CHAPTER 1
NEW YORK 2018 ~SERENE~ I stared down the window, lost in my thoughts. Why was life so unfair to me? I thought the hardest thing for a woman was to make their in-laws love them, which is why I grew up making sure they loved me, and they did, as they even made sure I married him. Yes, I was married to the love of my life, Diego. From the moment I set my eyes on him, I knew he was the one for me. I was fortunate as his family was good friends with my father, and since my father died saving him, they swore to make sure he married me. I was happy when he finally proposed. I can still remember that day, like yesterday. He was not happy. He told me he was doing it for his family, but did I care? No, because I knew I would win his heart, and no, I was not giving up. I am going to win his heart. I subconsciously stopped myself as I raised my hand almost sipping on the wine then I remembered I was not pregnant, I just lost our baby a few weeks ago so I brought the glass to my mouth, sipped on it to the bottom, “Ah,” I let out a satisfactory sound and then I stood to my feet and looked down, I hoped to see my husband, it was mid-afternoon I knew him coming this time was a miracle but today was our anniversary, I hoped he would come early to spend it with me but still I couldn't blame him, seeing that his favorite car was not there I sighed then walked to the table, I placed the glass on the counter and walked toward the door but quickly turned, no, today had to be perfect so I walked back and took the glass and bottle of wine from the table, he loved champagne, not wine. “Mrs. Myers, do you need anything?” Nora, my house help quickly ran to me and took the bottle and glass from my hands. “Yes, did my husband call?” I asked, and she shook her head. I've been asking her since I woke up, even though he hasn't slept in our bed, which I understood as he was still mourning over the miscarriage. He was very happy when I told him I was pregnant—his treatment even changed, but the moment he found out I lost it, he got so angry that he stayed a week without talking to me. I had to beg and plead for his forgiveness even when it was his fault that I lost it. “Okay,” I cleared my throat. “Please take a bottle of champagne and two glasses upstairs,” I instructed her, and she nodded. But as she turned to leave, I stopped her and asked her about the roses. I had ordered them specifically for this night. If a baby was going to change his mind, then there was no time to waste as I wanted to make him happy, so I would do anything to fall pregnant again, and it just so happened that today was our anniversary. "Yes, Mrs. Myers, the roses arrived a few minutes ago.” "Alright, take them up,” I told her, and she nodded before she walked toward the kitchen. My eyes wandered to the clock; there were only two hours left before he got back. I knew it was a lot of time, but my husband liked perfection; a little mistake can turn him off, so I quickly ran up the stairs and got in the shower. I started by shaving my legs; he never really cared about that; he loved me just the way I was, but after losing the baby, I knew it would be difficult to get him to touch me again; I had to be irresistible. After shaving and putting myself together, I walked to the mirror and curled my hair. He liked my hair down, so I curled it and let it hang on my shoulders. I wore lingerie and a tempting nightgown. When I was sure that my look was perfect, I ran to the bedside table and checked on my phone for time. I only had ten minutes. “Okay, everything is perfect.” I took a deep breath, then walked to the table and fixed the bottle of champagne and the glasses—as I mentioned, my Diego was a perfectionist, so he paid attention to everything; even the glasses position could turn him on. Well, good thing I learned all this before our marriage. “Good, now breathe, you got this,” I told myself and then sat on the bed. I didn't know if he was starting with the food in the dining room or coming straight to the bedroom; either way, I had to be ready, so I tried my angles on the bed. I had to sit at a spot where he could see the sexy me. I spent the rest of the ten minutes finding the right pose, so when my alarm rang, which meant it was time for him to come home, I stood up and turned it off. I walked down and met Nora. I knew it was time for her to go, so after she bid goodbye, I let her go. “The food is in the microwave; you can just heat it once Mr. Myers returns,” she said before she left. **** It had been hours, and Diego was not yet back. I was sitting in the dining room waiting, and I wondered where he was. It was already going to eight; calling him would cause problems as he would call me clingy, so I dialed his PA’s number instead. “Mrs. Myers,” she picked on the first ring. “Sorry for bothering you this late; is my husband still at the office?” I asked. "No, Mrs. Myers, Mr. Myers didn't come to the office today; he told me he was taking a day off,” she explained, I regretted bothering her, so I thanked her and ended the call. If he didn't go to the office, then where was he? I stood up and paced around, then a beep caught my attention; it was a tag from social media. I wondered who had tagged me as curiosity got the better of me. I went to the tag, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw the video. My husband was checking into a hotel with a woman beside him; his hands were around her waist, and even a child could tell what was happening. I paused the video and zoomed in on the woman’s back, and it was her, his ex-girlfriend, Nelly, the woman I'd been asking him to stop seeing. I couldn't control my thoughts as they went back to the rumors that he was still seeing his ex. I trusted him like he asked me but seeing this video confused my senses.Was this perhaps true? Was he cheating on me? Note:Hi I hope you like my first chapter if you did please, drop a comment and don't waste any time before proceeding to the next chapter, in case you came across some spelling errors, just know I'll try my best to do better and this is my first book