Serena’s POV
I drove the car speeding through the skyscrapers, letting the wild wind hit my face. The engine roared louder as the fire inside me tended. I was tempted to try and see what would happen if I put the gas pedal to the metal. Would it save me from this terrible marriage?
I'm Serena Anson, a miserable joke who had once again caught her husband's betrayal.I looked aside at the passenger seat where a pile of pictures of my husband embracing and kissing another woman was present. My marriage with Tyler Walter started from an accidental one-night stand and now he was revenging me by sleeping around with his sluts. I won't agree to a divorce, for the sake of my daughter Millie. I don't want her to grow up in a broken home. Taylor has taken advantage of this situation, and now he's become even more brazen, appearing on the front pages of entertainment and financial newspapers with different female companions. As I caught sight of the familiar villa gates, the specter of death faded from my mind. I won't seek revenge against Taylor through death; that would only make my poor daughter's life more miserable. I got the photos together and exited the car, heading to the corner where I usually burned them. I calmly watched the fire engulfing the face of my husband and his mistresses, my heart no longer hurt as much as it had the first time I found Tyler was cheating on me.I had loved that man dearly but the love was dead already. I opened the door, and there were only nanny Maria and my daughter's shoes in the hallway, which meant that Tyler hadn't come back tonight. I breathed a sigh. I always liked to track his movements more than before, and now his absence is the best reward for me. "Serena, your husband's not home yet." Maria came over and confirmed my guess. I nodded and said I knew. "Where's Millie?" I changed my shoes and looked into my daughter's room. "She's fast asleep. It's just that she kept asking when Mr. Walter would be home today." Maria said distressed. Maria knew that Tyler rarely went home, and she hardly saw the man in this house. "Maria, you can get off work, thank you for taking care of Millie." I don't want to explain more about Tyler, there is no point in showing the wound to others, the important thing is that I have become numb to it. Now, I just want to lie on the big bed, I think I'm really tired. Before lying down, I went to Millie's room, looked at her sleeping face, and kissed her forehead. My inner happiness began to rise again, and my brows began to stretch unconsciously. I'm glad I beat the darkness once again. No matter how bad my marriage with Tyler was, Millie was my greatest gift. She's the reason that made me strong. Out of Mille's room, I lay my exhausted body on the soft bed after changing my clothes. I stared blankly at the ceiling. How long had this been? Being stuck in such a hopeless marriage? I used to believe marrying the man of your dreams would be bliss, but the cruel reality taught me that you can't force love. I don't know how much longer I can hold out, but I'll do my best for Millie. I buried my head under the covers letting sleep capture me. There was still a lot of work awaiting me. I needed to let go of the needless jealousy and sadness and then focus on the ones that were worth it. However, feather kisses on my shoulders woke me up at exactly 4 AM. I groaned and rolled on the bed. The shameless lips that disturbed my comfortable sleep went to my neck. I opened my eyes and angrily pushed Tyler. His eyes immediately mirrored the anger that ignited between us. “What the…” I shot him cold glares. “I’m exhausted, Tyler!” He sat on the bed and hissed. “That’s always your reason!” “Because it’s the truth. I worked all day until midnight. Do you expect me to stay awake and wait for you so you can quench your fcking thirst? No way! never! I'm not any of your bitches who crave your shameless c*ck!” He clenched his jaws. “That's bullshit! You think so highly of yourself just because you’re the top ophthalmologist. I am one of the top CEOs, Serena! Respect me!” “Do you respect me?” I growled back. Shame on him for demanding such a word when he doesn’t apply it himself. He was silent, and I glared at him again in anger. "I'm asking you, Tyler! Do you respect me? No, right? Let me tell you one thing. Respect is earned, not demanded." His silence made my heart shatter again, that was the truth, my husband never respected me, he just treated me like his whore, like any woman out there. I didn't want to face that annoying face anymore, I got off the bed tending to leave but he grabbed me back on the bed and quickly mounted me. “Get off me!” I slapped his arms angrily. He tightened his grip, "Get off you? NO! I would never do