After My Fiancé Kissed Her, He Tried to Kill Me

The winding mountain road stretched before us, a ribbon of asphalt cutting through the dense forests of the Cascade Mountains. I gripped the door handle as Tommy navigated another sharp curve, my prosthetic leg shifting uncomfortably against the car's floorboard.

"You're being awfully quiet," Tommy said, glancing at me with those perfect blue eyes that once made my heart skip. Now they barely registered any emotion when they looked at me.

"Just taking in the view," I replied softly, touching the scar that ran from my temple to my jawline—a nervous habit I'd developed over the years.

The luxury cabin came into view, all glass and timber nestled among towering pines. It looked like something from a magazine—the kind of place people with two working legs and unmarked faces belonged.

"We're here!" Tommy announced, pulling into the circular driveway. He was out of the car before I'd even unbuckled my seatbelt.

I took my time, carefully positioning my prosthetic before attempting to stand. The mountain terrain was uneven, with loose gravel that made each step a potential stumble. I'd learned to navigate most surfaces with grace, but this would be a challenge.

"Need help?" Juliana appeared beside me, her athletic body moving with effortless grace. She wore hiking boots, cargo shorts, and a flannel shirt—the quintessential tomboy look that somehow made her more attractive to Tommy than my careful attempts at femininity.

"I've got it," I said, forcing a smile.

"Tommy's already heading inside," she said, linking arms with him as he walked ahead. "We should catch up."

I watched as she effortlessly matched Tommy's stride, her hand casually resting on his arm. They looked like they belonged together—two able-bodied, beautiful people moving in perfect synchronicity.

"Sienna's still adjusting," Juliana called back to me, her voice dripping with false concern. "Maybe we should have picked somewhere more... accessible?"

Tommy didn't even look back. "She'll manage. She always does."

The words stung more than they should have. Ten years ago, I'd thrown myself between him and our kidnappers, taking the beating that should have been his. The scars I carried—both visible and invisible—were supposed to be badges of honor, not burdens to be tolerated.

---

Inside the cabin, I found a moment of peace by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains. My phone vibrated in my pocket—my father.

"Sienna," his voice sounded strained. "I'm glad I caught you."

"Dad? Is everything okay?" My stomach tightened. Calls from my father usually meant one thing: money troubles.

"The Greene Corporation..." He paused, and I could hear him taking a deep breath. "We're on the verge of bankruptcy, sweetheart."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "What happened?"

"It's complicated. But there's hope." His voice brightened artificially. "The Wagners have agreed to sign the bailout documents next week. This will save everything—our employees, our family's legacy."

I closed my eyes, understanding immediately what he was asking. "And Tommy?"

"He's the key, Sienna. His parents listen to him. Just... make sure he's on board with this."

The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders like a lead blanket. My engagement to Tommy wasn't just about love—it was about survival.

"I understand," I whispered.

---

Sleep eluded me that night. Around two a.m., I gave up and limped to the kitchen for water. The cabin was dark except for the moonlight streaming through the windows.

As I reached for a glass, I heard voices from the adjacent room—Tommy's voice, low and intimate.

"I can't do this anymore," he was saying.

My hand froze mid-air.

"What's wrong?" Juliana's voice replied.

"It's Sienna." Tommy's voice dropped even lower. "The way she looks... those scars. They're repulsive."

The glass slipped from my fingers, clattering onto the counter. I caught it before it could fall completely, my heart hammering in my chest.

"You're too good for her," Juliana murmured. "You always have been."

"I know," Tommy agreed. "But my parents insist on this engagement. They say it's the right thing to do after what happened when we were kids."

"So you're just going through with it out of obligation?" Juliana's voice was soft, probing.

"What else can I do?" Tommy sighed heavily.

I pressed myself against the wall, my body trembling. Then I saw them—Tommy and Juliana standing in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. Moonlight illuminated their silhouettes as Juliana reached up and stroked Tommy's face.

"You deserve better," she whispered, standing on tiptoe.

Tommy didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned down as Juliana pressed herself against him. Their lips met in a kiss that was anything but platonic.

"I know," he murmured against her mouth. "But Sienna... she saved me. I owe her."

"You don't owe her your life," Juliana said fiercely, her hands sliding up his chest to frame his face. "And you certainly don't owe her your happiness."

I stood frozen in the shadows, watching as Tommy—my Tommy—nodded slowly. His hands slid around Juliana's waist, pulling her closer as they kissed again.

"I'll figure something out," he promised her. "I can't keep pretending forever."