Chapter 25
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Serena dashed out of the bathroom to find a staff. She’d intended for him to call an ambulance and the police, but the staff member barely seemed to care.
She had to lead him to the bathroom. But when they finally returned, the man who had been lying on the floor was gone. Only a pool of blood remained
“Look at the blood. He was just here. Are there security cameras? The guys who attacked him must have taken him again. Serena was stunned. She explained in Falidic, but the staff member just shrugged, unfazed, needless to say showing any interest in checking the cameras.
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“Miss, this is none of your business.” The staff replied, “Just keep yourself out of the way, and everything will be fine.”
Refusing to leave, Serena stood her ground, only for the cleaning staff to arrive moments later and start mopping up the bloodstains
Feeling helpless as watching the blood was wiped away and left no trace behind, a heavy knot formed in Serena’s stomach. She’d only been gone for five minutes, yet the man was
- ne. She had really disappointed him.
As she stumbled out of the restroom, still shaken, she li
Andrew, who had just exited the conference hall.
“Serena, you have been gone so long. I thought something had happened to you,” he said, his voice full of concern.
“Andrew, listen, I just saw something… Serena, looking pale, grabbed his arm and quickly told him what had happened. “Should we call the police? I asked the staff earlier, but they said the police wouldn’t be much help.
Andrew frowned as he piecing the accident together, but his voice remained gentle: “Serena, let’s head to the car first.”
Serena hesitated, but still followed his step. Once they were in the car, she immediately apologized. “Sorry, Andrew. We didn’t get to see the rest of the concert
–
But to her surprise, Andrew didn’t respond to her apology. “Serena, if something like this happens again in Faliden, don’t get involved. Just pretend you didn’t see anything,” he said in a serious tone.
Serena stared at him in shock. “What?”
She couldn’t stop herself from returning to the scene. The man who had been attacked looked about her age, and she hadn’t thought much of it–just wanted to help.
“Don’t be too surprised,” Andrew sighed, “During the day, Faliden’s fine, but once night falls, it’s a different story. Gangs run the show outside the city center. It’s even common to see young tourists go missing.”
Serena, who had lived in Faliden before, was shocked “I always thought the city was safe… I never experienced anything like this when I was here with Jonathan.”
“It’s not just a random conflict. Things are getting rougher here. You remember how Jonathan used to keep you indoors after 8 p.m.? Now you know why.”
Serena nodded slowly. She used to think Jonathan was being overprotective by not letting her go to friends‘ birthday parties. But now, it all made sense.
Tears welled up in her eyes. She asked in fear, “What do you think will happen to that guy?”
“I don’t know.” Andrew shook his head, “But there’s an underground auction in this area. He could end up there.”
The thought of such a place chilled Serena to the bone. Serena couldn’t even speak up a word.
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Chapter 25
Andrew reached out, gently squeezing her hand. “Don’t be scared. Faliden’s security isn’t as bad as it sounds. The gangs have their own targets”
Serena’s face turned serious. She’d never been exposed to anything like this before, and now the image of the blood on the floor haunted her.
Seeing her pale face, Andrew quickly changed the subject. “By the way, Serena, I know you invited me to the concert, but was there something else on your mind?”
Yes, Serena hesitated before quietly admitting.
“Let me guess.” Andrew continued, Itis expression softened, “Jonathan needs a new treatment plan, but it’s expensive. You’re not sure if you can afford the money, so you turn to me for help!
“That’s it.” Serena sighed, “I really don’t know what to do. It’s not don’t trust Dr. Ziegler, but few patients apply for the new plan. I’m just too anxious.”
“Don’t worry, Serena Andrew gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder. “If Jonathan knew there was a chance for him to recover after being in such state for two years, I’m sure heil want
He gave her a reassuring smile. “I have got you cover
the one million, and of course, there are conditions.”
Serena’s eyes lit up with relief. “I can’t thank you enough sires there’s anything I can do for you, just let me know!”
Andrew thought for a moment before speaking up, “My mom’s been pressuring me to get married. Serena, could you do me a favor and pretend we are dating for just one year?”
Serena blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, you want me to be your fake girlfriend and lie to your mom?” It felt strange to her. Andrew had always been like a brother, and now he was asking her to act like his girlfriend?
Andrew, however, grinned warmly. “It’s perfect. My mom loves wholesome girls like you. I’m focused on work right now and really can’t deal with her matchmaking. If you could help me out, it’d mean a lot.”
Serena paused, thinking for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, dear You’re lending me the money, so this is the least I can do. Once I have saved up enough, I’ll pay you back.”
She then smiled, feeling incredibly lucky to have met Andrew during such a tough time. Hope bubbling up inside her. “When Jonathan wakes up, I’ll have him pitch in too. He’s good with money.”