that. You're still my wife, Serena. What kind of wife doesn’t make love to her husband?” “You disgust me, Tyler. Do you really think I’d still sleep with you after you slept with different women? Screw you! I’m not a s*x toy!” He looked at me with eyes blazing with anger. I felt like I could see the hatred in his soul through his eyes and it was directed at me. For some reason, I felt scared to hear the words he would say next. He went closer and gritted his teeth. “Did you forget that you were the one who brought us into this situation, Serena? "You framed me up and got pregnant with my child. You manipulated me so don’t throw me such words because you’re no different with the women I fcked." "You just need my surname to become a doctor! Due to the death of your parents, you lost your wealth and reputation, so you plotted a one-night stand!" I slapped him as tears formed in the corner of my eyes. How dare he judge me like that?"How could he twist the fact that I was nearly broken after my parents' death into a scheme of mine?" "He... I covered my chest, realizing I couldn't make a sound. I had always thought that at least one thing was true - that even though he didn't love me, he believed in my honesty. Now, the past six years felt like a massive cesspool, constantly nauseating me." "I could no longer bear it," I was suddenly tired of this endless bickering. I had a feeling it was going to destroy us all sooner or later, including Millie. With that thought, I made my decision. I sniffed and wiped the lone tear that rolled down my cheeks. I swallowed hard and stared at Tyler again—with a blank expression this time. “I want a divorce.” His forehead creased. “What?” I looked down and balled my trembling fists before I looked at him again with teary eyes. “We’re not gonna work out, Tyler. Let’s just divorce.” His lips parted. He stared at me for a few seconds before he brushed his fingers against his hair and let out a sarcastic laugh. He turned his back and turned to me again with a ridiculed expression before his face mirrored his anger. “And you think I’ll let you go? Huh? You think you can put an end to this that easily? Right after you ruined my life?” “You don’t want this marriage, right? You’ve been constantly cheating on me, Tyler! I want out! I quit! Just wait for the divorce agreement and you can finally be with your mistresses—” “No one’s divorcing, Serena!” He growled and punched the wall. His chest was moving up and down rapidly. His face and neck were so red as violence showed in his eyes. I gasped in shock and stared at him. He headed to me. The violence in his eyes was so scary. "Don't even dream of leaving, Serena. Back when you had the guts to steal my seeds, you should have been prepared for my revenge." Anger was dripping in every corner of my body again. Yes, I got pregnant unplanned. But it wasn’t entirely my fault. We did it together so how am I to blame alone? I could no longer tolerate how he treated me and I grabbed the lampshade and threw it at him. He used his arms to cover his chest and it created a shallow cut on his arm. I saw it clearly but I ignored it. The wound he inflicted in my heart is much deeper than that mere cut. It was nothing compared to what he made me feel in this marriage. He looked at me and clenched his jaws. “Go on! Throw everything. Ruin everything but I will not allow you to get away. You brought this upon us, Serena. You ruined my life so I will ruin yours too. I promise you…I will never allow you to be happy. Not until I die in your hands and you’re finally free.” “Mo…my…dada…” My anger immediately vanished and worry filled me. I saw Tyler’s expression change too as I turned to where the voice came from. Rubbing her eyes while standing by the door connecting to her bedroom, was Millie. She’s wearing her pink sleepwear and it obviously looked like we woke her up. “Sweetie…” I walked towards her and carried her. I gently removed her tiny hand rubbing her eyes. She looked at me with sleepiness and innocence. “Mommy, daddy… fighting?” My lips parted. Before I could answer, Tyler stood beside me and put his arm around my waist. He kissed Millie’s cheek and caressed her hair. “Of course not. Mommy and Daddy aren’t fighting, princess.” Tyler’s gentle voice was so clear in my ear. When was the last time I heard him talk to me using that gentle voice? It sounds so absurd but I’m starting to regret the day I married him. “Why don’t we go back to your room, sweetie? I’ll sing you to sleep.” She shook her head. “Millie wants to sleep with mommy and daddy…” Tyler carried her from me, distracting her from our messy bedroom. “Of course! Princess can do whatever she wants. Let’s go!” My eyes followed them as Tyler carried Millie to her