here, so please show it some love, if you've a message for me drop it in the comments I'm more than willing to learn from you, love you let's make the dream work: TEAMWORKCHAPTER 2 Serene I woke up in a room filled with balloons and red roses the next morning, I quickly sprang out of bed and followed the flowery pattern that led to the room intended for our miscarried child.My pulse was thumping faster, and I felt lighter; I was certain that my husband had finally come back to me. Without hesitation, I opened the door, but owing to the darkness, nothing was visible.I turned on the lights and saw my best friend Neina with Nora and Charlotte all beaming and saying "Surprise!" to me."Did you do this? I questioned them not showing feeling upset that it was not Diego."Yes, my love, we did this to surprise you," Charlotte said as they all embraced me in a hug I wished Diego had given her. After expressing my gratitude to everyone,Me and my companions departed for breakfast, while Nora my maind started to tackle household tasks."Where is Diego, Serene? There is no way that I have seen him.” Charlotte asked... "Yes, Serene; where is Diego? He is meant
CHAPTER 3Serene "What? What is this!" I yelled, my voice quivering with rage and agony at the sight of Diego and Nelly. When he turned around, he realized he had forgotten to lock the door "I can explain... ""Explain? How would you explain this?"I entered the room, my face filled with grief and betrayal. My gaze shifts to Nelly, who is gazing down and avoiding eye contact. "Serene, let us discuss this at home." Diego reached out to me, saying, "It is not what you think." "Not what I think? I believe I just walked in on my husband in bed with another woman, So, what might it be?" I questioned, taking steps backward.My eyes welled with tears, but I refused to let them fall. I stormed out of the room, turning on my heel. Disappointment enveloped me, and the prospect of blind trust being broken shattered my heart."Serene, please wait!" Diego cried behind me. He tries to get out of the bed, but Nelly clutches his arm."Let her go.Let her go!""What have I done?" Diego moaned. [Hom
CHAPTER 4Diego "You are already back, sweetie," Nelly said, giving me a sour, displeased expression."Yes, I cannot wait any longer to make you mine; the previous 5 years without you, Nelly, have been agony; please do not ever leave me again," I begged, kneeling with my hands on her lap. "I am not going anywhere, but how about Serene?" She queried me with worry. "I have already taken care of that; she will be out of our lives for good," I said, going in for a kiss.I am not bothered about Serene; the return of Nelly made me glad. I do not want to put off the divorce procedures any longer, so I asked my lawyer to create the paperwork.Serene lost her kid while she was in the depths of despair, and she will soon lose me. I am excited to leave her for my first love, who is all I have ever desired. [Weeks Later]Serene was able to pull herself together from the anguish and decided to sign the paperwork as I remained riveted to Nelly."Please read the agreement and sign here," my Lawy
CHAPTER 5Serene When I arrived home, I ran into our bedroom, only to discover that my closet was empty. I asked myself , "How could Diego have done this?” We spent about three hours in his attorney's office, and it could not have been him.I turned to our maid Nora and said, "Who entered our room after I had left?""No one did.""What? How is that possible? My closet was emptied."I emptied them for you," Nora replied. “What?”"Oh please quit the act, Serene, you should be grateful I did you a favor imagine how long it would have taken you to get all your stuff together, I do not want Nelly to come here and find you wandering around this house, I have moved all your belongings to the living room, I don't even know what you are doing here," Nora, the maid, reacted. "What! Do you know Nelly?"You must have grown too comfortable being soothed by me; that chapter is over now; my best friend will be controlling this home from now on, and you need to get your ass out of here," Nora said,
CHAPTER 6Serene Neina came to see who was at her door when she heard a knock. I stood in front of her, brokenhearted, carrying my bags and a teddy bear.She lured me inside after dropping the mop. "What does this mean?" she said as we settled into the coach. "It is all over for me; Diego has engaged another woman," I said. Neina was bewildered, so I explained everything that had happened. Neina was enraged, but she had to save it for when she ran into Diego; he did not just injure her buddy."Serene I am deeply sorry, but you are now secure with me, and if he ever comes seeking for you, I will break every bone in his body.Neina swore. "I will be going shortly," I told her. "What, no, you are in no condition to go already.""I have been approved for the position we applied for while Diego was in distress.""Marketing director for KATARAYO AGENCY?"Neina asked "Yes, they did phone me a few hours ago.""What!"Neina leaped with delight and embraced me. We had given up hope of rece
CHAPTER 7Serene I have not heard from Diego in two weeks. I have been doing everything I can to recover, and now it is time for me to go to a faraway land, away from Diego and all the suffering he has caused me. It is now time to start afresh, this time without making any compromises for anyone. Charlotte and Neina are welcome to visit me in London at any moment. I can not understand why they are so unhappy. Charlotte and Neina placed my things in the boot and moved towards me; we hugged before jumping into the car and driving to the airport."Do not forget to inform us when you land," Neina said lovingly.“I won't promise,” I responded with a smile at them."If you forget, we will catch the next flight there," Charlotte said, and we all laughed.The vehicle came to a stop, and we hopped out. I grabbed my luggage and we headed inside the airport, and I started to feel sad and melancholy. I paused and glanced at both of them; Charlotte saw and hurriedly muttered, "Serene, calm down."
