"SERENA! You can't run from me."My mind was in turmoil as I looked around. I couldn't believe that when I woke up this morning, I was already on a ship with nothing but the sea surrounding us.I still remember last night when he suddenly grabbed me and covered my mouth! I instantly lost consciousness, and now we're here.No matter where I run on the ship, he quickly catches up to me. It feels like my heart is being repeatedly pounded in my chest with fear and anxiety.I hold onto the ship's railing, my face contorted, as I stare at the terrifying sea. If I jump into it, I'm sure I won't survive! But I need to escape and go back to my child!"You can't swim, Serena. Don't even think of jumping off!!""Ah!" I screamed in surprise as he forcefully pulled me from behind and away from the railing. "Let go of me, you evil ex-husband! Argh!!"My eyes immediately turned red. I could feel the tears welling up at any moment. My emotions were overflowing, and I wanted to go wild!Even though I
"Why aren't you eating?" he asked impatiently. "Stop curling up in the corner and eat your food."I hugged my knees tighter, ignoring him."How stubborn," he angrily walked away from me. "Eat your food or starve to death, your choice. Tsk! What a waste of money."I was taken aback by what I heard, and I watched his back as he left the room.Who told you to buy me? How I wish it wasn't you!I've been fighting off hunger for a while now. I just couldn't bring myself to eat after what he did to me yesterday.I still feel weak in my body. I couldn't bear to look at the marks he left all over me.I'm angry at him for what he did, and I'm even more angry at myself for not being able to stop him.'You only have to obey me from now on and for the rest of your life.'Those words echoed repeatedly in my mind.My emotions surged uncontrollably. I won't allow myself to be like this in his presence forever.I won't let him do whatever he wants to me. I won't let him dictate to me in any way.He wa
"Serena..."His hot lips touched the top of my chest. His tongue flicked teasingly, as if enjoying the game.His large hand engulfed one of my breasts and squeezed it without mercy.I watched as his long fingers played with both of my wet, erect breasts.I could feel the weight of his body as he pressed himself against me."Ahmm..." I couldn't help but let out a moan, no matter how hard I tried to suppress it.Whether I kept my eyes open or closed, I could still feel the sensations he was causing.This sexual desire makes it hard to not be tempted. At the same time, it's hard to not be aroused, even if I'm unhappy and not enjoying it.This is all just the human body's reaction to sex and nothing more. It doesn't erase all the resentment I have towards Ezekiel."Hmm..." I took a slow, deep breath and released it as my neck arched involuntarily in response to his kisses.Every slight touch of his facial hair on my skin is an electric shock that makes my whole body tremble.I could smell
"EZEKIEL, it's better if we run her some tests to know exactly her conditions," Ramil says, Ezekiel's right-hand man."Why the need to do so? She just fainted," he frowned."Yes, but didn't you call me here because you wanted to know why? Tsk!""Of course, you're a doctor. You should know the reason already.""Fine! What if I told you she fainted because you fucked her brain out!?" Ramil retorted and shook his head. "Look, her body is so frail—""That would be impossible," Ezekiel interrupted. "This is not the first time we had intercourse this way. I tell you, her stamina perfectly matches mine. She never fainted before when we're doing it—""That may be because her body is not as weak as before." Ramil interrupted him as well and got serious. "Man, she's underweight, as if she's not getting enough food and nutrients for a very long time. I'm one hundred percent sure there are underlying health conditions she's facing."He fell silent for a minute while looking at Serena, who was unc
"Follow me, ma'am SERENA," Panying gestured to me.Anxiety reverberated in my chest, even though I didn't show any emotions on my face as I followed closely behind her into the mansion.My eyes scanned the surroundings, and a strange feeling welled up in my heart.The familiar sights and smells of the mansion returned to me. Almost nothing had changed; everything was still arranged the same way as it was three years ago.Countless times, I longed for this place. Especially during the times when I felt completely drained."Nothing has changed," I muttered to myself.I realized it when Panying gave me a sideways glance. I pressed my lips together and lowered my gaze."Tsk!"I flinched at the palpable annoyance she directed toward me. She continued walking, and I quickly caught up.Now that I see her, I realize how much I missed her. There's an urge in me to embrace her tightly.I've been with Panying for three years in this mansion. She has never let me down in taking care of me. I cons
It's impossible to clean the entire room using only a broom and dustpan. But since the only thing Panying prohibited me from using was the vacuum, I still managed to clean the thick layer of dust using water and cleaning soap.It took me five hours to scrub the dirt off the floor and walls, while I couldn't find a way to clean the darkened ceiling due to its height, so I just removed the dust instead.I followed by disposing of the bedding. That's where the small mice were hiding, scurrying away immediately. Let them chase after those.One of the maids brought me a blanket and a pillow, as well as a set of pajamas given by Ezekiel. After that, nothing else was given to me.After satisfying myself with the cleanliness, I laid down exhausted on the wooden bed.Sweat trickled down my entire body, perhaps because there was no electric fan in the room, and it was stuffy as well.But this experience is not new to me. I'd slept outside the house for several days before Brantley's anger subsi
As I entered my room, I was greeted by a pile of trash on my wooden bed. I stared at it for a long time before closing my eyes momentarily.What else could I expect? There's no way those women's narrow minds could find a solution to this.When I opened my eyes, I went straight to the cabinet, placed the box of medication inside, and took out my sleeping gown before leaving again.I headed to the small bathroom designated for the maids and took a shower.Once I finished, I quickly returned. Due to the pain in my body from exhaustion, I couldn't spare any more time to clean up the scattered trash.The stench was overpowering, especially in the humid room. But I didn't bother and only grabbed a clean pillow, unlike the blanket that was tainted with the smell of garbage.I positioned myself on the floor, far from the bed, so that I wouldn't smell the stench too much. Then I slowly closed my eyes.—"B-Brantley, please return my child to me now! I-I'm begging you... I won't run away again.
