His Gratitude Was Just a Gilded Cage

He saved his fiance from the six-foot-deep pool, but he never once looked back at me.

As the icy water rushed into my nose and throat, I saw him swimming toward the deck, holding Melanie Montgomery tightly in his arms.

Before my consciousness faded into darkness, I heard someone screaming from the poolside. "Blood! Oh my god, there's so much blood in the pool."

When I woke up, the doctor told me we arrived at the hospital too late. The baby was gone.

Sebastian sat by my bed, his eyes bloodshot, whispering "I'm sorry" over and over again.

I turned my face toward the window, looking at the grey sky, and whispered, "Did you feel sorry when you chose me to take the fall for her hit-and-run three years ago?"

He didn't explain. He just held me tighter.

Outside the door, a maid sneered, "A housekeeper who's a convicted felon... why is she still breathing our air?"

I bit my lip and kept silent. The phone call I overheard between him and Melanie that morning was still vivid in my mind.

"Don't worry, Melanie. She'll stay by my side like a good little dog for the rest of her life."

My fingers tightened around the crumpled piece of paper a cellmate had shoved into my hand before my release. "If you're ever in trouble, find Gabriel Gray."

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

It turned out that the "debt of gratitude" I thought I owed him for the past three years was nothing but a cage he had custom-built for me with his own hands.

That night, I dialed the number.

"Gabriel Gray? Can you get me out of here?"

Sienna POV

I always felt like Sebastian's golden canary. What I ate, what I wore, when I went to sleep. He managed everything.

To keep me by his side without raising his family's eyebrows, he even made me the resident housekeeper of the Sterling estate.

By day, we were employer and employee. By night, he would quietly open my bedroom door.

I would curl up in his arms, terrified of this intimacy yet craving it. Little did I know, my submissive, fragile act only fueled the dark obsession in Sebastian's eyes.

Outside, the faint voices of the maids drifted in.

"Don't you think Sebastian is way too good to that Sienna girl? She's a felon, yet her clothes and shoes are bought according to Serena's standards. Even her lingerie is personally picked by the boss."

"Well, I heard she graduated from an Ivy League art school. Three years ago, she killed someone in a hit-and-run. If Sebastian hadn't taken her in out of pity, she'd be sleeping on the streets."

Their words felt like needles piercing my chest. My nose burned, and tears welled up.

Sebastian saw my red eyes. He threw the door open, his voice freezing cold. "The Sterling estate doesn't pay people to gossip. Pack your bags. You're fired."

Then, he closed the door, pulling me gently into his chest, whispering soft reassurances.

"I promised you, Sienna. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

At that moment, my heart melted with gratitude.

Three years ago, on the night of my college graduation party, I was completely out of it. When I woke up, the police were pinning me against the hood of my car.

"Sienna, you are under arrest for driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter."

I was terrified. I repeatedly explained that I wasn't the one driving, but the traffic cameras, the eyewitnesses, and even my fingerprints on the passenger side of the luxury sports car all pointed at me.

I had just received an offer from a top design school in Paris, a bright future I worked my butt off for four years to get.

In one night, it was completely ruined.

The court sentenced me to three years. My grandmother, who raised me, couldn't handle the shock and ended up in the ICU.

Only Sebastian stood by me. While I was in prison, he sent me packages every month, visited me regularly, and whispered through the glass:

"Don't be scared, Sienna. When you get out, I'll take care of you."

On the day of my release, Sebastian came to pick me up.

It was a rare sunny day. He wore a crisp white suit, holding a bouquet of fresh lilies, standing outside the prison gates with a gentle smile.

"Come home with me. Work as a housekeeper at our estate first. No one will dare to make your life hard."

I knew everyone in the Sterling family opposed keeping a convicted felon around. Especially his younger sister, Serena, who thought a "criminal" like me stained their family's reputation.

But Sebastian fought his entire family for me for the first time.

"Sienna is the one I chose to protect. Anyone who goes against her goes against me."

Remembering this, I leaned closer to his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, and fell into a deep sleep...

