Filed to story: Second Chance Mafia Bride Drama Novel
“It’s dinnertime,” she reminded him gently, one hand resting on the doorframe.
Nicholas glanced at his watch, finally recalling his promise.
“That’s my mistake. I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright! That’s why I came to get you myself!” Serena grinned and, before Logan could react, rushed over to push Nicholas’s wheelchair.
Logan started to protest, but as Nicholas didn’t object, he quietly retreated.
Back in the dining room-
Mary’s expression shifted when she saw that Serena had actually managed to bring Mr. Salerno down with her.
Nicholas noticed the dinner already laid out on the table. “Next time, there’s no need to come up for me yourself. You can start eating, and just have one of the staff let me know.”
Serena shot Mary a sly look. “I did ask Mary to call you, but she said you were busy and wouldn’t be joining us.”
Mary’s heart skipped a beat.
Feeling Nicholas’s gaze on her, she rushed to explain, “I thought I’d called him… Maybe I was mistaken. Ah, I suppose my memory isn’t what it used to be…”
Serena’s voice was clear and melodic as she replied, “I must’ve overlooked that. Next time, let’s have someone else handle it, Mary, so we don’t miss out on dinner together again!”
She tugged Nicholas’s hand playfully, her tone sweet and teasing. “Right, darling?”
The unexpected endearment made Nicholas freeze for a moment, but he didn’t pull away from her delicate hand on his arm.
For a second, he seemed distracted, barely glancing at Mary before murmuring, “Yes, you’re right.”
Mary could hardly contain her frustration.
It was just a minor issue-why was Serena acting as if she’d suffered some terrible wrong? And Mr. Salerno was indulging her!
Seeing Mary’s sour look, Serena shot her a triumphant smile.
After dinner, Thomas arrived.
In addition to being Nicholas’s trusted assistant, Thomas also served as his physician.
As Serena returned to her room, she came upon Thomas and Alice standing outside the master bedroom. Alice was holding a medical kit.
Thomas was explaining to Alice the steps to take when changing Nicholas’s bandages.
Serena’s eyes narrowed instantly.
Changing bandages? Nicholas had a wife right here-why did he need anyone else?
Noticing her approach, Alice straightened her back and flashed a challenging smile, deliberately showing off the kit in her hand.
“Ma’am, if you want to talk, you’ll have to wait. I’m in a hurry-Mr. Salerno needs his dressing changed.”
With that, Alice stepped toward the door.
But in a flash, the medical kit was gone from her hands-Serena had taken it.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Alice’s smile vanished.
Serena replied calmly, “I appreciate your concern, but you don’t need to worry about the bandages. I’ll take care of it.”
“And why should you?” Alice’s tone sharpened.
Serena smiled, as if the answer were obvious. “Why? Because of my relationship with Mr. Salerno. With me here, is there any need for you?”
Ignoring Alice’s sour expression, Serena swept into the room.
Inside, Nicholas had just stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a robe that left his toned chest partly exposed. The sight made Serena’s mind involuntarily replay last night’s events, and her ears flushed pink.
He looked surprised to see her. “You?”
That single word snapped Serena out of her reverie, leaving her oddly deflated. Why couldn’t it be her? Who was he expecting-Alice? The thought annoyed her even more, especially remembering that if she hadn’t arrived in time, Alice would be in here now.
“…I came to change your bandages,” she said, trying to sound matter-of-fact.
Nicholas hesitated. “You don’t have to do this. You should rest. Let someone else handle it.”
“Who else?” The words slipped out before she could stop them. Realizing her tone was sharper than intended, she quickly composed herself. “I’m your wife. Who could be more suitable than me?” Even though they hadn’t gotten their marriage license yet-thanks to his injury-it was only a matter of time. She jutted her chin, feigning confidence. “I insist on helping you.”
Nicholas was momentarily speechless. He’d only meant to spare her the sight of his ugly wound, not wanting to frighten her. But faced with her stubbornness, he found himself strangely at a loss.
“All right then. Come here.”
His injury was on his right calf. When Serena carefully unwrapped the old bandage, the wound looked jagged and raw.
Her hands trembled slightly.
Nicholas glanced down at her, his expression unreadable. He asked quietly, “Does it scare you?”
“No,” Serena said, keeping her head down as she reached for the antiseptic. Her voice was muffled. “I just… I was thinking how much it must hurt.”
She’d seen worse wounds before-this didn’t frighten her. It just made her heart ache for him.
Nicholas looked startled, clearly not expecting that answer.
“It doesn’t hurt,” he replied, his voice rough.
She didn’t believe him for a second.
With gentle, practiced care, she cleaned and re-bandaged the injury, finally exhaling in relief when it was done.
“All finished. You should get some rest,” Nicholas said softly.
She nodded, gathered the medical supplies, and quietly left the room.
When she stepped into the hallway, she found Alice still waiting outside, shooting her a resentful glare.
Serena’s spirits sank again. “Why are you still here?”
“Mr. Salerno specifically asked me to change his dressing!” Alice said indignantly.
Serena paused. “He asked you?”
“Who else would he ask?” Alice huffed. “So what if you stole my chance? Didn’t he send you out the moment you finished?”
Serena lowered her gaze and didn’t answer, brushing past Alice to return to her own room.
The next morning, Nicholas made a rare appearance at breakfast.
But Serena was still in a funk. She sat at the table, listless and quiet a far cry from her usual lively self. Nicholas noticed something was off right away.
“Who upset you?” he asked.