Chapter 1

Serena Jansen stood by the massive floor-to-ceiling window, her silk robe draped elegantly over her figure. She gazed at the flickering city lights in the distance.

After a long pause, she picked up her phone and made a call. "I agree to the engagement."

There was a brief silence on the other end before her father's voice came through. Howard Jansen sounded excited, barely trying to contain it.

"Nina, when are you coming back? I'll pick you up."

Her chest tightened, and a lump formed in her throat. It had been years since she last heard him call her by her childhood nickname.

"Next Monday."

Without waiting for a response, she ended the call.

After her mother, Amber Hanson, had passed away, Howard wasted no time bringing another woman and her daughter into their home. Serena hated them, and she vowed to never let her mother's company fall into their hands.

For years, she had bent over backward for Zach Foster. But now, she no longer saw the need for such trouble. There was a far more direct way to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

Still, the thought of Zach sent a dull pain through her heart.

…

Earlier that evening, at 8:30 pm, Serena had set the table with the dinner she had meticulously prepared. Right when she was done, her phone buzzed with a message.

Zach wrote, "Something came up at work. Don't wait for me."

Her entire body went numb as she stared at the screen.

It was her 23rd birthday that day, as well as the fifth anniversary of their relationship.

She had been calling and texting him since 6:00 pm. Her calls had gone unanswered, and her texts had been barely acknowledged—she had sent ten messages, and he had only responded with a single word.

"Busy."

Their WhatsApp chat felt like a one-sided monologue.

Serena: "I ordered tomahawk steak…"

Serena: "Picked up fresh roses and lilies…"

Serena: "The red wine is your favorite. I picked it up from the vineyard this afternoon."

Serena: "The candles are gardenia-scented. I made them myself, just for tonight."

She had known Zach for 13 years, and he had never missed her birthday. Unwilling to accept reality, she dialed his number one more time. This time, it went straight to voicemail.

She checked the timestamp of his last message. Just then, a notification popped up—a post from someone on her Favorites list.

"Vincent's concert. Been looking forward to this for ages."

Attached was a photo of a man and a woman, their arms pressed intimately against each other.

Under the dim concert lights, Serena recognized the cufflinks on the man's sleeve immediately. The engraved gardenia pattern was a custom design she had specially commissioned for Zach.

It was Zach's favorite. And there was only one set in all of Yellowbrook City.

She gripped her phone tightly, zooming in and out of the picture repeatedly. Her eyes burned from the strain until she suddenly hurled her phone onto the table, gasping for breath.

She had bought tickets the moment Vincent announced his nationwide tour. At the time, she had told Zach it was the one thing she wanted most for her birthday.

He had promised to go with her. But in the end, he stood her up.

Now, on her birthday, Zach had abandoned her and taken Wendy instead.

A deep ache spread from her chest to every part of her body. She covered her face with trembling hands. She could no longer deceive herself.

When Serena was ten, she had been sickly and had to move from Javerton City to Yellowbrook City to recover. That was when she met Zach.

Because of him, even after regaining her health, she had never wanted to leave Javerton City.

Zach was two years older than her. He had always protected and spoiled her, staying by her side from middle school through college.

On the night of her 18th birthday, he had confessed his love, unable to wait another moment. He had given her the most beautiful bouquet and promised that she was the only one he would ever love.

Serena wondered when that promise had started to fade. Maybe it was the moment she introduced Wendy to Zach.

The delicate young woman in the white dress had smiled softly, eyes filled with shyness and insecurity.

"Zach, I'm the scholarship student Ms. Jansen sponsored."

Like a lily blooming on the edge of a cliff, she had easily triggered his protective instincts. From that day forward, whenever he had to choose between Serena and Wendy, Zach had chosen Wendy nine times out of ten.

Serena had fought back.

But Zach would only look at her with a frown, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Wendy isn't as strong as you. She's not as privileged as you. Don't bully her."

Serena had wanted to scream. So being weak gave Wendy the right to shamelessly steal her boyfriend?

Her phone vibrated suddenly, breaking the suffocating silence.

Serena snatched it up. Three messages popped onto the screen.

Wendy: "Vincent's violin performance was incredible. Truly world-class! Zach already arranged for me to meet him after the concert so I could ask to be his mentee."

Wendy: "Oh, today's your birthday, right? I kept telling Zach to go back and see you, but he was worried I wouldn't eat properly and insisted on staying with me. You called so many times that he got annoyed and turned off his phone.