CHAPTER 8 Serene My skirt feels so snug on my body, and I have not worn something so classy in a long time. Throughout my marriage, I always wore clothing that never revealed too much of my body—except for instances where I needed to appear gorgeous. It is my first day at work, and I have donned make-up from Rare Beauty. Selena Gomez's cosmetics are an excellent fit for my skin. I put on lipstick and curled my hair. I had no option but to wear heels; I only hoped I wouldn't walk and fall because I have not worn heels in a long time; else, I will spend time in my slippers. I hurriedly grabbed my purse and dashed out as the driver came. "Good morning, Ms. Brights. I hope you are looking forward to your first day of work," The driver said to me. "Sure, I can not wait either," I said, turning my attention to my phone. Charlotte and Neina continued sending me texts asking if I had arrived at work; I responded and then began gazing at the architecture and charming spots we drove past.
CHAPTER 9Diego "Sir, your lawyer wishes to speak with you about something," George remarked in a pallid voice."Tell him to wait; I will be back in a few days; you know Nelly does not like things cut short," I responded to George in a strong tone."But, Sir—"I cut him off and said, "I know you can manage anything, George; just do your job."He was about to say something , but as soon as Nelly stepped in, I ended the call. She smiled at me and approached me with an enticing look. I stood up and headed towards her; when we met, I grabbed her up and kissed her. We proceeded to our bed, carrying her in my arms, and gingerly laid her on the plus-sized bed."Hold on," she whispered before I had the opportunity to kiss her.She grinned and picked up her phone. I was curious as to why she had stopped me, so she scanned through her album and finally stopped at a shot. I could not believe my eyes when I viewed the picture."What? You still have that ?" I questioned her."Yes, this was the on
CHAPTER 158 Serene The next day, I awoke in a hospital bed, knowing that the worst news was waiting for me. I stood up and looked at Charlotte and Neina, who were nervously looking at each other. "Did I lose the babies?" I asked my ears, knowing fully well that they were unprepared for the answer. "No, you didn't. The children are fine, but we are not sure if you will want to attend Diego's funeral," Charlotte said. "I am fine, I will go," I said, but I could tell they were both concerned that I would not be able to handle the pain. We arrived home, and I was able to change. I was sitting on my couch, trying to remember all the times he managed to create memories with me, and tears welled up in my eyes. I remembered how I hugged him from behind when Miguel was kidnapped. "Tell me you do not want to see me again, and I will leave forever," his words echoed in my mind. “I don't," I recalled saying before running to give him that hug. Why did you leave me so soon? I
CHAPTER 157 Serene The gunshots continued to echo in my head until I saw Diego fall in front of me. I was unable to speak, and before I could reach out to him, everything went black. "Diego!" I exclaimed, waking up in a hospital bed. "Calm down, Ms. Brights; you are safe and sound," I heard a strange woman say. "Who... Who are you, and where is Miguel?" I asked the woman, who appeared to be smiling at me. “Miguel? I don't know who that is but I —" "What do you mean, you have no idea who my son is? Where is Miguel?" I cut her off, attempting to sit up straight at the prospect of possibly losing my son. "Oh, your son," the woman said with a smile, and my heart rate finally slowed. “Where is he?" I asked her again. "He went to bring you some clothes from the mans
CHAPTER 156Nelly“Mina!" I heard Max exclaim when I opened my eyes in shock. How was she still alive after what Max had done to her? I looked around and could not believe I was actually in jail. "Hello, Nelly; you appear surprised to be in your new home," Mina said, smiling at me."Mina, my love, I can not believe you are still alive; I have missed you,” Max said, trying to hold her hand."Max, please hold it there. Are you even listening to yourself right now?” Mina cut him off."Of course, sweetie; I can not believe you are here with me every day and night. I wish you—”"Shut up, you idiot," Grace interrupted him as she walked in, looking different. She had lipstick and heels on."Grace, you have arrived," Max said, smiling with hope."Hello Max," Grace
CHAPTER 155SERENEI could not believe what I just heard and could not even tell Neina. I knew going to sleep in my room would be dangerous, so I locked the door and asked the guards to come upstairs in groups while armed, as the future was unknown at the time. “Is everything OK?" I heard Max ask the guard."Yes, everything is fine, Mr. Cruz; you can sleep," I said, attempting to appear calm."OK, thank you for letting me stay," he said, and I just smiled as I went into my room to grab my coat before returning to Miguel's room. After what I just heard, there was no way I was going to leave my baby alone all night. My thoughts were scattered, and I was having trouble reaching Diego. I was sure he was drunk by now.“What happened?" Neina inquired about why I had decided to have us sleep in Miguel's room.I cou
