Chapter 13
Serenity savored the warmth of Sébastien’s hand enveloping hers. Her body tensed, unsure of how to react in the moment.
Suddenly, another hand, belonging to a woman, seized Sébastien’s hand and forcibly pulled it away from Serenity’s.
Just as Serenity
turned to address this new development, a hand swung towards her face with a resounding thwack
The impact of the slap sent Serenity reeling, causing her hair to become slightly disheveled.
“ARIANA!” Sébastien roared in a fit of rage. He gritted his teeth and balled his hand into a fist. If it weren’t for the audience of employees watching, he would have surely retaliated against Ariana for daring to strike Serenity.
“What’s the problem, Seb? Did I do something wrong? I’m only trying to protect my fiancé from a woman like her.
Why? Is there a reason for you to be angry with me? After all, she’s just your ex–wife. On the hand, I’m your son’s mother and soon to be your wife. Don’t I deserve some respect–”
“SLAPT
Ariana smirked proudly, goading Sébastien as she continued to speak. But before she could finish, a sharp sting erupted across her cheek as someone else slapped her hard.
Gasps echoed from both the employees and Sébastien’s family. Even Sébastien himself was taken aback.
As Ariana raised her head, still reeling from the forceful slap, she was met with a frigid glare from Serenity.
Rage ignited within her. How dare that woman lay a hand on her?
“You! How dare–”
‘SLAPI
Ariana began to protest, but before she could finish, Serenity landed another blow to her other cheek, causing her to stumble and fall under the impact.
“Serenity! Have you lost your mind? How dare you strike Ariana?” Sasha, who had regained her senses after the initial shock of seeing Serenity again, fumed with anger.
She couldn’t help but approach Serenity and raise her hand to strike her, but little did she know, she had chosen the wrong person to mess with.
In one swift motion, Serenity grabbed her former mother–in–law’s hand as it flew towards her, delivering a swift slap to Sasha’s face before pushing her backwards.
Gasps and murmurs erupted from the employees, their reactions echoing throughout the room.
Sébastien and Gwen’s eyes widened, as if they were seeing Serenity for the first time. Had this once timid and vulnerable girl transformed into this fierce woman before them? When did she become so strong!
“You–you–how dare you hit me?” Sasha shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at Serenity. “My son will not let you get away with this!
Serenity gave a cold smile before speaking, “Well, I have every right to defend myself when dogs try to bite me. And just a reminder, my name is Serene Morgan. But if you still want to bring up the past, let’s clear the air and move on.”
Gwen, who had witnessed her mother getting slapped, could contain her anger no longer. “Serenity, don’t think changing your name will change who you really are. You will always be that pathetic girl who lived under our roof!
Although you may hold a prominent position presently, you will forever be the abandoned child who never gained affection from her husband. I’m grateful that my brother divorced you, for you were not on par with his caliber. Unfortunate beings such as yourself will always be treated as disposable waste!” Gwen, who witnessed her mom being struck by Serenity, exclaimed with great indignation.
“You know what? You really need to learn when to keep your mouth shut,” Sébastien growled, his face chilling everyone in the
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Chapter 13
room except for Serenity, who still wore her playful smirk.
Gwen was fuming, her indignation apparent in her words. “How can she slap Mom like that? She’s just an orphan, a nobody who married into our family. We took care of her and her education. How dare she come back and mock us? Ungrateful–” She continued.
Sébastien’s steely voice cut her off. “I said enough, Gwen. One more word from you and you’ll regret it.”
Serenity’s snort broke the tense atmosphere, drawing all attention back to her.
“Serenity. Sébastien called out and took a few steps towards her, but Serenity raised her hand to stop him abruptly.
“Mr. Williams… I prefer you refer to me as Miss Morgan. It is more professional, given our lack of acquaintance.” With that said, she turned her gaze to Ariana, Sasha, and Gwen, who took a few steps back under her icy stare.
“And as for the three of you… very well! If you insist on dwelling in the past, then let us address the issues at hand.
Starting with you, Miss Clark! Six years ago, driven by your desperate desire for my husband, you had no qualms endangering yourself to frame me.
I must say, I do admire your folly and malice. Thanks to you, I was forced out of the Williams Mansion on a rainy night, like a common criminal or, dare I say, a beggar.
Now, let me ask you the same question once again. On that unfaithful day on the stairs, did I truly push you, or was it all part of your plan to frame me?” Serenity asked with a smile that did not reach her eyes. Her cold gaze seemed capable of freezing anything in its path.
Ariana could feel all eyes on her, including those of Sasha and Gwen. They had all believed Ariana without hesitation back then, fuelled by their hatred for Serenity.
“W–what are you talking about?” Ariana stood up, her voice trembling. Her eyes instinctively darted towards Sébastien, wanting to gauge his reaction. But all she saw were his cold, piercing blue eyes staring back at her.
