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
Leopold POVI felt the piercing night wind biting into my skin, triggering tremors in my body. But more than that, I felt a tremor of despair, thrown off by the selfishness of a father standing before me. Mr. Alexander, Serena's father, gave orders in a firm voice, telling his wife to bring Serena into the house. I wanted to hold Serena beside me and embrace her tightly, but I could see the fatigue on her delicate face. So, I could only stand in place, letting her stepmother pull her away without so much as a word. I stared at them with mixed feelings inside me. I wanted so badly to ask Serena to stay here with me. But I knew she needed rest.“Babe…” I called out to her, trying to get her attention before she left. I wanted her to know that I was here and that I would fight for her and our child. “I wish you'd give me a chance to prove that I'm worthy of you.” “Sir…” she hissed, her voice sounding weak but filled with uncertainty.“Rest, babe. I love you and our child,” I said quick
Serena POVI felt completely trapped in a never-ending cycle with Leopold. Every time I thought I'd found freedom, he pulled me back into the shackles of his toxic love.However, there was a small part of me that couldn't resist him. My little heart always yearned for the comfort of his embrace, despite knowing it would only cause me more pain.Have I really lost my mind?Please help me. I don't understand why I've become like this.Honestly, I want to escape, but I don't know how.“You know, I can't live without you,” he whispered, looking at me with eyes full of desire. I could feel the vibrations of his desire sneaking between those sweet words.So Leopold took me away from my father's house by force, like a kidnapping. He wasn't concerned about my father's threats.I smiled bitterly. “Those words sound like a mantra you keep repeating, sir. But do you really love me, or do you just love my body?”He straightened up, and his piercing gaze pierced my soul. “Of course, I love you sin
Leopold POV Five years have passed quickly, but it feels like only yesterday that I first met my chatty wife. Although we have faced various problems, both small and big, in our relationship, we have always tried to find solutions together. The first three years were a tough test for us. From minor arguments that led to days without talking to a big problem when my branch companies almost went bankrupt because of the actions of my trusted people. At that time, I was forced to leave Serena and our baby in America to deal with issues in various countries. Our relationship almost broke down, and Serena almost asked for a divorce because my busy schedule made her feel neglected, especially when she had the baby blues. Once, when Serena cried and angrily asked for a divorce over the phone, it felt like the world was crumbling before my eyes. Luckily, Serena's family was there to help take care of my son and boost her morale. I can never thank my father-in-law enough for being so unders
Serena POVAfter the blessing, it was time for the after-party in another hall. The night was peaceful, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves and the distant sound of crickets chirping. The tranquility of the evening enveloped everything in a sense of calm and serenity. We both stepped into another hall that had been prepared for the after-party. The party was a blast! The decorations were spectacular, with Mickey and Minnie Mouse balloons, a Cinderella castle centerpiece, and a life-sized cutout of Goofy. The music playing in the background added to the magic of the evening, with classic Disney tunes filling the air. Leopold really went all out, and I felt like a kid again. I couldn't wait to join in the fun and celebrate in this enchanting setting. It was the perfect choice to bring fun and magic to our special moment.Colorful lights hanging from the ceiling have decorated the hall, creating a magical atmosphere just like in Disneyland. The decorations were stunning: colorful b
Serena POVI can hardly believe it. Today, I got married at 23 to a 37-year-old man. He's not just any man. He's Leopold, the former CEO of my workplace and also my former one-night stand.During the proposal that came so suddenly and the surprise wedding outfit fitting, Leopold surprised me again. He calmly stated that he had already arranged our wedding with his family.My mouth dropped open, and my mind raced. I almost shouted, “What?!” But I could feel a tremor of excitement creeping up inside my chest.Speaking of Leopold's family, they all came all the way from Sweden to California.At first, I was afraid they would reject me. I was worried they'd make a big deal about Leopold siding with me to be my guardian and my father's successor. However, they welcomed me warmly. Leopold's mother was so considerate. That beautiful woman gave me a lot of advice on how to be a good wife and told me how to divide my time fairly between my husband and children. I may not have fully believed
