Leopold POVGabriel and Gracie, the twins, dominated my life from the moment I arrived at my parents' house. They became the center of my attention, drawing me into their busy routines. Take them to school, accompany Gracie to ballet lessons, and watch Gabriel play basketball. They were my savior from loneliness, my solace from the troubles I'd let slip away in California.But as time passed, the image of California haunted me more and more. The nights alone and the silence only invited memories that I wanted to hide. Nothing could prevent my mind from drifting to California, remembering Serena, and longing for her presence.As my eyes closed, Serena appeared in my mind. Even though distance separated us, her presence felt so real and so close.I couldn't ignore her piercing words, calling me a coward. That's right. I ran away, leaving her without a word. A cowardly act that is imprinted in my memory.“Can I sit here?”The stern voice broke the silence, and I looked up. My father pull
Serena POVI could hardly believe my eyes when I saw Maximus standing in front of my house. A quiet curse escaped my lips as soon as our eyes met. If only I had the courage to jump into a taxi and drive away from here.“Good evening, Serena,” he greeted, his voice calm yet igniting the embers of anger within me.Hearing his voice, I snorted in annoyance. “What is it again?”It is unclear to me why I was so fiery. Maybe later, when my heart was calmer, I would apologize to him for being the target of my anger.Maximus opened the car door, and I couldn't believe that my father was there waiting for me. “Let's get in. We have no more time,” Dad said in a stern tone, without looking at me.I wished I could change my clothes first, but Dad's gaze shot through me like an arrow.“No, you don't have to. No matter what you do, you're still like that,” he said, his voice full of judgment.Dad was supposed to be my source of strength, but this time, he'd only weakened me further. Reluctantly, I
Serena POV “What the hell are you doing?” Hardin looks at Dad. “Do you believe what he says?” “Kevin already explained the chronology of what happened. But why did you go so far?” My father asked Hardin back. “Because all I heard was a bullshit excuse. Kevin has been harassing Serena. And as an older brother, I am entitled to beat him to death if necessary.” I'm stunned on the spot, not in the least expecting Hardin to defend me. He's been so cold all this time. Hardin has never shown his feelings, not even to me. Even as a child, my father molded Hardin into a strong, eldest boy. He forced Hardin to do physical training to qualify as the best army graduate. He also forbade Hardin to show his feelings because, in his eyes, affection was a symbol of weakness. “We cancel this engagement plan. I don't want Kevin to marry Serena,” said Aunt Fany, who approached Kevin and gave me a hostile look. “Good because I wouldn't allow Serena to tie the knot with Kevin either,” Hardin replied i
Leopold POVIn my family, the tradition of exchanging gifts on the eve of our parents' wedding celebration has become part of our unforgettable childhood memories. The focus may now be on Gabriel and Gracie, but the memory of the rivalry between my sister and me lingers.It brings back memories of how we used to compete for the best, biggest, and most expensive gifts. Even though our parents were always fair and gave the same gifts. However, it's all just sweet memories that are imprinted in the mind.Spending a whole day seeking gifts was like tracing a trail of memories that flowed fast. My twin niece and nephew had written their wish lists clearly, like directions for a guardian angel. And that task fell to me.My younger sister, with all confidence, appointed me as the “guardian angel of the year” and entrusted me with the twins' wish list. So, without hesitation, I went from shop to shop, through the cold Swedish air, to collect the gifts they had been dreaming of. Despite the c
Serena POV“Carefree life. Happy with solitude!” I exclaimed as I raised my glass of white wine to cheers from Renesmee and Eloise. This was a new beginning for me. A new status as a single woman, free from relationships with any men.Eloise firmly persuaded me to go to the Eros Pub, trying to forget all the turmoil that was poisoning my heart. Renesmee, who was always spontaneous, unhesitatingly, agreed to Eloise's invitation. At first, I wasn't interested. Clubbing was boring. It was more comfortable for me to stay at home, cuddling my favorite cat.However, my two friends didn't allow that to happen. They pulled me out of bed, even waiting outside the bathroom door until I was done.Eloise forced me to wear one of the fancy dresses from my collection: Lorie Red Lace Cocktail Party Gowns Mini Glitter. It's a maroon mini dress that's extremely uncomfortable, as it reveals off my curves.But Eloise is busy polishing my face with alluring, glamorous makeup and applying a seductive red
Serena POVLeopold took me to his apartment in an elite area of Santa Clara. For a moment, my eyes didn't blink at the skyscraper called The Hills Sky.It didn't cross my mind that he lived in a notoriously elite apartment complex whose owners were mostly humans with deep pockets. I knew Leopold was old money. However, I still didn't expect him to be one owner of this luxury apartment.His steps were steady, but his gaze was piercing, playing on the worry inside me.Since earlier, Leopold has clung to me like a shadow that wouldn't leave. Not a word escaped his lips as he led me away from the house.“Let me check.” Leopold's voice was calm yet firm as he set me down on the sofa and squatted before me. His eyes searched my neck with an intensity that sent chills down my spine. “Who is he, Serena?” “It doesn't matter,” I replied, trying to contain the tremor in my voice.His eyes delved into every secret that lay behind my words. “It matters, because I need his name and address, so I c
Serena POVLeopold pushed me to the kitchen island. He flipped me over and pushed me down onto the counter.As soon as I kissed him back, all my defenses came crashing down. When Leopold wrapped his tongue around mine, I let instinct take over.No more tender kisses.Leopold kissed me hard, reminding me of his kisses that I had always longed for. I open myself up even more, giving Leopold the opportunity to do whatever he wants.“Fuck, Serena. You're so hot. I miss you, baby.” Leopold collapsed on top of me. “I really, really miss you.”“Yes,” I said with difficulty. My head felt dizzy, probably from drinking too much white wine at the pub.“Tell me how much you miss me.” His husky voice aroused my instincts. His fingers trailed down my waist and stroked just below my stomach. I'm like a crazy person. I don't know what's happening, but it's as if something is pushing me to surrender to him. My trembling right hand grabbed his hand and guided it to my pussy. My body stiffened as Leopo
Leopold POVI couldn't help but smile. It was challenging to describe my feelings. It was like being in heaven; right now, Serena was here, in my arms.I came to see Serena in the hope that she would forgive me. However, that bastard almost made me a murderer instead.I wouldn't have any regrets if I had to finish him off, considering how close he came to taking Serena's life. I shooed him away, not wanting him to ruin my happiness.I don't know how long I kept smiling like a madman. Since earlier, my morning's activity has been just watching Serena sleep in my arms.Serena was so beautiful. And I love her so much.“Babe,” I whispered as I kissed her smooth, mochi-like cheek.Serena looked at me with a sleepy expression. So adorable. How stupid of me to have wasted all this!“I still miss you.” I hugged her tightly, eager to show her some affection.She smiled a little. “It's been a long night. Aren't you tired?”I kissed her cute nose. “Don't underestimate my strength. I may be old,