Serenity noticed their exchange but chose to ignore it. She had come there to work, not to engage in dramatic reunions.
However, if these people insisted on living in the past and making things difficult for her, she would be happy to indulge them.
Disregarding Ariana and Sébastien, she turned her attention to Gwen and Sasha, who met her gaze with equal measures of bitterness and animosity.
If the Williams family had been aware that the lawyer they had hired to assist them with their current crisis was none other than Serenity, they would never have consented. Even if they were facing bankruptcy, they would not have allowed Serenity to re–enter their lives..
Or so they thought. Because Sébastien was overjoyed at the opportunity to reunite with Serenity. This time, determined to make amends and win her back.
he
WAS
The fact that fate seemed to be working in his favor, bringing Serenity to their company, was more than enough incentive for him.
“Mrs. Williams. Miss Williams! Do you believe that the whole world revolves around the Williams family? Do you think that your family name gives you power over everyone?
“Let me ask you this… If Mrs. Williams had not married into the Williams family, and if Miss Williams had not been born into it, where do you think you would be right now? Would you still possess the same wealth and status that make you believe you. are superior to others?
“Yes, I am an orphan. And yes, I was married into your family, which has become the biggest regret of my life. When I entered your family, did I take a single penny from you? Oh, I almost forgot! I even returned everything that you gave me when I left. that mansion of horrors.” Serenity said calmly as if talking about beauty cosmetics
As Sébastien listened to Serenity’s words, his heart clenched and ached. He felt like he was suffocating, as if a heavy weight had been placed on his chest or someone was burning him.
Did Serenity hate him that much? Was their marriage truly a stain on her life? If he was being honest with himself, he had to admit that Serenity had every right to feel that way. But it was difficult for him to accept that she no longer loved him.
Chapter 13
However, Serenity continued… “I have been an orphan since childhood, but I have never been ashamed of who I am. I know I was not born into privilege, but when I became a part of your family, I treated you all with nothing but respect.
I have endured countless humiliations and cruel treatment from all of you. I still vividly remember the time when my supposed mother–in–law, in a fit of rage, poured piping hot water on my arms simply because I was a few moments late with her midnight snack.
Oh, and let’s not forget about you, Gwen. You burned the back of my hand with a hot iron because your own dress was ruined by your hands. Instead of taking responsibility for your mistake, you took your anger out on me.
And my so–called mother–in–law was consumed by jealousy over my long hair, so she purposely and forcefully burned it. What a deplorable act.
I was also thrown out into the pouring rain and forced to stay outside the Mansion, in front of the gate, until morning, simply because I forgot to cook enough food. Do you remember committing these atrocious acts against me?
But even after all of this, you thought I would beg to be taken back into the Mansion. What a shameful thought. Not only did I never return, but I also made a name for myself with my own abilities.
Isn’t it ironic that your company and your family came crawling to me for help during your time of crisis?
At first, I thought I would just come and work for you and leave quietly once everything was over, as none of you deserve my presence. But now, it brings me great satisfaction to see the mighty Williams family begging their orphaned former daughter- in–law for salvation.
Are we living in a movie or a novel? Your despicable behavior seems too outlandish to be real.
With a calm demeanor, Serenity spoke her mind without hesitation. It was as if she was discussing the weather instead of the traumatic experiences inflicted upon her by the Williams family.
All eyes were now fixed on Sasha and Gwen, and the employees were in disbelief and disgust. How could they be capable of such cruel and heartless acts?
Suddenly. Sébastien strode towards his mother and sister, his steps measured and his voice deadly quiet.
“Is what she’s saying true? Did you treat her this way in my absence?” Sébastien demanded through clenched teeth.
His hand was consumed by an unwavering itch to strike someone, and he appeared ready to act on his impulse if no one intervened.
In response to his evident agitation, Serenity couldn’t contain her derisive scoff. Who does he think he is? Perhaps a Saint? Ironically, his outward injuries paled in comparison to the emotional harm he had inflicted upon her.
Hearing Serenity’s scoff, Sébastien’s heart pained once more. He understood why she reacted with contempt. His actions aligned him with his family, and yet he now stood apart. He was no longer one of them
“ANSWER ME!” He barked, causing his mother, Gwen, Ariana, and the employees to tremble in fear.
Who would have guessed that this day would commence with such a terrifying sight of their boss?
“Seb! Son! Please- Please don’t trust that wretch! She’s vying to sow discord between us Sasha frantically pleaded, retreating with every step Sébastien took towards them.
As he closed the distance, Sébastien abandoned all restraint and raised his hand, poised to strike his sister first.
But before he could unleash his anger, a commanding voice boomed..
“STOP”
Sébastien’s hand remained suspended in the air at the sound of that authoritative voice. He could only lower his hand and turn to face the person who had halted his violent outburst.
“Grandma!” He exclaimed.
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