Home / Romance / The Cure Is you / who was that?

Share

who was that?

last update Last Updated: 2024-12-10 17:33:12

°SERENA°

I’ve told the officer a hundred times already, but he refuses to listen.

And that salesgirl’s smug smile? It’s driving me insane.If only the officer would hear me out, I’d wipe that grin off her face.

But now, I’m a little scared. When he asked for the cardholder’s number, I gave Adrian’s.

What if he refused to come? Worse, what if he tells them to lock me up?

No, Adrian still needs me—for his treatment.

A sleek Rolls Royce pulled up right in front of the store right then, its polished surface gleaming under the shop’s lights. My breath hitched—I expected Adrian to step out.

Instead, it was Tim.

Seeing him, the officer broke into a cold sweat. He quickly approached Tim, but Tim ignored him and walked straight toward me.

“Are you okay, ma’am?” he asked, his tone gentle.

I blinked in confusion, but nodded anyway.

“Sir,” the officer stammered. “How come you are here? When she—Madam—gave me the name, I thought it was some random guy. I didn’t expect it to be young master Royce. Forgive me, sir.” Fear was etched across his face, just from the name.

Young master Royce hun?

Tim’s calm demeanor didn’t falter. “Why is she here?”

The officer swallowed hard. “The salesgirl called us, complaining about shoplifting. She also said… the card failed.”

Tim’s eyes darkened, making the officer take a step back. “Do you think the Royces lack money?” he asked, his voice icy.

Ah, so not only him but also the ones working for him have this ability—the ability to intimidate.

But in the morning, Tim looked soft and calm.

“I’ll take her back,” Tim said, pulling out another card. “Pack everything in the shop and send it to this address.”

Wait!

“No,”

Tim raised an eyebrow. “Ma’am?”

“This isn’t about money, Tim. It’s about my self-respect. First, I didn’t steal anything. Second, I paid for the clothes I selected. If the officer had listened to me earlier, this wouldn’t have escalated to this.”

The officer looked mortified. “Madam, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I thought the salesgirl was telling the truth.”

“She’s lying!” the salesgirl snapped. “Just because she knows rich people doesn’t mean she can do whatever she wants!”

The officer cast her a warning look, but alas the girl didn't catch it, a late bloomer.

Tim ignored her outburst. “Check the CCTV,” he said calmly.

“The cameras are out for service,” she said smugly.

Of course, you planned this.

“The shop has glass walls, and the complex across the street is barely five feet away,” I said. “Their security camera faces this shop. Check that.”

Her face paled—she clearly didn’t know the area she works at.

Pathetic.

Before the officer could act, she dropped to her knees. “I’m sorry! I thought she wouldn’t pay! She came in carrying weird plants—I assumed she was poor. Please forgive me!”

Weird plants? Those are rare herbs worth a fortune. And they wouldn't even accept cards, I have bought them with my own cash. You silly girl.

Tim glanced at me, silently letting me decide. I really didn't have the energy to handle this now.

“I won’t press charges, but take this as a lesson,” I said.

“Thank you, ma’am! Thank you so much!”

“My clothes?”

She rushed inside, retrieved my bags, and handed them over, along with the fabric she accused me of stealing.

“Keep it. It’s yours,” I said, turning away.

“You can carry that, Tim,”

He froze for a moment, then took the bag of herbs without a word. The officers stepped aside as we left.

In the car, I wanted to ask why Adrian didn’t come but figured it must be because of his situation. At least he sent Tim—if he hadn’t, that officer might never have listened.

That moment I realised something, when money speaks even the truth bends to it will. How I wish I was as rich as Adrian or my employer.

For that you have to work hard, Serena.

Yeah…

After a 45-minute drive, we arrived at the villa. Tim opened the door for me.

“Madam,” he said.

“It feels strange to be called madam by someone older than me,” I said. “Can you call me Serena?”

He didn’t answer, just stared at me.

“Let me guess—you need Adrian’s permission?” I asked. His lips twitched into a small smile.

He helped carry the bags inside without another word.

Once inside the villa, Tim placed the bags on the table and nodded curtly. “Is there anything else you need, ma’am?”

I sighed, sinking into the plush sofa. “No, thank you, Tim. And it’s Serena, remember?”

He hesitated for a moment, then walked out without responding.

