To everyone’s surprise, without a word, Serene got up from her seat and went out of the room. She did not care about the incredulous look of her colleagues, not to mention the dark face of her Director, Mr. Kim.
She just wanted to get out of that place as quickly as she could. Her chest tightened, her eyes burned. She further hurried her steps and went straight to the nearest washroom. She locked herself up in the first vacant cubicle that she saw.
Alone, her tears fell down from her eyes. She suppressed her sobs lest other people would hear her. “They both have to be here,” she muttered. Her emotions were a mess. She felt confused, surprised, angry, depressed all at the same time. Like her feelings, her thoughts were also a mess. She cannot understand why of all the places in the world she ended up working here. While she was happy with her work and the people she worked with, with those two here, how can her life be peaceful again?
She though
“It’s not what you think,” It was Bryan who spoke and met Justin’s inquiring eyes. His voice cold and detached.“And what am I thinking, huh?” Justin’s eyes challenged Bryan’s. The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Serene felt trapped between two boulders about to clash on each other.“Mr. Rain,” Serene finally found her voice. “Mr. Cooper and I knew each other from when I was in college. We have not seen each other for quite some time. Let me assure you that there is nothing going on between the two of us,” she explained in a single breath.She’s not sure if the person in front of her believed her because the moment she opened her mouth to explain, the darker his expression became. “I’ll go ahead first, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Rain,” with that she hurried forward to the direction where she parked her car, not even waiting for either of them to respond.Not daring to l
She looked at him squarely. Although she might look like she's able to hold up in a fight, deep inside she's already feeling very weak. "I ensure you I will maintain my professionalism and will not allow our past to affect my work performance," she added to stress that in the end, she was here for work and not to wreck homes.He raised his brows. His mouth twitched as if wanting to say something, but decided against it. He then knit his brows and stared at her. The ice daggers coming out of his eyes were all directed at her.Ex boyfriend. Who would have thought that he would pave the way for these old flames to meet again? He wanted to punch himself in the face for convincing Bryan to return to the country and work for him.“So, he’s the 'Bry' you called that night?” he said with an eyebrow raised and a mouth raised to a smirk; his tone laced with sarcasm.“Excuse me, what?” She knitted her brows, trying to recall when did sh
He stopped leaning on his table and walked towards her. He reached out to her, but she stepped back.“Don’t you dare come near me or touch me”. She no longer cared about the designation of the person in front of her as she angrily shouted at him.“Shen, just let me explain--”“Serene! And don’t waste your breath. I don’t need to hear your excuse or your lame explanation. Nothing can change the fact that you chose to lie to me.” She took one deep breath and continued, “Bryan, you knew how much you mattered to me. But you threw that all away the moment you decided to lie to me. Did you think I will never find out? Did you think you can continue doing what you did with him and still keep me on the side?” She looked at him from head to toe. Her eyes were
Justin saw Serene get in Bryan’s office. With a scowl on his face, he followed her. His curiosity got the better of him and he eavesdropped. At first he hardly heard anything, but his brows slowly lifted when he heard both parties raising their voice to one another.He then furrowed brows as he listened to their exchange. Unable to stand it anymore, he turned around and walked away. He had just taken a few steps when the door opened and Serene immediately bolted out of it.With bloodshot eyes and tears streaming down her face, she marched out of the room. Oblivious to her surroundings, she almost bumped on him. She did not even bother stopping. She just walked quickly, as if escaping an attacker.