I don't know how much time had passed when a sharp voice woke me up. It was Serena, sounding as spoiled and arrogant as ever.

"Sebastian! How long are you going to keep that charity case around? Melanie is flying back to New York next week. We grew up together. She is the only one I recognize as my sister-in-law!"

My breath hitched. The blood in my veins turned to ice.

Then, the deep, soothing voice I adored replied:

"Sienna... she took the fall for Melanie, after all. I only keep her here to make up for Melanie's guilt. Don't worry, Serena. The lady of the Sterling house will only ever be Melanie."

Every single word felt like an icicle stabbing through my heart.

The meticulous care, the sweet promises. It was all a sick lie.

He was the one who ruined my life, only to play the savior and watch me crawl to him, kissing his hand in gratitude like a loyal dog.

Forcing back my tears, my hands shook as I pulled a worn piece of paper from the back of my diary on the nightstand. It was the note the mysterious woman in prison had slid into my hand.

Under the dim moonlight, I finally read the words clearly:

"If you ever need help, directly contact Gabriel Gray."

Sienna POV

When I woke up the next morning, looking at my tear-stained pillow and the text on my phone that read, "I'll pick you up in a month," I knew it wasn't a nightmare.

I clenched my fists, my chest heaving. I needed to know what role Sebastian played in that setup three years ago.

Was the evidence still out there?

I refused to let them play me for a fool any longer.

Right now, I had nothing. I had to play the long game. I had thirty days to gather whatever evidence I could find.

After washing up, I walked down to the living room.

From a distance, I saw Serena clinging to the arm of a woman in a stunning red silk dress, her long, wavy brown hair cascading down her shoulders.

As I walked closer and saw her face, my feet glued to the floor.

It was Melanie Montgomery.

The woman who stole three years of my life.

Back in college, she had targeted me multiple times simply because Sebastian smiled at me.

I bit my lip so hard I could taste copper.

Melanie caught me out of the corner of her eye. She stood up gracefully, her high heels clicking on the marble floor as she approached me.

"Well, well. Isn't this our Ivy League golden girl?" Melanie mocked, her voice dripping with venom. "I heard you couldn't even get a decent job after graduation? Oh, my bad. I forgot you have a record."

Her features were undeniably gorgeous, but the malice in her eyes ruined it.

"So you decided to leech onto Sebastian? Did you honestly think you could secure a ring by playing a maid?"

My entire body went rigid.

Seeing my silence, Melanie laughed.

"How's that trash-collecting grandma of yours? Why hasn't she visited you?" She feigned shock, putting a hand over her mouth. "Oh, silly me. I forgot. You literally shocked her into a heart attack. She's dead because of you."

I began to shake uncontrollably. Suddenly, a massive golden retriever rushed into the room, placing himself right in front of me, barking furiously at Melanie.

"Ah!" Melanie shrieked, jumping back onto the sofa.

Serena stomped her foot. "Sienna! Get this stupid dog out of here right now!"

"Buddy, come here," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Buddy wagged his tail and nuzzled my hand.

Melanie's face turned pale with rage. She snatched a crystal vase from the side table and hurled it at Buddy. The glass shattered, and Buddy whimpered, blood instantly soaking the fur on his hind leg.

I dropped to my knees, checking Buddy's wound in a panic.

"You bitch! How dare you set a filthy beast on me!" Melanie rushed over and slapped me hard across the face.

The force spun my head to the side. My cheek burned like fire. Melanie raised her hand to strike again, but someone caught her wrist mid-air.

"What is going on here?"

Sebastian's voice was calm, yet commanding. He looked at my swollen cheek, then at Melanie.

Melanie instantly wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice turning sweet and helpless. "Sebastian... I just got back, and this horrible dog tried to attack me..."

Serena chimed in, "Yeah, Seb! I told you we shouldn't keep a stray. Anyway, forget about this. I booked a table at that French restaurant Melanie loves. Let's go celebrate her return."

I tried to explain. "It wasn't like that! Buddy was just..."

"Sienna, be good. Wait for me to come back," Sebastian cut me off, gently patting my head before walking out the door with Melanie.

