CH.44

~A little while earlier~

Jenkins put a soft hand on Serena's shoulder, his touch comforting in the middle of all the craziness that had taken over their life.

He guided her and Kate towards the black luxury car parked just a few steps away from the courthouse after the announcement of Serena's acquittal.

The vehicle evoked a whirlwind of emotions within Jenkins – a tangible reminder of his harrowing brush with death and his first encounter with the enigmatic masked man... the devil himself, whose presence still lingered in his mind with dread.

Jenkins turned to face Kate as they got closer to the car and offered to drop her off at her house, which was only a few blocks away.

He didn't know when those dangerous people would come to claim Serena now that the court trial was over. Nor did he have a clue where to take Serena himself, as a safe haven seemed increasingly elusive.

A lot had transpired in the past couple of days, and Jenkins wasn't sure when would be the right moment to break the news about Serena's stepsister and stepmother seizing control of the Bolting enterprises in the wake of her father's untimely death.

There was an oppressive stillness during the ride, as the weight of recent events weighed heavily on the atmosphere.

Serena followed Kate out of the car and embraced her tightly when they arrived at Kate’s residence.

"Thank you, Kate. Thank you for standing by me through all of this. I don't know what I would have done without your support." Her slender frame was trembling ever so slightly as she thanked her manager for standing by her side throughout this harrowing ordeal.

Kate returned the embrace. "You don't need to thank me, Serena. That's what friends are for. I'm just glad this nightmare is finally over and you've been cleared of all charges."

Serena hummed and pulled back. "I can't even begin to express how much your friendship has meant to me. You were my rock when everything else was crumbling around me."

"I know it's been incredibly difficult, but you've shown such strength and resilience. I'm in awe of you, Serena." Kate gently squeezed the latter's hands.

"I'll be sure to keep in touch. And as soon as I get my life back on track, I'll be returning to work. I can't wait to have some normalcy again." Serena forced a small smile.

Kate refrained from inquiring about Serena's plans to avoid seeming too intrusive. "Take all the time you need. Your job will be waiting for you whenever you're ready. Just focus on taking care of yourself right now."

Serena nodded. "Thank you, Kate. For everything. I'll see you soon."

With that, they bid each other farewell.

"Serena," Jenkins spoke softly once they were alone in the stillness of the car. "I can only imagine the toll these past few days have taken on you, both physically and emotionally. Maybe we might find some comfort in a decent, quiet restaurant where you can eat a full meal and give yourself some time to calm down and digest everything that has happened."

Serena's energy was utterly depleted, her emotions raw and frayed like exposed nerves. She could only manage a faint nod in response, her eyes glazed over with exhaustion and the weight of a thousand burdens.

She sank into the rear seat, the smooth leather wrapping her in a reassuring embrace as if it was the first time she had really relaxed in days.

But her mind would not let her rest; instead, it tortured her with the memories she so desperately wanted to forget, constantly reliving past events.

The betrayal by those she once held dear had carved deep, invisible wounds into her soul, wounds that would take time and care to heal. However, it was the death of her loving father that threatened to destroy her utterly, leaving her adrift in a sea of grief and despair.

Serena lay her head against the cool window glass as the car wound its way through the busy city streets, her eyes drifting aimlessly through the kaleidoscope of colors and patterns that made up the world.

The finality of her father's death had yet to fully register, and a part of her clung desperately to the hope that this was all just a cruel, twisted nightmare from which she would soon wake, finding herself safe in the comforting embrace of her father's arms.

The mere thought of his funeral, of saying goodbye to the man who had been her rock, her guiding light, her unwavering source of strength and love, was suffocating.

A lump formed in her throat, constricting her ability to breathe, and she found herself unable to voice the question that burned in her mind. Had he been buried while she battled valiantly to prove her innocence and clear her name in a society that appeared intent on painting her as the bad guy?

