Chapter 23
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Andrew’s apartment sat snugly in the heart of Falinden’s bustling commercial district. With two bedrooms, it provided just enough space for Serena to settle into the guest room.
Feeling grateful for his hospitality, Serena rose early to prepare breakfast. The morning light filtered through the window as she stood in the small kitchen, Serena’s hands deftly preparing two plates of scrambled eggs and toast,
Cooking wasn’t exactly her forte–Jonathan had always kept her out of the kitchen back home. But the past two years of living alone had changed that, Her uncle’s family, unwilling to hire help, left her to handle most meals whenever she was
around.
Gotten out of bed. Andrew wandered into the dining room and took a bite of the steaming dish in front of him, savoring its warmth. “This is pretty good. He nodded in approval “So, what else can you whip up?”
Serena’s eyes sparkled as she listed a few basics. “Just simple stuff, like tomato soup, sautéed spinach, and coleslaw.”
“Impressive.” Andrew teased. “Learn a few hearty meat dishes, and you’ll be ready to settle down for a perfect marriage.”
Serena’s expression turned serious. Her eyes softened as she said. “I’m not in a hurry to get married. My dream is to become an interior designer. I told you about that when I was little, remember?”
‘Although I have to put my dream of becoming a design
Andrew chuckled. “You always were ambitious. But remem His voice softened. ‘Serena, you can always lean on me.”
Serena lowered her gaze, avoiding Andrew’s gentle eyes.
for now. She thought to herself.
it’s okay to rely on others now and then. Makes life easier.”
When her uncle’s family first arrived in Pashew, they showered her with affection. For a brief moment, she believed she had found a new home.
But that illusion shattered when they vanished, taking the wealth from the Murry Family with them. The betrayal left scars, making it hard for her to trust anyone.
“Andrew, you have already done so much for me, she murmured. “Honestly, seeing you again is more than enough.”
Andrew’s smile dimmed slightly. “Alright, finish up. We have got a flight to catch this afternoon.”
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Faliden’s morning greeted them with a wintry embrace. The sky was a heavy gray, and snow blanketed the city,
Serena’s breath fogged in the cold air as they stepped out of the airport, the icy wind biting at her cheeks. She had lived with Jonathan in Faliden for three years.
The country was known for its advanced healthcare and technology, but in the past two years, the underworld had become increasingly rampant.
She knew that Faliden hosted the largest casino in the world, and there were rumors that beneath the casino. It has been said that was an underground auction for human trafficking–though no one had ever confirmed it.
The drive to the hospital was a solemn one. Inside the hospital, the sterile scent of disinfectant filled the air.
Andrew walked confidently ahead, his familiarity with the place evident. Serena trailed behind, her eyes flitting to the nurses. and patients bustling through the hallways.
To her surprise, Andrew didn’t need directions. He led her straight to Jonathan’s room without hesitation.
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Chapter 23
“You have been here before?, Serena couldn’t help but ask.
Andrew confirmed. “Jonathan and I go way back. I have checked in on him a few times”
It made sense. Serena nodded. Barrow Technology had businessed in Faladen, and visiting an old friend was hardly out of
character for Andrew.
Her thoughts rendered until they reached Jonathan’s room. Jonatan lay as still av ever, his pale face illuminated by the soft sunlight streaming through the blinds.
“Jonathan, In here. Andrew got me the ticket? Serena’s heart clenched as she looked at him.
She reached for his hand, her voice trembling. “Uncle and his family sold the house and disappeared. When are you going to wake up? Please help me like you always did. I really need you!
She whispered softly through her tears, remembering how Jonathan had always come to her rescue when they were kids. His solution was simple and effective: a solid beating for anyone who dared mess with her,
“Serena, don’t stress too much.” Andrew spoke up softly, rying comfort her. “My assistant’s got you a room at a hotel nearby. You have just flown halfway across the world–you must be exhausted. Go rest up for now.”
Serena shook her head, offering a small, tind smile. T
Andrew gave her a soft ruffle of the hair. “Alright, but n
stay with Jonathan for a little while longer.”
I’m here to help you see jonathan, not to make you
“I know.” Serena nodded, her voice quiet but steady.
She sat still for a moment after Andrew stepped out, then stood up to head to the bathroom for some water. It was then that she overheard voices from outside.
“Andrew, what brings you here so suddenly?” A familiar voice spoke up, “And you brought Serena too?”
Dr. Ziegler, please don’t disturb her Andrew’s voice replied.
The footsteps faded as the two of them walked away, Serena furrowed her brows
She knew Dr. Ziegler pretty well. He was Jonathan’s attending physician. As an Aspellisian doctor who specialized in neurology, he had been specially assigned to her case by the hospital.
It made communication much easier, and Serena could understand the medical situation better. It was also his suggestion to switch Jonathan’s treatment plan
But what really surprised her, though, was that Dr. Ziegler seemed to know Andrew.
She left them behind for the time being, staying at the hospital until the sky darkened. The hours slipped away as Serena. poured out her heart. She talked about everything–the good, the bad, and the moments she wished she could forget
“Teven did something reckless, she confessed with a wry smile. Remember Gabriel? Your high school nemesis? I had a night stand with him. If you were awake, you’d probably be furious. Maybe hearing this would make you mad enough wake up
She paused, watching Jonathan’s face for any flicker of reaction. But the silence in the room remained heavy, unbroken Serena leaned back in her chair, a bitter wave of disappointment washing over her.
She left the hospital and headed to the hotel for some rest. Andrew was still out, so she decided to take a long, warm bath before slipping into bed
To her surprise, she slept soundly through the night. She hadn’t expected to sleep that well, but maybe it was because she
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had finally spoken her heart to Jonathan, and in a way, it had brought her some peace.
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The next morning dawned brighter, though the chill in the air remained. After breakfast, Andrew’s assistant handed Serena a ticket to a local art exhibit
“Mr. White thought you might enjoy this,” he said.
Serena’s eyes brightened. She was familiar with the artist and had always been a big fan. “Of course. Are we going together?”
“Mr. White will join us later. He should be done at the factory by around 10:30, but he’ll meet us at the exhibit. The assistant replied.
Feeling a little worry that Serena might change her mind and head to the hospital instead, he quickly added, “Mr. White wants you to relax. Dr. Ziegler has some time this afternoon, so we can talk about Mr. Murry’s condition later.”
Serena gave him a faint smile. Tll definitely go. Let’s head there now and wait for Andrew.”
There was some traffic on the way to the gallery. As they navigated the city’s streets, Serena’s phone buzzed with a message from Queenie.
[Hey Serena, remember that granny who made a scene at Stella Learning? Turns out she was sent by Gabriel Harrington to get you out:
Serena wasn’t surprised by the turn of the drama. She ou rested back.
[Don’t worry about it. Once I’m gone, they won’t both
more. I’ll handle iL)
Wandering between the golf course and Stella Learning Serenaraised an eyebrow, piecing everything together. Gabriel really had nothing better to do, did he?
It was her own fault. She thought, letting out a bitter chuckle. She never should have let herself get tangled up with Gabriel in the first place.
As she sat there, lost in thought, her phone buzzed again. It was Darren’s number. Serena remembered that he had handed her his business card a while back.
She wasn’t in the mood to deal with him, so she hit the “decline” button without a second thought. But of course, he called again right away.
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