Chapter 2 The Other Hell

The car navigated through half of the city and soon arrived at the Harrington family's residence, known as the Harrington Grand Estate.

The gates swung open, and the grand mansion loomed majestically within, serving as the abode of some of the most influential figures in Hustleburg.

It was a place of opulence and excitement, held in high esteem, yet also renowned for its cold and unforgiving ambiance.

For Serena, it was akin to moving from one kind of torment to another.

As she drove around the expansive garden, she noticed a sleek black Bentley parked not far away.

The occupant of the Bentley remained still, but the driver promptly exited and approached it with an air of respect.

Serena couldn't help but cast a curious glance at the slowly lowering car window, revealing the man's side profile.

His presence exuded a regal aura, his impeccably tailored suit lacking even the slightest wrinkle. His handsome and aloof side profile appeared sharply defined amid the interplay of light and shadow. He maintained an aura of stern composure.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, the man slowly raised his eyes, their detached pupils resembling a star on a winter's night.

Serena inadvertently caught her breath at the sight. In terms of looks, the man was nothing short of perfection.

Within a moment, the man withdrew his gaze, as though Serena was no more than a passing breeze. It was as if a second look would be entirely unnecessary.

***

"Sir, will you be having your meal at here today? It's..." the driver began, but before he could finish his sentence, he heard Matthew's curt response, "No."

His voice was icy, carrying an unwavering determination.

There was no room for hesitation, indicating that he had made up his mind well in advance.

The driver respectfully nodded, understanding that there were to be no further inquiries.

As he watched the Bentley gradually depart, he remained in silence for a moment before recollecting Serena in the car behind him. He promptly opened the door.

"Madam, please exit the vehicle. Mrs. Tara is waiting."

Serena acknowledged with a nod and ceased her contemplation, following the driver as they made their way to the entrance of the grand main building.

The maid welcomed her inside.

A girl in her mid-twenties gracefully descended the ornate handrail staircase, and a flicker of disdain crossed her eyes as she laid them upon Serena.

Serena immediately recognized the young woman.

Anyone living here must be the youngest daughter of the Harrington family, Nina Harrington.

Nina had stylish, curly brown hair, donned a casual dress, and stopped her strappy heels to regard Serena with an air of haughty indifference.

Nina casually confronted Serena, "That's quite rude of you. You've just been married, how can you keep us waiting like this?"

For a moment, Serena was taken aback.

She had arrived here according to her family's schedule, so how could she possibly be late?

It was evident that Nina was deliberately making things difficult for her, displaying her impatience and disgust.

In a place like this, even if her husband was suffering from a serious illness, others would merely perceive her as being haughty.

There was no one here she could confront.

Serena narrowed her eyes and offered a patient smile as she explained,

"Good evening, Miss Nina. I believe I may have been a little slow as I crossed the main city center. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Nina wrinkled her nose and, without a word, made her way to the main hall.

Serena thanked the maid who guided her and followed Nina's lead, heading for the elegantly dressed noblewoman seated on the couch.

This was her mother-in-law, Tara Winters Harrington.

Serena approached and offered a slight bow, saying, "Good evening, madam."

Tara, upon hearing the address, remained unmoved.

She scanned Serena from head to toe with a critical eye and frowned.

Nina, red-faced, crossed her arms over her chest and protested,

"Mom, I just don't understand. How could Grandpa allow a woman like her marry to my brother? For a man like him, there are countless women who would love to marry him! And they would be so much better than her!"

Tara pursed her lips. She couldn't fathom Mr. Richard's intentions.

Given their family's status in the country, even if Matthew had those rumors swirling around him, there were plenty of women who would want to be with their family.

So why had her father-in-law chosen Serena?

While Tara had seen that Serena was indeed beautiful and well-educated, her humble background concerned her.

What made her qualified to be Matthew's wife?

He's the family heir!

Tara's face took on an icy demeanor, and the more she thought about it, the more vexed she became.

She felt an urge to confront Mr. Richard overseas and challenge his decision.

Serena, left standing with no one offering her a seat or making conversation, did not seem particularly surprised or bothered.

She stood there with her eyes lowered and her brows furrowed, displaying modesty.

The air in the room grew heavy and stifling, and Nina's gaze on Serena grew increasingly irritated.

"Our family cannot accept someone of your status.

When my brother returns, believe me, he will divorce you instantly!"

Serena couldn't help but chuckle softly and met Nina's gaze, a smile playing at the corner of her lips.

"Miss Nina, please don't worry. If Mr. Matthew wants to, I won't have any objections."

Nina cocked her head, searching for a reaction from Serena.

However, Tara saw through the act—it was a fake show of submission.

Tara glared at Serena, her lips tight, and delivered a harsh statement,

"Remember what you said, Serena. You're not worthy of my son. When Matthew's grandfather returns, you can tell him that you want to divorce."

"Until then, Pay attention to your behavior. I won't allow our family's reputation to be tarnished by you."

Not worthy...

It wasn't the first time Serena had heard such sentiments.

Her face remained calm, but her heart ached, as Tara's words seemed to resonate with her painful memories.

There had been a time when she had tried desperately to break free from the constraints of her social class, only to realize that some people were born to shine like the sun.

Even if she stood on her tiptoes , she could never break through the barriers of class.

One mistake had been enough for her.

So she responded dryly, "Madam, I see."

It appeared that her expectations were correct; this was another kind of hell.