The heavy front door clicked shut.

I stood in the silent foyer, my face throbbing.

I wanted to laugh. His first love was back, so he couldn't even bother to pretend anymore, huh?

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, ignored the pain, and took Buddy to the vet. As the vet bandaged his leg, I knelt beside the kennel and whispered, "You have to get better, Buddy."

Because Buddy was the only thing in this godforsaken house that didn't lie to me.

It was pitch black when I got home. I lay in bed, drifting off, when I felt a cold hand gently touching my bruised cheek.

I opened my eyes. It was Sebastian.

His eyes were deep, his jawline sharp, his lips pressed into a tight line.

I used to feel my heart flutter whenever I saw his face. Now, it only made me feel sick.

"Sienna, I brought you your favorite strawberry cake." He applied a soothing ointment to my cheek. "Melanie... she just has a bit of a temper. Once you get to know her, you'll see she means no harm. You two can be great friends."

Friends?

At that moment, my body went entirely numb, as if I had been plunged into freezing water.

Because he loved Melanie, he could easily overlook the fact that she stole three years of my life? And now, he wanted me to play best friends with my abuser?

Sienna POV

"Please leave. I want to rest."

This was the first time since my release that I had rejected him.

Sebastian froze. But he quickly recovered his polite facade. "The firm is busy lately. Take care of yourself."

With that, he turned and left.

I threw the pristine strawberry cake straight into the trash can. As I walked past the hallway stairs, Serena's voice drifted up.

"Seb, you literally left our dinner halfway through just to drive across town for Sienna's favorite cake. Are you getting a little too into your 'savior' role?"

"Serena!" Sebastian's voice was sharp, laced with a rare trace of panic. "I am only doing this to compensate her. There are no feelings involved."

"Good. Because let me remind you, you and Melanie got engaged three years ago."

Engaged?

I leaned against the wall, dizzy. While I was rotting in a prison cell, weeping for my dead grandmother, they were happily celebrating their engagement.

And Sebastian never mentioned a single word about it. He even...

A wave of nausea hit me.

I gripped the banister, forcing myself to stay calm. Sebastian was a meticulous lawyer; he would never destroy key evidence easily. He had to have kept something to keep Melanie under his thumb. But where was it?

Over the next few days, I used my cleaning duties to search every corner of his study and bedroom, but found nothing.

Sebastian continued to have gourmet meals delivered to me daily. I quietly handed them over to the other staff.

One afternoon, while I was stirring soup in the kitchen, a warm body pressed against my back, arms wrapping tightly around my waist.

My muscles tensed.

"Why haven't you been replying to my texts?" Sebastian's low voice brushed against my ear.

I forced a smile and turned around. "I've just been busy with chores."

Sebastian tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "There's an alumni charity gala tomorrow. Wear something nice. We're going together."

"I don't think I should..."

"Be good, Sienna." His voice was gentle, but his eyes were dead cold.

I knew I couldn't say no. Sebastian leaned down to kiss me, his hands sliding down my waist.

I pushed him away abruptly. "I'm on my period."

Sebastian frowned slightly but let go. "Make sure you wear the dress I bought you."

The gala was held at the lavish Rosewood Manor, a clear display of Sebastian's immense devotion to Melanie.

Melanie wore a jaw-dropping red haute couture gown. The moment Sebastian walked in, she clung to him like a snake.

I quietly found a seat in the furthest, darkest corner of the hall.

"Sienna?" a mocking voice called out.

It was Julian Kane, the notorious playboy from our college days who used to harass me.

"Hey, everyone! Look who's here!" Julian suddenly shouted, raising his glass. "Sienna, our former Ivy League goddess who got locked up for a hit-and-run, is now working as a maid for the Sterlings! If any of you need your toilets scrubbed, hit her up!"

The room fell silent, followed by a wave of hushed whispers and pointing fingers.

I bit my lip so hard it bled, my eyes burning with humiliation.

Julian walked over, pinching my chin, whispering in my ear, "Why don't you come to my place instead? I'll treat you way better than Sebastian does."

The next second, his hand was violently slapped away.