Faye played a significant role in my escape three years ago. Thanks to her help, Ezekiel had no idea of our plans to leave with Brantley.Despite frequently scolding her and being angry with her before, I always regarded her not just as a helper but as someone close to me.I am grateful that she never revealed Ezekiel's wrongdoing and didn't betray him.But now, hearing the words that she's dead from Ezekiel's own lips feels like a dagger to my heart. Tears threaten to fall at the possibility that she's really gone.She's innocent. She's too young! She didn't deserve to suffer because of my evil ex-husband's madness! From any angle I look at it, I can't see any wrongdoing on her part.She's blameless!! How can Ezekiel stomach committing such a heinous crime!I know that with his money and wealth, he can easily take a life without facing any consequences. But to think that he would actually do such a thing out of his own volition?Demon! He's a demon!!"Hurry up and wash the dishes and
"How is Ezekiel after fainting?" Serena asked, concerned but amused after giving birth."Well, he got a bump on his forehead," Panying replied with a smile. "He's asking for ice from the nurse. Hahaha!"Serena burst into laughter. "Panying, I didn't know he couldn't handle it inside, but he insisted on being the emotional support. Turns out, he's the one who needs support during my delivery! Hahaha!""Seriously! He's brave when it comes to others, but he's weak when it comes to you. He fainted because of the stress and fear of seeing you in pain. He hasn't slept because he was nervous about your labor. Poor guy."Serena couldn't stop laughing despite her exhaustion and weakness due to Ezekiel's scene. "My poor love.""I'm fine!" Ezekiel exclaimed as he entered the hospital room. He took big steps towards Serena's bed to check on her. "My wife, are you feeling okay?""Pfft!" Serena noticed the redness and bump on her husband's forehead. "My love, what happened to you? Where's the ice p
The first woman Ezekiel loved was none other than his own mother.He treated Eliza with respect and honor. She was a wonderful mother to him, and all their memories together were truly happy moments of his childhood.She was the light of their home, so when she passed away, his world turned dark.He sat there in the corner of his room, surrounded by darkness, with no one to comfort him. No one was there but his own shadow.He mourned alone, drowning in his own tears; the heaviness in his chest was unbearable.And because he was a man, his father expected him not to show any emotions in front of people. That's when he started hiding and suppressing his true feelings behind his cold face.The insults he heard about Eliza from his own relatives and the rumors about his new stepmother, Elizabeth, didn't help either.He wanted to die because of the pain he felt at that moment. He always pretended to be ice-cold and unaffected by everything.But unexpectedly, while no one was watching the t
"Ta-da! You look so beautiful!"My female makeup artist was delighted with her work."This is a work of art! Look at yourself in the mirror, girl!"I couldn't help but smile sweetly. When I faced the mirrored wall, I couldn't help but admire myself.Wearing a stunning and expensive white wedding gown, I could hardly recognize myself. My makeup enhanced my natural beauty even more.The way my heart beats now is full of happiness. I can't believe I'm really getting married to Ezekiel again! It's only been a month since he proposed, and here we are, preparing for this day!In fact, when we first got married, I didn't feel this way. Perhaps because I didn't know him back then, I was overwhelmed with sadness and despair. My mother had to force me to smile and pretend to be happy.But now, my heart is overflowing with joy; there's no room for anything else! I think I'll always remember this feeling."Serena, you look so beautiful! You're like an angel turned into a princess! You've even sur
We were at the beach with Ezekiel, watching Duziell play with Halaenna, Freya, Panying, and Danilo in the distance, accompanied by three guards secretly keeping watch.We were resting and enjoying the hot weather. The sand between my toes and the deep blue color of the sea brought a unique joy and peace to my heart.Vacations are so enjoyable. I can't remember the last time I experienced this."Wife, didn't you have a shoot here before for the Sirena?" Ezekiel asked with a smile, as if remembering something. "I remember this is where it was shot.""Huh?" I was taken aback. I looked around again. "Is it here? I don't remember, because I was only fifteen when I played one of the Sirenas." I couldn't help but be surprised. "Honey, really? You were such a fan of mine back then that you even know this?"He chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling as he looked at me. "I can name every teleserye and movie you're in. You basically dominated my teenage years. That's why I'm crazy about you."My lip
