Serena’s eyes widened in shock, the reality of her near-miss sinking in. How fortunate she was to have escaped such a tragedy.
“But there’s more,” Xavier continued, his expression grave. He showed her another article, the headline striking like a lightning bolt: [Authorities Assume Alice Hartley to Be Deceased After Eight Days of Search.]
“Oh, God.” Serena covered her face, tears spilling over as the ache in her chest returned with a vengeance.
“The news reports say the authorities have downgraded their search operations,” Xavier explained. “Most of the teams have been redirected to search for the
Eastwind Air passengers. As of now, they haven’t located the rest of the aircraft or its passengers? Serena… your name is on the list. No one knew you didn’t board that flight.”
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the bonds that tethered them together.
“What if Victor had a hand in making the plane disappear?” Xavier inquired, his brow furrowing with concern.
“I-I doubt his influence stretches that far,” she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. Yet, beneath that uncertainty, a slow, simmering rage ignited within her. “But then again, I hardly know him at all. He orchestrated Nathan’s father’s murder in the most heinous manner imaginable. It seems he is capable of unspeakable evil, willing to extinguish countless lives… just to get to me.”
“But why would he do that?” Serena’s voice was barely above a whisper, a tremor of fear lacing her words. “Is it all because I dared to uncover the truth-that he is not my father?”
“Clearly, there’s something about you that he desperately wants to conceal,” Xavier replied, his tone grave. “He might even be involved in Alice’s disappearance, and it’s possible he has ties to the aircraft that went missing.”
The mere mention of Alice sent fresh tears cascading down Serena’s cheeks. Deep within, she already sensed the dreadful reality. Nathaniel’s private search and rescue teams had scoured every inch of land and sea, leaving no stone unturned, yet they had come up empty-handed. The likelihood of Alice’s survival was dwindling, a bitter truth that gnawed at Serena’s heart.
Time seemed to stretch as Xavier wrapped his arms around her, providing a comforting embrace. She could feel the weight of his sorrow, evident in the way he inhaled deeply, as if trying to absorb her pain.
After a few moments that felt like an eternity, Xavier gently released her and settled back into his chair, the lines of worry etched on his face. “Serena, do you trust me?” he asked, his gaze steady and sincere.
“Yes, I do,” she replied, hastily wiping her tears away, her voice gaining strength.
“Are you absolutely certain you want to keep the baby?” Xavier probed, his expression serious yet caring.
With a firm nod, Serena affirmed, “Yes.”
“Then perhaps it would be wise not to correct the rumors,” Xavier suggested thoughtfully. “Let Victor believe you are no longer a threat.”
“Above all, you must avoid anything that could increase your stress levels. Your body needs to be calm, serene. The doctors will start you on progesterone and other treatments necessary to stabilize your pregnancy. You’ll need to stay in the hospital for at least a week, and even after you’re discharged, rest will be crucial.”
His eyes locked onto hers, a silent plea for her cooperation. “Can you manage that? I won’t allow you to check your phone or speak to Nathan or anyone connected to him. Better yet, let’s get rid of your old SIM card altogether.”
Serena hesitated, her mind racing. “But what about Alice? What about the Hartleys? I can’t just ignore them!”
“I’ll take care of that,” Xavier assured her, his tone firm yet gentle. “I will reach out to the Hartleys myself. If there’s any news about Alice, whether good or bad, I will be the one to share it with you. But only after you’re discharged and stable.”
Before Serena could respond, the door swung open and nurses entered the room, ready to escort her to the ultrasound facility. As she was wheeled away, she learned that her uterus had developed hemorrhages-findings that had not been present before.
In that moment, the gravity of her condition struck her like a thunderbolt.
Once she returned to her room, she turned to Xavier, her voice steadier now. “You were right. I need to disconnect from any news regarding Velmon City. My health and the pregnancy must come first.”
“Good,” Xavier replied, relief washing over his features. “I wouldn’t suggest it if it weren’t absolutely essential, Serena.”
“And about your paternity test,” he continued, his voice taking on a more businesslike tone. “I’ve already sent the samples to a l.ne government-run Forensic Genetics Laboratory in the capital. They maintain the national database for missing persons as well. So, the test serves a dual purpose. If you are not Victor’s daughter, your DNA will automatically be compared to families who have reported missing children. With any luck, your real family might already be in their system.”
Serena’s eyes widened in disbelief. She had no idea such a facility existed. It dawned on her just how much she had missed regarding advancements in diagnostics.
“But the process takes some time,” Xavier cautioned. “Approximately two to three weeks.”
As he spoke, Serena seized the opportunity to observe her friend closely.
It had been ages since she last saw Xavier.
He still sported those glasses that lent him an air of seriousness, but his features had matured significantly. His physique appeared more robust, and his posture radiated confidence. She recalled him with slightly longer hair, but now his caramel locks were neatly trimmed, and his gray eyes held a quiet authority that had been absent before.