Wendy: "Zach got me this gift! Ms. Jansen, can you help me see if it matches my outfit?"

It was a stunning multicolored diamond bracelet, a luxury brand's latest seasonal release that was only available through pre-order. When the concept advertisement first came out, Serena had casually mentioned it to Zach.

So he had bought it.

But not for her.

Serena quietly set her phone down. She lit a candle and finished her birthday alone. She dumped all the leftover food into the trash, including the cake she had spent two weeks learning to bake.

She wasn't leaving until next week because, for the past thirteen years, she and Zach had been deeply entwined—in love, in life.

Untangling herself from him wouldn't be easy.

She needed time.

…

Half-asleep, she felt someone sitting on the edge of her bed. The next moment, a cool hand brushed against her face, gently pinching her cheek.

The voice that followed was deep, magnetic, and filled with familiar tenderness. "Rena, sorry I'm late. Here, this is your birthday gift.Hope you like it."

She stirred, frowning as she opened her eyes.

Zach sat there in nothing but a black dress shirt, his jacket nowhere to be seen.

Under the dim light, his chiseled features softened with warmth, making him look even more irresistible. His eyes were deep, almost suffocating.

Serena pushed herself up, watching as he opened a velvet box and handed it to her. Inside lay a multicolored diamond bracelet, sparkling under the soft light.

"You've wanted this for a while, haven't you? Let me put it on for you," Zach said.

Just as he reached for the bracelet, his phone rang. He tossed the box onto the bed and stood up to answer.

"You fell?" he exclaimed. "Are you hurt? Don't cry, I'm coming over now."

He was in such a hurry that he didn't even bother to sit back down and explain.

"Zach…" Serena called out, but the door shut firmly behind him before she could say more.

He never looked back.

Minutes later, as expected, Wendy sent another string of messages.

Wendy: "Did you put on the bracelet? You have to accept it, Ms, Jansen! I had to beg Zach for so long before he finally agreed to give it to you."

Wendy: "He just thinks I'm so considerate… After the concert, he insisted on taking me to buy another one.

Wendy: "I love the meaning behind this design. It symbolizes eternal happiness for the one who is truly loved."

The picture she attached with that message was a signature couple's bracelet. The most classic design from the brand.

The year Zach founded his company, he had taken her to see this bracelet.

At the time, the company had been struggling financially. Several projects were at risk, so Serena sold two pieces of her mother's porcelain to cover the funding gap.

She couldn't bear to see him struggle.

But once the company stabilized, Zach never thought to buy the bracelet for her.

After the project funds had been recovered, she had gone looking for those porcelain pieces, only to find that an anonymous collector had purchased them for an astronomical price.

They were gone forever.

That night, Zach didn't come home.

The next morning, as she ate breakfast, another text from Wendy appeared on her phone.

Chapter 2

This time, Wendy's message contained no words, only a photo.

It was a photo of Zach asleep.

He was lying behind Wendy, his arms wrapped around her, holding her close as he slept soundly.

Wendy had a shy, demure smile on her face. Her lips were swollen, and the open collar of her nightgown revealed a trail of faint hickeys down her neck.

There was no need to guess what had happened last night.

Serena and Zach had been together for five years, yet they had never crossed that final line.

In the past, whenever Zach had struggled to hold back, he would pull her into his arms and murmur in a deep, husky voice, "Rena, can you grow up a little faster?"

Later on, he stopped holding her that way. He would simply coax her, saying they should wait until they were married.

She had always believed it was because he cherished her. Because he loved her.

But desire was also another form of love.

Serena stared at the photo, tears streaming down her face. It felt as if a piece of her heart had been ripped away, leaving a wound so deep it would never heal.

…

After breakfast, she went next door to the adjacent villa.

Crossing the specially built sky bridge, she stared at the carefully curated garden below. Despite the colorful flowers in full bloom, all she felt was emptiness.

These two villas had been bought in full after she and Zach closed a major deal together. The deed was in her name.

Zach had said everything he had belonged to her, so he had put them under her name. He had even hired a designer to create a shared garden and a connecting bridge between the two villas.

He had told her that if she ever got upset and wanted to go back to her parents' house, she could just move next door. That way, whenever he looked up, he would see her and feel at ease.

Now, she was right in front of him every day, yet he never looked at her the same way anymore.

She entered the passcode and pushed the door open. The spacious villa wasn't furnished for living but designed like an exhibition hall.