"Be careful where you step, my wife!" Ezekiel was very attentive as we got out of the car, just coming from the hospital.I didn't know what to feel. "Ezekiel, I'm only three weeks pregnant. My belly doesn't even show yet.""Still!" His face didn't recover from its paleness. "W-We need to be extra careful, of course.""Of course, when my belly gets bigger, we need to be extra cautious. But the doctor said I'm healthy, so just by walking, our baby won't be in danger of falling, okay?" I clarified to him.But his nervousness and worry didn't diminish. "I should buy everything a woman needs during pregnancy!""Honey," I pinched his cheek. "All I need during my pregnancy is you by my side."He paused. "Then I should stop working—"I leaned in to capture his lips. I kissed him deeply and passionately before pulling away and giving him a sweet smile."You still need to work if you don't want us to starve."His mouth dropped open, as if on the verge of tears, and he looked at me, unable to c
Ezekiel leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on his father's lawyer, Samson, waiting for his response.The old lawyer, Samson, had been his father's trusted legal advisor for many years. They were discussing the final will and testament of Ezekiel's late father, which contained the key to dividing the family's substantial wealth."As the rightful heir, I expect to inherit the majority of my father's wealth, as stated in the document. However, there is an additional matter I would like to address."The old man adjusted his glasses and nodded attentively. "Of course, Ezekiel. Please continue."He continued, "According to the will, my stepmother, Elizabeth, who has already passed away, is entitled to a portion of the inheritance. However, given what happened, I believe that those rights should now be transferred to me."The lawyer nodded, paying attention to Ezekiel's request. "I understand your perspective, Ezekiel. However, please allow me to review the legal implications and consu
Ezekiel entered the underground basement. From a distance, the smell of blood permeated the familiar place, but it no longer affected him."Open the cell," he commanded Ramil, who promptly obeyed.As the cell door opened, he made his way inside. The two individuals he intentionally sought out were not immediately visible. He had to walk a few meters before finding them.Meanwhile, the people imprisoned in the cells on the sides were filled with anguish and pleaded to be set free. Those arrogant and brutal criminals were now acting like victims, always begging for his mercy whenever they saw him.This was the side of him he never wanted Serena to understand. He knew that Serena already knew about this organization. However, he wanted to keep it a secret and bury it along with the people inside.This was a place where he only encountered his own brutality and mercilessness towards those who once mocked, insulted, and threatened his life. There was nothing here but a nightmare."Brother?
"Don't worry, Mrs. Serena, your child is in good condition. Thankfully, the wound on his neck isn't deep. However, due to the severity of the cut, it will leave a scar. I recommend an ointment to speed up the healing process. As for why he is still unconscious, it's because of the sedative he was forced to take. But it's nothing to worry about; his breathing is perfectly fine, just like he's in a deep sleep."My mind slowly calmed down after hearing the doctor's words. I took a deep breath and turned to Duziell, who was still peacefully sleeping, unaffected by his injury.The tension in my body from what happened still lingered as I slumped in the chair next to Duziell's bed."Thank you, Doc." I expressed my gratitude. It wasn't easy for him to wake up in the early hours to do his job. Fortunately, the mansion is only a three- to five-minute drive from his house."You're welcome. If you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can do, I'll respond immediately.""Thank you
Ezekiel woke up when he realized Serena wasn't on her side of the bed.He groped around the bed and confirmed that she wasn't there, causing him to open his eyes and sit up."Serena?" He yawned as he got up to check the bathroom inside. But she wasn't there.When he looked at the clock, he wondered where Serena could be at only three in the morning."Serena?" He furrowed his brow as he left the room to go to Duziell's adjacent room. He was sure Serena left their bed to be with their son. "Se—"His mind quickly woke up when he saw that the door to the room was open. He rushed inside. The messy bed greeted him, but his son was not there, where Serena had put him to sleep."Where the heck did they go?" He hurriedly left the room and practically flew down to the living room.The surroundings were still, the lights were off, and there was no trace of his wife or child! That's when he sensed something was wrong.He quickly went to the maid's quarters, remembering where Serena's mother was p