Serena walked around the garden behind the mansion. It was early morning, and the flowers were covered in dew. The place was quiet, peaceful, but her heart wasn't. She was thinking about everything—her mother, her father's illness, Liam, and now his younger brother Leo.
She didn't trust Leo. He was smart and confident, but there was something about him that felt dangerous. Just like Vanessa.
Serena bent down to touch a flower when she heard footsteps.
"Morning," Liam's voice came from behind.
She stood quickly. "Good morning."
He looked tired, but his voice was softer today. "You like flowers?"
Serena nodded. "Yes."
"I planted those when I was a teenager," he said, surprising her.
She smiled. "They're beautiful."
They both stood in silence for a while, just watching the garden.
Then Liam said, "I'll be going to the office soon. I left some money with the cook. You can go out if you want to get anything."
Serena nodded again. "Thank you."
He looked at her for a second, like he wanted to say something else, but he didn't. He turned and walked back into the mansion.
***
Later that day, Serena decided to take a walk around the estate. She wasn't used to staying indoors all the time. She wanted to breathe, to think, and to clear her head.
She passed a nearby café, and something—or someone—caught her attention.
Vanessa.
She was sitting inside, sipping coffee and pretending not to see her. But Serena knew better. Vanessa wanted her to see her.
Serena tried to walk away, but Vanessa waved.
"Serena! Come here, let's talk!"
Serena stood still. She didn't want drama, but ignoring her would only make things worse. She walked inside and sat opposite her.
"What do you want?" Serena asked politely.
Vanessa smiled with fake sweetness. "Oh nothing much. Just wanted to check on Liam's new wife."
Serena didn't reply.
Vanessa leaned forward. "You know, you won't last. Liam doesn't love you. He's still angry at me, but that won't last forever. He'll come back to me."
Serena swallowed hard. "He made his choice."
Vanessa laughed. "He was forced. You think I don't know? You were just a convenient solution. He only married you to make his father calm down."
Serena looked down at the table.
"Don't look so sad," Vanessa said. "Sooner or later, Liam will throw you out. And when he does, I'll be waiting."
Serena stood up. "I don't need your warning. Enjoy your coffee."
She walked out, her heart racing. She hated how Vanessa made her feel—small, weak, unworthy.
But Vanessa wasn't done yet.
***
Two days later, Liam came back from work looking angry.
He threw his jacket on the couch and called Serena into the study.
She entered slowly. "Yes?"
"Where were you two days ago?" he asked.
Serena blinked. "I went for a walk around the estate."
He narrowed his eyes. "Did you meet anyone?"
She hesitated. "I saw Vanessa. She called me into a café, I didn't plan to—"
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked sharply.
"I didn't think it mattered," Serena whispered.
"Well, it did. Because now she's spreading rumors that you went to beg her to leave me."
Serena gasped. "What? That's a lie!"
"I know it's a lie," Liam said, rubbing his forehead. "But this is exactly why I told you to stay away from people like her."
Serena stepped forward. "I didn't chase her. She waved at me. I was just walking."
Liam didn't reply. He just stared at her like he was tired of everything.
"I'm not your enemy," Serena said, softer now. "I didn't ask to be here. But I'm trying."
Liam's face changed slightly. He didn't look angry anymore. He just looked sad.
"I know," he said finally. "I know you're trying."
And with that, he stood and walked past her.
***
That night, Serena sat on her bed holding her phone. She missed her father. She wanted to hear his voice.
She called her mother instead.
"Hello?" her mother answered.
"Mummy," Serena said, holding back tears. "Is Daddy okay?"
"Yes," her mother replied. "The surgery went well. He's still resting, but the doctors said he's getting better."
Serena sighed with relief. "Thank God."
There was silence.
Her mother added, "Are you okay over there?"
Serena bit her lip. "I don't know."
"You're married to a rich man, Serena. You should be happy."
"I didn't marry him for happiness," Serena whispered. "I married him for survival."
Her mother was quiet.
"Sometimes I wish I could undo everything," Serena continued.
"Well, you can't," her mother said. "So stop crying and do your part. Your father is alive because of you."
The call ended.
Serena dropped her phone and curled into a ball on the bed.
Why did her mother always make her feel like a sacrifice?
***
The next morning, Serena went downstairs to the dining room. Liam was already there, dressed for work.
He looked up and said, "I'm sorry."
Serena paused. "What?"
"For shouting yesterday. You didn't deserve that."
She blinked. "It's okay."
"I know this isn't easy for you," he said. "But I won't let Vanessa bother you again."
Serena nodded slowly. "Thank you."
He stood and walked to the door. But just before leaving, he turned. "And Serena?"
"Yes?"
"You don't need to beg anyone for space in this house. You're my wife. If anyone has a problem with that, they'll deal with me."
She didn't know what to say. She just watched him leave.
And for the first time in a long time, Serena felt like maybe… just maybe… she wasn't completely alone.
***
Meanwhile, Vanessa was on a call with Leo.
"Yes, I did what you told me," she said. "I met the girl. Got under her skin."
"Good," Leo said from the other end. "Now we wait. Just keep pushing her until she breaks."
"And what do I get after that?" Vanessa asked.
Leo laughed. "Liam, of course. Isn't that what you want?"
Vanessa smiled. "Then let's destroy their little love story."
Neither of them knew… something was already starting to change.
Liam was beginning to notice Serena in a different way.
And Serena was slowly finding her strength.