(Serena's POV)When I felt the two bobby pins stuck to my hair strands, my heart suddenly lifted with the hope that I could get out of here.I've heard of this before. Why not give it a try?With the hope of making things work out, I grab the pin on my hair, bending it at a 90-degree angle, then spreading the wavy and straight ends of the bobby pin apart so that it bends at the center and looks like an L. With a trembling breath, I stick the straight end of the hairpin about one centimeter, or about 1/3 of an inch, into the keyhole of the doorknob while applying enough pressure to bend the end of the pin into a hook.I know this will take long but I hope I can successfully open this Goddamn door before Ryle arrives.My surroundings became mute as I darted with an eye, full of concentration on the doorknob.After, I guess a few minutes of turning the pin, I heard a 'click' sound from the knob.With sweat streaming down my temple, I attempted to open the door carefully while trying to
(Marcus's POV)Suddenly, a loud gunshot startled both of us as I stepped the brake abruptly. "That's a gunshot, right?"Daniel nodded and took his revolver from his backpack as I took mine out of the glove compartment too."It's quite near to us. Are we good on our own?" Daniel said as he took in his surroundings, vigilant to potential dangers to us."We're good. It's just one gunshot."I started the engine again while being careful of our surroundings. I didn't know that this farmland is quite risky making it difficult for us to finish our goal.Then not long after, another gunshot and a scream from a familiar woman's voice caused my heart to almost jumped out of my chest.With trembling feet, I accelerated the car. "Fuck."That's Serena's voice!My heart was pounding crazily in my chest, making me anxious every second passing by without knowing the safety of Serena. I'm fucking sure that was Siri's voice, crying in pain. Her voice, full of agony and pain, crosses my head, causing
(Serena's POV)I rise up to consciousness out of a dead blank into a world that is whiter than anything I have ever seen, like a fish of the bottomless rising to the surface of dazzling air and sun. Because there was a small gap between the currents, sunlight bounced off the carpet. I could clearly hear voices chatting softly and in an official manner quite close by, almost behind my ear. I was lying on my back on the bed, ramrod straight as the blanket warm on my skin.As the two hazy figures moved in the room's corner, my vision was still a little bit fuzzy. I look around to carefully examine my surroundings. As my vision gradually improved, the gray canvas in front of me changed into a rock-walled ceiling. I looked back toward the corner, still only partially conscious, and noticed Marcus and a man in a white robe talking intently.Where am I? Probably in the hospital, Serena. I noticed how strange it was to wake up in this way. My hazy consciousness eventually vanished, and I onc
(Serena's POV)Her Chanel stilettos resounded in every corner of the room, disturbing my inner peace. When I saw her Cheshire cat grin, my neck suddenly warmed up. Even more, the thought of her and Marcus in bed made my blood boil in bitterness.Even though I've been locked up and shot in the thigh, I still can't forget she dares to touch Marcus while I was out of her sight. What has gotten to Marcus and he let the snake, stay inside his premises? Does he think this witch won't bite him? Doesn't he know that his sex appeal reaches heaven, so every woman wants to taste heaven with him? Marcus stood up from the stool. "What are you doing here?"I scoffed at his question."Yeah right... What. Is. She. Doing. Here." I sneered at Marcus while raising my one eyebrow in his direction.He abruptly shook his head and held my hand. "I didn't invite her."Really? How did she know I'm in this hospital? My room number? Does he think I'm dumb?Nonetheless, I didn't let go of my hand because I saw
(Marcus's POV)Slamming the file folder on the table as my frustration kicks my nerves. Mr. Ortega, Lauren's father, wants to pull out his stocks in the Italy branch. If that happens, my company in Italy is at stake. All because my Uncle is doing dirty stuff behind my back. Now that I'm against his plan, he's doing these things on purpose.I'm gradually losing regard for him, and I'm worried that I might stop thinking of him as a family as a result of his disrespect for my father.Uncle Gregor is the son of my grandfather's mistress. When my father found out about him as his sibling, he gave him a position in the company as one of the Board of Directors. Which I believe was the wrong move of my father before he died.He is gradually taking over the company that my father and grandfather worked hard for. He's bribing the board of directors by taking me down and proving I lack in knowledge to run the company.My head is messed up.The stocks are losing their percentage and some of my p
(Serena's POV)The air was cool but the sun was out while the wind blew itself passed our bare skin as we strode out from the glass entrance door of the Lancaster General Hospital. Kevin hauled my belongings into the car while Marcus held up my waist so I could use the axillary crutches correctly. I was discharged from the hospital and the Doctor said that my wound will heal in a few days. Thankfully, the wound is not that deep. Should I be thankful for Ryle's carelessness?Nonetheless, I'm not in the right mind right now. My head is messed up. Marcus and I have not spoken since last night. After twenty-four hours from the time he had promised, he finally returned. I'm not waiting for his return though.The whole ride back to the mansion was quiet as hell. I took a glance at Marcus who was in deep thought while staring blankly at the window. He must have gone through it. Is it that bad? Was it my fault why he's suffering right now? I just added to his worry and responsibility, he eve