Inside, every display case housed a precious porcelain piece—Amber's life's work.

Years ago, Serena had carefully placed each piece inside, entrusting both herself and her future to Zach. But now, she would pack them up one by one and take back her future.

Her fingers traced the custom glass of a large display case. She paused in front of the largest one.

Unlike the others, these pieces weren't delicate or beautiful. Their shapes were uneven, rough, and slightly misshapen.

Every year, on the anniversary of Amber's passing, Zach would take her to a pottery studio to make one herself.

"Rena, don't be sad," he said. "Let's make something your mom loved. She'll know how much you miss her, and she'll know you're doing better and better."

Serena had never inherited Amber's talent. When she first started, she couldn't even shape a piece of clay properly.

Back then, Zach hadn't been the powerful CEO he was now. He hadn't had the wealth to indulge in a life of luxury.

She still remembered him slightly lowering his head, speaking softly to the studio owner, persuading them to let her stay as long as she needed so she could immerse herself in the craft and find peace.

As the years passed, her pottery improved. But the time and patience Zach had for her grew less and less.

She opened the display case and picked up the most beautiful hand-painted ceramic jar inside. Their names were written in artistic lettering on the jar, with a heart drawn between them. It looked childish.

She remembered that moment. Zach had held her hand, guiding her as they wrote their names together.

Overcome with emotion, he had kissed the tip of her ear. His deep voice carried a hint of laughter. "In your mom's eyes, we've already sealed the deal. You can't back out now, okay?"

Serena curled her lips into a self-deprecating smile. Everything she had treasured, every beautiful moment, had turned into nothing more than a cruel joke.

Her grip loosened and the ceramic jar slipped from her hand and shattered on the floor.

Like the memories she once held dear—fractured, scattered, gone with the wind.

…

By the time she finished packing everything into the moving trucks, it was already past 4:00 pm.

She called the real estate agent, signed the necessary paperwork, finalized the price, and instructed him to officially list the property the following Monday.

Once everything was settled, she hailed a cab to a countryside ranch.

"You're really going back?" Pauline asked with a sigh of regret. "I always thought you and Zach were inseparable. I thought you two would last forever."

Serena said nothing. She simply closed her eyes and leaned back in the rocking chair. For a moment, she could almost hear the faint jingle of Zach's bicycle bell. Then, his bright, youthful voice followed.

"Rena, hurry up! You're gonna be late. I brought you a bagel and some milk. Come on!"

She forcibly pulled herself out of the memory, opening her eyes to look at the middle-aged woman cutting fruit for her.

"Aunt Pauline, back then, you left the Jansen family for a man. Do you regret it?"

Pauline's hands stilled for a moment before she resumed cutting.

"I had your cousin," she simply replied.

Serena couldn't help but wonder whether she regretted it or not. She stared at her, waiting for an answer that never came.

Years ago, Howard had tried to force Pauline into an arranged marriage. Instead, she had eloped and severed all ties with the Jansen family. The family disowned her and acted as if she never existed.

Yet, when she was about to give birth, that man had disappeared.

Now, her son, Derek Warner, was in college, and she was still waiting for the man she had given up everything for.

Serena thought to herself, "Love. What did it even mean?"

Pauline wiped her hands, then reached out and gently held Serena's wrist. "If you're leaving just because your father forced you, then you really don't have to—"

"It's not that. Zach has someone else." Serena shook her head. Her voice was soft, but the words lingered in the air like an echo on the quiet porch.

Pauline fell silent. There was nothing more she could say.

Serena leaned back in the rocking chair. "I won't let my mother's memorial be removed from Everstead Chapel!"

She had always known her father was a selfish man, but she never expected him to stoop this low.

He had agreed to that woman's ridiculous request—claiming that since Serena had been away from home for years, the Jansens should disown her, just like they had done to Pauline. And her mother didn't deserve a place in the chapel anymore, either.

It was unbelievable.

As Serena was leaving, Pauline handed her a small yellow charm pouch.

"You asked me to get this for you," she said.

Serena didn't open it until she was in the car. Inside was a slip of red paper with a date written on it.

It was the date she and Zach had agreed on during their second year together—after she turned 23, they would get married.

Pauline was the only family she had left in Yellowbrook City, so she had asked her to visit a church and have a date chosen. She never expected that the day written on the paper would be next Monday.

The day she planned to leave Yellowbrook City for good.

How ironic.

…

When she returned to the villa, soft violin music drifted from the living room.