In the front seat, Jenkins diligently scrolled through his phone, his brow furrowed in concentration as he searched for the perfect restaurant that would provide Serena with the tranquil atmosphere she so desperately needed. A sanctuary, however temporary, where she could find respite from the storm that had upended her life.

He almost missed the telltale buzz of an incoming message while lost in his thoughts. As he read the text, his expression morphed into a complex mix of emotions – surprise, concern, and a hint of trepidation that made him shudder with dread.

The sender was none other than the mysterious individual who had instructed him to move the plan forward during the trial. "A table has been reserved for her," the message read, followed by an address.

Jenkins felt a sense of growing unease and inputted the address into the car's GPS. His brow furrowed when the search revealed it belonged to an extravagant restaurant, the kind of establishment frequented by the elite and powerful.

He glanced at Serena's reflection in the rearview mirror with a million thoughts racing through his mind.

Was he being monitored by those dangerous people? Was his phone equipped with a tracker that silently recorded everything he did? How else would they be aware of his intention to treat Serena to lunch?

The instant the automobile arrived at the lavish establishment, a group of well-groomed men and women in fitted suits dashed forward to meet them. Their steps were precise and coordinated, as though they had been practicing for this exact moment.

Their practiced neutrality concealed an underlying tension that buzzed with expectancy, yet their outward display of control and expertise belied any of their emotions.

They swiftly opened the car door for her. Their smiles were a touch too perfect, their eyes gleaming with a hint of something indecipherable—perhaps a knowledge or understanding that Serena and Jenkins were not privy to.

"Miss Bolting, welcome!" They chorused in unison, their voices carrying a peculiar blend of reverence and anticipation as if they were greeting royalty rather than a woman who had just endured the trial of a lifetime. "We've been expecting you."

Serena turned to Jenkins. Her brow furrowed in confusion while her eyes searched his for answers. "Jenkins, what's going on? Why would they be expecting me?"

Jenkins shook his head, his own bewilderment evident in the lines etched on his face. Though he had an inkling that such an extravagant welcome was nothing to that man – the enigmatic figure who had orchestrated this entire charade.

He had the wealth and the means, and arranging such a lavish reception for his new wife was probably not a significant feat. What's more, it was becoming increasingly obvious to Jenkins that these people had been given his car's registration. Otherwise, how else did they know it was him and Serena inside this ride before they even stepped out?

"I honestly don't know, Serena," he admitted. "But it appears that someone has made tremendous efforts to ensure your presence here."

Jenkins stepped out of the car, giving Serena a reassuring gesture and offering his arm.

Then he leaned in close to Serena's ear, "I think this is a gift from your new husband," Jenkins whispered.

Serena's body stiffened for a moment at the mention of her new and mysterious husband. A man she had bound herself to in a moment of desperation. A decision that now felt like a noose tightening around her neck.

She pursed her lips in thought, feeling the weight of her choice finally beginning to settle in on her.

Fear crept its way up her spine like a cold, insidious sensation that threatened to paralyze her.

What if her husband was an old man with a potbelly and stinky breath, his touch repulsive and his desires twisted? What if he was a rapist or a criminal who had found a way to legitimize his depravity through the guise of marriage?

Serena's mind suddenly registered something else, something that made her stomach churn with a sickening realization.

She unconsciously squeezed her thighs together, recalling she was no longer a virgin. There were still stitches down there from that night.

Society nowadays wasn't keen on forcing female children to keep their virginity. However, some families were still backward. They still practiced such absurdity of only allowing virgin daughters-in-law.

"Serena. Are you okay?" Jenkins inquired with a frown when he saw she had spaced out.

Serena shook her head. "I am fine."

Just as they were about to be ushered into the restaurant, Jenkins' phone rang.

He took it out of his pocket and frowned at the unknown number displayed on the screen before pushing the answer button.

"Jenkins Lawson speaking!"

"Behind you," Killian's familiar voice rang.

Jenkins turned around and saw three exquisite cars, each with the familiar customary name carved on it.

"Bring my sister-in-law. I am taking her home."