"Watch your mouth, Julian." Sebastian stepped in front of me. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of the ballroom, using his silk handkerchief to furiously wipe my chin where Julian had touched me.

"I'm sorry, Sienna. I wanted to bring you here to help you socialize... I'll have the driver take you home first."

I nodded. For a split second, I actually thought he cared about me. But the memory of the setup quickly extinguished that spark.

As I reached the exit, I realized I left my clutch in the hall. I turned back to retrieve it.

"Nice touch with the knight-in-shining-armor act, Sebastian."

It was Julian's voice coming from the balcony.

I froze, hiding behind a marble pillar.

Sebastian didn't say anything, slowly blowing a puff of smoke into the night air.

"Why did you have me do that? To make her cling to you even more? Or to keep up your image as the righteous defense attorney?"

My heart stopped.

Sebastian didn't answer immediately.

Maybe he felt I had been too distant lately. No tantrums, no looking at him, not even eating his cakes.

He hated losing control. He wanted me to realize that without him, I was nothing but trash to the rest of the world.

"Just do what you're paid to do," Sebastian said, stubbing out his cigarette.

A cold sweat broke out all over my body. Even Julian's harassment was orchestrated by him. Was anything in my life real?

I covered my mouth, taking a step back in horror. My shoe hit an empty soda can, making a sharp clink.

"Who's there?"

Sebastian's voice cut through the dark, sharp and dangerous.

Sienna POV

Fortunately, I managed to slip into the shadow of the hallway before he walked out.

I took the side entrance back into the ballroom. As I picked up my clutch and headed toward the parking lot, a hand suddenly grabbed me from behind, covering my mouth with a chemical-soaked rag.

I thrashed wildly, but the darkness quickly consumed me.

When I woke up, my head felt like it was splitting open. My limbs were heavy, completely useless. From the adjacent bathroom, I could hear the sound of running water and a cheerful whistle.

I recognized that whistle... it was Julian.

Oh my god, no.

I struggled to sit up, dragging my heavy body across the bedsheet. I lost my grip and fell off the bed, the sharp pain from the impact giving me a jolt of adrenaline.

Hearing the thud, Julian walked out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist. Seeing me sprawling on the floor, a disgusting grin spread across his face.

Rip.

He pinned me down and tore open the collar of my dress.

The cold air hit my bare skin. His damp, sweaty hands made my stomach turn. "Don't touch me... get off!"

"You think you can run? Sebastian's had his turn, and you're turning your nose up at me?"

He slapped me across the face, sending metallic-tasting blood pooling in my mouth.

"Sebastian will ruin you!" I screamed, using the only threat I had.

Julian froze for a second, then sneered. "Melanie is back. How much longer do you think he's going to keep playing with you? Today's gala was literally his grand welcome-home gift to her."

Taking advantage of his distraction, I grabbed a heavy ceramic vase from the floor and shattered it over his head. Before he could recover, I kicked him squarely between his legs.

He let out a blood-curdling shriek, collapsing to the floor.

To keep myself from passing out, I picked up a piece of shattered ceramic and sliced my own forearm. The sharp pain cleared my foggy mind. I scrambled to my feet and ran out of the room.

It was pitch black outside. The distant lawn lights of the manor were shining.

Clutching my bleeding arm, I stumbled forward. It didn't take long before I heard Julian's angry shouts behind me.

I dove behind a thick hedge, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.

My phone.

My hands shook violently as I pulled out my phone, my blood smearing the screen.

Call 911? No, the manor was miles away from the city center. The police wouldn't make it in time.

Who else could I call? I had no family, no friends.

The only contact on my phone was Sebastian.

I pressed the call button, praying.

No answer.

Once, twice.

On the third try, the call finally connected.

"Sebastian, please. I..."

Before I could finish, the call was abruptly cut off. A wave of despair washed over me. I quickly sent a panic text to 911 with my location.

The footsteps got closer. "Fuck! Where did that bitch go?" Julian roared.

What should I do?

I squeezed through a small gap in the iron fence, scraping my skin, and tumbled out of the manor grounds.