Wendy stood near the floor-to-ceiling window, her graceful silhouette bathed in warm golden light. Zach sat on the couch, long legs crossed, listening intently.

It was a picture of undeniable intimacy, a scene of a man and his mistress lost in their own world.

Serena walked in without hesitation.

As soon as Wendy noticed her, she stopped playing and turned with a bright, delicate smile. "Serena, Vincent composed this piece just for me. Zach signed me up for an international competition, but I'm not feeling too confident. Could you listen and give me some advice?"

Serena stared at her pale, delicate face.

At first, she had been fooled by Wendy's gentle, innocent act. She had lent her dresses and taught her how to play the violin.

She had hidden her talents while encouraging Wendy to participate in college competitions, cheering for her achievements.

But in the end, Wendy didn't just want the awards—she wanted Zach too.

As the silence stretched between them, Wendy suddenly lowered her head, her voice timid. "Serena, are you upset that I'm going to stay here?"

Serena's expression darkened instantly. She snapped her head toward Zach. "She's staying?"

Chapter 3

A flicker of hesitation flashed in Zach's eyes.

"Rena, Wendy's apartment is under renovation," he began. "The fumes are too strong, and it's bad for her health, so…"

Serena felt a tightness in her chest. She had convinced herself she wouldn't care anymore, yet the suffocating pain spread through her entire body.

"She can't afford a hotel?"

Wendy's eyes reddened as she packed up her violin. "Please don't fight because of me. I'll leave right now."

She reached for her suitcase in a fluster, but in her rush, she bumped into the corner of the table. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she clutched her chest, her breathy whimper both pained and delicate.

"Are you okay? Why are you so careless? Where does it hurt? Did you bring your medicine?" Zach's voice was full of worry as he scooped her into his arms and headed upstairs.

There were only two rooms upstairs—his and Serena's.

"This is my house. I don't agree!"

Serena stepped forward, blocking his way. The tension in the air turned suffocating.

Zach's expression darkened. "Serena, Wendy isn't feeling well right now. If you want to throw a tantrum, pick a better time. And let me remind you—I bought this villa. Get that straight."

Wendy's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she weakly wrapped her arms around Zach's neck, her lips nearly brushing his jaw.

"Zach put me down," she pleaded. "Someone like me… How could I possibly deserve to stay here?"

Zach's protective instinct flared instantly. He shoved Serena aside and carried Wendy upstairs.

"I decide who belongs here," he declared.

Serena stumbled back, her leg hitting the staircase railing. A sharp pain shot through her, draining the color from her face.

Zach gently soothed Wendy, not sparing Serena a single glance.

After making sure Wendy was settled, he went downstairs, only to find that Serena was nowhere to be seen. He called her, but she didn't pick up.

He didn't think much of it. In Yellowbrook City, there were only two places she could go—here or Pauline's house in the countryside. She would throw a fit, but she would always come back.

As he turned to go upstairs, something in the corner caught his eye—a small yellow charm pouch.

He suddenly remembered Serena mentioning picking a wedding date before her birthday. He picked up the pouch and pulled out the red slip of paper inside.

The date written on it was next Monday.

He took out his phone and called his assistant, clearing his schedule for the morning.

The moment he hung up, a series of transaction notifications popped up from Serena's secondary credit card—jewelry, clothes, designer bags…

He opened WhatsApp and sent a text. "Ten million limit. Spend it all and come home. No staying out overnight."

There was indulgence in his words, a hint of helpless spoiling.

At that moment, Serena had just signed another receipt when the message popped up. Her heart felt emptier than ever.

Zach had been controlling her life since she was ten. One word from him, and she would always obey.

But now, the man who had once promised to be by her side forever was in the bedroom they had planned to share on their wedding night—holding another woman.

Serena scoffed. "No staying out overnight?"

She had no intention of coming back.

Losing the mood to continue shopping, Serena grabbed her bags and headed straight to the most luxurious seven-star hotel in Yellowbrook City. She booked the penthouse suite and ordered the most expensive red wine and steak on the menu.

After a long, relaxing bath, she stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, holding a glass of red wine as she gazed at the city's glittering skyline. She once thought she would never leave this place.

But life had other plans.

Finishing her second glass, she picked up her phone and sent a message. "Tomorrow at 10:00 am. Eastside Café. Bring the money, and I'll sign."

The reply came almost instantly. "Deal!"

