6

Serenity Jones

"Yo... you're... you're willing all your properties to me?" I stuttered, a surprised look plastered on my face.

"Yes, dear." He replied briefly, placing both hands on my shoulders. Our eyes locked, and I felt a sense of astonishment wash over me.

I sat there, amazed, staring deeply into the papers in my hands. I was short of words, but something inside me urged me to speak up.

"B... but... I..." I started to say, but my words trailed off before I could finish my statement.

"No but, Serenity. Dear, listen carefully to what I have to say." He said, his eyes locked intensely on mine. "I need you to take charge of all my properties before your husband wakes up. I fear I may not be here anymore by then, and I need someone trustworthy to manage my businesses perfectly until he wakes up and can take over again."

As he spoke, a thought flashed through my mind. "Am I being used for the second time again?" I wondered, feeling a sense of unease.

"Firstly, sir, I understand your concerns." I began, choosing my words carefully. "My encounter with your children has shown me that they may not be the most capable people to manage your businesses."

I paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I'm sorry if that sounds rude, but I'm being honest. Secondly, I didn't marry William for his wealth, despite what others may think. The truth is, I didn't want to be here. My father forced this marriage on me, and I feel like I've lost everything I've worked for my entire life. I dedicated myself to my father's company, only to lose it in an instant. I feel used, and now, with your request, it feels like I'm being used again for the second time." I spoke with a heavy heart, my words laced with sadness and frustration.

"I understand you, Serenity." He said, his gaze locking intensely with mine. "Trust me, I do, and that's why I'm asking for a favor. I promise to compensate you hugely."

I stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. But my laughter was short-lived, as tears began streaming down my face. I didn't fail to see the shocked look on Mr. Smith's face, and I knew he was taken aback by my reaction.

"Sir, you think this is about money? Really?" I exclaimed, my voice shaking with emotion. "Is there anyone who considers my feelings? I'm human too, despite my tough exterior. I have feelings, sir. What about my life, which is being put on hold until your son wakes up? Let's not even discuss the company I lost because of this marriage. Now you want me to build another company, only to lose it again? Really, sir?" I poured my heart out, letting my tears flow freely.

Mr. Smith's expression suddenly softened. "Serenity..." he began, his voice gentle but I cut him off again.

"I have to go now, sir. Please." I said, cutting him off. I wiped away my tears with my palms and stood up, walking closer to the door to leave.

"Think about it and get back to me. I will be waiting for your wise response." I heard him say.

My hand, which was placed on the door knob, lingered there for a moment as I heard his voice. I turned my head and met his smiling face.

"Thank you for saving my Dad's company." I said with a smile, and then I walked away.

•

"Hey, girl!" I exclaimed as soon as Tiara picked up the call.

"Hey. I've been trying to reach you, but you weren't answering." She said, her tone laced with irritation. I could tell she was holding back from yelling.

"You can yell all you want, you know. You don't need to fight it." I said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"Okay, fine! Where the hell did you put your damn phone? Do you know how worried I was? How is that place treating you? Are you okay? You weren't picking my calls and you got me damn worried!" She bombarded me with questions, her tone switching from anger to worry.

I was expecting this reaction from her. Truly, Tiara is the only person I can count on.

Here's a rewritten version with some minor corrections and improvements:

"Now that sounds like you." I joked, laughing. "Sorry I missed your calls, I've just been unnecessarily stuck with some things over here." I said calmly, trying to downplay my struggles. But deep down, all I wanted to do was cry my heart out. I was fighting hard to hold back my tears.

"Seren, it's okay to let it out, you know." Tiara said in a calm, gentle tone. "If it hurts that much, it's okay to let it out. Don't try to hold your tears back, I'm here for you, and I will keep listening."

Her words were like a warm embrace, and I felt my strength boost just from talking to her. She was more than just a friend- she was like a sister.

I couldn't control my tears anymore, and I ended up crying out loud, finally releasing all the emotions I had been holding inside. It was a cathartic moment, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

"Are you okay now?" Tiara asked, breaking the silence that followed my tears after a few minutes passed.

"Mmm, I'm fine." I said, wiping away my tears.

"Now, talk to me, what happened? Did any of them do anything crazy to you?" Tiara asked, her voice laced with worry.

I shared every detail of my conversation with Mr. Smith with her, leaving nothing out. "I don't know why they all think they can use and dump me." I said, frustration creeping into my voice.

"First, it's my dad, and now Mr. Smith. What's with these old men?" I hissed, and we both burst out laughing at my last words.

"Look, Seren... I think the only way to put an end to all this right now is a divorce." Tiara said, her tone serious again. "Just file for a divorce. Even this guy in question, I'm not sure he'll like you. What if he wakes up and decides to divorce you? Which, let's be real, there's a possibility that he might not even wake up again." She said I rolled my eyes at her last words, and she knew I wasn't convinced.

"Tiara, stop it! He will surely wake up, okay? Just pray for his recovery, and I'm sure he will get better. It's been hard on him too. It's not easy to be laid up in one spot for a very long time. Even if he wakes up and doesn't want me, I will gladly sign the divorce papers. That's what I wanted anyway." I said as a sigh escaped my lips.

Asking Tiara for advice was clearly a bad idea, she was a terrible advisor.

"Do as it suits you then." She said. "So, what do you plan on doing now?"

"I don't know yet." I admitted. "I'm sure Mr. Smith won't stop until he gets me to sign those papers."

"Then, just sign it." Tiara said, trying to convince me. "Listen to me, Seren, you have nothing to lose. Even if William wakes up and file for a divorce, at least Mr. Smith promised to compensate you hugely. You can start your life afresh with that money. Isn't it obvious that your dad won't take you back? I'm sure he won't."

There we go again- I thought, rolling my eyes even though she couldn't see me.

"Tiara, have I ever told you that you're a bad advisor?"

"Well, you've said that countless times, yet you still come to me for advice." She replied, her voice laced with arrogance.

"I will think about what you said. So, when are you coming over to visit, anyway?" I said, trying to change the subject.

"I know what you're trying to do girl, but I will stop talking about it for now. Just think about my advice. it's for your own good." Tiara said.

"I will think about it. So, when are you coming over?" I asked again.

"I should be able to make it to your place by tomorrow." She replied.

"Okay. I will be-" I started to say, but my words were cut off as a rough hand grabbed my wrist tightly and turned me around.

"What the hell!!!" I cursed, shocked and frightened by the sudden interruption.