After catching my breath, I carried the bags to the room I slept in yesterday. Adrian didn't particularly allot me a room, so,I will just take this.

I had just finished organizing the closet and plucking the herbs. They needed to soak for two days, these are a little dry.

Just then, a knock echoed from the door.

The maids never knocked at this hour, and Tim had already gone home.

Who could it be?

Confused, I stood still for a moment before glancing toward the entrance. Cautiously, I approached the door and opened it just a crack.

No one.

The corridor was empty.

I stepped outside, my eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings. The stillness was unnerving, and the faint flicker of a distant light did nothing to soothe my nerves.

Click.

What was that?

A sharp sound cut through the silence, sending a chill down my spine.

I turned sharply, searching the lobby. My gaze darted toward the railing, the shadows stretching ominously in the dim light. But there was no one.

The air felt heavy, and my throat tightened as I swallowed hard.

Is someone here?

I stepped back into the room and shut the door quickly. I leaned against it, trying to calm my breathing, and suddenly my phone screen lit up.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Cure Is you   His demand.

    °SERENA° The phone screen lit up suddenly, and my hands trembled as I reached for it. "Don’t make a scene next time you’re going out." — Adrian. This heartless guy! Relief washed over me that it was him, but seriously, could he not text more humanely? Wait—how does he even know what happened? Of course, I should have guessed. I did see the bluetooth on Tim's ear. So Adrian really listened to what happened. Still, I’m not going to reply to you, Adrian Royce. Clutching my phone, I fell back onto my bed. For a fleeting moment, I thought it was someone else, but thank God it wasn him. The next morning, I woke up early, a little giddy—it was my first day of college. Excitement bubbled in my chest as I stepped out. When I arrived, the campus was magnificent—tall buildings surrounded by bustling students in white coats. Soon, I’d be one of them! Right then, my stomach growled, loud and demanding. I hadn’t eaten since leaving his villa—an hour-and-a-half-long drive. I

    Last Updated : 2024-12-10
  • The Cure Is you   Got my attention

    °ADRIAN° "Why didn’t you respond to my text?" I asked, gripping her wrist firmly. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing at the hold I had on her. I felt the tension in her slender wrist, though she didn’t pull away. Not yet. "And why were you prying on me?" she shot back, her voice sharp, unapologetic. "I asked first," I said evenly, my grip unwavering. Her defiance was beginning to irritate me, though I couldn’t deny it intrigued me too. She tilted her head, her dark eyes scanning my face like she was trying to solve a puzzle. "I was angry that you pried at me," she finally admitted, her voice softer but still edged with defiance. Was that the truth? I couldn’t tell. But I let it slide—for now. "And you?" she pressed, her gaze locking with mine, refusing to let the conversation die. "Just making sure you were alive," I replied dryly, releasing her wrist. The moment I let go, she stepped back, creating space between us. But her eyes remained locked on mine, th

    Last Updated : 2024-12-31
  • The Cure Is you   Helplessness

    °SERENA° “You’re a piece of work,” he said, almost to himself. I snorted softly, shaking my head as I packed up my equipment. “Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment.” I bet that would be the most appreciation he would have ever given. Heartless guy. He didn’t respond, and I took that as my cue to leave. But as I turned toward the door, his voice stopped me. “Why did you agree to this? To us?” The question caught me off guard, and I hesitated, my hand on the doorframe. Was he genuinely asking this question, or was this one of his attempts to mock me? “Why does it matter?” I asked, my voice quieter now. “It matters,” he said, and there was something in his tone—something I couldn’t quite place. I turned to face him, meeting his gaze once more. And he looked really genuine, making my heart skip a beat. Does he really care? “Maybe because I had no other choice. Or maybe because I wanted to prove to myself that I could survive this too.” His eyes narrowed sli

    Last Updated : 2025-01-01
  • The Cure Is you   Not a slave.