bedroom and put her on her small bed. He put the blanket on her before he looked at me. I had no choice. I don’t want my daughter to think that we’re fighting. I climbed on the bed and lay beside Millie. Tyler was on the other side, staring at me intently. “Mommy, sing…” Millie whispered. I smiled and started caressing her hair as I started singing softly. I could feel Tyler’s stares but I ignored him completely. I thought it was over, but after Millie fell into a deep slumber, I felt Tyler’s eyes piercing through my body again. I looked at him and met his blazing eyes. He clenched his jaws as his eyes darkened even more. “Don’t ever bring up divorce again, Serena. There’s no way I’ll let you go and escape this miserable life." "You are destined to suffer with me. You are mine.”Serena's POV“Are you just gonna let him do this?” Selena, my cousin, sitting in the passenger seat, asked worriedly. Our resemblances were very evident but our characteristics were actually opposite.“How could you let him do this to you? Have you lost self-respect?”I sighed while driving. “There's nothing I can do, Selena. He’s my daughter's father. Besides, he's from the most powerful family in this country. It's not that simple to divorce a Walter.”“But he’s disrespecting you!” She groaned. “You can’t settle with someone like him. Find another man who will satisfy you in everything.”I shook my head. “I don’t need romance.”When was the last time I slept with my husband? I don’t remember. I just woke up one day that we’re in this situation. We’re cold towards each other and it started after I caught him with another woman.I’ve lost my faith in our marriage the moment he cheated and I know it cannot be redeemed. It was only Millie who was making me hold on to it.“Come on, Seren
Serena’s POVI lifted my face and looked at Maria. She’s obviously panicking as she tries to caress my shoulder to calm me down. “S-Serena, it might be a mistake. Millie was still shocked and she must’ve mistook that man for her father.”Slowly, I stood on my feet and gripped the phone in my hand tight. There’s no way my private investigator would make a mistake. Besides, the photo clearly shows my husband’s delighted face while carrying the child.“Mommy! Does my daddy hate me?”I immediately carried Millie carefully and caressed her cheeks, wiping her tears. I felt like crying too. My daughter’s tears are my weakness. I don’t wanna see her crying and I’ll make Tyler pay for hurting our daughter.I sniffed and shook my head. “That’s not daddy.”“B-But…”I pressed my lips on her cheek, long but gentle. “That’s not daddy, sweetheart. Daddy is working.”She looked at me with eyes full of tears although it had stopped rolling down her cheeks. “You’re not lying?”I shook my head. I am but
Serena’s POVI fell asleep sitting and crying on the couch. It was already morning when I opened my eyes again. I was already lying comfortably on the couch. A soft pillow was under my head and a thick blanket was covering me.Slowly, I got up. It must be Maria’s doing.I rubbed my eyes. My vision wasn’t clear and I could feel that my eyes were swollen badly for some reason. I still feel exhausted. I still feel drained... I think I need a cold shower.“I’m glad you’re now awake.”I dropped my eyes on Maria before I roamed my eyes around.“Your husband didn’t go to work. He brought Millie to the Pediatrician clinic to have her checked again.”I nodded. “Can you prepare a coffee for me? I’ll just take a quick bath.”“You don’t look good. Are you going to the hospital today?”I nodded. “I temporarily switched shifts with a coworker yesterday, and I have to fill in today.”I was driving my car silently when I saw a huge public screen. The timing was perfect because the traffic light turne
Serena’s POVMy anger was dripping so the best choice was to ignore her. I didn’t smile back or what. I just continued walking. I successfully walked past her but she suddenly called my name which made me stop for some reason.“You’re Doctor Anson, right?”Doctor Anson. Right! I forgot I refused to change my name even when I married Tyler. My name is the only memory I have of my parents. I don’t wanna lose it. Having Millie to carry her father’s name is enough for me but I guess Tyler misunderstood my intention.“I’m sure you’re Doctor Anson. Can I have a minute with you?” Catherine is now in front of me. The child with her was looking at me and I immediately noticed something wrong in his eyes. However, his resemblance to my husband is really distracting.“Uhm… Is your shift over? I’m sorry this is just really urgent. I need your help.”I lifted my face to look at Catherine again. She need my help? About what? Is she going to ask me to let go of Tyler so they can finally be together?
