Serena POVAfter loading the groceries into the car, my stomach growled for a filling. My mind immediately went to the delicious steak at the French restaurant not far from here. I couldn't help but smile as I imagined the opportunity to enjoy my favorite dish.However, when I stepped into the restaurant, the cold air that had been soothing instantly turned into a fire that burned my heart. Right before my eyes, I saw Leopold sitting at a table by the window with Amanda. They looked so intimate, even more so than they should have. Amanda's gentle touches on Leopold's hand made me feel even hotter.It was too much for an ex-wife who cheated on her husband.I clenched my fists tightly, trying to hold back the emotions that overflowed inside me. My blood was rushing, and my stomach ached.My breath hitched as I watched Leopold gently wipe the sauce stain off Amanda's lips. His piercing blue eyes gazed tenderly at his ex-wife. And I swear, I saw a look of affection in his eyes.Without t
Serena POVIn a building that looked worn out like a former armory, I initially felt a little hesitant when I first stepped inside. However, Maximus confirmed that a transformation had occurred, turning this place into a comfortable residence.I had never really gotten to know him well, even though he had been my father's personal bodyguard for some time.“It's quite nice, isn't it?” he asked as he gestured around. “I did some renovations myself.” I nodded, trying to show appreciation for his hard work. I silently watched the transformation of the old weapons building, which was now transformed into a warm and simple residence.The evening sunlight streamed in through the large windows, filling the room with soft light. While the high ceilings gave a sense of spaciousness and free-flowing fresh air.The walls that were once made of bricks are now decorated in a bright beige color, giving them a warm and friendly feel. An enormous stone fireplace in the corner adds to the warmth. And
Serena's POVI sat on the sand with a blank look, lost in an endless sea of thoughts. My body was tired, filled with a burden of thoughts that wouldn't subside.After considering everything related to us, I decided to return to Maximus' house. There was no way I could continue to stay at his house, becoming a burden to him. I knew he didn't come from a rich family, so bearing the cost of my food must be very hard for him.“I have to say goodbye to him, and thereafter, I have to find a solution.” Despite trying to encourage myself, my chest was still tight from the pressing pile of problems.The sound of gunfire in the air stopped me in my tracks, sending panic through my veins. I hid behind a bush as I saw many people in police uniforms surrounding Maximus's house on all sides.“What's going on?” I whispered in fear. There was no way Dad would do this, right? He didn't care about me anymore.In my confusion and fear, a heavy, familiar voice broke the silence. My body stiffened, and I
Serena POVIn the darkness of this luxurious penthouse, my space felt increasingly narrowed, as if I were a bird trapped in a golden cage. I couldn't tear my gaze away from the large window, which displayed the sparkling city of Santa Clara at night. However, the moonlight was unable to disturb the darkness that ruled my heart.“Sir, why are you doing this to me?” I hissed, my weak voice breaking in the quiet room.He just looked at me coldly; his blue eyes, which used to look at me warmly, now looked cold. “You know why I'm doing this, Serena,” he replied simply, without any expression on his handsome face.I took a deep breath, trying to hold back the emotions creeping up inside my chest. “But this isn't fair to me. I am not your prisoner, and I also have the right to know Maximus's news.” Leopold averted his eyes, as if bothered by my question. “Maximus is fine. You don't need to worry about him,” he blurted, as if to end the conversation.But I wasn't going to just give up. I loo
Leopold POVIn the brightly lit room, the large windows were wide open, letting the sunlight fill the room. Fresh air from outside penetrated the room, creating a contrast to the tension that enveloped us. Serena sat at the end of the bed with a hard expression on her beautiful face. Her clear eyes radiated hatred, but also her inability to fight me. I stood before her, staring at her with a sharp gaze. It was inversely proportional to my heart, which was screaming to hug her and say as many words of apology as possible.“What else are you planning, sir?” she hissed in a trembling voice.“Nothing,” I replied coldly.Serena stroked her belly as she moved closer to me. Her body, which was only as tall as my chest, was so petite, plus she was pregnant, which made her look cute. “Sir, I miss working, I miss how busy the office is, and I miss moving around freely. Please, let me go back to the way I used to be.” Serena looked up, her gaze like a puppy who wanted something. My protests s
Serena POVI was the image of a woman who had given her all, not realizing that my true self had disappeared. There was nothing left of my broken self; everything disappeared with my carelessness.My dream was simple: to receive attention and love from a man who truly loved me. However, that never happened. I understood my behavior was detrimental, but I felt I had no choice. The thirst for affection became a part of me because, throughout my life, I never felt it from my father.And now I was at the point of losing hope.All the sacrifices I had made were worth nothing. Love makes everything taste sweet, like chocolate melting on the tongue, but the reality is bitter. My subconscious swallowed the promises, hoping he would be at the end of my search. Once more, everything completely dashed my expectations.I wanted to laugh at my stupidity, but I was ashamed to admit it. Every time I looked in the mirror, I wanted to destroy myself. My existence feels shameful, dirty, and useless. Ev
Serena POV“Eat well, Serena,” Aunt Mary said, thrusting a plate of food in front of me.My hands trembled as I reached for the fork, not used to this kind of attention. Suspicion filled my mind as I doubted the intent behind Aunt Mary’s extraordinary treatment tonight.“I don't put poison in food,” she said, taking me surprised. Aunty Mary, an elegant and still charming woman despite her middle-aged age, just smiled faintly, facing my stiffness.“T-that's not what I'm worried about… I…”“Don't talk during meals. It's rude,” my father interrupted, knocking on the table. My father interrupted, knocking on the table, and reprimanded me, forcing me into silence. In contrast, Aunt Mary remained calm and unaffected by my father's actions.The silence in the dining room added to the tense atmosphere. The medieval-style decor gave the impression of seclusion. Father sat resolutely, enjoying Aunt Mary's meal from the main chair.Lately, I've noticed a slight change in Father's demeanor, as if
Leopold POVEvery decision I make must have one loser. I tried to be fair to Amanda and Serena, even though some thought it wasn't sufficient.I tried to be there for Amanda, who was now in her eighth month of pregnancy. She doesn't have anyone to help her when she's feeling terrible, so I decided to go to her house and keep her company for a while. As far as I knew, her health condition was not good, although it didn't affect the baby's health. But I was still worried, afraid that something would happen to the baby.I was so focused on being by Amanda's side that I forgot about my other responsibilities. My stupid brain thought that Serena, who was pregnant, didn't need extra care like Amanda. All this time, I thought that Serena, who was independent, could do everything on her own, didn't complain when I didn't reply to her messages, and didn't protest when I went secretly to Amanda's house. The fact was that she was bottling up her grief all by herself. I should have realized my