Chapter 13
Got some feelings for her, Darren?” Gabriel asked, his voice sham and cold.
Darren’s face paled as he quickly lowered his head. “Mr. Harrington, you know why I’m doing this,” he murmured.
Even if Darren could gather every ounce of courage, he wouldn’t dare entertain thoughts about a woman Gabriel had shown interest in
Since the day he began working for him, there had only been one woman in Gabriel’s life–Setena.
Not that it mattered. Whether Gabriel remained loyal to one woman or changed companions daily. Darren knew better than to cover anyone who had even briefly caught Gabriel’s attention.
Gabriel closed his eyes briefly, exhaling in annoyance before speaking again, his tone biting, “Since when did you start second–guessing me and making decisions on my behalf?”
Darren lowered his voice, desperate to correct his misstep. Tm sorry, Mr. Harrington. I overstepped”
He barely dared to breathe, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
Gabriel’s voice came one final time, colder than the rain outside. Send 20,000 dollars in cash to Serena. And I don’t want to hear anything about her ever again.”
With that, the sleek Bentley disappeared into the rain–soaked night, leaving Serena walking forward with her head bowed against the storm
Not long after, another car pulled up beside her.
A voice called out from behind her, “Serena, get in! Didn’t I tell you to wait for me? Come on, it’s pouring, and your feet are going to get soaked.”
Andrew stepped out of a Porsche, taking the umbrella from her hands with practiced ease.
When she hesitated, he chuckled softly. “Do you really think I’d let you walk home in this weather? If you won’t get in, I’ll just stand here with you and enjoy the downpour.”
Serena’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, though whether they stemmed from her earlier encounter with Gabriel or Andrew’s gentle warmth, she wasn’t sure.
Reluctantly, she climbed into the car.
Andrew reached into the back seat and pulled out a clean towel, using it to gently brush away the raindrops clinging to her
shoulders.
Serena quickly took the towel from him. “Thanks I can handle it
Sensing her subtle resistance, Andrew didn’t press her. Instead, he turned on the stereo, and the soft notes of a piano melody
filled the air.
Andrew had been playing the piano since he was a child. Back when their families were neighbors, Serena had once attended one of his competitions.
She could still picture the scene vividly–Andrew, dressed in a crisp white suit, his fingers gliding over the keys as he performed a breathtaking piece.
That day. Andrew had won first place. As soon as he stepped off the stage, he handed her the small crystal piano trophy with a bright, proud smile.
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To Serena, he had looked like a storybook prince under the spotlight, his delicate features glowing with youthful elegance.
In her heart, she had secretly nicknamed him “The Little Piano Prince.”
Later, when Jonathan discovered the nickname, he teased her endlessly, tugging her chubby cheeks and calling her hopelessly cheesy.”
The memory brought a faint, bittersweet smile to Serena’s face.
Soon, however, her thoughts soon turned somber as she brought up her uncle’s sudden disappearance.
Andrew sighed, his expression darkening. “Why didn’t you tell my mom the truth? If I’d known earlier, I could have stepped in to help sooner.”
He pulled out his phone and gestured toward her. “Open your WhatsApp. I’ll send you some money to help you get by” Serena shook her head firmly. “Thanks, but no. I told you the truth because I didn’t want to hide anything from you. have enough for now. I can cover Jonathan’s treatment.”
Her voice was steady, but her resolve was clear. She didn’t want to owe anyone, not even Andrew.
They were just childhood friends, former neighbors. No matter how difficult her situation was, she was determined to handle it on her own.
She could work, and the wage could cover Johnathan’s medical bills, for now.
But I
She’d work harder if she had to, but she wouldn’t accept he
less she earned it
Andrew tried again, his voice gentle but persistent. “Serena, think of it as a loan. No strings attached, I promise.”
But she shook her head again, her resolve unshaken
Seeing her reluctance, Andrew sent 3.000 dollars via WhatsApp to Serena’s account.
“Serena,” he said warmly, “when you got into college. I wasn’t there to celebrate with you or give you my blessings. Think of this as making up for that missed gift.”
Serena glanced at her phone, immediately returning the money. I’m earning a steady income now,” she explained.
“After covering my brother’s medical expenses, I still manage to save a little for going back to school someday.”
Andrew stared at the returned transfer, a flicker of sadness crossing his face.
He sighed softly. “We have known each other for so many years, Serena. Do we really have to be so discreet with me??
Serena gave him a gentle smile, her voice kind but resolute. “It’s because our relationship is so special to me that I can’t les money complicate it
She tried to lighten the mood with a laugh. “Remember when I broke my dad’s antique pase, and you took the blame for me? I have never forgotten how grateful I was.