“Once you’re discharged, I’ll assist you in securing a research position at my company,” Xavier said, a hint of a smile breaking through his serious demeanor. “I’m now the Vice President of Operations at VanderMed Technologies. Our company is distinct
Kline
Biosolutions. While you focused on drug research, we specialize in developing and enhancing medical equipment. Nevertheless, a strong research background is vital.”
He added with encouragement, “You’ll thrive there. And I remember how you originally wanted to study Al before Victor forced you into Biochemistry. What are your thoughts on that?”
Serena’s lips curled into a faint smile, her spirits lifting. “I think… that sounds amazing. I know I’m qualified, and I could delve into Al while working.”
Xavier grasped her hand firmly, his voice steady yet imbued with warmth. “I promise you, I will help you. Rexam will be a safer place….. a sanctuary where you can finally begin anew.”
Serena gazed at him, her heart swelling with gratitude for the unwavering certainty in his words. For reasons she couldn’t quite articulate, she believed him completely. People often say that when life shatters everything familiar, it’s because the truth is yearning to break free.
Little did she know, in Rexam City, the truth she had been desperately seeking was already waiting, poised to emerge into the light.
The Second DNA Test.
“I have some fantastic news to share,” Xavier announced, his tone laced with excitement. “The results of the DNA tests are on their way, and when I say results, I mean they didn’t just test your DNA against Victor’s sample.” His words hung in the air, heavy with implication.
Serena felt her heart leap in her chest. Could this be the moment she had been waiting for? The answer to all her lingering questions? She desperately hoped it was. “What time will they arrive?” she inquired, her voice tinged with anticipation.
“I can’t say for sure, but don’t forget you have that interview today with my boss,” Xavier reminded her gently, a hint of encouragement in his voice.
Three weeks had slipped by like sand through an hourglass.
Serena had spent over a week in the hospital, followed by another ten days of bed rest at Xavier’s home. During this entire period, she had chosen not to reach out to anyone in Velmon City. In fact, she had discarded her old SIM card as if shedding an old skin. It felt as if she were crafting an entirely new identity in Rexam City, one that was free from the burdens of her past.
Xavier had been adamant about her not looking back, emphasizing the importance of her well-being and the health of her unborn child.
Finally, her last ultrasound had shown promising progress. The hemorrhage in her uterus had nearly resolved, though she knew she still needed to be cautious.
Now, it was time for Serena to reclaim her career.
Over breakfast, Xavier reminded her of the upcoming interview. Serena glanced down at her growing belly, worry creeping into her thoughts. “Do you think he’ll be okay with me applying for a job while I’m pregnant?”
At twenty weeks along, her baby bump was unmistakable. If this were a typical pregnancy, she could easily be mistaken for six or seven months along.
“The research consultant position is flexible and can be done from home. You’ll manage just fine. But if you decide you’d rather not work, I completely understand,” Xavier said, his voice reassuring.
Deep down, Serena knew that staying busy was far better than succumbing to solitude. During her recovery, she had immersed herself in books about medical advancements related to Al technology and had even enrolled in online courses to expand her knowledge.
“No, I… I really want to work,” she asserted, determination shining in her eyes. Once they finished breakfast, Serena and Xavier made their way to VanderMed Technologies. Xavier headed straight to his office, leaving Serena to wait outside the CEO’s office. Today was significant – her final interview would be with the Chief Executive Officer of the company.
As she waited, time seemed to crawl. Half an hour ticked by slowly until the CEO’s door swung open, revealing a woman who stepped out, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“What a heartless CEO. I never want to work here,” the woman muttered, her voice shaky as she rushed past Serena.
Serena stood frozen, the woman’s distress sending a shiver down her spine.
Xavier had warned her about the CEO’s strict demeanor. Despite his youth, he had earned a reputation for being exacting and demanding. As the sole heir of the Vander family, the most powerful family in Rexam City, he bore not only their legacy but also their high expectations.
Although the previous applicant’s reaction had unsettled her, Serena clung to her confidence. She had the experience, and she had thoroughly researched the company’s upcoming projects. She was determined to excel in this interview.
“Next, Miss Serena Kline,” a male assistant called out.
Taking a deep breath, Serena walked into the office, her baby bump visible, and settled into the chair opposite the CEO.
‘Well,’ she thought to herself, ‘he is undeniably handsome.’
Silas Vander was indeed striking at just twenty-five, he had light brown hair, fair skin, and a sharply defined jawline. Yet, despite his good looks, Serena felt no romantic put towards him.
As he scanned her r?sum?, he muttered her name, “Serena Kline. Divorced and five months pregnant.”
A small hiss escaped his lips as he looked up, their eyes locking for a moment.
Serena forced a smile, anticipating questions about her credibility given her circumstances. To her surprise, Mr. Vander simply continued to gaze at her, studying her intently.
One second.
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.