Serena POVI was the image of a woman who had given her all, not realizing that my true self had disappeared. There was nothing left of my broken self; everything disappeared with my carelessness.My dream was simple: to receive attention and love from a man who truly loved me. However, that never happened. I understood my behavior was detrimental, but I felt I had no choice. The thirst for affection became a part of me because, throughout my life, I never felt it from my father.And now I was at the point of losing hope.All the sacrifices I had made were worth nothing. Love makes everything taste sweet, like chocolate melting on the tongue, but the reality is bitter. My subconscious swallowed the promises, hoping he would be at the end of my search. Once more, everything completely dashed my expectations.I wanted to laugh at my stupidity, but I was ashamed to admit it. Every time I looked in the mirror, I wanted to destroy myself. My existence feels shameful, dirty, and useless. Ev

Leopold POVEvery decision I make must have one loser. I tried to be fair to Amanda and Serena, even though some thought it wasn't sufficient.I tried to be there for Amanda, who was now in her eighth month of pregnancy. She doesn't have anyone to help her when she's feeling terrible, so I decided to go to her house and keep her company for a while. As far as I knew, her health condition was not good, although it didn't affect the baby's health. But I was still worried, afraid that something would happen to the baby.I was so focused on being by Amanda's side that I forgot about my other responsibilities. My stupid brain thought that Serena, who was pregnant, didn't need extra care like Amanda. All this time, I thought that Serena, who was independent, could do everything on her own, didn't complain when I didn't reply to her messages, and didn't protest when I went secretly to Amanda's house. The fact was that she was bottling up her grief all by herself. I should have realized my

Serena POVI felt completely trapped in a never-ending cycle with Leopold. Every time I thought I'd found freedom, he pulled me back into the shackles of his toxic love.However, there was a small part of me that couldn't resist him. My little heart always yearned for the comfort of his embrace, despite knowing it would only cause me more pain.Have I really lost my mind?Please help me. I don't understand why I've become like this.Honestly, I want to escape, but I don't know how.“You know, I can't live without you,” he whispered, looking at me with eyes full of desire. I could feel the vibrations of his desire sneaking between those sweet words.So Leopold took me away from my father's house by force, like a kidnapping. He wasn't concerned about my father's threats.I smiled bitterly. “Those words sound like a mantra you keep repeating, sir. But do you really love me, or do you just love my body?”He straightened up, and his piercing gaze pierced my soul. “Of course, I love you sin

Serena POV I was still silent when Leopold drove me home to California after an exhausting day at the San Francisco hotel. The view out the car window felt like fog drifting through my mind, and I could only stare out blankly. I was surprised when his luxury car didn't turn onto the road leading to the penthouse, instead gliding quietly through the busy city streets.We arrived at a house with a large courtyard filled with colorful flower gardens. A small fountain flowed with a soothing gurgle in the center of the garden. A beautifully curved pathway led to the terrace. And a small fishpond glistened in the evening sun, reflecting the fading orange sky.“What is this, sir?” I asked in a stammering voice. I was stunned by Leopold's surprise. My eyes wandered, trying to make sense of everything that had just happened.Leopold smiled gently, his eyes looking at me with warmth. “This is for you, Serena. A gift from my heart for you.”I was transfixed, unable to believe what I was seein

Leopold POVMy little heartfelt heavy leaving Serena home alone, especially with our baby. However, my responsibilities as CEO did not allow me to take time off or work from home today.As I opened the kitchen door, a gust of fresh morning air greeted me. I took a deep breath, feeling the breeze brush against my face. I walked towards the front door of the house with light steps while checking the work documents in my briefcase.“Sir, don't forget to bring an umbrella. The weather can change suddenly,” Serena said gently as she put the dirty plate in the sink.I smiled and nodded, tapping my fingers on the table before grabbing the umbrella from the shelf by the door. “I'll remember, babe,” I replied as I turned to her. “You'll be fine at home, right?”Serena nodded as she walked over to me. “Of course. I'll take a short rest after cleaning the kitchen. Don't worry about me.”I leaned closer, kissing her forehead softly. “I love you,” I whispered.Serena smiled, her eyes shining with