Zarena Group was a company she and Zach had built together. When it was first established, he had given her 10% of the original shares. Just like the villa they lived in, it was meant to be something that tied them together forever.

Back then, she had been ecstatic, touched by his devotion. Wanting to ease his burden, she had linked the dividend account to the company's finances. Over the years, she had never taken a single cent, reinvesting everything into the company.

Now that she was leaving, she would cut all ties. Completely!

Before going to bed, Zach sent another WhatsApp message. "I extended your stay at the hotel until next Monday. Rena, don't be mad anymore. I'll pick you up that morning, and we'll go to the courthouse."

Serena searched through her suitcase. The charm pouch was gone.

She stared at his text for a long time.

Zach had personally carried Wendy into what was supposed to be their marital bed, yet he extended Serena's hotel stay as if it were nothing. And now, he was casually bringing up getting their marriage certificate, as if everything was perfectly normal.

How ironic!

Serena couldn't help but wonder how he still believed she would obediently marry him after all this.

…

At 11:30 pm, Serena woke up in pain.

A searing burn spread through her stomach, like fire licking at her insides.

Back when Zach first started his business, she had spent days attending one business dinner after another, fighting to secure deals and attract investors.

Her only goal had been to help Zach prove himself to the Foster family.

The excessive drinking had landed her in the hospital with a gastric perforation. It had taken her six months to recover. After that, Zach forbade her from getting involved in the company, insisting she stay home and be his future wife.

The pain blurred her thoughts. She sat up, opened the nightstand drawer, and fumbled inside—only to find it empty.

Then she remembered—this wasn't their house. This was a hotel.

Her usual medication wasn't here.

A fresh wave of pain tore through her abdomen, forcing her to curl into herself. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead.

She had thought it would pass if she just endured it. But ten minutes went by, and it only got worse.

She couldn't afford to wait any longer. Her hands trembled as she reached for her phone, about to dial 911.

Just then, Zach's call came through.

People had always been most likely to give in when they were vulnerable and helpless. Seeing his name on her screen, Serena felt a lump rise in her throat. Her resolve to stay strong crumbled in an instant.

She answered the call and could barely lift the phone to her ear. Before she could say a word, Zach's voice came through, laced with restrained anger.

"Serena, do you really hate Wendy that much? She's your best friend."

Her mind went blank. She pressed a hand hard against her abdomen, her teeth chattering from the pain. "What happened to her?"

Her voice was weak, barely more than a whisper. Anyone paying the slightest attention would have noticed something was off.

But Zach didn't. Instead, her indifferent tone only fueled his anger. "How do you still have the nerve to ask? When did you become like this? You knew she has asthma, yet you sprayed disinfectant all over the house and left scented candles in the bathroom. Do you realize she could have suffocated?

Serena bit her lip so hard that she tasted blood. A bitter, self-deprecating smile curled on her lips.

The disinfectant—she had used it to wipe away any trace of herself.

The scented candles—she had placed them for Zach. He had trouble sleeping, and she had spent weeks tracking down a special sleep aid formula.

"Zach, I can't see the future. I didn't know you were going to let Wendy stay."

The line went silent.

But his heavy breathing made it clear he was still fuming.

A fresh wave of pain tore through her stomach. Serena could no longer stifle the groan that escaped her lips. Her phone slipped from her trembling fingers.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Zach, my stomach hurts. Can you—"

Before she could finish, he cut her off, his voice exhausted and impatient.

Chapter 4

"Drink some warm water," Zach said. "Wendy hasn't woken up yet, and I can't leave her side. Rena, be good. I'm exhausted. Stop making a fuss, alright?"

With that, he ended the call.

Upon hearing the dull beep of the disconnected line, Serena felt her eyes burn with unshed tears.

Years ago, when she had gastric perforation, Zach had held her in his arms and cried for a long time after she woke up from surgery.

She still remembered how he had knelt beside her hospital bed—a man so tall yet curled up like a lost, helpless dog. He had buried his face in her neck, his voice hoarse with anguish.

"Rena, it hurts. Every second you were in that operating room, I felt like I was being torn apart. Do you know? You are my life."

That same man, who once treated her as his whole world, now dismissed her pain as nothing more than a childish tantrum.

When disappointment turned into despair, there was nothing left to feel. Clenching her teeth, she endured the agony long enough to dial 911.

…

By the time she was taken out of the ambulance, the pain had nearly made her lose consciousness. Through the haze, she heard a familiar voice.

"Wendy, are you cold? Hold onto my neck."