    °SERENA° I looked at him, fear flashing in my eyes. Adrian sat in his wheelchair, positioned between the two massive couches like a king on a throne. Tim stood beside him, his head low, shoulders tense. Did he do something? I didn’t have long to wonder. Adrian repeated his question, this time his voice dangerously low, sharp enough to cut through the air. “Why do you need that?” God! Help me. “W-what?” I managed to stammer. He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he tossed an iPad onto the table with a sharp thud. The sound made me flinch. What if it broke? Does he have any value for things? He doesn't even value humans, Serena. An icy glare from him brought me back to reality. I tiptoed closer to the table, cautiously picking up the device. The tension in the room was suffocating. What had gotten under his skin this time? Disrespecting was his second nature, but what had I done to provoke it? I glanced at the lit screen, and my eyes widened. My breath caught in my thr

    Last Updated : 2025-01-02
  • The Cure Is you   Is she the same

    °ADRIAN °Today, my legs felt strange—sore and tingling where the needles had pierced. Was that normal? I would ask her. I was already out when it struck me. She’d probably be at college by now.Whatever. I’d grab some food instead.I called for my attendant, who helped me down the stairs. Each step was a brutal reminder of how much I hated this—being dependent, being weak. I hope these sessions work soon. This wasn’t a life I intended to endure much longer. I have many unfinished businesses out there.By the afternoon, I was knee-deep in estate work with Timothy when the door swung open without warning.By an Uninvited. Unwanted. And the person I despised most in this fucking world—my half-brother, Victor Royce.“Stop,” I said sharply, my tone cold and biting.“Relax, Adrian,” Victor said, smirking, already testing my patience.“Leave,” I ordered, my voice low and measured, barely containing the disdain beneath it.Victor chuckled, throwing himself onto the couch as if he owned the

    Last Updated : 2025-01-03
  • The Cure Is you   Emotions.

    °ADRIAN° “Yes, sir. The card was last swiped at a hospital.” The moment the words left his mouth, a million questions struck my mind. That's not what I expected. A hospital? Why would she be at a hospital? Questions churned in my head, relentless and unforgiving. Had she paid someone’s bill? Was it out of necessity? Charity? A calculated move to appear noble? Or was this a ploy, another angle I couldn’t yet see? Was she truly that selfless? The word didn’t sit well. It clashed with the Serena I had constructed in my mind—the little gold digger who married me for money and power. Opportunistic. Manipulative. A woman who knew exactly what she was doing at all times. And yet, here she was, standing in front of me, arms crossed. Her posture was defensive, but not combative. I caught the faint trace of tears clinging to her cheeks, her nose tinged pink from crying. She looked... Cute. Damn it, Adrian. Stop. It doesn’t matter. “Fine. Go,” I said, waving her off dismissively, t

    Last Updated : 2025-01-04
  • The Cure Is you   A peace offering.

    °SERENA° “But don’t treat everyone as if they’re beneath you. We’re humans, Adrian. We have emotions too.” I don’t even know why I am saying this; he won’t understand anyway. All he ever does is what he wants. I stumbled to my bed, hugging myself, as his words cut through me again and again. It hurts. It really hurts to know he thought I was like that—someone so vile, so opportunistic. For a split second yesterday, I thought maybe, just maybe, he had a heart too. But today, he proved me utterly wrong. And with his cold dismissal, he buried the fragile hope that had dared to sprout, that had threatened to appear. I should be used to this by now—the accusations, the judgment, the way his eyes harden every time he looks at me. But no amount of time or repetition makes it easier. If anything, it carves deeper, each word and action leaving a scar I can’t quite hide. I thought, even though he doesn’t care about me, at least he respects and understands me. That he sees I am not as des

    Last Updated : 2025-01-04
  • The Cure Is you   Feared answers.

    °SERENA° I came home late tonight, though I’m happy my application was approved and Adrian didn’t do anything to ruin it. All I need to do now is prepare the herbs, give him his needling, and then collapse into bed. Sleep is calling me like a lullaby, and tomorrow is the weekend—a rare chance to breathe. But why do I feel so drained? It was past 9 by the time I finished making the herbal medicine. The rich aroma of the herbs wafted through the air, but even that couldn’t energize me. Now, all that’s left is to deliver it and do the needling. Then, sleep. I dragged myself upstairs, each step feeling like a punishment. For the first time, I found myself getting irritated at how big his house is. Why does he need all this space when he lives alone? Heartless guy. Couldn’t he just stay in a smaller place? I knocked on his door, waiting for that familiar, icy voice to respond. And there it was. “Come in.” Twisting the knob, I pushed the door open with what little strength

    Last Updated : 2025-01-04

Latest chapter

  • The Cure Is you   Tastes Like Blood.