CHAPTER 154SERENEWhen Diego learned Miguel had been kidnapped, he dashed out, promising to bring him back, but I knew I would never forgive myself if anything happened to my son. I tried to relax and think positively, but couldn't. I suspected Charlotte was playing a prank on me, but when I called her, she had already left for Dubai with Andrew. My heart was not in the right place, and I knew Grace had not taken him without permission.Who else could have done that?Nelly was the only one who raised a red flag in my mind; I would never use a gun on anyone before, but after all the techniques I learned in self-defense classes with my guards, I did not mind pulling the trigger for Miguel, so I quickly asked the guards to get the car ready and take me to Max's mansion. My instincts never lie, and Miguel would undoubtedly be in the hands of Ne
CHAPTER 153NellyMax had gone shopping with Sonia and Grace, while I remained behind to make a very strategic move. There is no way Diego just decided to leave and go to a hotel. I have been following him for a while now, and I can not help but outwit him before he outwits us. When I found out that he had gone to see Serene, I used the plan I had devised to get their child and got my hands on that little boy. Knowing Serene would give anything to have that child back, I would play my cards right. I was about to leave my bedroom when I bumped into Max."Nelly, where have you been?" he inquired, his face untidy."What happened and is the shopping already done?" I pretended to ask."Do not act surprised; you know exactly what I am talking about. Where is Serene's son?" he inquired, his tone filled with concern as if he were the father
CHAPTER 152SereneI was on my way to check on the current status of my hotel when I noticed a waitress attempting to force herself on Diego. I was so furious that I almost fired her for being so unethical with our customers. I told them to treat everyone with respect, and given Diego's state, I could not help but rush to his aid, even though a part of me wanted to back away. He was always drunk when things didn't go well, so I knew something was up.When he told me what had happened, I called George to learn more and see how I could help. I realize it sounded stupid, but I was not doing it for Diego. I could not bear the thought of his late father's time being wasted on Myers Enterprise. Even after assisting him, something else made me nervous—lab results.I just found out I am pregnant and have no idea what will happen next. I am not sure whether I should be
CHAPTER 151Diego Waking up on Serene's couch is so comfortable, and getting to make breakfast for her and my son is something I want to do every day. When I returned to Max's mansion, I only came to get my bags, so I moved into a hotel; I could not leave under the roof over a wolf who might kill me one day. I greeted Grace, who appeared to be both sad and happy that I was moving out. "You better get them for me," she whispered, hugging me.“I will not worry," I responded."Do not lose focus, Sonia," I said, hugging her too."I won't you take care,” she said, kissing my cheek when Nelly walked in.“Diego, are you leaving? I mean what's with all these bags?" she asked."Nothing, Nelly; I am just going to get some privacy," I replied."Where? I mean, this mansion is large enough to accommodate everyone. Where are you going?" she asked.“Yes, Diego, where are you going?" my uncle asked, as he walked in."I am moving out to have my privacy," I explained."What? No, you know we have all
CHAPTER 150Serene I walked away since I could tell Diego was uncomfortable and Sofia appeared to be excited. I stood back and just admired how happy Charlotte and Neina appeared to be with their partners. Could such joy not locate me? Max smiled and blocked my way, so I considered walking away since I didn't want to be around him. "Ms. Brights, you look adorable tonight," he commented. "Thank you, Mr. Cruz; you do not look bad either," I said, about to walk away as he held my hand.“Uhmm sorry, how about we have a dance?" He said, but I was not in the mood, so I refused."Some other time, I have to get to something," I replied, walking away.Why would Max want us to dance when I do not want anything to do with him? Rina should have come here to dance with him because she likes rich men. I had not even finished thinking when I answered her video call. " Hey Rina, what a surprise?” I said as I didn't expect her to call."Calm down, madam, I know that reaction; did you turn down Max?"