Chapter 4

Serena’s POV I fell asleep sitting and crying on the couch. It was already morning when I opened my eyes again. I was already lying comfortably on the couch. A soft pillow was under my head and a thick blanket was covering me. Slowly, I got up. It must be Maria’s doing. I rubbed my eyes. My vision wasn’t clear and I could feel that my eyes were swollen badly for some reason. I still feel exhausted. I still feel drained... I think I need a cold shower. “I’m glad you’re now awake.” I dropped my eyes on Maria before I roamed my eyes around. “Your husband didn’t go to work. He brought Millie to the Pediatrician clinic to have her checked again.” I nodded. “Can you prepare a coffee for me? I’ll just take a quick bath.” “You don’t look good. Are you going to the hospital today?” I nodded. “I temporarily switched shifts with a coworker yesterday, and I have to fill in today.” I was driving my car silently when I saw a huge public screen. The timing was perfect because the traffic light turned red and a familiar man was shown on the screen. A magazine interview of the best CEO’s in the country. I let out a bitter laugh. He’s an excellent businessman but he couldn’t even make a proper husband. I turned the radio on, only to frown again when I heard the episode of the magazine interview. I left the radio on as I started driving again and the interview started. ‘Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Walter. Since you’re one of the best CEOs, why don’t we start the interview with your inspiration? Who or what motivates you to be one of the best?’ ‘Well…’ Tyler’s voice has always been handsome and soothing. If he’s calm, his voice would comfort anyone who hears it. It’s sweet and gentle. Something I admired about him. ‘It seems Mr. Walter has a special someone.’ The tease was followed by soft laughs. I swallowed hard as my heart raced. A special someone? ‘There was a rumor circulating before that you’re actually married. Is that true, Mr. Walter, and your inspiration is your family? Can you describe your family to us?’ ‘Well…I have a beautiful family…’ I almost step on the break. A beautiful family, huh? ‘Are you really smiling right now, Mr. Walter?’ Tyler’s chuckle was clear and gentle. ‘I have a little family. A wife, a child and we’re happy. Very happy.’ I gripped the steering wheel. Liar! ‘I have a cute and bubbly child. A wife…a beautiful wife. A caring and loving wife.’ My hands started trembling. I immediately turned the radio off and stopped the car in front of the hospital where I was working. He described a family that doesn’t suit what we have. Is he talking about his mistress and his illegitimate child? I wiped the tears that rolled down my cheeks before I properly parked my car and went inside the hospital. I was walking towards my office when I received a call. Mrs. Walter, Tyler's mother. I can just ignore this call and turn my phone off but I was raised and taught to respect people even when they don’t respect me at all. “Hello, Mrs. Walter—” [What happened to my granddaughter, Serena? What have you been doing? You should be taking care of her and not working like a slave. Why can’t you be a responsible mother and wife to my son and granddaughter, huh? Don’t you really care for your family?] I paused and took a deep sigh. “I’m not neglecting my daughter, Mrs. Walter—” [Then why did she get injured? Huh?] Some people say your greatest enemy when you get married is your mother-in-law and that’s really true. Mrs. Walter has always been unjust and rude to me. She never liked me as her son’s wife because she believed that I was a cunning woman aiming at their property. Oh, fck the Walters! Yes, my family was not as powerful as them but we're not desperate. Without the Walters, I could also feed Millie well! [Quit your job, Serena! You’re only burdening my son for abandoning my granddaughter! You need to focus on Millie because I’m telling you if something bad happens to my granddaughter, I will never forgive you!] “I can take care of my daughter perfectly while working, Mrs. Walter. Don’t worry about Millie. I know what to do.” [You stubborn wench! I’ll tell Tyler about this–] “Sorry for cutting you off, Mrs. Walter. I have a duty today so I need to go. Go tell your son about what we discussed. Also, convince him to agree on what I want.” [What are you talking about?] “I need to go, Mrs. Walter. Thanks for worrying about my mother-duties.” I ended the call as my face turned blank. I don’t care about Tyler’s opinion anymore. The fact that he broke my daughter’s heart and he’s considering another woman and child as his family is enough. I’ve had enough. I can no longer endure this shitty marriage. I messaged my private investigator to get me the list of the best lawyers in the country. I was frustrated while checking the list because all of them were connected to the Walters. Tyler has a broad connection and he has secured a strong relationship with powerful families in the country including the family of the lawyers that were listed on the document my private investigator has given me. Before my shift ended, I requested another list of lawyers from my private investigator and he can only give me three names. One, a lawyer who was notorious for playing dirty in the courtroom. The only decent from the three listed names was the name of a man I know very well. I swallowed hard as I stared at his contact number. Damon del Real. A college senior just like Tyler. An excellent lawyer who never bent his principles even once. Righteous and fair. He’s the perfect lawyer for my case but there’s one huge problem. He’s my husband’s best friend. I have doubts if he’ll accept my case but I should at least try, right? For my daughter’s sake. I was walking in the lobby of the hospital, aiming to the exit when I saw a familiar someone walking with a familiar child. A child… who resembles my husband. The woman walking with the child was talking to someone over her phone when our gazes met. Hatred reigned in my heart as our gazes locked as if she surprisingly smiled at me, making my blood boil in so much anger. Catherine Smith has the guts. Where did she get the courage to smile at me?