    °ADRIAN° “You will speak, Evelyn, or I will make sure your silence costs you everything.” My grandfather’s voice thundered again, shaking the walls with its wrath. Evelyn’s lips trembled, but she said nothing. Not another word. The air grew heavy—thick with unspoken truths. I could hear my own breath, shallow and uneven, battling the quiet that now felt louder than any scream. And suddenly, justice didn’t feel like justice anymore. It felt like heartbreak—dressed in the finest robe of truth—standing before me, unforgiving. I wasn’t just here to avenge my mother anymore. Now I had to ask myself a question I never thought I would— Had I ever truly known the woman I loved? “Charles Cooper,” Evelyn finally whispered. My head snapped toward her, eyes narrowed, heart pounding so loud it echoed in my ears. “Remember why your mother was hospitalized?” she said, her voice like a blade sliding through silk. “Because he poisoned her.” The room went still. My breath caugh

  • The Cure Is you   Connects to Her.

    °ADRIAN° Once again standing before this house, I felt nothing but a cold dismay wash over me. The mansion loomed, carved in the same grandeur that once terrified me as a boy. Its ivy-draped walls stood like old gods watching over the sins they once bore witness to, silent and unmoved. Its towering gates creaked open with a reluctant groan, and the familiar crunch of gravel beneath my shoes sent a chill up my spine. The air was stiff with aged roses, the kind my mother used to place on the dining table, back when silence hadn’t yet swallowed every space whole. “Shall we go inside, sir?” Timothy’s voice, calm and quiet, broke the spell. He stood respectfully beside me, dressed impeccably, though I knew his eyes were on me more than the door. I nodded once. Or forced myself to. Still, my feet stayed frozen to the ground. The wind shifted. Not strong—but enough to rustle the leaves, to carry the whispers of the past straight into my bones. I was no longer the trembling boy be

  • The Cure Is you   Forever.

    °ADRIAN° The room fell into stunned silence. Every pair of eyes, wide with disbelief, turned toward Serena—including mine. The only one who seemed unfazed was Fred, the bastard, smirking like he had been waiting for this moment. Because Serena—who had spent the entire evening looking like half dead, drained and fragile—had just snapped. And fuck, if that wasn’t the most satisfying thing I had seen all night. A strange sensation curled in my chest. Amusement, pride—something else. She had just called out Elder Royce, and I doubted she even realized who she had just talked back to. "You," Elder Royce said, his voice dropping an octave, his sharp eyes narrowing at her. "What did you say?" Serena straightened her posture, her grip tightening around the chair. "Yes, it's your fault," she repeated, her voice steadier this time. "Adrian just came back—it hasn’t even been a month—so if there’s blame to be placed, it’s yours." A slow smile curled my lips. This little gold digger.

  • The Cure Is you   She's My Wife.

    °SERENA° "Who are you?" I whispered to the man before me. He didn’t answer. Instead, his gaze flickered around, scanning the surroundings. Maybe he hadn’t heard me. Now that I looked at him properly, he didn’t seem like a goon. But then again, what if goons had gotten more professional—wearing suits, looking sharp? "You’re Serena, right?" His voice suddenly cut through the silence, startling me. I didn’t respond. Should I? He took my silence as confirmation. "Come with me." My body caught up with my brain in an instant. I yanked my hand away. "Who are you?" I demanded again, this time louder. He sighed. He sighed? What the hell. He was the one trying to kidnap me. "I’m Fred," he said. "Adrian’s friend." Adrian’s friend? That meant he sent him. But wait—where was Tim? "No, you’re lying. Adrian wouldn’t send you. It was someone else," I argued. "You mean Timothy?" Fred’s expression remained unreadable. "Yeah, he was on his way, but I was closer." He knows Ti

  • The Cure Is you   Sugar Daddy.

