The hour and a half drive to the Rain mansion felt like an eternity for Serene. The roads ahead of them stretched to forever. She tried to close her eyes to calm herself, but she felt more anxious as the image of Chairman Rain flashed through her mind.
Justin observed how she shifted in her seat and looked outside the window. She looked as if she had done something wrong and expected to receive punishment when she returned home.
He blew a sigh and drew her closer to him, kissing the top of her head. “Relax, Babe,” he whispered while he rubbed her back. Serene nuzzled on his neck, inhaling his fresh scent. It somehow calmed her nerves and made her breathing even. Her eyelids felt heavy and in no time she dozed off in his arms.
Serene woke up feeling gentle kisses on her mouth. “Hmmmm&hel
Because of their unexpected meeting, Elaina had isolated Serene from them. The two talked about art. From listening to their conversation, Justin gathered the reason Serene sat in her mother’s class was that she looked up to Elaina as an artist. So when she learned from a friend that his mother will teach the following semester, she had arranged her class schedule around Elaina’s class.The two women were so engrossed discussing painting and the global art scene, they hardly noticed Bryan and Chester’s arrival. His brows arched when he saw Elaina animatedly talk to Serene.“Mom’s uncharacteristically chatty today,” Chester expressed his observation.“Uh-huh. Turns out, Serene attended her class when she was in college,” Justin filled him in.
Serene waited for a minute before going back into the party. It would be awkward if she were to bump into Chester or Bryan. Although she did not want to eavesdrop, the two were not speaking in whispers. She clearly heard Chester tell Bryan that he wanted to divorce him. Her back stiffened from his declaration as if it was directed to her. She felt for Bryan. She knew Chester mattered to him. Otherwise he would not gamble his relationship with her and his family. Bryan’s family was conservative, although she did not confirm it herself, she deduced they were strongly against his relationship with Chester. She recalled that none of his family attended his wedding. A sigh left her mouth. She and Bryan were in the same predicament. Their past haunted his relationship, similar to how it haunted hers. He must feel suffocated as he tried to escape its clutches, but w
The scene of Chester and Bryan’s argument kept playing on Serene’s head. It should not bother her since it’s their problem and not hers. But perhaps because she empathized with Bryan, that was why Chester’s harsh words declaring he wanted a divorce rang in her head. She felt Bryan’s pain as if it were Justin who wanted to break up with her.She tried painting to divert her attention, but it did not help her at all. Putting her brush aside, she looked at the clock on the wall. It’s just after ten in the morning and she’s already out of ideas on how to keep herself busy.She called Justin’s secretary to check on his schedule and decided to bring Justin’s lunch to the office. After confirming that he had no engagements during lunch time, she informed his secretary that she would be coming but wanted it to
“You’re probably wondering why I wanted to talk to you,” she looked at him, before sipping on her coffee. He said nothing and only stared at her.She let out a sigh before she said, “I unintentionally heard you and Bryan argue during your parents’ anniversary.” She lifted her eyes to see his reaction. Nonplussed, his brow arched. She knew she got his attention.“I’m sorry. I did not intend to eavesdrop. I hated crowds and I looked for a quiet corner away from everyone. I did not expect that you two would also be there. Unintentionally, I heard it when you said you wanted to divorce him. I am in no place to interfere with your marriage, but please hear me out.” When Chester did not make any comments, she continued, “I felt like Bryan and I are in a similar s
Serene’s phone vibrated on the bedside table. With eyes closed, she reached for it only to feel Justin’s hand closing on the phone. He looked at the screen and knit his brows.“My mom’s calling you, Kitty,” he said sleepily, and handed her her cellphone, then buried his face in her neck.“Hello?” she asked in her sleep. The voice of Elaina jolted her awake. She asked her to accompany her to go shopping. It was her idol asking her to go out! Who needs to think twice about that? Of course, she agreed to her invitation and got up from the bed, earning a dissatisfied grunt from Justin.He tightened his hold on her waist and pulled her back into his embrace. “What’s that about,” he mumbled on her neck.
After maneuvering the morning rush hour, their car stopped in front of an art gallery.“There’s a mural that I’d like you to see,” Elaina said before she got out of the car with the help of her driver. Serene followed suit.Entering the gallery, the employees greeted her by name, which simply shows that she’s a regular. Elaina quietly walked inside the gallery until they reached the back wall. On the wall was a mural of an abstract painting. It’s made of randomly splashed paint and bold strokes. However, a hyacinth bloom formed from the splatters if viewed from a specific angle.“Lovely, isn’t it?” Elaina said as they both appreciated the mural. Serene just nodded as she took in the art before her.“
Serene stood frozen, receiving all the fury from Justin’s eyes. Tears accumulated at their edges as the fear in her heart grew. She had never seen Justin furious before, and it scared her witless. “Jus… Justin…” she called him, her voice trembling and was barely audible. However, his senses seemed more acute than usual. His gaze burned into her. Two burning balls of flame looked into her, ready to engulf her and burn her. The joints of his jaws moved from clenching his jaws too much. His lips formed a tight line. “What are you still doing here? Get out! Follow him!” he said through gritted teeth. His nose flared and his fingers trembled as he pointed to the door behind him. Serene’s heart shattered at his words. Her chest tightened from the pain those words gave her. Follow Bryan? Why would she do tha
Serene’s mind kept replaying Justin’s hurtful words. Like a knife, each work he said struck her heart, stabbing it repeatedly until it bled. The taxi driver kept on glancing at her from the rear-view mirror, concern written all over his face. Tears had not stopped falling from her eyes the moment she sat.I need to fix this. She kept repeating in her head. But how? She did not know; all she knew was she needed to make things right. Justin’s furious face flashed on her face. His sharp eyes that ripped her apart. They were just lovingly cuddling this morning. How can everything go south in less than 24 hours?After a while, her taxi stopped at the gate of Justin’s villa. She paid the driver and alighted from the vehicle. With heavy steps, she approached the gate and keyed in the passcode. It beeped to show an incorrect passcode
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