Filed to story: Second Chance Mafia Bride Drama Novel
Just as the awkwardness peaked, Nicholas came downstairs.
He greeted Lady, then paused when he saw Serena’s flushed cheeks. “Are you feeling alright?”
“…I’m fine.”
His gaze only made her blush deepen.
Lady, unable to hide her amusement at her grandson’s concern, laughed. “I was just telling Serena it’s time you two gave me a little one. Nicholas, you’re not getting any younger.”
More than that, she worried for him-who knew what the future held? If he left them too soon, at least she would have a child to remember him by.
A child…
Nicholas glanced at Serena. She was clearly embarrassed, her shyness a far cry from her earlier boldness. Now, she just kept her head down, refusing to meet his eyes.
He looked away, his expression unreadable. “Grandma, Sere’s still young.”
Lady’s face fell, just a little. “… You’re right,” she murmured.
Nineteen was far too young to have a child.
But how much time did her grandson have left?
A dull ache crept into Lady’s heart, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it out loud.
Serena noticed the shadow flicker across Lady’s face. She hesitated, then waited until Lady had left the room before turning to Nicholas. “Your illness-I can cure it. I won’t let you die!”
Nicholas blinked, stunned by her sudden declaration. After a moment, he managed a small, wry smile and gently ruffled her hair, saying nothing.
She could tell he didn’t believe her. Anxious, she grabbed his hand and insisted, “I’m serious! I just… I don’t have the right medicine yet, that’s all.”
She sounded so certain, but it was impossible to take her seriously.
Everyone knew her mother, Cecilia, was a gifted healer. But everyone also knew Serena herself was a notorious academic slacker-just barely scraped into Kingsbridge University by sheer luck, and no one had ever heard her claim any medical knowledge.
Now she was saying she could cure Nicholas’s illness-something every renowned doctor had failed to do? Who could believe that?
Even Logan, after spending some time with her and realizing she wasn’t quite as useless as the rumors claimed, couldn’t swallow this one.
He sighed inwardly. To cheer up Mr. Salerno, Lady Serena was willing to say just about anything-even spin tall tales no one could possibly believe.
“Have you studied medicine?” Nicholas asked dryly.
Serena heard the evasion in his tone. Her bravado deflated in an instant, replaced by crushing disappointment.
He didn’t believe her at all.
Who would?
That was why she’d kept it to herself; she’d planned to wait until her mother’s Green Thumbs Botanical Research Institute produced the critical ingredient she needed, then prove herself.
Fine. Sooner or later, she’d make him believe in her for real.
That night, just before bed, Serena remembered the backup phone hidden in her drawer. Her eyes darkened as she picked it up.
Damien had sent over a dozen messages. She couldn’t even muster the energy to read them. With a swipe, she deleted the entire thread, then blocked his number without hesitation.
Thinking of Damien, the lying cheat, brought a bitter taste to her mouth. She remembered how, in her previous life, she’d been young and foolish, led on by his sweet words, showering him with gifts and affection-what a waste.
Even a jerk like Damien had received gifts from her. How could her own husband not have something from her?
The idea struck, and the next morning, she was up early, dressed and ready to go, dragging Fiona along.
Fiona was the honest, quiet maid who had bravely exposed Alice’s scheme the day before. Serena had even helped her secure a two-month bonus from Nicholas as a reward.
When Nicholas spotted her heading out, he asked, “Where are you going?” Serena stumbled over her words, “Just…shopping. I need some clothes.”
She couldn’t exactly say she was out to buy him a gift-it was supposed to be a surprise! And besides, she really did need new clothes, so it was the perfect cover.
Little did she know, while she secretly congratulated herself on her cunning, Nicholas had already seen right through her flimsy excuse.
His eyes darkened slightly. He said nothing, simply handed her a card. “Get whatever you want.”
Serena stared, momentarily at a loss for words. She recognized the card instantly: his secondary credit card, with no spending limit. He’d given her one in her previous life as well, though she’d never dared use it.
“Thank you, Hubby!” she beamed, taking it happily.
From now on, she thought, she’d officially joined the ranks of wives with husbands who gave them spending money!
-Of course, when it came to buying a gift for her husband, she’d still use her own funds!
She skipped out the door, Fiona in tow, not noticing the blank look in Nicholas’s eyes as he watched her leave. He turned and headed upstairs in silence.
At the mall, Serena wandered into a men’s accessories store, torn over what to buy.
Tie? Tie clip? Belt? Or maybe a watch?
Suddenly, a pair of cufflinks caught her eye. She lit up and was about to go over when-
“Serena! Is that you?” A sharp, surprised voice rang out behind her.
She turned, eyes narrowing at once.
Delia Lockwood. Rubina’s cousin.
Delia wasn’t alone; she’d brought an entourage. As she caught sight of Serena, a flash of subtle disdain crossed her face. Wasting no time, she led her little group straight over.
“It’s been ages, hasn’t it? I heard you got married? Who’d you marry, huh? Why’s it all so hush-hush? Don’t tell me your hubby’s someone you can’t bring out in public?”
Delia’s words dripped with malice and smug curiosity.
Of course she didn’t know Serena had married Nicholas. Serena wasn’t the least bit surprised by that-Delia’s family had never been invited to any of the Greco parties, and Rubina, who did know, always hated to see Serena in the spotlight. There was no chance Rubina would let Delia know the truth.
Rubina probably wished everyone thought Serena had ended up with some nobody, someone utterly beneath her.
“Running your mouth like that didn’t your parents ever teach you any manners?” Serena shot back, not bothering to hide her disdain.
Delia’s eyes went wide. “What did you just say?”
“I said you’re a brat with no upbringing.”
“You-you dare talk to me like that?!” Delia sputtered, her face flushing with anger.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Serena almost laughed. She honestly couldn’t understand where Delia’s sense of superiority came from.
Delia’s father was Nora’s little brother. Back in the day, he’d been so poor he couldn’t afford a wedding, so he’d married into his wife’s family and taken her last name. That’s why Delia didn’t share the Sinclair surname.
The Sinclairs had originally lived in a tiny house out in the sticks. Nora couldn’t even afford school tuition until she met Serena’s mother. After they became close friends, the Grecos’ help turned Nora’s whole family’s fortunes around. They paid off their debts, moved into the city, bought a house and a car. Nora even got a scholarship from Serena’s mother to study abroad and came back with a sparkling new degree.
Even Delia’s dad, Julian Sinclair-a middle school dropout who used to run with the wrong crowd-managed to get a little company of his own, all thanks to Serena’s mother’s help.
