Because Justin was driving, Serene had no choice but to take the front passenger seat. She felt uneasy and kept shifting in her seat. She did not know where to place her hands. She placed them in her lap, then crossed her arms across her chest, then placed her interlaced fingers on her lap and twiddled her thumbs.
Justin missed none of these. He’s in a good mood and could not help but have a tiny smirk on his lips. His fascination with her kept growing as he observed her.
Serene could feel Justin’s eyes on her. She stole a quick glance in his direction and saw that indeed his eyes were on her. Was that a smirk on his face? She wanted to roll her eyes at him, but his gaze met hers. The longer their eyes stayed locked, the more she felt uncomfortable. After a while, she saw Justin leaning forward, his face moving closer and closer to her.
Start over. The phrase rang in Serene’s ears and tugged on her heart. Yes, Justin was an asshole for not correcting her misunderstanding of his relationship with Bryan. Apart from that, he has not really done anything to her. “OK” was all she could muster. When Justin heard this, she felt a huge thorn pulled out of her chest, making it lighter. He smiled. “Thank you.” He spoke so softly and sincerely. Serene felt the warmth in her heart when she heard him speak. Such simple words, yet he said it like she saved her life. Their call already ended for a while, but Serene still continued to stare at the phone she held in her hand. Start over. Such simple words, yet it carried a heavy meaning for her. Indeed, things between her and Justin started a
The meal went smoothly. She now felt more at ease with his company. Although Justin looked stoic and arrogant, deep down he’s a warm person. And gosh, that laugh. It hugged Serene’s heart and sent shivers down her spine. She has not felt this good in such a long time. After the meal, Justin drove her back to the hotel she was staying. “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” Justin gave her a quick glance. “This weekend? I’ll be in Coast City.” “I see.” Justin nodded. He stopped the car a few meters from the hotel’s entrance, which earned a confused look from Serene. He cleared his throat and looked at her. He scanned her face, not
It’s finally the weekend. Serene packed her overnight bag and headed over to the airport. She’s bound to Coast City. This was an unexpected break she needed. Things between her and Justin had her heart in a tight knot. Thankfully, she did not need to go to Rain International, or else she’d feel more messed up. She was not ready to face Justin. She cannot help but sigh whenever she remembers him. And like the past couple of nights, the thought of Justin stung her eyes. Feeling the imminent tears, she shook her head and picked up her bag. After sitting in the plane for 45 minutes, she’s arrived in Coast City. She took a taxi home but did not stay long. She just left her bag in her room, then drove away to Mary’s boutique. Mary’s boutique was in a mall owned by her fami
The night finally came. Loud EDM music filled the air. Serene sat in the makeshift tent for the models. She was sitting on a stool as she waited for her hair and makeup to be done.Once finished, she collected her first outfit and changed. She wrapped herself with a robe, feeling the goosebumps forming on her arms from the cold.After a short while, the organizers called them and arranged them in order of appearance. Serene gently blew her breaths as she calmed her nerves. It’s been a long time since she last walked the runway. The task looked and sounded easy, but it was daunting. A lot could happen in a live show, from missing a step to wardrobe malfunction.She heard the emcee introduce the show, and the light from the stage darkened, adding to the drama. One by one, the girls before her disappeared as she found herself closer and closer to the stage.She let out a big sigh, removed her silk robe and gave it to the assistant. The moment she stepp
“Serene…” Justin’s voice was raspy. His eyes took in the features of her face, then lingered on her lips. He inhaled sharply, trying to control his emotions.She looked up to meet his gaze. She felt the burning warmth in his eyes. Her eyes darted to his lips and she could not help but lick her mouth as she remembered how his lips tasted.Her tongue’s movement did not escape him. He lost the last ounce of control he had left just by watching her reaction. His hand lifted her chin, and his head dipped to capture her mouth once more. He gently bit her lip before his tongue traced her lower lips, then met with hers.Their kiss which started with soft gentle pecks slowly increased in intensity and passion. Serene felt her knees slowing losing their strength. She clung on t
The weekend came and went. Serene’s heart and head were at odds with each other. Her heart simply reminded her how good Justin felt and how naturally they fit in each other’s arms. It spoke of the hard truth that they were in. He’s Bryan’s brother-in-law. Although it should not really matter since hers and Bryan’s story ended when he chose Chester, it still put her and Justin in a messy situation.Fate just had to bring them all together at such a time and predicament. So what happens when the four of them meet? Wouldn’t it be awkward?Serene mustered all her strength to get out of the bed and ready herself. She had a scheduled meeting with Arthur’s team. As much as she wanted to skip work, she couldn’t. This deal mattered to Al so much, and she did not want him to lose face. So, she dragged herself to the bathroo
Serene felt that the odds were against her. Of all the days that she’d miss an elevator, it had to be today. The elevator doors slowly closed on her and descended. She could not help but cry inwardly. There was nothing left to do but to wait for the elevator to come back up. Her eyes fixed on the closed doors, not daring to look anywhere. She felt that there were invisible eyes looking at her and were judging her. A warm hand enclose her icy ones while internally lectured herself for once again falling for Justin’s charm. She looked at the hand’s owner and she saw Justin looking at her, his lips stretched to a smile. “You forgot your bag,” He motioned his other hand that held her bag. Serene’s face burned up. She moved to retrieve her bag from his grasp, but he evaded her. “It’s OK, I’ll hold it
Serene and Justin had lunch at the Japanese restaurant at Hotel Le Grande. It surprised her when Justin ordered the same dishes she ordered the last time they had lunch there. It was already a few weeks back since they last dined here, and she ordered quite several dishes then. She cannot help but marvel at Justin’s attention to detail and memory.They ate in silence. Serene did not know what to say to him. The conversation they had in the car kept playing in her mind. She looked at the man opposite her in between bites. At first glance, he looked stoic, but she knew that deep down, he’s warm hearted.She also studied how she was feeling. If she were to compare how she felt during the early stages of her relationship with Bryan and with what she’s feeling with Justin now, she would doubt that she’s attracted to him. Although her heart throbbed when she saw Justin, she was not giddy like when she first knew Bryan. Bry
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