(Marcus's POV)The strong smell of hospital disinfectant invaded my nostrils as I awoke. Aside from my loud breathing and the beep-beep sound you frequently hear in hospitals to let you know you're alive, the room was completely silent. I slowly opened my eyes, squinting an in attempt to sharpen the blurred images before me. It's Serena, peacefully lying on the bed. I shut my eyes, trying to remember what had exactly happened. Then it all hits me with a bang. The images of it all start to occupy my thoughts."Marcus..."Nana's soft voice woke up my soul."Have a meal first."I nodded before stroking the fallen hair on Siri's innocent face. Thankfully, her heart valve surgery was successful. God knows how afraid I was yesterday, impatiently waiting for the news from her doctor, whether good or bad.It feels like I've fallen into a cactus, as my heart has been punctured a million times over by tiny pins just seeing Siri in a difficult situation, helplessly. The series of questioning
(Serena's POV)-1 year later-Placing the porcelain vase, all in of ocean blue Delphinium, setting on the top of the table covered with a white table cloth. I find the best side view of the flower to be pleasant in the eyes of the guest.Today is the first birthday of Cloud.We already prepared everything months ago, hoping that things would end up well.I scanned my eyes at my surroundings. The housekeepers and staff organizers joined hands to make this day memorable for us and our little angel. Some were running around having a hectic task to do, some were setting the arch balloon, full of pale blue balloons and Blue False Indigo's, and I spotted the servants of the Chef, preparing the food on the lengthy table.I must say, everything is perfect, from the internal decorations, the huge tarpaulin with Cloud's portrait carrying his one-day-old portrait, the venue at our garden, the foods prepared by the great Chef Alain Ducasse, to the hired mascot entertainers for the kids and mini p
(Serena's POV)The sun's rays touched her flawless skin as her eyes squinted at the sudden brightness while a strong gust of wind blew against her burgundy hair. She shines brightly with her ruffled dress when she flaunts her smile to the crowd making me feel insecure at her youthful look.She waves to Marcus and walks elegantly in his direction. I abruptly dashed at him. "Who is she?" I questioned while I can't take my eyes off her.He rests his right arm on my shoulder, wrapping around my neck. "Gloria's niece, Cassandra."Gloria's niece. No wonder her features seem familiar to me. But how come I didn't know about her?"You invited her?""No...? Maybe Gloria sent her as her proxy."He called her to introduce me. I forced myself to flaunt a smile as she handed me the gifts she brought for Cloud, one from her and one from Gloria. She came here instead because Gloria is in Russia when I sent her an email about my son's first birthday. Gloria is one of Cloud's godmothers, so hearing th
(Serena's POV)Under the brutal heat directed by the sunlight, two women covered their faces with silk shawl scarf with fashionable sunglasses, and were at the corner, scrutinizing the bypass individuals as if waiting or looking for a target, while sipping their sticky toffee milkshake to replenish the heat coming from the sun and their patience.That's Suzy and me.We were here at Cafe Dolce. Waiting for Marcus and Cassandra to arrive. I'm not sure about the specific time they plan to meet but I dragged Suzy here after Marcus left home for work.It was quite hot even though the air inside the cafe was colder than my heart. I didn't sleep well last night. After I heard him that time, I rushed upstairs, and different thoughts rummaged in my head.A lot of what ifs that I was hoping none of them is true.A lot of possible scenarios with him and the person he was planning to meet. Is it a woman or a man? Why did they plan it as a secret meeting? What is he hiding from me? Why is he doin
(Serena's POV)I arrived home after Suzy dropped me home. I came along with her to find Nick. I am more frightened at what she can do if she's in my position. She wouldn't think twice to grab the woman's hair and be embarrassed in front of the crowd. Thankfully, Nick was only having a business meeting with a man and Nick saw us. Apparently, he noticed Suzy first, even though she was already covered. After that, we were about to go to the bar for a drink but she must have seen my gloomy face after discovering Marcus was with another woman.I'm not sure if it's noticeable but I'm trying my best to cheer up in front of my son.As soon as I saw Cloud with Abby in the pool, my worries about the future seemed to disappear. That's right. I only need Cloud in my life.If there is a chance that Marcus will turn his back on us, I will never let him see or be with our son.I changed into sexy denim shorts and a black sleeveless top to join Cloud and Abby in taking a bath in the pool. I let thi
(Serena's POV)Marcus and I haven't spoken for two days and I'm slowly freaking out. I'm not sure if he's doing this on purpose or if he was really damn mad at me for accusing him.I'm human too. There were times when my trust would be gone just like what he did when he accused me of having an affair and then ended up killing me emotionally.I won't talk to him unless he tells me the truth.I am in the playroom with Cloud. Abby took a day off, together with Nana. So, being alone makes me feel lonely. Cloud got tired of playing with his balls and was now sleeping in my arms.Seeing him, alone with me, makes me sad. I don't want him to grow up. I don't want him to be an adult just like us. Being an adult carries a sack of rocks on our shoulders. It is saddening that a baby will grow into a teenager, or adult, get married, then get complicated, and grow old.It's painful that reality is crueler than we imagined.A knock on the door disturbed my inner thoughts. It's Lea."You have a visito
(Serena's POV)As the shadows slipped down the rocks, the last rays of sun skimmed the surface. Suzy and I watched the horizon drain color while having a beer on the balcony of the library.Marcus hasn't arrived yet and God knows where he is right now.I took a glance at Suzy who was now staring deeply at her cold canned beer. Seeing her earlier, I have this thought that they fought again, maybe because Suzy found some evidence that Nick has another woman."I saw Cassandra, exiting from the front gate. Did she confront you?""No, she came with gifts for Cloud."I saw how she rolled her eyes before taking a sip of her beer. I know I'm not like her, a war freak. If she were in my position, she would probably grab Cassandra's hair at the coffee shop where we saw her with Marcus."Don't be too nice to her." She suddenly spoke out.Am I too nice to her? Am I being considerate to my prime suspect of Marcus's other woman?"She's nice to my son, I'm returning the favor," I stated.She scoffed
(Serena's POV)The commotion was immediately halted when I called Kevin and the others to cease Marcus. But Marcus's rage was eating him inside, so I hardly slapped him, causing the people who witnessed the scene to fall into silence, and that made Marcus stop struggling from the grip of his servants.Marcus stared at me, pain was evident through his eyes before darting an eye to Nick."Take him out." He commanded before freeing himself forcefully and turned his back away from us. He didn't even take a glance at me.That slap was intended. I'm mad because he's hiding something from me and, at the same time, for stopping him from killing Nick.Maybe the alcohol was starting to kick in as I was brave enough to hurt Marcus in front of his people.I gesture to the servants to leave those couples alone as I stride to the elevator. Before I stepped inside, I saw Nick still on the floor, with blood on his lips from the cuts created by Marcus's knuckles while Suzy was crying on the couch with