Filed to story: Second Chance Mafia Bride Drama Novel
How could they both be so thoughtless? Did it never occur to them what serious consequences might follow if they provoked Mr. Salerno?
Debby opened her mouth to protest again, but the look in her husband’s eyes made her falter. Forcing herself to stay quiet, she glanced at her son shivering in the pool. Eyes red, she looked away, unable to bear the sight, her heart filling with bitter hatred for Serena.
Serena caught the venom in Debby’s glare and let out a cold, inward laugh.
She remembered Debby all too well.
In her previous life, Debby had always looked down on her-never thinking she was good enough for Damien-yet she’d had no problem accepting every benefit Serena offered.
Because she loved Damien, Serena had never dared to stand up for herself. She couldn’t begin to count the indignities she’d endured from Debby.
Seeing Debby’s current misery, she felt nothing but satisfaction.
But this this was only the beginning.
Every grievance she’d suffered in her past life, she would reclaim with interest in this one. She just hoped Mrs. Salerno would be able to handle it when the time came.
She glanced at the pool. Elder Mrs. Salerno was sobbing and pleading, but nobody was paying her any attention.
Rubina’s voice was hoarse from shouting. Finally, she seemed to give up-or maybe she just didn’t have the strength to keep begging-floating limply in the water, her once-flawless makeup a smeared mess.
Damien had tried to climb out and catch his breath, but one of the bodyguards at the edge had shoved him mercilessly back into the pool.
All three of them were dripping with sweat and looked so bedraggled that it seemed any one of them might pass out at any moment.
Those high-and-mighty society ladies who’d been so arrogant before were now begging for mercy too.
Barry wouldn’t let Debby plead their case, but seeing his son and mother suffering, he couldn’t help himself. Forcing a sycophantic smile, he ventured cautiously, “Mr. Salerno, Mrs. Salerno, perhaps you’d consider letting them out soon? The party still has to go on, after all.”
“They can come out when I’m good and ready,” Serena replied coolly. “The party can continue without them. Or are you worried, Mr. Salerno? Do you think perhaps I-or Mr. Salerno-am being too harsh on your mother and son?”
Sweat broke out on Barry’s forehead and he shook his head quickly. “No, not at all! Not at all!”
He snuck a glance at Mr. Salerno, who showed no sign of displeasure, apparently content to let Serena do as she pleased. Barry’s unease only deepened, a sick feeling settling in his stomach.
He knew all about Damien’s schemes with Serena-he’d orchestrated much of it himself. Getting close to her, tricking her out of valuable things, it had been his idea from the start.
He’d never worried before-Serena had no family left, no one to stand up for her. Even if things went wrong, who would take her side?
Who could have guessed she’d end up here?
Not only had she married into Rosewood Manor, but it seemed Mr. Salerno was actually quite taken with her.
If the truth ever came out…
Even the thought sent a chill down his spine.
“I’m sorry our private matters have delayed the festivities,” Serena said, sweeping her gaze over the assembled guests. “Let’s not let it interrupt the evening. Please, everyone, carry on.”
The guests, who had been holding their breath like nervous schoolchildren caught misbehaving, finally found their voices. They hurried to plaster on smiles and assured, “No, not at all.”
Gradually, the lively chatter returned to the grand hall, but the atmosphere had shifted. People still spoke and laughed, yet their glances kept drifting-almost involuntarily toward that side of the room.
Mr. Salerno.
Even seated in his wheelchair and rarely uttering a word, the man radiated such a commanding presence that you could feel the intensity from across the room. His aura was so formidable, people unconsciously lowered their voices as if afraid to disturb him.
And Serena-she’d suddenly become the talk of every woman in attendance.
Who would have guessed? Not long ago, she’d been the object of their ridicule, someone everyone looked down on. Now, she was the one they envied, the one they desperately wanted to befriend.
After all, this was Mr. Salerno. The same man they’d all gossiped about- marrying into Rosewood Manor was supposed to be a tragedy, wasn’t it? But really, who among them didn’t secretly wish it was their own fate?
Even if the rumors were true-even if he wouldn’t live past thirty-marrying him meant a life of luxury and endless advantages.
And those whispers about him being old and hideous? All lies. In person, Mr. Salerno was more striking and magnetic than any celebrity.
The party drew to a close amid this strange, electric tension.
It was only then that Serena seemed to remember something. She strolled over to the poolside, feigning surprise as she called out, “Oh dear, did I forget about you all? I’m so sorry!”
Those stranded in the water, who had been clinging to hope for rescue, were nearly moved to tears with relief-until they heard her words. Their elation turned instantly to fury.
Rubina and Damien, utterly exhausted, couldn’t hold on any longer. Just before passing out, Rubina managed to crawl to the edge, grabbing Serena’s ankle with the last of her strength, her breath ragged and eyes blazing with accusation.
“Serena! Did you… did you do this on purpose?”
Serena put on her most innocent, bewildered look and gazed down at her. “What? Of course not! I just saw you now, Rubina. How did you end up in there? Were you careless? You really ought to watch your step.”
“You-!” Rubina’s eyes rolled back as she fainted away, though whether it was from the heat or sheer indignation was anyone’s guess.
With a little flick of her foot, Serena shook Rubina’s hand off her ankle, then turned away with a light heart and returned to Nicholas’s side. “Let’s go home, darling!”
As they left, chaos erupted among the Salernos over Damien’s collapse.
Debby, eyes brimming with tears, was frantically directing people as they carried Damien inside.
As Serena passed by, she paused deliberately, casting a glance at Damien’s unconscious form. With a tone of sincere concern, she said, “I do hope he pulls through. Wouldn’t want him to die just yet.”
After all, she wasn’t finished settling the score. If he died now, it would be far too easy on him.
Debby paled at such ominous words, her face drained of color. “You-!” Serena shot her a sidelong look, her lips curving into a smile that never reached her eyes. “Take care of yourself too, Mrs. Salerno.”
Though her words sounded caring, the chill behind them was unmistakable.
Watching Debby, trembling yet unable to voice her anger, Serena walked away with a spring in her step.
She rejoined Nicholas, her voice sweet as honey. “Let’s go, darling!”
But Nicholas didn’t look pleased. His expression was unreadable, his mood impossible to guess, and something about his silence made her uneasy.
“Darling?” Serena ventured, watching him carefully.
“Do you like Damien?”
Serena froze, caught completely off guard.
“Who told you that?” She glanced away, suddenly nervous, anxiety twisting in her chest.
“So it’s true?”
If it was true-if she really liked someone else then why was she always so good to him? Was it pity? Compassion? Or was she after his power?
Serena sensed danger in the air. Without missing a beat, she blurted, “Of course not! Who’s spreading rumors about me?!”
She dropped to one knee beside him, clinging to the armrest and wrapping her arms around his. Tilting her face up, she gazed at him with wide, earnest eyes.
“Darling, you’re the only one I care about! Damien? He’s not even worth a second thought! Who told you such nonsense? Someone must be slandering me-you can’t believe that for a second!”
Nicholas’s expression didn’t budge. He looked down at her, his eyes unreadable. “But you and he seemed pretty close.”