Chapter 1

Serena woke up with a start, squinting at the bright light that shone directly on her face. Raising her hands to block the sunlight, she sat up straight, searching for the clock. She found it and was surprised at how late she had woken. It was almost time for breakfast. Stepping out from the bed, she glanced at her beside table, her gaze resting on the picture that was placed there. Her chest tightened as she remembered the day it was taken. Although she was smiling, her thoughts were far from happy.

Sighing softly, She stood up from the bed when she heard a knock on the door.

" Who is there?" She called out, her voice slightly hoarse. The door opened and Lana, one of her personal maids peeked in.

" It's me Ma'am." She replied.

" Come in," Serena replied as she dropped back on the bed. Lana walked in with a basket in hand, bowing slightly.

" Good morning ma'am. How was your night?"

" Hmm..." Serena murmured, shuddering as she remembered the night before. Glancing at Lana, she managed a small smile. " Why are you here?"

" The Duke calls for you. He wants you to have breakfast with him."

Her heart skipped a beat but she nodded, the smile not leaving her face.

" Okay."

" I'll prepare your bath." Lana said as she began making her way to the bathroom.

" No need..." Serena began saying but Lana had already disappeared into the bathroom. The smile disappeared the moment Serena realized she was alone and she drew a shaky breath. Balling her hands into fists, she let it out and stood up, heading towards the bathroom.

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Moments later, After bathing and dressing up, Serena headed to the dining room. Descending the stairs, she could spot Gerald sitting cross legged, his face buried in the newspaper he was reading. Peering closely, she could see he was done eating. Of course, why would he wait for her?

" Good morning." She greeted when she got closer but he only mumbled a reply, not sparing her a glance. She settled down into a chair and the maids began serving her own breakfast while packing his plates.

The atmosphere was tense as neither spoke to one another, only the sounds of paper flipping and plates clinking could be heard. Serena glanced at him a couple of times and from the way he was dressed, you could tell he was going on a long of trip out of town. That wasn't suprising either.

" I'll be leaving for London today." He announced. Serena's hands froze mid air, her hands shaking lightly. Swallowing the food in her mouth, she set her spoon down. Clenching her fingers.

Even though she had guessed right, she couldn't help but feel hurt. She knew there was more to why he was leaving but she couldn't fight him for it. She swallowed, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible.

" How long will you be there?" She asked quietly.

" Probably a week. I don't know yet." He replied. Gerald would be gone for a week. She should be happy that he's leaving the house, Serena thought to herself. But despair wrapped itself tightly around her heart, strangling it. She bit her lip, willing herself to act normal.

" Okay. Have a safe trip." She muttered and continued with her food.

Gerald stared at her then. He was expecting a reaction but as always, all he got was this usual indifference. She maintained her calm demeanour, taking her food in small bites. Wasn't she the same girl who was terrified of being intimate with? The more he watched, the irritated he became till he felt he was going to explode. Drawing in a sharp breath, he closed the newspaper and stood on his feet. The Butler appeared immediately, taking his briefcase for him.

" No farewell wishes?" He found himself asking. She glanced up at him, her face blank.

" I'll walk you out." She said, stopping him on his tracks. Gerald huffed, but continued moving.

" Don't bother." He murmured, still edgy.

" I insist. Let me walk you out." She said again. He pursed his lips, not saying anything else. His face even harder than before, he led the way while she followed. She stopped just meters away from the carriage and when he got in, waved at him, a smile on her face. Clenching his fists, he stared ahead, Grateful that the carriage was moving. She soon disappeared out of sight and that's when he breathed out, feeling relieved. Good riddance.

Blinking back tears, Serena kept the smile on till Gerald's carriage disappeared out of sight. Only then did she let her hands fall dejectedly, taking in a shaky breath. Tears blurring her vision, she stood there, lost in her thoughts. If only she could fulfil her duties as a wife. Maybe all of this won't be happening.

" Lana?" She called out and moments later, the maid appeared in front of her.

" Yes ma'am?"

" I'll be in my room and I'll pretty much appreciate it if I wasn't disturbed."

" Okay... But, what about your classes?" Lana asked worriedly.

" I won't be attending any today. Can you let the teachers know?"

" Okay Ma'am. I'll tell them."

" Thanks." She said, still staring at the empty road.

Gerald is going on no business trip. He's leaving to see his mistress, Scarlett.

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Hours later, a soft knock was heard on her door. Serena, who was lying awake the entire time was startled by the interruption as she had instructed everyone she didn't want to be disturbed.

" Who is it?" She grumbled, uneager to get out of bed.

" It's me Lana. Gerald's mom is here." The voice announced and Serena jumped on her bed. Mother Wilson was around? That was unexpected.

" Okay... Tell her I'll be down in a minute." She said aloud as she hurriedly got dressed. Satisfied with the way she looked, she took in a deep breath and walked out of the room, looking for and finding Gerald's mom, Sarah.

The older woman beamed the moment she laid her eyes on Serena, causing her to grin. Running the last few steps, Serena engulfed her in a hug, feeling warm all over.

" Mother! You came to visit!" Serena said as she pulled away. The older woman cupped serena's cheeks as she leaned in.

" Of course... Why shouldn't I?"

" You didn't have to. I would've come visit you myself."

" No need. How are you?"

" I'm fine mother. " She replied, staring at the woman lovingly. Leading her to one of the chairs, she helped her seat as she instructed the maids to get some biscuits and a cup of tea.

" You didn't attend your classes?"

" Umm... I wasn't feeling up to it. So I decided to cancel today's classes." Serena replied.

" Where's Gerald?" Sarah asked, glancing around.

" Oh... He went back to London. Wanted to check on business there."

" London? He was back just days ago." Sarah said, rather displeased. Serena chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.

" He must love it there of he keeps going back." She muttered

" How are you going to have kids if he keeps travelling? That boy...." Sarah muttered. The maid arrived with the biscuits, interrupting Sarah. Serving Sarah the cup of tea, she bowed and left. Silence descended until Serena spoke up.

" Mother, if you came to see Gerald, he isn't here."

" Well, I did come to see him. But I also came to see you." Sarah announced and Serena sat up straight, a bit cautious. " I hope everything is alright between you and him."

" Of course... Should something be wrong?"

" Well, I don't know... Gerald can be quite tough sometimes. But as long as you're doing your duties, you'll be fine. Plus, you're very beautiful and well behaved. No one could possibly resist you"

Of course, no one can, Serena thought rather sadly. Smiling at the older woman, Serena tried to keep the painful thoughts down. " Thanks mother. " She muttered.

" That's it. That's all I came to say. I have to go now." Sarah said, standing up.

" So quick? Why don't you wait a little longer?" Serena asked, standing up too.

" I wish I could, but I can't. I don't really enjoy the silence of this big house." Walking over to Serena, she hugged her." I hope the next time I come, it's to see you with a grandchild." She whispered and Serena stiffened for a moment. Sarah pulled away, turning to leave. She stopped, turning back to Serena.

" One more thing dear, can you tell Gerald to see me once he comes back?"

" Of course. I'll do just that."

" Thanks love."

Serena watched her leave before running her hands through her hair in frustration.

How is she supposed to do that if she can't even do what leads to having grandkids!?