Serena’s POVCatherine looked at me and Tyler alternately. Confusion was written on her face until she suddenly gasped and cupped her mouth as if she realized something. Her eyes were widening as she slowly turned to me with a shocked expression on her face. As if finally realized that I was Tyler's wife.“Are you saying I misunderstand everything? I saw it, Serena! You even made a child kneel!”I balled my fists. “Did I tell them to kneel? Did you hear me say it?”Catherine cleared her throat nervously. “I-I’m sorry…I have no intention of creating a mess. I just…I just want my son to get better. I don’t want his future ruined… I’m sorry…”I turned to her again as my eyes remained cold and sharp. “I told you I’m not the one who can help you—”“I recommended you to her because I know you can help Andy, Serena! But what did you do? You took this personally and you coldly pushed them away! You are so cruel!”I stared at him. He’s been disappointing me ever since our marriage started fall
Serena’s POVI have settled a date to talk to Damon about the divorce. He doesn’t know it was me since it was my private investigator who inquired and the schedule was set for next week.“Mommy, can I bring this with me?” Millie asked innocently as she hugged her big stuffed toy.Summer break has come and I asked Selena’s parents to take Millie with them to their summer vacation. I had to do this for my daughter’s sake. I don’t want him to witness how I would end the relationship between me and her father. I know my decision will also cause chaos since Tyler keeps on refusing to divorce, so taking Millie out of the picture is the best way to keep her from the pain.I will just…explain the situation to her soon. When the right time comes, of course.Caressing Millie’s hair, I smiled and nodded, “You can bring all the toys you want.”I watched her as she picked the toys she wanted to bring. Aside from keeping her out of the mess, I’m scared that Tyler would use her against me. Take her
Serena’s POV“Catherine.”My heart ached and beat with anger as soon as her name escaped my lips. I won’t call her if I don’t need her. I don’t even wanna think about her because she makes me miserable but I need her. I need her so I can finally get what I want.[Who is this?]I clenched my jaws. “Serena Anson. Tyler’s wife. Meet me tonight. I’ll send you the location.”She fell into a deafening silence. I guess she was too shocked to process that I called her today. Guess what? I’m also shocked because I can talk to her calmly despite the situation. I can talk to her calmly even when I’m full of hatred and pain.[W-Why do you want to see me?]I rested my left hand on the steering wheel of my car. I don’t have time for dramas or such. I want my freedom and I know I could use Catherine to make Tyler agree to what I want. They’ve been hiding the truth from me and I don’t really like it. My patience has worn out.“I’m expecting you to come, Catherine. It would be your loss if you didn’t.
Serena’s POVI don’t want it to seem like Tyler can order me around and dominate me whenever he wants to but I know I need to go home and talk to him personally for this to be clear. Threatening him on the phone won’t work and will only trigger a more chaotic argument between us.I ended the call and looked into Catherine’s eyes. She was gripping her phone so tight while looking at me as if she’d lost her cool.I pulled myself up and grabbed my bag while not taking my eyes off of her. “I need a paternity test, Catherine. If you cooperate with me, you can finally give your son a complete family.”She let out a sarcastic laugh, “And you think I’ll cooperate with you? It will only make it difficult for Tyler and that’s the last thing I want to happen. You do know that your husband always calculates things. He won’t let things go beyond his control. Why would I even get a paternity test when Tyler isn’t asking for it? Tyler and I are in a good relationship and I never want to disappoint h