She struggled to turn her head.

Through the gaps between the bustling medical staff, she caught sight of Zach. Dressed in a black dress shirt, he strode forward quickly, his tall frame exuding urgency.

Wendy was wrapped in a gray blanket, her delicate hands clinging to his neck as she nestled against his chin. She whispered something, and he lowered his head with a soft, affectionate smile.

The hospital corridor was chaotic, but in his eyes, there was only Wendy.

Serena watched as he shielded her, carefully helping her into a car.

She watched as the familiar Cayenne sped away.

Lying on the cold examination table, Serena shivered. Her sweat-soaked clothes clung to her, sending chills deep into her bones.

She numbly went through the treatment.

A nasogastric tube was inserted down her throat. The discomfort made her retch violently, tears streaming down her face.

By the time she was wheeled into a temporary hospital room and hooked up to an IV, it was already 1:30 am.

Beside her, a nurse was tidying up the adjacent bed while chatting with another nurse. "Do you know who that couple in the ER just now was?"

"No idea, but that guy was really handsome," the other nurse replied.

"Handsome? That's Zach Foster, CEO of Foster Group."

"No way! The billionaire CEO of Foster Group? I saw him wiping that woman's face and hands, doting on her like she was a treasure. I'm so jealous."

"People say rich men are unfaithful, but I think they just haven't found the right one. Dr. Sutton was even called to the VIP suite. That woman had a severe asthma attack and had to be put on a ventilator. Mr. Foster was so distressed, his eyes were red."

"She was wearing pajamas. Must be his fiancee."

…

Serena slowly pulled the blanket tighter around herself, but she couldn't stop shivering.

A nurse came over to check the IV drip before offering a kind suggestion. "Miss, you should call a family member. With your condition, you need someone to take care of you."

Serena forced a weak smile. "He's busy. He doesn't have time."

The nurse didn't say anything else. She simply closed the door and left. From the hallway, a soft sigh drifted in.

"Some people live different lives. One's suffering alone with a gastric perforation, and no one cares. The other? An asthma attack and the whole hospital's top specialists are summoned…"

Serena slowly closed her eyes.

That night, she slept deeply.

…

By the time she woke up the next morning, sunlight was already streaming through the window. She suddenly remembered her appointment and hurried to grab her phone.

Her WhatsApp was flooded with unread messages—all from Wendy.

Wendy: "Thanks to Ms. Jansen's disinfectant spray, Zach's bed is so big, so soft."

Wendy: "Your pajamas are a little tight on me. You should eat more. Zach likes it when he holds me and feels my chest."

Wendy: "It's 3:00 am now. Bet you never thought I'd be the first one to sleep in Zach's bed before you, huh?"

Wendy: "Zach made me chicken soup. He searched for the recipe himself. How touching."

At the very bottom was a photo.

Zach's boxer briefs lay discarded on the floor, tangled with a wrinkled pair of pink lace panties.

Serena hated pink. She had never bought anything in that color.

So after returning from the hospital last night, they still had the energy to be intimate.

How… passionate.

A sharp pain stabbed through her chest. She swallowed her nausea and saved the screenshots.

Her stomach felt empty and acidic, but at least the pain had dulled. However, when she got out of bed, her legs were still weak.

Supporting herself against the wall, she walked to the nurse's station and insisted on being discharged. She didn't have time to rest in a hospital.

…

As soon as she got into a cab, her phone rang. Zach's name flashed on the screen.

"Come out of the hotel now. I sent Morton to pick you up."

That commanding tone. It was as if no matter what had happened, she would always be waiting for his summons.

Serena leaned back against the seat, her complexion ghostly pale. "I'm not at the hotel."

"You went out? Shopping again?" His voice carried a hint of impatience. "Cancel your plans. Go home today. You know Wendy better than anyone. I don't trust the maid to take care of her properly."

Serena almost laughed in disbelief.

For a moment, she actually thought Zach was calling because he had sent Morton Castillo to take her to the hospital for a check-up. She thought he was worried about her gastric perforation.

When she didn't respond, his tone softened. "Rena, I know you're upset about last night. And about Wendy staying at our place. But I've already explained. You two are close friends. Don't let this ruin your relationship. This is a chance to talk things out."

Serena remained silent.

For the first time, she realized just how shameless Zach was.

"Wendy ended up in the hospital. You should take responsibility. Be good and listen to me, okay?"

There it was again—"Be good".

Serena hung up.

