The scene of Chester and Bryan’s argument kept playing on Serene’s head. It should not bother her since it’s their problem and not hers. But perhaps because she empathized with Bryan, that was why Chester’s harsh words declaring he wanted a divorce rang in her head. She felt Bryan’s pain as if it were Justin who wanted to break up with her.
She tried painting to divert her attention, but it did not help her at all. Putting her brush aside, she looked at the clock on the wall. It’s just after ten in the morning and she’s already out of ideas on how to keep herself busy.
She called Justin’s secretary to check on his schedule and decided to bring Justin’s lunch to the office. After confirming that he had no engagements during lunch time, she informed his secretary that she would be coming but wanted it to
“You’re probably wondering why I wanted to talk to you,” she looked at him, before sipping on her coffee. He said nothing and only stared at her.She let out a sigh before she said, “I unintentionally heard you and Bryan argue during your parents’ anniversary.” She lifted her eyes to see his reaction. Nonplussed, his brow arched. She knew she got his attention.“I’m sorry. I did not intend to eavesdrop. I hated crowds and I looked for a quiet corner away from everyone. I did not expect that you two would also be there. Unintentionally, I heard it when you said you wanted to divorce him. I am in no place to interfere with your marriage, but please hear me out.” When Chester did not make any comments, she continued, “I felt like Bryan and I are in a similar s
Serene’s phone vibrated on the bedside table. With eyes closed, she reached for it only to feel Justin’s hand closing on the phone. He looked at the screen and knit his brows.“My mom’s calling you, Kitty,” he said sleepily, and handed her her cellphone, then buried his face in her neck.“Hello?” she asked in her sleep. The voice of Elaina jolted her awake. She asked her to accompany her to go shopping. It was her idol asking her to go out! Who needs to think twice about that? Of course, she agreed to her invitation and got up from the bed, earning a dissatisfied grunt from Justin.He tightened his hold on her waist and pulled her back into his embrace. “What’s that about,” he mumbled on her neck.
After maneuvering the morning rush hour, their car stopped in front of an art gallery.“There’s a mural that I’d like you to see,” Elaina said before she got out of the car with the help of her driver. Serene followed suit.Entering the gallery, the employees greeted her by name, which simply shows that she’s a regular. Elaina quietly walked inside the gallery until they reached the back wall. On the wall was a mural of an abstract painting. It’s made of randomly splashed paint and bold strokes. However, a hyacinth bloom formed from the splatters if viewed from a specific angle.“Lovely, isn’t it?” Elaina said as they both appreciated the mural. Serene just nodded as she took in the art before her.“
Serene stood frozen, receiving all the fury from Justin’s eyes. Tears accumulated at their edges as the fear in her heart grew. She had never seen Justin furious before, and it scared her witless. “Jus… Justin…” she called him, her voice trembling and was barely audible. However, his senses seemed more acute than usual. His gaze burned into her. Two burning balls of flame looked into her, ready to engulf her and burn her. The joints of his jaws moved from clenching his jaws too much. His lips formed a tight line. “What are you still doing here? Get out! Follow him!” he said through gritted teeth. His nose flared and his fingers trembled as he pointed to the door behind him. Serene’s heart shattered at his words. Her chest tightened from the pain those words gave her. Follow Bryan? Why would she do tha
Serene’s mind kept replaying Justin’s hurtful words. Like a knife, each work he said struck her heart, stabbing it repeatedly until it bled. The taxi driver kept on glancing at her from the rear-view mirror, concern written all over his face. Tears had not stopped falling from her eyes the moment she sat.I need to fix this. She kept repeating in her head. But how? She did not know; all she knew was she needed to make things right. Justin’s furious face flashed on her face. His sharp eyes that ripped her apart. They were just lovingly cuddling this morning. How can everything go south in less than 24 hours?After a while, her taxi stopped at the gate of Justin’s villa. She paid the driver and alighted from the vehicle. With heavy steps, she approached the gate and keyed in the passcode. It beeped to show an incorrect passcode
Feeling the chilly breeze against her body, Serene curled herself like a cooked shrimp. She hugged her knees closer to her torso as she laid on the cold gutter, exhaustion forced her to sleep.A gentle pat on her shoulder pulled her out of her sleep. Her lashes flutter as she tries to open her eyes.“Jus… Justin?” she asked, her voice hoarse and barely got out of her parched mouth.“No, Madame. It’s me Jane.” Jane’s gentle voice and eyes tugged her heart. Her cloudy eyes showed her usual gentleness but today, she saw pity mixed in those gentle orbs. Of course, she pitied her. Who wouldn’t, she slept the night outside of Justin’s villa, exposed from the elements? Serene let out a pained smile. The things she did for love.
Serene’s physically and emotionally exhausted body demanded its respite. As soon as her back touched her bed, Serene felt her eyelids become heavy and sleep took over her. It was a dreamless night for her. She’s too exhausted to even dream.She slept like a baby. The warm light from the window, filtered by her curtain, woke her up. Red shadows played on the back of her eyelids as the curtain danced from the outside breeze. She rubbed her eyes and sat on her bed. Hugging her knees and resting her face on them, she could not help but recall the recent events.A gentle pain in her lower abdomen extending to her lower back made her get out of bed and go to the bathroom. She washed up and changed into comfortable clothes before going down to have breakfast with her parents.Conrad and Carol were a
After a month of resting, Doctor Reed gave Serene the green light to travel. The twin’s heartbeats were strong, although their ultrasound showed that her placenta was still not in the correct spot.Doctor Reed also recommended her fellow who practiced in New York, who could continue with Serene’s treatment. After getting Serene’s approval, Doctor Reed forwarded her medical records and got Serene an appointment.She and her parents decided to bring her to New York to continue her pregnancy and raise her children. Carol would take care of her during her pregnancy while Conrad would accompany them to get them settled down, then would return to Coast City to attend to their business.While she was packing her luggage, Mary barged into her room and quietly helped her in folding her clothes.