Serena didn't sleep a bit. Her pillow was wet with tears and her heart felt heavier than ever.
Elliot's words kept ringing in her ears. Gold-digger. Cheap. Disgusting. He didn't even listen. He didn't ask questions. He just believed what he wanted.
She felt used. Hurt. Betrayed. First her mother, now Elliot.
Morning came too early. The sun had already risen, but Serena didn't want to leave the bed. She didn't want to face Liam. She didn't want to face her new reality.
But she had to.
Her father's surgery was scheduled for the next day. That was the only thing giving her strength.
She finally got up, cleaned her face, and put on something decent. She stepped out of the guest room slowly and met Mrs. Isabella Steel in the hallway.
"You're awake," Isabella said with her usual firm voice.
Serena nodded. "Yes, ma."
"Come down for breakfast. You and Liam have to go out together today. There's a dinner party tonight."
Serena's heart skipped. "Dinner party? With Liam?"
Isabella didn't look at her. "Yes. You're married now. You will act like it. People must believe it's real. Don't embarrass me."
Serena held her breath and nodded.
---
Downstairs, Liam was already sitting at the table. He looked calm, cold, and uninterested. He didn't even glance at her.
She sat opposite him. Her hands trembled a little, but she tried to hide it.
He finally spoke. "Wear something classy. And keep your mouth shut when we're out. I don't want unnecessary drama."
She looked at him, trying not to show her pain. "Okay."
He stood up. "We leave by five. Don't be late."
---
The day went by slowly. Serena helped the maid, cleaned her room, and stayed mostly indoors. Her father called around 2PM.
"Serena, how are you?"
Hearing his voice made her eyes fill again. "I'm fine, Daddy. How are you feeling?"
"They said the surgery will go well. I'm not scared, just tired."
"You'll be fine," she said, wiping a tear. "I'm praying for you."
"Thank your mother for everything," he said.
She froze. Her mother. The woman who sold her.
"Okay, Daddy. I will."
They ended the call, and Serena sat quietly on the bed.
She didn't hate her mother. She didn't even know what she felt anymore.
---
By 5PM, Serena was dressed in a simple black gown. It wasn't too flashy, but it was elegant.
Liam was waiting outside beside a black car. He didn't say anything when she came out. He just opened the back door and entered.
She entered beside him. Silence filled the car.
They arrived at a large hotel where the party was happening. Reporters were outside, taking pictures.
As they stepped out, Liam pulled her close by the waist. "Smile. Pretend."
She smiled painfully as the cameras clicked.
Inside, the lights were bright, and the room was full of wealthy people.
Liam introduced her to some business partners. He called her "his wife" and held her like she mattered, but his hands were cold.
Then someone caught Serena's eyes. A tall, elegant woman in red.
Vanessa.
She didn't know her yet, but the woman walked toward them with a sly smile.
"Liam," Vanessa said sweetly, ignoring Serena. "Long time no see."
Liam looked annoyed. "Vanessa."
"You didn't tell me you got married," she said, finally looking at Serena from head to toe. "Interesting choice."
Serena's heart pounded.
Liam looked angry. "This is my wife. Respect her."
Vanessa smirked. "Of course. My apologies."
Then she leaned closer to Serena and whispered, "Enjoy it while it lasts. He always comes back to me."
Serena stepped back, confused.
Who was she?
Liam quickly pulled Serena away. "Don't talk to her. She's not important."
But Serena was shaking inside. She didn't like the way Vanessa looked at her. And Liam's coldness made it worse.
---
After the event, in the car, Liam didn't say a word.
Serena finally asked, "Who was she?"
He looked out the window. "No one."
She didn't push.
But deep down, she knew... that woman was someone. Someone dangerous.
She stared out of the window too. Her life had changed. Nothing felt safe anymore. Not her home, not her heart, not even the man beside her.
The worst part?
She still had no idea what she had gotten herself into.