(Serena's POV)Staring at his glorious face, I snap myself back to the present and to the book I am reading. We sat by the parlor, him staring out to the forest while I sat by the window, staring aimlessly at the pages laid on my lap.It's been a week since Ryle abducted me. Actually, I'm trying my best to forget that moment, also, the moment with Ryle as a precious friend. That's why I forced Marcus to take a day off. Speaking of Suzy, her father found out her staying at Marcus's house, maybe that's why Uncle Gregor is damn mad at Marcus. The morning sun is now high up in the sky, announcing mid-afternoon; the breeze has ceased, replaced by the ever-prickly warm haze. I huff, shifting my feet so that I am leaning by the window pane."Siri, what would you like to do for the rest of the day rather than spend it with your book?" I stared at him for a while as he leaned across the open doors, his head tilted to the view of the forest, as though he isn't really talking to me. I raised an
(Serena's POV)It was almost midday when I decided to leave the shade and find something delicious to eat for I wanted to cheer myself up, my thoughts in a jumble as I walk, dazed. Marcus was nowhere to find and I decided not to drag him on my food trip. I am threading through the crowd of tourists when I found a hotdog stand. I ordered two jumbos and a fruit shake to go with it. Pulling my wallet from my handbag, I paid for the food and started to walk away. It was quiet at first then I heard them mumbling around me before they erupted, the whole crowd laughing. I curiously stared at them and realize that it was me whom they are laughing about. I followed their gaze and was surprised that my dress was now split in half, showing my cleavage and a bit of my breast. Blushing, I tried to cover myself with the drinks and two hotdog jumbo's on my hands but it was a futile attempt. I tried to hurry back to the shade Marcus made for me back at the shore, my head bowed while I tried so hard
(Serena's POV)Then our wedding came. Everyone we know was invited and ecstatic about the wedding of the century. Suzy and Nick came before heading to Australia. They are temporarily staying at our house since Nick is avoiding his parents. So he sold off his condominium and decided to start with Suzy in the mansion.As for Sarah Fergus... Yes, she's my real mother. I accepted her with all my heart. And she's here now, taking care of me about what I need for my big day.She's so excited and cannot contain her happiness that we met before I married Marcus for the second time.Sunlight shone through the high windows of the church's bridal suite, lighting dust particles in the air like tiny flickers of gold. Nausea swirled in my belly, and I pressed a hand to my stomach and tried to breathe through it.It's our second wedding but I'm fucking nervous.I suddenly felt weird. I covered my mouth as nausea traveled up my throat."What's wrong?" Mom asked.I immediately hopped from my chair a
(Serena's POV)My hand was trembling while impatiently sitting in the car with Marcus. My heart was pounding furiously and I could not calm my nerves down due to nervousness. I'm actually contemplating whether to accept the DNA test with Mrs. Fergus but now that it's here, why not give it a try?Upon hearing Marcus say that she is my biological mother seems unrealistic for me. I did not expect that we would be blood-related or he could find my mother this early.I actually did not long for a mother but the little nervousness with a small excitement inside my chest was unexpected too.Before we could perform a DNA test, Marcus set up a meeting with Fergus. I'm also curious about her and my biological father. Marcus said that it seems Mr. Fergus is not my father.I really need answers.We arrived at the restaurant where Marcus settled an appointment with Fergus.Fergus is new in the business industry. They were from the Philippines and as their business was going well, they planned to h
(Marcus's POV)On our way back home, Siri rested her head on my chest as our fingers intertwined. Since she does look sobered now, I reprimanded her for clubbing with Suzy. I know she only wanted to comfort Suzy in this way since Suzy only relieved her stress by spending money on expensive kinds of stuff and liquors.Despite her efforts to comfort Suzy and calm her down, it did nothing for her.Actually, Nick visited me at my office to talk about Suzy and his parents. That's why I tag him along to fetch my wife and his wife, a drunkard.And thankfully, we're right in time. The couple needs to talk and seeing Suzy still has the energy to catfight, she's sobered enough to talk normally with her husband."Will she be okay?" Siri suddenly questioned. And I know who she meant by that."Hmm.""What if they will ask for a divorce this time?"Hearing the word divorce gives me a pain in my chest. I know one of them will be miserable, or both of them will if things go awry. "It's up to them.
