Serena POVRenesmee sat beside me, her face filled with unhidden anxiety. “What's wrong again? You're looking so gloomy,” she said.“Your favorite BBC CEO isn't staying?” teased Eloise, trying to bring a bit of humor into the tense atmosphere.I could only shake my head weakly. “With the ex-wife,” I replied, my voice filled with discomfort.Renesmee's gaze was sympathetic, revealing how much she felt about the burden I carried. Meanwhile, Amanda's presence in Leopold's life always brought uncertainty to my mind.Leopold never revealed why he wanted to meet Amanda, but I was sure it had something to do with her pregnancy. Whenever Leopold was with his ex-wife, I felt like he forgot about my existence, overshadowed by the past.I let out a deep sigh. Again, I was not willing for Leopold to spend time with Amanda, no matter what the reason.“Be careful, Serena. There is a possibility of them getting back together,” Renesmee said in a caring voice, trying to calm my worries.Leopold may h
Serena POVUnderstanding the complexity of my feelings led to some trepidation when dealing with Leopold. I didn't want things to get awkward, or even worse. I wasn't sure I could hold myself back. All this time, keeping these feelings hidden was a laborious task.I felt like an open book, with every detail of my feelings laid bare. It revealed the tenderness of love and also brought pain to my heart.How can I express the feelings hidden in my heart?The courage is still hiding behind the shadow of fear and doubt.Not wanting my facial expression to betray me, I tried hard to hide what I really felt inside.Instead, I deliberately kept my distance from Leopold. It wasn't too hard for me to do. Leopold was involved with a big investor from Ireland, keeping him and Mr. Raymond very busy. The busyness in the office had doubled to win the tender.This time, I was truly grateful for the busyness. Leopold's limited presence was a blessing for me. Although my body struggled to feel his pre
Leopold POVThe moment I saw Amanda, mixed feelings slipped into me. Her gentle gaze was still seductive, even though I was trying to cover up the complexities that were in my heart.I couldn't ignore her pregnancy. It was a stark fact, reminding me of the responsibility hidden behind her call.“Have you eaten yet?” she asked in a soft voice, intruding into the quiet room.I pondered for a moment, trying to make sense of the situation before me. She was doing her best to appear cheerful, but her worry was evident.“Yes, I did,” I replied briefly, placing the vitamins on the table. The special pregnant women's vitamins were the reason that led me here. But I knew it was about the presence and support she needed.Amanda thanked me as she put her order away. Her eyes were still searching for something, as if seeking reassurance in the darkness that enveloped her heart. I watched her stand up, carrying the dirty dishes to the kitchen, and I followed her wordlessly.In the kitchen, the sil
Serena POVThe atmosphere in this house has gotten worse since Mom left. Vivid memories fill every nook and cranny. I still remember how my mother refused to be hospitalized, wanting to spend her last hours among us. Those moments were so bittersweet.I remember that time when my father insisted that I go to school, but I refused. I roared at the top of my lungs. Hardin also refused to go to school and got a beating from Dad.This house never felt the same again, especially since Aunt Mary moved in and lived here. I waited until I graduated from high school and left home. Living in an apartment during college was actually much better for my mental health.This morning, the tension was heightened by the presence of Uncle Frederick. Our conversation last night changed my view of him. He no longer looks like the uncle I once admired, but like a devious and untrustworthy man. “I want Kevin to come. Make sure you look presentable; don't be embarrassed,” Dad urged in a stern tone, but I re
Serena POVKevin appeared in a casual look that accentuated his good looks. Despite his alluring charm, I wasn't going to be trapped by him. His demeanor had exposed his dark side.“How are you, uncle?” greeted Kevin politely to dad.If he was trying to make fun of me with his politeness, he was mistaken. His attempts to influence me would not easily succeed. “I'd like to take Serena for a walk. Is that okay, uncle?” he continued.Father laughed, nodding his head at me. “Serena's been waiting for you all this time.”I shook my head lazily.“We can chat here while we wait for Serena to get ready,” Dad said, his sharp gaze forcing me to move.Staying here and challenging him would only frustrate me further. Going with Kevin wasn't a promising option either. Still, maybe it was better than staying here. Perhaps I could find a way to escape on the way.Reluctantly, I moved towards my room. I briefly considered choosing a father-approved outfit, but then I decided to back out at the last
Serena POVThe moment I entered Leopold's room, it was like I had just found a place that truly made me feel safe. Kevin was just a shadow that was sinking further and further behind. I was determined not to get stuck with a rude man like him.Leopold didn't utter a single word, but his eyes were full of questions. However, instead of asking, he hugged me. That was enough for me for now. I just needed his presence.“Babe…” I crawled up and put my hands around his neck, trying to reach his kisses. “Kiss me, please.”There was hesitation in his eyes, but only for a moment. Without hesitation, Leopold hugged me tightly and kissed me back.That was precisely what I wanted. Leopold's kiss, to erase the traces of the nightmare Kevin had left behind.Leopold embraced my body on the bed. The warmth of his embrace brought a sense of security that encompassed my entire being. His kiss never broke. Instead, it deepened and deepened.Between the gentleness of his touch and his hot skin, there was
Leopold POV Serena looked at me with a mixed expression of surprise and excitement as I walked into her hotel room. The fragrant scent of aromatherapy enveloped the room, creating a calm yet tense atmosphere between us. “I didn't expect you to come,” she hisses softly, her voice trembling with the intimacy created between us. I felt a rapid throbbing in my chest as I approached her, feeling the warmth of her body radiate despite the distance between us being only a few steps. She took off the hotel kimono, leaving her in just a gray lace bra and panties that complemented her natural beauty. “Babe, you send messages like that. You think I can just stay where I am?” I said, trying to hold back the wave of emotions that swept through me. My hand gently stroked her beautifully flowing black hair. And for a moment, I couldn't take my eyes off her seductive hips. I still remembered how surprised I was when I received her message as I was eating my breakfast. At first, I ignored it, thi
Serena POV I stopped in the lobby, and my seconds stopped when my eyes met Leopold and Amanda. The sight tore at my heart. It was as if an infinite weight were pressing down on me and crushing me. I tried to avert my eyes, but the image of Leopold with Amanda fused in my mind like an eternal mark. Like a masochist, I couldn't take my eyes off them. Glued to the center of the lobby, Leopold and Amanda are outside. There was no distance between the two, who looked good to each other. It tore my heart even deeper.If there were eyes watching, they would have thought they were a happy couple expecting their baby.I should have left, but there seemed to be a force holding my feet in place.My eyes widened when I saw Leopold touch Amanda's back. It was a touch I had once felt, one I would rather not share with another woman.Leopold once claimed my body as his own, and I gave it to him knowingly. I wanted to scream in front of Amanda to claim Leopold as mine so that no other woman could h