7

Serenity Jones

I turned around to face whoever had grabbed my arm, and to my surprise, it was Brenda. I hung up the call without a word to Tiara.

"Ms. Smith, is there a problem?" I asked in as calm a tone as I could manage.

This woman keeps getting on my nerves. I couldn't explain why, but all I saw when I looked at her was Janet.

"I'm warning you, Seren or whatever your name is...." She trailed off, her voice stern and menacing. "Wherever you crawled out from, crawl back there. This family isn't for you."

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "Is that a threat?" I asked, trying to keep my cool.

Rather than answering my question, Brenda repeated herself again. "Stay away from my family, or you won't like the outcome. That's all I have to say." She threatened me again, brushed past me with all her might, and walked away.

I just stood there, staring at her retreating back in horror.

What just happened? Did she really just threaten me?

My phone vibrated, breaking me out of my thought and I realized I had a call from Tiara.

"Hey." I said softly, trying to process what had just occurred.

"What was that?" Tiara asked in a worried tone. "You hung up the call and wouldn't even pick up again. What's going on?"

"It's Brenda..." I trailed off, a heavy sigh escaping my lips as I recounted everything that had just happened.

I told Tiara everything whilst she just listened intently.

"What?! Seren, how can you keep living in that house when it's clear they don't like you?! Who knows if they're behind William's condition! I'm sure they're the ones who made him that way."

"Tiara!!" I exclaimed.

"What? Don't 'Tiara me'! You know I'm telling the truth." She said, her voice rising in anger. "Even Mr. Smith couldn't trust any of them. Isn't that enough proof that they're all bad people in that house? I don't know who do arrange marriage in this century that we're now. Look, Seren, just come and stay with me. I won't let you stay in that house with that witch and Mr. Smith's bratty kids."

I burst out laughing at her dramatic words, but my friend didn't sound like she was joking. "It's not funny, Seren!" She hissed again, probably rolling her eyes in frustration.

"I know, Tiara. But I can't leave this place or this marriage. I'm already tied down to it. If I leave now, it will really cause big problems - not just for me, but for my family." I explained, hoping she'll reason with me but her anger seemed to boiled over again.

"Wait, did you just say 'your family'? You still consider that man your father? A man who sold you out and never bothers to ask about you? You still consider him your dad and you're scared of what might happen to him?! Are you serious right now?!"

Sometimes, I forget that Tiara is my best friend, and not my mom. The way she talks to me sometimes, even my mom wouldn't do that.

"Tiara, he's still my father." I said calmly. "No matter what he does to me, the truth remains that he's my dad. I know he neglected his duties as a father, but it's not entirely his fault. I know it's all Janet's manipulation. So, I'm not bothered about that."

Just as Tiara was about to respond, I heard a gentle cough behind me, signaling someone's presence. I slowly turned around to find Mr. Smith standing there, his eyes locked on mine.

"Erm, Tiara, let's talk later, okay? I have something to attend to." I said, trying to end the call.

"Fine!" She replied coldly and hung up.

I knew why she was upset, but I wished she could also understand my perspective. She's worried for me and my well-being, I understand her completely.

I turned my attention to Mr. Smith, who was still standing there. "Erm, Mr. Smith, is there anything you'd like me to do for you?" I asked gently.

"Yes" He replied. "Have you thought about my proposal?"

I was taken aback by the question. It was too soon, wasn't it? I mean, I thought he said he'd give me time to think about it. It hadn't even been 24 hours yet.

"I... I don't—" I started to say, but he cut me off.

"Seren, please don't say no to me. At this point, you're my only hope." He said, his tone surprisingly desperate.

I had never met this man in person until the day of the so-called wedding. And from what I had heard, he was a formidable figure- a strong and powerful billionaire who still traveled and closed deals in his old age. He was the most feared and respected businessman in the country, with no one daring to cross him. But the man standing before me now was different from the one I had imagined.

"You're not losing anything, I promise" He said, his voice filled with conviction. "William is now your husband. I know his current condition may make you think he won't wake up, but I know he will."

"No, Mr. Smith, you're wrong" I replied. "The thought of your grandson never waking up again has never crossed my mind. Of course, he will recover. It might take time, but he definitely will."

A small smile crept onto his lips, and he nodded his head.

"This is why I want you here- to be by my grandson's side. Please, Seren, do this for me, and I will be the happiest man alive. I can't trust my other children with my wealth. I know I haven't shared the details with you yet, but I will, in time."

I'm a fan of not squandering money, and from what I've seen, it seems like Mr. Smith's children and grandchildren might squander his money if they inherit his wealth, except for William. That's why he's trying so hard to will everything to him.

"Can I ask you a question?" I asked in a small tone.

"Go ahead, dear" he replied.

"Why do you trust me so much? You're willing to give me everything until William wakes up. Aren't you scared I might run away with everything? I might betray you." I asked, genuinely curious.

"No, you won't" he said confidently.

I looked at him, shocked. "Yo... You really have so much faith in me. How can you trust me this much?"

"I've done extensive research on you before approaching your father" he explained. "To be honest, I was looking for a daughter I never had."

I was taken aback after he let out that statement. "A daughter you never had? But you have many children, sir."

"You're right, I have many children but none are mine... they're all adopted, except for William's father."

"What??!!!!"