What is going on? Serene’s head is about to burst from confusion. Who is Chester? Why is he apologizing to me? Serene cocked her head as she stared at Chester. At this moment, Chester has closed his eyes as if gathering his thoughts.The way Chester looked has unlocked something in Serene’s brain. Once again, the picture of the man sitting at the edge of the bed, with his eyes closed, head tilted back and making titillating moans flashed right in front of her.Shocked, she covered her mouth with her hands, then pointed at Chester, “You’re Bryan’s husband?” Her tone was incredulous as she focused on Chester and forgetting his deadringer, whose aura just got colder.“Uhum,” Chester c
Justin kept turning and tossing on his bed. Unable to catch sleep, he stood up and walked out of the balcony. He took deep several breaths. Today’s events got out of his control. Who would have thought that his brother will barge into his office and reveal their relationship to Serene?He pinched his glabella, then let out a sneer. And what the fuck is up with his brother-in-law? Why does he seem to want to get close to his ex-girlfriend again?He hated the way he called her. “Shen…” he imitated the familiar way Bryan addressed Serene. It’s like a code name that they share. The insinuated intimacy added fuel to his irritation.Then he recalled the mocking comment Serene made when Chester addressed Bryan.“Dear? Really? Can&r
After two awkward minutes, Dylan just predominantly talked as if in a monologue since she and the irritable man they were with, would only give Dylan some verbal nods here and there. He did not seem to mind though.Serene had known Dylan from hosting fashion shows when she was in college. In the couple of times she'd work with him, she'd known him as somebody with a flamboyant personality, and easy to get along with. She recalled Mary had a crush on him back then.“Shen, sorry I got caught up in traffic,” a svelte lady approached her.Slightly catching her breath, she pecked each of her cheeks, not caring about the men Serene was with. She was wearing a black halter top and a leather miniskirt that accentuated her long slender legs. Her hair in a short bob.&
Mary paced back-and-forth in Serene’s living room. “What do you plan to do now?” She looked at Serene, who sat at the couch. “I don’t know yet. I might just go back home and start over.”“Have you told auntie and uncle already?” Serene never gave her family details on the reason she and Bryan broke up. They adored him and actually treated him as their son-in-law. It devastated them when they learned about their breakup.She did not want to hurt her parents, and she was not sure how they would take the reason for their breakup considering that they hold very conservative perspectives. She just shook her head to answer Mary’s question, looking very dejected.Mary let out a deep sigh and sat beside Serene. She hugged Serene from her back and said, “Why do these things happen to you?”Serene simply bowed her head. She asked the same question herself. Why do these things happen to her? Did she d
Serene stood in front of a closed door, holding onto her father’s arm. She felt weak on her knees and him lending his strength is all that she needed. Her heart was in her throat and her hand tightened around the bouquet she held.“Ready, love?” Conrad asked his daughter. His loving eyes looked at her. She was just a tiny baby he held before and now he’s walking her down the aisle. Recalling everything she has gone through; he felt a sense of pride rush through him. She’d grown to a strong independent woman, the best mother to the twins. He could not be prouder.They signaled for the door to be opened. Father and daughter walked down the aisle. All eyes are on them. Serene insisted on having an intimate wedding. She wanted their intimate moment shared only with people who mattered to them. Every single one of those in attendance we
Serene and Justin were co-parenting for the past six months, and it had been a bliss so far. Every Friday night, he’d have dinner with Serene and the twins at her place. After dinner, he would take the children with him. They agreed weekends were his, but he preferred to spend Sundays as a family. They would go to parks, museums, or hang out either at his place or hers. He would then drive Serene and the children back to her place at Hyacinth Bay.As for the two of them, they’re building trust at their own pace. Serene’s more open with him, although he wished she’d be more affectionate. He missed holding her and feeling her close to him.It’s Friday night. Justin would come over for dinner before driving back to his place with the twins. Serene finished cooking, but Justin has not arrived yet.
