father, it’s true. I got married today."

The man’s hand hovered mid-air before he slowly retracted it, "What did you say?"

"I got married today!"

’Pak’

The sound of a tight slap reverberated in the living room as Sienna’s face whipped to the side. Her bun came loose, and her long hair covered her face.

The servants gasped, murmuring and whispering amongst themselves when they witnessed the scene.

"Husband, calm down," Beth immediately stepped forward to hold Daniel back.

With tears springing in her eyes, Beth turned to Sienna, "A marriage is not a small affair. As the elder daughter of the Qing family, how could you just go ahead and get married without your elder’s blessings or permission? Sienna, why are you so hellbent on making things difficult for your father? Do you hate him that much?!" ℴℴ𝘮

"Dad..." Sienna looked at the man as she felt the burning sensation spreading beneath her skin.

Daniel inhaled a deep breath, "You are such a disappointment."

A hint of a bitter smile touched Sienna’s face, "I was almost kicked out of my own place today..."

"Sienna!" Beth gasped, "We are a family. Must you put it across so harshly? Your sister has always had a knack of liking your things and as your family, she never holds back in expressing it because she loves you. If you said no, she would never want your things or ask for it. Using it as an excuse for a ridiculous secret marriage... do you think your father and I are a fool?"

Sienna looked at the woman who was trembling all over, clinging to her father’s arm just as she had been doing all those years ago.

The only difference was that, back then, the person standing opposite to them was her mother.

"Dad, won’t you listen to my explanation?"

Daniel Qing’s stern face softened for a brief moment, "Whatever mistakes you have made... I will give you a chance to correct it. Your sister has locked herself in her room and no matter what we do, she wouldn’t step out."