“Yes!” she interrupted, her voice sharp as a knife. “That’s exactly it!”
Frustrated, Serena turned her back to him, her eyes drawn to the rain-soaked windows. But as she contemplated leaving, the storm outside reminded her that escape was impossible. Instead, she stepped out of the master bedroom, seeking solace away from the memories that haunted her.
The guest rooms lay untouched, their beds covered in dust and sheets. Serena hadn’t bothered to clean them for the past two months since Nathaniel had started ghosting her Rerhaps that was why he had beside her. beside her. As for chosen to slee the house She why he remain remained in could only assume the relentless weather had trapped him here.
Though they were both confined to the same space, it didn’t mean she had to endure the torment of sleeping next to him.
It was still only three in the morning, and hours loomed ahead before dawn would break. Serena curled up on the living room sofa, one hand resting protectively over her ver stomach. She had to be strong. She was pregnant, and regardless of the chaos Swirling within her the weff-being of her child had to take precedence.
But the weight of her emotions crashed down on her like a tidal wave.
Nathaniel’s actions left her reeling, while his words echoed coldly in her mind, making everything painfully clear.
“I made sure to leave you the house so you could live comfortably, even without me!”
“Comfortably,” she repeated bitterly to herself, as if a roof could ever replace the love he had shattered.
“One day, Nathan. I swear I’ll get over you. I’ll thrive just fine without you.”
“Please, let it be soon.”
With a silent plea, she reached out to the universe, to God, fate, or whatever force might be listening-she didn’t know.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, a cathartic release until her body had nothing left to give, and the exhaustion finally pulled her into a deep slumber.
Unbeknownst to her, the heavens had indeed heard her. Her strength would return, her heart would mend… but not before a few unexpected twists along the way.
The following day, Serena awoke to find Nathaniel engaging in activities that further scrambled her already tumultuous thoughts.
Her jaw clenched tightly, teeth grinding in frustration. “Nathaniel Thorne, just what kind of sick game are you playing?”
Four years past.
“Honey,” Nathaniel whispered softly, turning his gaze toward her, “If fate blesses us with a daughter, I hope she embodies everything that you are… gentle, compassionate, and with that unique way of perceiving the world.”
Serena’s laughter danced in the air, a sweet and tender sound that warmed the cool night around them. She nestled against him, her head resting comfortably on his chest, as they both gazed up at the vast sky, a canvas painted with stars.
It was the night following their wedding-a moment of bliss that marked the beginning of their journey as husband and wife. Just after Serena had donned her cap and gown, they had tied the knot. Now, they lay together on the open rooftop of their cozy cabin, cocooned in blankets, while the northern lights swirled above them, casting a magical glow over the scene.
“You’re already thinking about kids?” she teased, her voice light and playful, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
Nathaniel’s handsome features softened into a gentle smile, his expression brightening with a playful glint. He reached out and pinched her nose lightly, his touch sending a ripple of affection through her. “Not just yet, Serena. We’re still young and adventurous. I’ve just taken the reins of my mom’s company, and your father is nudging me to assist at Kline BioSolutions.”
He shifted closer, enveloping her in his warmth, planting a soft kiss on her cheek, lingering there as if he were trying to memorize the feel of her skin beneath his lips.
“But soon, I promise you,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere. “I dream of having at least two children-one little princess with that enchanting smile of yours… and a boy to match.”
Serena’s laughter bubbled up again, feeling the reassuring strength of his arms tighten around her. The northern lights shimmered overhead, casting a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to wrap around them, creating a memory she once believed would stretch into eternity.
Yet, now, that dream felt tainted, distorted by an unforeseen reality.
Never in her wildest nightmares had she envisioned facing this future alone.
As she drifted off to sleep, the memory of that promise haunted her a reminder of yet another grand deception woven into the fabric of her marriage.
The chill of the night pressed against her, and she hugged her arms around herself tightly, as if trying to piece together the fragments of a past that felt irretrievably lost. Then, gradually, she felt warmth enveloping her.
The cold receded just enough for her to sink deeper into slumber.
Hours later, the world began to stir.
When Serena finally awakened, her senses were greeted by something soft brushing against her.
She blinked, pushing herself upright, only to discover a blanket draped over her, a cozy barrier against the morning chill.
But she had no recollection of bringing a blanket with her.
The gentle morning light filtered through the large living room windows, casting a soft glow that contrasted sharply with the turmoil brewing within her.
Her brows furrowed in confusion.
Swinging her legs over the edge of the sofa, she froze as something brushed against her feet.
Slippers.
Her slippers.
The very same pair Nathaniel had bought for her during a trip to the mall just five months ago, the ones she had deliberately left behind in the villa, hoping to erase memories of him. Yet here they were, placed neatly at her feet as if he had never left.
A sharp wave of unease surged through her.
She stood up, slipping her feet into the familiar warmth almost instinctively, and moved toward the window.
And there he was.
Nathaniel Thorne, clad in nothing but an undershirt, stood beside her car with the hood raised, examining the engine just like he used to.
As if he still had any claim to touch anything in her life.
‘How did my car even get here? Why is he doing this for me?’ Serena’s jaw tightened, a mix of anger and confusion flooding her system. Her heart raced, and her pulse quickened.
“Nathaniel Thorne,” she hissed under her breath, the fury bubbling up within her, “What kind of twisted game are you playing?”
With determination, she stormed out of the house, her voice sharp as she demanded, “What are you doing?”
“I replaced your battery. I should have taken care of this three months ago,” he replied calmly, closing the hood with a finality that stung. He slid into her car turning the engine over effortlessly, driving it around the driveway, even venturing beyond the gate.
Upon his return, he stepped out and casually remarked, “It’s all set now. Just remember to change the battery every three years or better yet, consider getting a new car.”
Watching him move with such ease, Serena crossed her arms defensively against her chest. “You didn’t need to fix my car.”
Nathaniel walked past her, pausing in his tracks to turn back. “Don’t worry. That’s the last time I’ll do something like this. From now on, we go our separate ways.”
At his words, a gasp escaped her lips, the air feeling suddenly heavy and oppressive.
It was as if the wind had been knocked from her lungs. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught in her throat as a sharp pain twisted within her chest.
This was what she had wished for,
Yet the ache was unbearable.
Nathaniel ascended the stairs to the room, taking a shower and changing clothes. By the time he returned downstairs, he carried a suitcase that unmistakably contained some of his belongings.
He didn’t spare her a glance as he walked through the living room, simply stating, “There’s take-out in the kitchen. Heat it up. Eat. T-“
His phone rang, interrupting him mid-sentence. He answered, his tone softening as he spoke to the person on the other end. “Yes. Vanessa. Breakfast? I haven’t eaten yet That’s fine.”
Vanessa again.
Nathaniel glanced at the time, adding, “I’ll come pick you up.”
Once the call ended, he turned to Serena with a finality that felt like a punch to the gut. “Take better care of yourself, Serena. Goodbye. I’ll see you when we finalize the divorce.”
With that, he stepped out, leaving her standing there, feeling as if her heart was being squeezed mercilessly. She watched his tetreating figure, the broad shoulders she once leaned on for support, the steady stride she had once matched with her own. Each step he took felt like another thread snapping within her.
He didn’t look back.
Outside, the car roared to life, and just like that, Nathaniel vanished from her sight.
They had promised her that time would heal her wounds, but no one had warned her about the cruelty of each passing minute.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.