Andrew chuckled, letting her shift the topic. He listened as she shared stories from their childhood, smiling at her
memones
Whenever she laughed, he watched her quietly, his expression sort.
When she looked his way, he quickly averted his gaze, pretending he hadn’t been staring.
An hour later, Serena asked him to stop the car at the entrance of a modest apartment complex.
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Chapter 13
She got out early, deliberately hiding her current living conditions to keep him from worrying
They exchanged goodbyes, and Serena walked into the rough neighborhood alone.
Memories of their childhood lingered in her mind.
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She always insisted on repaying kindness. Accepting help felt like incurring a debt, and she couldn’t rest easy until it was repaid.
When Andrew took the blame for the broken vase, she spent an entire year repaying him by keeping him company during his piano practice sessions.
She could still hear his voice from back then, “Practicing alone is boring. If you really want to thank me, just sit here with me. That’s enough.”
For a year, she sat beside him nearly every day, listening as he practiced.
When Serena arrived home, she was surprised to find Darren standing outside her door.
He held out a check. “Miss Murry, Mr. Harrington asked me to deliver this to you,” he said, his tone brisk and professional.
Serena glanced at the check. It was for 20,000 dollars.
“He said it’s what the two of you agreed on,” Darren added,
That very morning.
when Gabriel had asked how much she wanted, she had been ready to answer with that exact amount
Now, she understood. This was his way of severing ties comp
She accepted the check, thanked Darren politely, and said no more.
Darren returned to his car, glancing back at her briefly before driving away.
Serena stood alone under the dim streetlight of the rough black. She took a deep breath, and she smelled the damp air thick with the earthy scent of rain–soaked pavement.
The path ahead felt uncertain, but she knew it was hers to walk alone,
During Andrew’s stay in Pashew, he made a habit of picking Serena up from the golf course after work nearly every evening. With the 20,000 dollars in hand, Serena felt less burdened. Her mood lightened, and her once–heavy steps now carried an air of quiet confidence.
One evening, as they droge together, Andrew broached the topic of her future.
“You don’t want to accept my help,” he said with a smile, so why not come back to Venia with me? I can help you find a job there
Serena blinked, then smirked teasingly. “Let me guess. You’d create some random assistant position at your company so 1 can ‘earn‘ a salary without feeling guilty, right?”
Andrew scratched his head, laughing helplessly. “You have grown up. The Serena I knew back then would have fallen for it without a second thought”
Serena chuckled, her tone playful yet heartfelt. “Andrew, just having you come pick me up these past few days has already made me so happy.”
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Her eyes sparkled with a lightness that seemed to erase, if only briefly, the struggles she was facing
To Serena, each conversation with Andrew felt like a window to a simpler time, a momentary escape from the weight of her reality into their happy childhoo
Andrew laughed, his tone light and warm. In two days, I’ll be heading back. But promise me, if you ever run into trouble, you’ll let me know. I’ll be your rock
Serena nodded, hesitating before asking, “We should have dinner sometime before you leave. Do you have time?”
Andrew glanced at his packed schedule.
Serena noticed how tight it was and was about to suggest postponing when he handed her his itinerary.
“Tomorrow night, I have to attend Pashew’s city business gala,” he said with a smile. “I happen to need a plus one. Why don’t you take the night off and join me?”
Serena felt it would be interesting. “Alright. What time tomorrow?” she asked.
The next evening, Serena waited at the entrance of her neighborhood, wearing the cocktail dress Andrew’s delivered earlier.
The sleek fabric hugged her figure elegantly, a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.
assistant had
A polished Porsche pulled up, and Andrew stepped out, dressed in a tailored gray suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and refined demeanor.
He moved to open the door for her, but the moment his eyes langled on her, he froze, momentarily struck silent.
Feeling self–conscious under his lingering gaze, Serena asked nervously, “Do I look weird?”
Her makeup and hair were done herself–a subtle touch of mascara and eyeshadow that framed her big eyes delicately. Andrew stared at her as if he was admiring a piece of art, his eyes shimmering
“Weird? You look stunning.” he said sincerely. “I’m a little worried now–there might be too many guys trying to steal you away at the gala.”
Blushing, Serena smoothed the fabric of her dress and stepped into the car.
Andrew joined her, sitting close and resting his arm casually on the backrest. He leaned slightly toward her, speaking in a
mock–serious tone.
“Stick close to me later,” he said. “You’re so beautiful that men will be buzzing around you like mosquitoes”
Serena laughed at his teasing and looped her arm lightly through his.
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