Serena POVI frowned as Renesmee stopped the car in front of a luxury boutique building specializing in wedding dresses. From afar, the sunlight reflected off the boutique's windows, giving off a hypnotizing impression of luxury. “Renesmee, what did we come here for?” I protested, my hesitant voice clearly audible in the afternoon breeze that swept through my hair. She said she was taking me somewhere nice, but it turned out to be this luxury boutique.She laughed lightly, her bright-green eyes flashing. “You're curious, aren't you?”Renesmee glanced at me with a mysterious smile on her lips as we walked into the courtyard of the boutique building in Beverly Hills.I sighed, knowing for sure that she had a plan behind all this. I knew this boutique, a place only the elite could afford. It belonged to a renowned designer who used to make clothes for top celebrities and the rich.“You're getting married?” I asked Renesmee as we entered the boutique building. The fragrant smell of fresh
Leopold POV I sat in the center of the living room that I had carefully designed. Nervousness struck, though I tried to hide it behind my broad smile. Tonight was the night I had been waiting for—the night I would propose to Serena, my true love, to become my wife.Looking around, I couldn't help but smile at all the simple designs I had prepared. I adorned the living room with vibrant roses, their fragrance evoking memories of Serena’s alluring presence. I deliberately chose colors to reflect the joy and happiness that we will share together as a married couple.I wasn't an interior designer, but I tried my best to create something special for Serena. The walls of the living room were full of photos of Serena that I had secretly taken. It brought back memories of the special times we had spent together. The shapes were mostly hearts, representing my deep affection for her. I might not care if some find it tacky. What truly matters is expressing my love for her.On the table were v
Serena POV I stared at him fiercely, my eyes shining with my newfound courage. “Maybe for you, it was a mistake, dad. But for me, it was the right choice. I love Leopold, and I will not leave him.”There were no more words from my father; there was only a pressing silence in the room. The debate over the terms of becoming part of the Alexander family would never end.After all, how could I sacrifice my love? I will defend my choice, no matter what.“I realized long ago that you never considered my presence. I struggled to find my own happiness. Then, when I found a man who accepted me sincerely, you suddenly asked me to break up,” I said disappointed.“Serena, I know what's best for you.” Dad growled as he squeezed the sofa.I shook my head. “You never knew about me, dad. All you know is the family image.”“When you regret your choice, don't come here. You're such an unreliable daughter!” He exclaimed loudly, startling Uncle Frederick, who had just entered the room.I may look wild t
Serena POV I sat on a comfortable garden chair, looking out over the rose garden in front of me. The air seemed to be guiding me to bring all the courage I had. Here I was, in the garden of my father's house, with my heart pounding. I had considered everything carefully beforehand, and now I needed to ask for his blessing.“Dad, I'm sorry I came without telling you first,” I said, trying to compose myself.He turned to me with a serious expression, his eyes staring intently at me. I knew he was going to ask me the gist of what I wanted to talk about. That's how my father was—always straight to the point.“What do you want to talk about, Serena?” He asked, his voice sounding stiff, as if reflecting how difficult it was for him to express emotions.I swallowed, trying to organize the words properly in my mind before speaking them. I wanted my father to understand; I wanted him to support me.“I've come to talk about Leopold,” I said slowly, trying to construct my sentences carefully s
Serena POVThe heat of the setting sun left an orange color on the western horizon, creating a dazzling silhouette of Leopold before me. But, even though he was there, a darkness filled my mind, filled with worries about Eloise that hovered in the back of my mind.Leopold gently touched my flowing hair, giving me goosebumps from his warm touch. However, underneath his gentleness, there was anxiety shackling my heart.“Babe, is something bothering you?” his voice hissed, easing the chaos in my mind.I looked up at him, searching for answers in his warm eyes. Our arms embraced each other, and I buried my head in his chest, feeling the calm beat of his heart. “I'm still thinking about Eloise. You know how close we were. It's painful to recall all the wonderful memories we created together.”“Can a loyal friend hurt her friend?” asked Leopold in a soft voice, but his words pierced my heart. “No,” I replied softly, letting the silence envelop us.For some people, it might be easy to sugge
Serena POV Silence stretched between us, only the rustling of plates and the soft sounds of songs from the restaurant's speakers trying to break the ice at our table.Renesmee was still looking intently at Eloise, as if trying to find an answer from that gaze. Meanwhile, Eloise was silent, trapped in her own world created on her phone screen.“I'm finishing it here and today, because I no longer want to deal with anything that involves Eloise,” Renesmee said firmly, her voice piercing the air with disconcerting certainty.I could feel the tremor of firmness in her intonation, as if she had prepared her plan well in advance.I looked at Eloise, attempting to catch a speck of emotion behind her rigid facial expression. My hand touched her arm, trying to grab her attention from the virtual world that was sucking her in. “What about you, Eloise?” I whispered softly, as if feeling the darkness that enveloped her mind.Eloise looked up, her eyes still glued to her phone screen, though the