Zach's WhatsApp message came through almost immediately. "The doctor recommends a bland diet. I threw out the scented candles. Get rid of the rest."

Serena wanted to ask him if he still remembered those medical notes he had once carefully written after her surgery. But now, it didn't matter anymore.

She stopped by a shopping mall near the café and bought a new outfit, changing into it before heading to the restroom to apply light makeup. The concealer hid the exhaustion on her face.

Right on time, she arrived at Eastside Café.

Clement Turner was already waiting in a private room. His sharp features carried a hint of scrutiny. "You really want to sell?"

Serena sank into the couch across from him, her gaze cold. "Your ambitions have nothing to do with me, Mr. Turner. But I have one condition—you can't attend Zarena Group's shareholder meeting next Monday. You'll wait another week. If you agree, I'll sign right now."

Some things needed to be revealed one by one. Dropping everything at once would ruin the fun.

Clement tapped his fingers on the table. "You and Zach had a falling out?"

Everyone in Yellowbrook City's business circles who had dealings with Zarena Group knew how deeply Serena loved Zach. She had given him everything.

She straightened, her icy eyes locking onto his. "Mr. Turner, the shares in my hands are rightfully mine. Taking back what belongs to me is reasonable. But if you're trying to fish for Zarena Group's secrets, then this deal is off."

Owning original shares didn't mean taking over Zarena Group. In the end, who came out on top would depend on their abilities.

Clement didn't ask further. He swiftly pulled out the contract, signed it, and transferred the funds.

Once Serena confirmed the money had been received, she stood up and left.

Chapter 5

Clement suddenly said, "Ms. Jansen, have you ever considered joining Turner Group? I can offer you—"

Before he could finish, Serena's rejection rang out, loud and clear.

"No!"

Watching her slender figure disappear, a flicker of something flashed in Clement's eyes—admiration, maybe even a hint of intrigue.

…

Another task on her checklist was completed.

Serena rested at the hotel for half a day before heading back to the villa, only to find the garden in complete disarray.

Wendy was wearing Serena's clothes, draped in an expensive wool shawl, acting like the lady of the house. She was instructing the maids to uproot the well-tended flowers.

The moment she spotted Serena step out of the car, her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

She hadn't even gotten the chance to send a video to provoke her, yet Serena had already rushed back, unable to hold her frustration.

Perfect.

With a bright smile, Wendy greeted her cheerfully. "Serena, what brings you back? Zach said you'd be staying at a hotel for the next few days. He told me to make myself at home."

She covered her lips and coughed softly. "It's my fault. My body is just so sensitive. I can't stand pollen. I even made Zach stay up late taking care of me. You're not upset with me, are you?"

Serena's gaze swept over the wilting flowers, her expression cold and indifferent.

After she left Zarena Group, Zach worried she would be bored. Knowing her love for gardening, he had gathered rare flowers for her. Some had been so delicate that it took her months to nurture them and get them to bloom.

The day the first flower bloomed, she had sent Zach a picture, telling him she wanted to use them for her wedding bouquet.

Now, they were nothing but rotting dirt.

"Good job. Keep going." She retracted her gaze and headed upstairs.

Wendy's smile froze. She had been expecting Serena to explode with rage, but Serena… was calm.

…

Inside her bedroom, Serena looked around the space she had lived in for years.

It felt hollow.

Even though she and Zach had always slept in separate rooms, everything in her space had been paired—toothbrushes, towels, stuffed animals, pajamas, pillows…

She grabbed a black garbage bag and stuffed everything inside.

She made five trips back and forth, but with all the maids busy in the garden, no one noticed her.

On her last trip back, Zach had just stepped out of his car. He rushed into the living room and straight up the stairs, not even sparing her a glance.

As Serena walked past his bedroom, she heard Wendy's tearful voice. "Zach, I should move out… Those flowers…" She coughed weakly.

"Don't be silly. They're just flowers. If she likes them, she can plant them again. Your health is what matters most. Stop crying. Look at you, all teary-eyed like a kitten."

Zach's gentle, comforting voice filled the room, each word cutting through her heart like a blade.

Back in her room, she packed up the last of her things and zipped up her suitcase. Just as she did, the door swung open.

"Rena, you—"

Zach's heart tightened when he saw the empty closet. "Where are your belongings?"

Serena turned to look at him, a faint smirk curling on her lips. "Isn't it normal to replace old things with new ones?"

Zach froze. Something about that felt off to him.