(Serena's POV)Strobe lights, loud music from the speaker, waiter, and waitresses dressed skimpily with glowing trays of drinks, shots, and bottles of booze lined up at the counter bar, the smell of sweat and smoke wafting off our clothing.My nose crinkled when smoke invaded my nostrils.With the last shot from my beer, I took a glance at Suzy who was dancing with a group of people we didn't know. She's having fun. It's clearly evident on her smile that doesn't leave her face the very first step we stride inside the bar.I actually left a message to Marcus to fetch us two hours after we arrived here. I purposely didn't let Suzy bring her car for the reason that we would be both intoxicated once we exited this building.I've been eyeing Suzy the whole time. She's swaying her hips with the hip music in the background while carrying a glass of tequila. I predicted that it would be messed up and difficult for her to wake up tomorrow.It's her punishment. I let her enjoy tonight and prepa
(Serena's POV)The next morning, I decided to meet Cassandra and apologize for suspecting her of something horrible. After she found out my thoughts about her, having a hidden relationship with Marcus, she cracked up and couldn't believe her ears.In the end, she shared with me the plan she had with Marcus about the surprise wedding. Marcus decided to move earlier the wedding date which is before Christmas.After the discussion with Cassandra, she bid farewell as she needs to attend something important.I stayed in the restaurant, eating my croissant and milk tea. I've had my breakfast earlier but my stomach won't back off to the food in front of her. To be honest, I've been wondering if Suzy has already eaten breakfast. She was so damn wasted last night, even wailing when Marcus dropped her on her bed. She said she's nice but why do people keep hurting her?She was being dramatic last night and I ended up sleeping with her in the guest room. She wouldn't let go of my dress and demand
(Serena's POV)As Uncle Gregor continued throwing hurtful words, I slowly became uncomfortable and my hands began to tremble but I was more concerned about Marcus, seeing his reaction to his Uncle's attitude.Despite how uncomfortable it was, Marcus was almost losing it, and needed to calm him down so I held onto his hand which he had clenched into a fist.As soon as Marcus noticed my warm hand, his fist slowly loosely unclenched before glancing at me. It was only after his blue eyes met mine, I lightly shook my head as a sign for him to take it easy. He slowly calmed his nerves down as a middle-aged man approached us."Mr. Storm.""Nice seeing you again, Gregor and Marcus's fiancee, but Marcus...""Yes?" Marcus's voice seemed relaxed now."Grab a drink with me," said Mr. Storm as he tapped Marcus on the shoulder. "There's someone else I'd like you to meet.""Of course," Marcus said with confidence, then looked over at me. I nod to him to let him go, gesturing to him I'm going to be
(Serena's POV)Hearing his demand made my blood boil in rage. He only thinks about his relationship with Becker, not the condition of his only daughter."She's your daughter, not mine. Take her with you nicely. If she won't, I will stop you from planning to meet those two." Marcus spoke out with his gritted teeth."Cut the bullshit and drag her here now!""They have already come up with a decision. They are adult enough to make a decision. It's their marriage, leave them alone. Isn't it enough that you forced those two to tie the knot unwillingly? What kind of parent are you."Unable to hear him nonchalantly express himself, I abruptly ended the call and dropped the phone on the bed. Marcus didn't complain as he only buried his face in his hands with a heavy sigh.I know Suzy only now wanted to be with Shaine. Marcus let her stay here for the sake of her well-being. She's torn enough to live alone. At least here, we are with her to help her get through her troubles.I rested my chin o
(Marcus's POV)When morning came, I opened my eyes and slowly dropped my head to the side to watch the beauty next to me. Siri had only covered half her lower body, leaving her upper body exposed as she lay on her side.Wanting to get the hair that covered her face out of the way, I stretched my hand but right when it reached her, she groaned and held onto it."Good morning, gorgeous," I said, having an even deeper connection with her after our passionate night together after a while.I just couldn't believe that she thought I cheated on her.When she opened her eyes and tried to get closer to my body, she hissed at the soreness all over her body. I jokingly pointed out that had she been working out like me, she wouldn't have felt that way. Because of my joke, I get slapped on my chest.I then moved my face closer and kissed her on the cheek. She closed her eyes and held onto my neck. The joy of seeing her in my arms brings a smile to my countenance."Last night was beautiful," I said
(Serena's POV)His hands are all over my body as I grip his face, causing our tongues to intertwine in a wonderful dance. His chest was covered by all of my hands. He kissed me from the top of my cheek to the base of my neck. His hot breath and the gentle caress of his lips drove me mad. They make contact with my neck and start burning. While giving me harsher and more intense kisses, he slid his fingers over my hair.A moan erupts from my mouth.His other hand slides around my waist and pulls me close to his addictive-scented body. He feathered kisses on my shoulders and in my hair. It was slow and soft, comforting in ways that words would never be.When there was no more room between us, I slid my fingers down his spine and pulled him closer till our breaths mixed and I could feel his heart racing against my chest. The fact that I could make him feel that way made my insides bounce with joy. I separate myself and inhale quickly and shallowly. My insides caught fire at the way he loo