Andrew visibly relaxed. “So, you’re agreeing to go back to Venia with me?”
“Yeah. You have helped me so much, it’s the least I can do. Serena answered. Although she felt they would probably upset. Mrs. White, it was just for a year. She would find a way to handle.
“Great. I have still got a week in Faliden, but once I’m back, I’ll give you the money. Andrew’s smile was almost childlike, as if he were in a dream.
This is it. Finally, I get the chance to be close to her. His heart raced, but he quickly masked it with a calm demeanor.
Thave been waiting for this moment–now that she’s helping me I’ll make sure to use this opportunity wisely. One step at a time, and she’ll be mine for real.
He couldn’t stop himself from imagining Serena as his girl. Back at the hotel, just as Serena was about to close the door behind her, he pulled her into a quick, unexpected hug.
“Andrew?” Serena stiffened, unsure of how to react.
“Sorry” Andrew pulled away quickly, a little flustered. “I just thought I’d practice a bit. If we’re pretending to be a couple, we can’t even hug without it feeling weird, right?”
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Serena blinked, trying to process what had just happened. “A hug isn’t a big deal. We don’t need to rehearse it. I’ll play along when the time comes,”
Andrew let out a reluctant sigh and stepped back. “Right. Well, you should rest. It’s been a long day for you.”
Later, as Serena lay in bed, her thoughts kept circling back to the hug. It had felt off. She pondered. Maybe next time, we should talk things through first and mentally prepare before anything physical happened. Just to make it less awkward.
She slipped into sleep while still caught in her thoughts. The next morning, before heading to a business meeting, Andrew casually asked Serena if she could cook him the lunch.
Serena readily agreed. After breakfast, she made her way to the supermarket for ingredients. Rhett came to pick her up, but instead of returning to the hotel, he drove her straight to the mall
“Rhett, are we picking something up?” Serena asked, still a little confused by the sudden detour.
Rhett’s smile was wide, his tone cheerful. “Mr. White asked me bring you to pick up the couple rings. He’s been swamped with work these past few days
“What? Couple rings?” Serena blinked, her though
“Yep. Since you two are dating. Mr. White said these
1st gift as a couple.”
Serena felt her stomach tighten, thoughts pondered Is Andrew told her this whole thing was just to keep his mother happy? Why was Rhett talking like they were a real couple!
But she didn’t argue. Maybe Rhett had misunderstood She told herself.
“We can get them later,” she said, trying to brush it off. Ill explain everything to Andrew tonight.”
But Rhett was insistent. “Mr. White’s instructions were clear–we pick the rings up now?
Serena felt uncomfortable. She knew that Rhett clearly couldn’t care less about her opinion, he only listened to Andrew
She stayed quiet for the rest of the trip. At the mall, the sales associate led them to a display where Andrew’s order was already set.
The ring was beautiful, with sleek platinum bands delicately engraved their initials, and a tiny diamond sparkling in the light.
But Serena took a quick glance at them and immediately closed the box. The weight of the moment hit her–this ring wasn’t just a piece of jewelry. She couldn’t help but think. It represented everything she wasn’t ready to face.
And yet, Rhett seemed genuinely puzzled by her lack of enthusiasm.
“Are you happy with them? If not, we can always exchange them he asked, clearly baffled. “Mr. White spent all night picking them out. Why do you look so glum?”
Serena’s lips pressed into a thin line. She didn’t want to sound ungrateful, but she couldn’t help the discomfort gnawing at
her.
The rings felt like a heavy weight in her hands. Her thoughts rendered. It was not a gift to celebrate a relationship but a symbol of something fake.
“How am I supposed to are” she asked sofily, more to herself than to him
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“Don’t ask me.” Rhett shrugged his shoulder and replied. “I mean these rings are luxury, worth around 200,000 dollars. Most people would be thrilled.”
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Serena’s voice was quiet, but there was a sharp edge to it. “Well, if you like them so much, maybe I should tell Andrew to give them to you instead?”
The look on Rhett’s face froze instantly. “Ms. Murry, this is not funny.” He retorted, the smile disappeared as his expression
darkened.
They left the mall after picking up the ring, and Rhett’s irritation simmering beneath the surface. His jaw clenched, steps grew faster, but as he was about to step out, he slammed into someone–a solid figure that made him stumble back a few
steps.
“What the Wait, you are Ray Hood?!” Rhett’s voice harely rose above a surprised grunt.
Ray didn’t even spare Rhett a glance. His cold, calculating a flicked over to Serena before he spoke in a clipped tone. “Ms. Murry, Mr. Harrington would like to have a word with