But he had already promised her they would get their marriage certificate next week. Once that happened, their relationship would change.

It was only natural for her to replace things. Besides, she had come back to the villa, just as he had asked, to take care of Wendy. It could only mean that she wasn't upset about last night.

Zach didn't think too much about it. Pushing aside his unease, he stepped forward, his hand moving to ruffle her hair like he always did.

"I know you're upset. Why don't you take the next few days to shop and relax? I already had Morton find a suitable place for Wendy. She'll move out next Monday. After that, everything in my room will be replaced with whatever you want, okay?"

Serena sighed inwardly.

Her voice was eerily calm. "Zach, after we get married, do you still plan on taking care of Wendy like this?"

Hearing her bring up marriage herself, Zach felt reassured. He bent slightly, meeting her gaze, amusement flickering in his dark eyes.

"Don't be jealous, and don't cause trouble. Be good."

"Alright." Serena nodded.

She wouldn't be jealous. She wouldn't make a fuss.

Before she could return to the hotel, an unexpected call came from the Foster residence.

Zach's grandfather, Neal Foster, had spoken—Zach was to bring Serena back for a family dinner.

Since the founding of Zarena Group, Zach's status within the Foster family had skyrocketed. His father, Kendrick Foster, who had once refused to acknowledge him, had transformed into a kind and doting parent. He often praised Zach as his most outstanding son in public.

But for Serena, every family dinner was a battlefield she knew she couldn't avoid.

The Fosters didn't know her real background. To them, she was just an orphan.

…

"Zach, I'm a little nervous. Do you think your family will like me?"

Sitting in the passenger seat, Wendy's cheeks flushed as she glanced at Zach, who was driving.

Zach had never brought his assistant when he returned to the Foster residence.

He didn't respond. Instead, he glanced into the rearview mirror. Serena had stubbornly chosen to sit in the backseat. His lips pressed into a thin line.

She was throwing a tantrum again.

She had outright refused to sit in the front seat, just because he insisted on bringing Wendy to the Foster residence.

They couldn't just leave her home alone. After all, she was still recovering.

The atmosphere in the car was tense. However, Wendy acted as if she didn't notice. She occasionally turned back to make conversation with Serena. When she was ignored, she simply pouted and turned to Zach for comfort.

Serena couldn't be bothered to watch any longer, so she simply closed her eyes to rest.

Somehow, during the 40-minute drive, she dozed off. By the time they arrived and she stepped out of the car, she was still a little groggy.

"If you didn't want to come, you could've just told me. This is the Foster residence. Don't throw a tantrum here."

A hushed reprimand came from above her head. Serena looked up and met Zach's gaze, his eyes laced with faint disdain.

Ever since she had stepped away from the spotlight, Zach rarely took her to public events. She had always thought it was his way of protecting her, that he never wanted her to socialize or entertain.

But now, for the first time, it occurred to her—perhaps his reluctance had never been about protecting her at all. Maybe it was because he was ashamed of her.

"Mr. Zach, welcome back!" The butler, Alger Cobbett, greeted them warmly, his eyes darting between Serena and Wendy with a subtle look of confusion. "And this is…"

"Hello, I'm Zach's friend. I hope I'm not intruding." Wendy's voice was sweet and polite as she took the opportunity to slip her arm through Zach's, a gesture meant to display closeness.

Understanding dawned on Alger's face.

He cast a brief, sympathetic glance at Serena before bowing slightly and stepping aside. "Mr. Zach, Mr. Foster Senior and Mr. Foster are waiting in the study. Mrs. Foster is in the living room."

As Wendy took in the grand, opulent mansion before her, her eyes shimmered with excitement. She thought, one day, all of this would belong to her.

"Serena, let's go inside. We shouldn't keep the Fosters waiting."

Her voice was light, her hand still clutching Zach's as she led him inside. Any trace of the nervousness she had displayed in the car had vanished.

Serena watched them walk ahead, arm in arm, and felt an overwhelming urge to turn and leave. But there were things she had yet to resolve. Now was not the time to confront Zach.

Besides, Neal had always treated her well. His health had been declining lately, and she didn't want to cause unnecessary conflict at the Foster residence.

Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and stepped inside a few minutes later. She had barely entered the front hall when she heard Clara Castro's voice, sharp and laced with disdain.

"Zach, you truly have a knack for picking up strays. It was one thing to bring home an orphan girl, but now you're turning this house into a shelter for just anyone?"