Serena’s POV
My legs felt heavy as I made my way to the restroom. Once inside, I closed the door behind and faced the mirror, my reflection staring back like a stranger.
Taking a deep breath, I splashed cold water on my face, hoping to wash away the sting of Alia’s words. Alexander had a fiancée. I would not be the one to destroy that.
The sound of sudden footsteps and the door creaking open made spin. My eyes t my stepmother’s, and my expression hardened instantly.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice sharp, my gaze boring into her.
Elena’s smile was saccharine, almost mocking. "I ca to see my daughter."
I laughed bitterly, rolling my eyes while letting out a scoff. "You are not my mother. Jessica is your daughter. You’re just a howrecker... and your daughter is no different."
Her eyes flickered, briefly darkened, then returned to that practiced, fake sweetness. "Is that any way to speak to your mother, Serena?"
"Mother?" I spat the word like venom. "You have no right. My mother is gone, and you... you’re nothing but a shadow in her place."
Elena’s lips pressed together. She stepped closer, her footsteps deliberately slow, like a predator circling its prey. She wanted to intimidate . "Careful, darling. Words can ruin more than just reputations."
I didn’t flinch. Instead, my chest tightened with fury. "I’m not afraid of you. I never will be."
For a heartbeat, the smile dropped from her face. Her eyes hardened. "You’ll regret this. Don’t forget, Serena... I have your little daddy wrapped around my finger. I also have allies everywhere. It won’t take long to ruin you."
I t her gaze without blinking. "The only ally I need is myself," I said, my voice low but steady. "Do whatever you want. I’ve survived on my own for years — nothing you do will change that."
Elena froze for a mont, a flicker of sothing unspoken crossing her face before she straightened, letting her smile return like it had never left. "We’ll see, darling. We’ll see."
"Don’t forget to let your daughter know that she can’t win all the ti." I said with my hands folded and a satisfied smile.
Elena sneered, her eyes flashing with sothing restrained, and with a turn as graceful as her entrance, she walked away, leaving trembling with a mix of relief and rage. I pressed my back against the cool restroom wall, exhaling shakily.
When I was sure that I had steadied my breathing, I walked out of the restroom, and into the hall.
Maybe that was a mistake. Because Alexander’s mother was already at the podium.
"Greetings, everyone." She started with a smile that was just as graceful as a flower. "Today, I have an important announcent to make."
My eyes landed on Alexander’s whose brows were drawn together. My gaze darted to Alia whose smile was smug. I suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Today, I’m happy to announce that my son, Alexander would get married to Alia Chase. Let’s give them a round of applause."
The hall erupted in cheers and applause. Alia’s lips were curved into a smile as she walked to Alexander and interlocked their arms. He didn’t resist.
I watched both of them, and my heart felt a sharp pain. I didn’t understand why. Alexander and I barely had any real connection. dealings. He was just soone I slept with... and he’s my boss.
But why... why did it hurt so much? I forced a smile on my lips as my eyes took in the guests congratulating them.
Unable to bear another second, I quietly slipped out of the hall.
When I stepped out, the sky had already darkened as the stars found their way into their places.
My gaze drifted to the sky as I admired the stars. They were beautiful—a sign of peace.
"I knew I didn’t see wrong. Serena?"
My brows creased as my head instantly snapped to the sound, and my breath caught in my throat.
"Liam?" I called out tentatively.
"It really is you."
Liam walked forward and pulled into an embrace. I was genuinely surprised, but I chuckled as my hands wrapped around him.
A few minutes later, he let go. His face was bright as though this was the first ti he had seen in so long.
Liam stepped back, eyes scanning my face with a warmth I hadn’t seen in a long ti. "You haven’t changed at all," he said softly. "Still beautiful."
I laughed lightly, shaking my head. "Liam, please. I look like soone who’s had the longest evening of her life."
"Well," he said with a teasing smile, "the evening just got better for ."
I felt my cheeks heat. Liam always had that effect. He was gentle, charming, and easy to be around. Back in college, he had been the boy everyone liked, the one who always saved a seat for during lectures, who carried my books even when I didn’t ask.
And now, seeing him again felt strangely comforting.
"What are you even doing here?" I asked, still surprised.
"My dad dragged along," he said with a sigh. "These business banquets are never my thing. But..." His eyes softened as he looked at . "I guess fate decided to reward today."
"Stop it," I said, nudging him, though a shy smile tugged at my lips.
He chuckled. "I an it. I’ve actually been wondering how you’ve been. You disappeared after graduation. No social dia, no texts... nothing. Glad I saw you here today."
Guilt pricked . "Life happened," I said quietly. "And it got... ssy."
"Then let make it less ssy now," he said, voice gentler. "How about we catch up? Maybe over dinner soti? Just like old tis."
I hesitated, my breath hitching. His sincerity was calming, and for a mont, I felt the heaviness of the banquet lt away. With Liam, everything felt simple and easy.
I opened my mouth to respond—but the warmth in his eyes faded as his gaze shifted behind .
His posture straightened and his jaw tightened.
"Looks like soone’s looking for you," he said quietly.
Confused, I turned, and there, Alexander stood a few feet away.
His expression was unreadable, but his eyes — sharp, dark, and tense — were locked on and Liam with sothing stormy simring beneath the surface.
His jaw was clenched, and his shoulders stiff, as if he’d run out of patience the mont he stepped outside.
The sight of him stole my breath. It shouldn’t!
Liam glanced between us, putting pieces together. "Is... everything alright?"
I swallowed hard, my heartbeat loud in my ears as my gaze t his.
Alexander took a step forward, his gaze still fixed on .
"Serena," he said quietly, voice low, clipped, and... almost dangerous.
Liam stiffened beside .
And in that mont, I realized... the night was far from over.
Reviews
All reviews (0)