Old Mrs. Hunt was well-known in town for her temper. She was assertive and never yielded to anyone. She insisted that her sons and grandsons were not in the wrong. God knew how long the old lady could keep up with that pride. Without any idea how her relatives spent the night, Serenity had a good night’s sleep. As morning light rolled around, she dreamed about her parents. She cried out to her mom and dad while trying to reach them but only caught air. By the time she woke up, tears had drenched her pillow. Serenity stared blankly at the ceiling for a long time before sitting up. She pulled out tissues to wipe away traces of tears on her cheeks as she mumbled under her breath, “Mom, Dad, did you know that your daughters were bullied? Don’t worry. Liberty and I aren’t the same kids from fifteen years ago. They can’t push us around anymore.” She picked up her phone for a look. Serenity muted her phone before she went to bed last night. There were multiple missed calls and u
Tensing his facial muscles, Zachary gave Serenity a warning look. “Mr. York.” Serenity asked him, “Can I kiss you?” Zachary was stumped. Had she no shame? She went as far as to ask a man this kind of question. “Your smile is gorgeous. It took my breath away. I just want to hold you and have my way with you.” “Serenity, you sure have the cheek.” “My cheeks are right here.” Serenity smacked her face with a smile as Zachary winced. “I only said that because we’re married. I mean, we’re married in the eyes of the law, so it’s not a crime to kiss you.” With Zachary pulling back a few steps, Serenity burst out laughing at his flight instincts. Zachary flew off the handle. Well, she was to be blamed for his reaction. The last time she even touched his face out of nowhere. As her roars of laughter tipped him over the edge, Zachary closed in suddenly and grabbed the chuckling girl to pull her into his arms. Zachary dipped his head forward and sealed her lips, swallowin
“You don’t have to transfer the money for the car.” Zachary changed the subject back to the recent car purchase. As Serenity did not have Zachary’s bank account details, she had been sending fifty thousand dollars to his mobile device every day. However, Zachary had not once accepted the transaction. The first transaction of fifty thousand dollars had made its way back to Serenity’s bank account. “I got you a car to uphold my public image. I might be busy with work, but there are occasions I’d need to bring you to business dinners too. It’d be humiliating for me if people were to find out that my wife rides an e-bike that could break down at any time.” Zachary saw the car as keeping up appearances. “I thought it was an apology gift,” Serenity retorted. Zachary replied after a pause, “It works both ways.” “Well, don’t give me any more living allowances for the year since you already got me a car.” Zachary lifted his chin and stared at her without saying yes or no. Se
Zachary stood at the door to the balcony and watched Serenity quietly for a minute before turning on his heel to leave for work. All this happened without Serenity knowing. Carrying his wife’s packed lunch for him, Zachary was on his way to work. Before leaving, he said to Serenity, “I’m off to work.” “Drive safe,” Serenity replied kindly. Zachary closed the door and carried two containers of food down the stairs. His bodyguard squad was waiting for him there. They were either caught standing, perching, or sitting in the greenery. Having caught sight of Zachary descending with food containers in hand, the bodyguards got on their feet and stared at him. No one drew close to Zachary. Zachary was speechless. What? Did they not recognize him because he was carrying containers of food? “Sir.” Thinking on his feet, Jim took quick paces over and attentively took the packed food from Zachary. Without a word, Jim headed straight to the Rolls Royce. Soon, the Rolls Royce
Zachary put the packed food on Callum’s desk and said gruffly, “Serenity knows we’re working in the same company. She made extra for breakfast and asked me to bring some to you. It’s not healthy to eat out all the time.” “You used to eat out all the time, Zack.” Although the meals were at their own hotel, it was still eating out. Putting down his cup of coffee, Callum eagerly took out one of the food containers and removed the lid. “I couldn’t stop thinking about Serenity’s cooking for days after getting a taste of it last Saturday.“Wow! Look at the variety, abundance, and presentation! I bet it tastes good.” Callum opened up both containers, gasping in awe of Serenity’s ingenuity. Not only was Serenity brilliant in crafts, but she had a talent for cooking too. No wonder Nana took to Serenity and insisted on Zack marrying her. She was a combination of beauty, grace, and talent. Seeing that Callum was delighted, Zachary seemingly casually said, “Serenity got up first th
Serenity was unaware that her man was a little jealous and went to the store. Since she had nothing to do there, she started making her handicrafts again.Jasmine saw that Serenity was busy making a miniature tree and asked, “Serenity, why are you always making this miniature tree lately? Is it a hot item?”Serenity just finished making the sculpture, so she stopped for a short break. When she heard her friend’s question, she smiled and said, “My online business has been doing very well recently, and the best-selling item is this miniature tree! There are so many orders for this.”“Did the netizens feel sorry for you and Liberty after looking at your response? Is that why they are supporting your online business?”Serenity thought about it for a while and said, “It doesn’t seem like it. The Hunts only put my childhood photo online, and they didn’t know my phone number or other details. The original tweet has since been deleted, and those influencers have also deleted their tweets.”
Jasmine and Serenity’s conversation was interrupted. When Serenity saw her sister and nephew walking in, she immediately stopped her work, stood up, and walked around the cashier.Jasmine was quicker than Serenity. She was already hugging and kissing the adorable Sonny. She even raised him up high, which made the little boy laugh.“Liberty, why are you here?”Serenity noticed that it was past ten o’clock. At this hour, Liberty would usually be preparing lunch at home. If Hank did not have lunch when he got home from work, he would be complaining again.“I was bored at home, so I came over to have a look. Sonny was also making a fuss because he wanted to see you.”Liberty took off her hat, wiped off the sweat on her forehead, and said, “It’s almost November, but it’s still so hot!”Wiltspoon’s fall was similar to summer, and it was not that cold in winter.It was only cool in the morning and evening. During the day, it was still sweltering as long as it was sunny.“It’s past ten
“I brought all the gifts that Serenity and Zachary bought last time into my room because I was so angry about this going Dutch issue.”Liberty sat on a chair. Serenity went into the small kitchen, took some fruit from the refrigerator, washed them, and offered them to Liberty while Jasmine poured a glass of water for her.She took a few sips of water and decided to tell them about her family troubles. She came over today because she felt aggrieved and frustrated, seeking her sister to confide in.If Liberty did not find someone to talk to, she was afraid she would fall into depression. Moreover, Liberty had known Jasmine for many years and knew that she could keep a secret.Liberty continued, “When I woke up the next day, Hank sent his family away, which I was glad to see, but before they left, they took all the gifts that Seren and her husband gave me.“My sister-in-law even took some of Sonny’s toys. I was so angry when I found out, but Hank said that we don’t lack those things,