After their lunch, the group transferred to the nearby hotel. She and Justin watched their children play in the pool in silence. Her eyes soften at the sound of their laughter. It still fascinated her to see how much they’ve grown.“So, you guys back together?” Mary asked as she walked towards Serene and handed her a glass of juice.“No,” Serene answered, then sipped the beverage Mary gave.“Hm… I like to remind you, Shen, how difficult things were for you in the past,” she said, throwing a glance at Justin. He remained quiet throughout the exchange.Serene chose to not respond to Mary. She knows how hostile Mary could get, especially after what Justin did to her.Mary held her
The weekend finally came. Vivienne instructed him to go to Lewis Tower. From there, he took the helicopter going to Pines City. He could not help but sneer. He and his team focused on the airport when she used a helicopter to shuttle to and from Hyacinth Bay.Thinking alone that he’d see her and their children, he could not help but feel excited. The weekday felt like a drag for him. He wanted to fast forward the days, so it’ll be the weekend and he’d finally be able to spend time with Serene and the twins.His heart thumped in his chest as soon as his foot touched Pines City ground. His palms felt sweaty and cold. The food park occupied part of the mall’s outdoor space. It’s composed of many stalls featuring various cuisines.Vivienne welcomed him upon arrival. His eyes search the venu
Seeing her packing their things shattered his world. She’s running away again. He just had a taste of how it felt to be a part of the twins’ lives and she’s taking them away.He knew he hurt her before, but he wanted to make up for it if only she’d give her a chance. One chance to make it right and prove to her how much they mattered to him. A single chance is all he wanted.He has not asked her about it yet, but here she is packing her luggage, poised to run away again. They’ve been playing cat and mouse for such a long time, it has become tiresome. How long would it take him to find them again this time?He sat at the edge of Serene’s bed. His elbows dug into his knees while his hands held his head. With his head down, a veil of dark hair fell on either side of his face. His slu
Serene’s incoming call cut off their conversation. “Al,” Serene answered her call while getting up from her seat and walking away from the dining table. “How are the twins? Bryan told me what happened.” “They’re safe now, a little shook but safe.” “That’s good. Are you at Justin’s?” “Um…” “That’s fine, Shen. He’s the children’s father. After all these years, and all that has happened, don’t you think it’s time for the twins to know him?” “I don’t know, Al.” “Hey, it’s just my ten cents, Shen. In the end, it’s your call. By the way, if you have time, come down to Pine City. Susie tho
As their car entered his Villa, Serene felt a tug in her heart. This place contained some of her happiest and her most painful memories. She clutched Pax closer to her chest and looked at the sleeping Felicity in Justin’s arms. She looked so peaceful and at home in his arms.Jane, Justin’s helper, could not hide her surprise at the sight of Serene. Her eyes were as wide as her open jaws. It’s been years since she last saw Serene. And it was when Justin ordered her to send Serene away. It broke her heart to see her pitiful condition then. But she was a mere helper, and her master forbade her to help Serene.“Ma-Madam!” Jane could not help but cry at the sight of her. Her smile almost reached her ears.“Jane, good evening,” Serene said, smiling at Justin’s helper.
Justin picked Serene up from the hotel she stayed in. There was no longer a need to hide from him since she needed to work with him to rescue her children. She sat in the front passenger seat while he drove.Justin looked concentrated on his driving, but he’s biting the inside of his cheeks from anger. The hotel where she and her children stayed was only a couple of blocks away from Hotel Le Grande. She always hid in plain sight, it made him look stupid already.He pushed his anger aside and concentrated on the issue at hand. The kidnappers gave him the location of the meeting. It’s an abandoned warehouse near the pier. They instructed them to leave the money beside a trash can near the entrance.Justin got off the car and did exactly that. After dropping a huge duffle bag beside the trash, he walked awa
Serene’s vibrating phone cut off the staring contest between her and Justin. Her brows furrowed as she looked at the unidentified number flashing on her screen. “Hello?”“Serene Ellis” a raspy man’s voice spoke on the other end of the line. From the background, Serene could hear children crying.“Yes.” she answered, her voice trembling. Her heart tightened and the angry flush on her cheeks drained.“We have your children --”“Please, please, don’t hurt them. Don’t hurt my babies,” she whimpered. She felt her phone snatched from her hand. Justin put the phone on speaker, not making any sound. The entire room listened in silence.“We won&r