Realizing Julian hadn't followed me outside, the tension in my muscles snapped.

I slumped against the brick wall, coughing up dust and blood.

Suddenly, a loud boom echoed in the sky.

Bright fireworks lit up the dark night.

I stared at them, dazed.

The last time I watched fireworks was with my grandmother.

"Sienna, you're graduating soon. Our lives will get better. I just hope my old heart holds up long enough to see you walk down the aisle," she had said, holding my hand.

My eyes burned. "Grandma, I promise I'll make you proud."

In the sky, the fireworks blossomed in layers.

On the ground, my blood dripped slowly into the dirt.

One year, two years, three years... my youth had been flushed down the drain.

Slowly, the fireworks formed massive red letters in the sky:

WELCOME HOME, MELANIE.

The sight snapped me back to reality. I dragged my battered body forward.

There were people ahead.

Under a massive oak tree in the distance, Melanie was smiling beautifully, tipping her toes to kiss Sebastian.

I quickly turned away.

I laughed, but tears streamed down my face.

Pain was a suffocating net, wrapping around me tighter and tighter.

How pathetic was I? I had actually looked for help from the very man who pushed me off the cliff.

Even after learning the truth, I still hoped he would pick up. I still expected him to save me.

Sienna POV

As I reached the main gate of the estate, two beefy security guards blocked my way. "An expensive item has been reported stolen. The venue is on lockdown. Please return to the hall."

I was "escorted" back into the bright, suffocating ballroom.

The moment I stepped in, I saw Melanie crying softly against Sebastian's chest.

Serena stood on the stage, holding a microphone. "Melanie's diamond necklace is missing. It was a gift from her father, worth five million dollars!"

The crowd gasped and murmured.

Julian's voice drifted from a corner. "It must have been stolen. And we all know who the only convicted thief in this room is..." He raised his finger, pointing directly at me in the back.

Every single eye in the room locked onto me.

I kept my head down. The nightmare from three years ago was happening all over again.

My dress was torn from my escape, and I was desperately clutching the fabric to cover my chest.

"Sienna, what are you hiding?" Serena stormed over, grabbing my wrist and pulling my hand down.

I fought back. If I let go, my torn dress would expose me to the entire high-society crowd.

"Enough!" Sebastian strode over, slipping his designer suit jacket over my shivering shoulders.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Melanie's face contort with rage.

"Sebastian! Why are you protecting this trash? She clearly stole it!"

Serena snatched my clutch from my hand, shook it violently, and a sparkling diamond necklace fell onto the marble floor. "See! I knew it!"

It finally clicked. Julian must have slipped it into my bag while I was unconscious. They didn't just want to ruin me physically; they wanted to throw me back into a prison cell. Those disgusting monsters.

"Once a criminal, always a criminal."

"I heard her grandmother was a beggar. No wonder she has sticky fingers."

Sebastian placed a hand on my shoulder, his voice perfectly comforting. "Sienna, I know you didn't do it."

I gently pushed his hand away. I had trusted him too many times. Every single time, it was just another act.

"Someone call the cops!" someone yelled.

"No need," I said, stepping back. "I already called them."

The grand double doors of the ballroom were pushed open, and two police officers walked in.

Serena grabbed an officer's arm. "This woman, Sienna, stole a five-million-dollar necklace! We caught her red-handed!"

I clenched my fists.

My grandmother always taught me to endure. But endurance had only brought me endless abuse.

Not this time.

"It wasn't me. Check the security cameras."

Melanie laughed mockingly. "You clueless peasant, there are no cameras in Rosewood Manor. We value our privacy."

Indeed, everyone knew the estate bragged about having zero cameras to protect the privacy of the elite.

I pointed to the massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. "There is one right there."

While in prison, an older cellmate once told me that the elite hid pinhole cameras inside the light fixtures of Rosewood Manor to keep tabs on their guests.

The police called the manor manager to pull the footage. Within ten minutes, the video showed Melanie handing the necklace to Julian, who then slipped it into my bag.

The police immediately escorted a pale Melanie and a cursing Julian out of the hall.

