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
Serena POVI followed Leopold's steps to the beach, watching every bold move he made. He looked so confident in his white beach shirt and shorts, while I was content to wear a knee-length summer dress and white sandals.I purposely avoided a bikini, not wanting to show my growing baby bump. I don't feel confident with my changing body, especially in front of Leopold.When we arrived at the beach, the smell of fresh seawater greeted us. I felt like I was experiencing déjà vu. It reminded me of my first meeting with Leopold at Larvotto Beach in Monaco.I was just a woman who had just broken up with my fucking ex. Leopold's presence and touch made me forget all about Jason.It all started with one intimate night. It continued to be nights of passion after fate brought us together, until I finally found out that I was pregnant.We walked along the seashore, listening to the soothing sound of the waves. I looked at Leopold, who seemed so calm and peaceful among this natural beauty.I wonde
Serena POV I was still silent when Leopold drove me home to California after an exhausting day at the San Francisco hotel. The view out the car window felt like fog drifting through my mind, and I could only stare out blankly. I was surprised when his luxury car didn't turn onto the road leading to the penthouse, instead gliding quietly through the busy city streets.We arrived at a house with a large courtyard filled with colorful flower gardens. A small fountain flowed with a soothing gurgle in the center of the garden. A beautifully curved pathway led to the terrace. And a small fishpond glistened in the evening sun, reflecting the fading orange sky.“What is this, sir?” I asked in a stammering voice. I was stunned by Leopold's surprise. My eyes wandered, trying to make sense of everything that had just happened.Leopold smiled gently, his eyes looking at me with warmth. “This is for you, Serena. A gift from my heart for you.”I was transfixed, unable to believe what I was seein
Leopold POVIn the stillness of the night that had become incarnate, I lay on my bed with my eyes still wide open. The air seemed to lead me into a dreamland, but before falling asleep, I let my mind wander to the happiness that surrounded me. Serena is the light in the darkness of my life. Her presence brightens my dark life. Every time I open my eyes, the world becomes more colorful.At times like this, I was compelled to express my gratitude to God for this priceless gift.Looking at her serene face as she slept, I felt like a winner in the lottery of life. However, underneath that happiness, there was anxiety that hasn't faded to this day.Every night, I chose to go to bed last. Not because I was seeking pleasure in solitude, but to ensure Serena could sleep peacefully beside me. Serena was my weakness. Losing Serena was my biggest nightmare. My vow to myself was to make that moment the last painful experience.I tried to be fair to Serena and Amanda. Every move I made and every
Leopold POVMy little heartfelt heavy leaving Serena home alone, especially with our baby. However, my responsibilities as CEO did not allow me to take time off or work from home today.As I opened the kitchen door, a gust of fresh morning air greeted me. I took a deep breath, feeling the breeze brush against my face. I walked towards the front door of the house with light steps while checking the work documents in my briefcase.“Sir, don't forget to bring an umbrella. The weather can change suddenly,” Serena said gently as she put the dirty plate in the sink.I smiled and nodded, tapping my fingers on the table before grabbing the umbrella from the shelf by the door. “I'll remember, babe,” I replied as I turned to her. “You'll be fine at home, right?”Serena nodded as she walked over to me. “Of course. I'll take a short rest after cleaning the kitchen. Don't worry about me.”I leaned closer, kissing her forehead softly. “I love you,” I whispered.Serena smiled, her eyes shining with
Serena POVTime continued to pass quickly, and now I was three months pregnant. Daily, I'm busy with household chores, taking parenting classes, and occasionally designing fashion. The good news is that I am now the full guardian of Dickypuss, the grumpy black cat who used to live in the rented house with my friends. As for my two best friends, Eloise and Renesmee, they were fine. However, they have now chosen to live independently. The reason is unknown to me, as Renesmee refuses to share if I ask about Eloise. And my friendship with Eloise seemed to have ended.I felt sad. Behind Eloise's attitude that hurt my feelings, there were many wonderful memories of her. We had lived together for more than five years. I would rather not blame Eloise completely, because I had also made mistakes. If there is a chance to mend our friendship, I would be happy to do so.A thousand good things don't disappear just because of one mistake. We were both humans, with sins and mistakes that we had com
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