Chapter 254

Mom nodded and then furrowed her brows. "This happened because Alex helped us, right?" I gave a slight nod. She lowered her gaze. "Serena, I stopped you two before because I was afraid you and Alex would end up like me and Mr. Hastings Senior. The Hastings family's status is far too high for ordinary people like us. We can never truly fit in." I nodded. "Mom, I've always understood that." I had never blamed her for trying to keep us apart. I knew her concerns, and I knew that the divide between Alex and me wasn't just because of her objections. Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, I forced a smile. "I used to think I was special, that maybe we had a chance. But after everything that has happened, I see things clearly now. Mom, I just want a simple life with you. I don't long for anything else." Mom pulled me into her arms and sighed deeply. "Serena, I used to think you two were incompatible. But seeing how much Alex cares about you and how he always puts you first… I suddenly