Sebastian looked at me, his lips parted as if to say something, but he ultimately remained silent and followed the police out to handle the press.

Back in my room at the Sterling estate.

I lay in bed, my chest so tight I could barely breathe.

I looked at my phone screen again and again. "I'll pick you up in a month."

Just two more weeks, and I would be free from this hell.

Buddy jumped onto the bed, his warm tongue licking the tears from my cheeks. I wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my face in his thick fur.

"Buddy," I whispered, my voice cracking. "Just a little longer. We are leaving together."

Sienna POV

Three days later, Sebastian returned.

I had just finished searching the second-floor rooms when I saw Melanie sitting comfortably on the living room sofa. My heart sank.

How was she out so fast?

Melanie looked up, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"Surprised? Thanks to Sebastian, the police ruled it as a 'prank gone too far.' Just a slap on the wrist."

My hands shook. I had forgotten. He was the city's most brilliant defense attorney.

"Sienna," Sebastian walked in from the foyer, his voice soft. "Melanie knows she made a mistake. I brought her here to apologize to you."

Melanie put on a fake pout. "I even cooked dinner to make it up to you."

Before I could refuse, Sebastian took my hand. "Come on, let's eat."

The dining table was filled with expensive dishes. I had zero appetite. I just wanted this farce to end.

As I cut my steak, I noticed Melanie staring at me, a sickening grin on her face.

My heart stopped. "Where is Buddy?"

Melanie tilted her head innocently. "Who's Buddy?"

I threw my chair back and ran downstairs. The dog bed was empty. I ran through every room, screaming his name.

Nothing. Silence.

I stumbled back into the dining room, my knees giving out as I collapsed onto the floor.

"What did you do to Buddy?"

Melanie smiled like a sweet child. "Isn't he right there in your stomach?"

Something snapped inside my brain.

A violent wave of nausea hit me, and I dry-heaved repeatedly onto the hardwood floor.

"Ahhh!"

I screamed, my hands slamming against the floor over and over again.

My palms turned red and bruised, but I couldn't feel the pain.

I remembered the day I got out of prison. Buddy had run to my feet, wagging his tail. I begged Sebastian to let me keep him. Sebastian had smiled, helped me build a doghouse, bought him birthday toys... it was all a lie.

"Sienna."

Sebastian knelt down, trying to pull me into his arms. "I didn't know she would do this. I'll buy you another dog..."

I pushed him away with all my strength, standing up by clutching the edge of the table.

"Buy me another one?" I laughed, tears streaming down my face. "Sebastian, you are a heartless monster."

After that day, I fell severely ill and couldn't leave my bed.

Whenever Sebastian came to check on me, I treated him like air.

Until I saw the news on my phone: Melanie Montgomery had won the prestigious Golden Daffodil Award using my design portfolio.

I dragged my weak body to Sebastian's study.

"Are you feeling better?" Sebastian looked up, completely unfazed, as if he knew I would come.

I forced my voice to remain steady. "My portfolio. You gave it to Melanie, didn't you?"

Sebastian walked over and stroked my hair. "Sienna, be reasonable. A portfolio in the hands of a felon is worthless. Giving it to Melanie ensures it actually gets put to good use."

Good use?

My mind flashed back to the hidden compartment I had found in his closet.

"Sienna." Sebastian buried his face in my neck, his voice dripping with dark obsession. "Don't ignore me. I hate it when you treat me like a stranger."

Suppressing the urge to vomit, I wrapped my arms around his waist. "Okay."

From that day on, I went back to being his obedient, quiet girl.

While Sebastian was away at court, I slipped into his master bedroom and opened his closet.

I tried his birthday, Melanie's birthday, my birthday. None of them worked.

Finally, I entered the date of my arrest three years ago.

Click.

The compartment popped open. Inside lay a digital voice recorder. With trembling fingers, I pressed play. Melanie's panicked, crying voice filled the room.

"Sebastian, I hit someone. There's so much blood. You have to help me."

Before the recording could finish, familiar footsteps echoed outside the door.

"Sienna, what are you doing in here?"