<Till death do we part) Chapter 14
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Overnight, the reputation of Rylee, Jax, and even Jax’s company plummeted.
Sponsors dropped Rylee, demanding millions in compensation. Angry fans
besieged the hospital, throwing garbage at her. If Jax’s mother hadn’t sent
bodyguards to protect her, she would have had a miscarriage. Jax, known for
loving his fiancee, faced a backlash; sponsors and shareholders abandoned
Landry Corp. His affair showed that he could betray anyone. The company
teetered on the brink of collapse; Jax and his father worked frantically to save it.
All of this had nothing to do with Serenity. She was gone.
After faking her death, she settled in Italy under a new identity. Her new
name was Sera Evans. She used her inheritance and the money Jax had given her
to open a cafe.
“Sera,” a familiar voice sounded. Sera turned, delighted.“Liam! What are you
doing here?”
Liam smiled, ruffling her hair. She blushed. They had known each other for
a while, and she was still shy around him.
When she came to Italy, she was lost and didn’t know what to do. Liam had
helped her settle in, supporting her quietly. They became close, but she didn’t
agree to be with him. She couldn’t risk another heartbreak.
Liam understood. He treated her like a younger sister. He said that he’d
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always be there for her whether she was his girlfriend or not.
“You wanted hot pot, right? It’s ready. Let’s go to my place.”
Sera’s eyes lit up. She grabbed two bottles of homemade fruit wine and
locked up the cafe.
“I mentioned it once and you bear that in mind?” Hot pot ingredients weren’t
easy to find here. Liam smiled, opening the door.“Please.”
Sera blushed, changing her shoes. The aroma of hot pot filled the air. She
handed Liam the wine.
“I made it myself. Hope you like it.”
He smiled. “I’m so going to love it.”
Then, Sera’s alarm blared. She yelled from the bedroom, “Liam, come on! It’s
Aurora!”
They sprawled on the rug, gazing at the shimmering lights through the
skylight. The deep blue lights and soft green lights danced across the heavens, so
mesmerizing that stole their breath. Even after countless auroras, Sera was still
captivated.
Later that night, Sera was in Ethan’s guest room, scrolling through TikTok.
A video popped up.
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[Headline: Landry Corp’s former CEO, Jax Landry, resigned for personal
reasons; His half–brother Lance Cloud, takes the reins.]
Sera paused. Jax’s affair with Rylee had been all over the news when she left.
Landry Corp, a global conglomerate, had offices everywhere, even in Italy. The
scandal had tanked the stock, forcing the closure of many international branches,
including the Italian one.
Back then, she’d expected a feeling of triumph, given how much Jax had
hurt her. Instead, she felt nothing. Just… nothing. She swiped past the video,
feeling drowsy and
groggy.
The next morning, Liam had already made breakfast. After she ate, he
handed her an invitation.
“What’s this?” Sera asked.
“The Chinese here are going to hold a mid–autumn Festival party,” Liam
explained. “They sent invitations to everyone in town. It’s up to you, of course. I
just… figured you might like to get out and meet some people.” There was a hint
of self–reproach in his voice. He suddenly remembered that Sera preferred to
be alone.
Sera didn’t answer directly. Instead, she asked, “Will you go there?”
Liam shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. “I’m flexible.”
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Sera looked at the invitation, looking hesitant. She did enjoy being around
people, but she had been refusing to go to parties in order to keep a low profile.
Once she was photographed and posted on the internet, her fake death would be
in vain. And if anyone recognized her and shared it with Jax, her whole plan
would fail.
That was why her coffee shop was just a walk–up window; customers only
heard her voice, never saw her face.
She bit her lip with a look of apology on her face. “I’m so sorry, Liam, but I
can’t make it.”
Liam gave her an understanding smile. They talked for a while longer before
he drove her home.
On Mid–Autumn Festival, Sera ate the mooncakes Liam gave her, gazing at
the full moon. It had been ages since she’d spent the holiday alone. Before her
parents divorced, Mid–Autumn Festival was her favorite holiday besides
Christmas. Her dad, who lived overseas, would always fly home, and her mom
would cook a spectacular dinner. After she was with Jax, no matter how busy he
was he would spend this special day with her. Then, Rylee came up and the
tradition ended.
She wiped away her tears, finishing the last mooncake. As she stood to go to
bed, the doorbell rang. Liam stood on her porch.