    °SERENA° I woke up to the scent of him, warm and familiar, clinging to the sheets, to the oversized shirt I was wrapped in. His. For a moment, I just lay there, letting the softness of the bed and the lingering traces of last night hold me in place. Then I felt it—the ache in my cheeks. I was smiling. Like an idiot. God. I buried my face in the pillow for a second, groaning at myself. When did I become this person? The kind who wakes up in a man's bed, wearing his clothes, smiling like she's living in a damn Disney movie? Shaking my head, I pushed my hair into a bun and got up, my bare feet meeting the cool floor. The contrast sent a small shiver up my spine, pulling me fully into wakefulness. Where is he? The faint hum of the refrigerator and the rustling of bags answered my question before I even had to look. I followed the scent of coffee, of something sweet, and found him in the kitchen, his back to me, unpacking groceries like this was just… normal. Like thi

  • The Cure Is you   Adrian's Weakness.

    °VICTOR° "Open your eyes, slut," my mother spat, her voice slicing through the stale air like a whip. Cassandra lay sprawled on the cold marble floor, her body limp, the last traces of the sedative still weighing her down. "Mom, she's still drugged," I said, rolling my shoulders. "She should’ve been up by now," she snapped, tapping her manicured nails against the armrest. "But I suppose she’s just that useless." "Relax. She’s with us now—" A sharp gasp tore from Cassandra’s lips. Her fingers twitched, brows pulling together. Then—her lashes fluttered open. For a moment, confusion clouded her gaze. Her pupils dilated, her breathing erratic as she fought to focus. Then, realization struck. "Victor…" Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper, but drenched in something raw—hope. Pathetic. She reached for me, but I shifted, just enough for her fingers to miss. "You're finally awake," I murmured, tilting my head as if observing something delicate. Something fragile. An

  • The Cure Is you   Full of Surprises.

    °SERENA° Damn right. The moment I stepped outside, the first thing that greeted me was Adrian’s car—sleek, imposing, and impossible to miss. And then there was Adrian himself, standing with his back to us, radiating authority and dominance. His presence alone was enough to send a few students scurrying out of the way. Did the intimidation just roll off him in waves? "Oi, let’s go to our café," Nina called, pulling me from my thoughts. I blinked at her, pressing my lips into a thin line. "Well… my ride’s already here." She frowned. "I don’t see that cute guy." I sighed. "My husband’s here." "What?! What?!" she shrieked before whipping her head to follow my gaze. I groaned internally. Nina and Adrian. God, save me. "Oh my God, I have to see him! Come on!" She practically dragged me toward Adrian, her excitement making it seem like I was the outsider in this situation. Adrian turned the second we got close, then faced us fully, his sharp gaze settling on Nina with mi

  • The Cure Is you   He's Not Yours.

    °ADRIAN° "What?" She looked at me, confused, as I stepped closer. I didn’t answer. Instead, I tangled my fingers into her hair, pulled her flush against me, and claimed her lips in a slow, deep kiss—tantalizing, unhurried. I could kiss her all day and never get bored. When I finally pulled back, giving her space to breathe, her lips were slightly swollen, her lip balm completely ruined. My thumb traced her lower lip, savoring the way her breath hitched. "That’s what," I murmured. "Adrian, this is a public place," she whispered, but she didn’t step away. I smirked. "Still, you loved it." Right then, my phone buzzed. A flicker of irritation ran through me—until I saw the caller ID. Fred. I unlocked my phone. "Adrian, come back now. It’s gonna blow your damn mind." This fucker. "I have to go," I said, stepping back. Serena frowned. "What’s wrong?" "Nothing," I replied quickly, already shifting into gear. "I'll pick you up later. Don’t go anywhere." She didn

  • The Cure Is you   More Than a Moment.

    °SERENA° I woke up feeling tired all over, my muscles aching, a dull soreness settling deep in my bones—and a heavy arm wrapped around me. Warm. Solid. Blinking against the golden morning light filtering through the curtains, I stirred slightly, and the arm around me tightened. A deep, sleepy groan rumbled against my ear. “Not yet,” Adrian mumbled, his voice husky from sleep, lips brushing against the back of my neck. I stiffened, my breath catching. Last night came rushing back like a flood, each moment sinking into my skin. My pulse thrummed at the memory, and suddenly, the sheets felt too warm. I turned my head slightly and met Adrian’s dark gaze, already open, already watching me. His hair was a tousled mess, and there was something lazy, something entirely too smug, about the way his lips curled at the corners. Heat flooded my face. I looked away, pretending to find the ceiling very interesting. “Good morning,” he murmured, his voice laced with amusement. I swal

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status