Chapter 0590
Serenity entered the house, careful not to make any noise, ant she didn’t expect to find her mother waiting for her in the foyer.
“Serenity, sweetheart, can we talk?” Valerie asked softly.
“Hi, Mom… I’m really tired. Can it wait until tomorrow?”
“No, darling, we need to talk tonight.”
Serenity sighed deeply and hodded. She had been trying to avoid this moment all day, knowing it would be a difficult conversation. That was precisely why she had stayed out until late, hoping to delay the inevitable.
“Will you come with me to your father’s study?”
“Fine, let’s go.” Serenity replied reluctantly.
Once inside, Valerie closed the door and exhaled heavily, as if preparing herself for what was to come. “Serenity, I know you’ve noticed what’s happening here. Your father isn’t home, and I want to thank you for helping me this morning. I know things will settle down soon,” Valerie began, her tone conciliatory.
“Mom, I’m trying not to take sides. But if I’m honest, it hurts to see what’s happening and, even more, to understand why.”
“Serenity, honey…”
“Mom, yes, I avoided coming home today. Not because I don’t love being here, but because I didn’t want to walk into a situation like the one you’re putting me in.”
“Sweetheart… That was never my intention.”
“I know, Mom! Believe me, I know!”
“Serenity, I don’t know how much you’ve realized, but your father and I are taking some time apart. There’s been a lot of emotion lately. We don’t want our differences to affect the babies, which is why your father went to Frederick’s house.”
“Mom, I’m not a fool. I know perfectly well that Dad is staying with Frederick. But these ‘differences‘ you claim. you’re having have a name and a surname–Peter Palmer. Am I wrong?
“Who told you that?” Valerie asked, her face pale.
“Nobody, Mom. I’m not a child anymore. Don’t treat me like one. I know Peter came here and stirred something in you. I’m sorry for what you’re going through, but I feel sorry for Dad too. He doesn’t deserve this. He’s been here for us for so long, while Peter… where has he been? I have nothing against him, but if I have to take a side, you should know–I’ll choose my father.”
“Serenity…1…”
“Yes, Mom. I’ve noticed how your face has changed. You used to seem happy with this life, but now… it scares me. It’s like you’re no longer comfortable with it. Marcus has given us so much. He’s helped you become the woman you are today. I won’t take credit away from you–you’ve built yourself up–but he’s supported you every step of the way. I’m proud of you, Mom. But that doesn’t mean I’ll agree with everything you do.”
Serenity, let me explain. You don’t understand what I’m going through. Peter is a painful part of my past. He’s the man I once loved madly…”
Chapter 0590
+25 BONUS
“And what about Maximus? Didn’t you love him madly too?”
“Maximus is part of my past… He was a piece of my youth and inexperience.”
“Mom! I am the product of that!”
“Serenity, I didn’t mean it like that…”
“Don’t, Mom. Just stop. It’s clear even you don’t know what you’re feeling I don’t want to argue with you, but I’ll tell you one thing–figure out your feelings or you’ll lose Dad over something foolish.”
“Serenity! This is not foolishness!”
“It is, Mom. Out of respect for you, I won’t say more, but you should know–I won’t support you. I love you, you’re my mother, but if you want me to take a side, it won’t be yours.”
With that, Serenity walked out of the study and headed to her room, her thoughts swirling. Everything felt so confusing. How had her family reached this breaking point? At what moment had it all fallen apart?
She collapsed onto her bed and began to cry. It was rare for her to let herself cry, but tonight was an exception. She felt like a lost little girl. She didn’t know how to bring things back to normal. Her mother’s pain hurt her, her father’s absence hurt her, and John’s confusion hurt her too.
After several minutes, exhaustion overtook her, and she fell asleep. Around midnight, she woke up, guilt gnawing at her for the harsh words she had said to her mother. She wanted to go find her and apologize, but she held back
Moments later, her phone buzzed with a message from Maximus:
[Thank you, Serenity! Thank you for being there for your brothers. I can’t thank you enough. Today, I felt so proud when Maurice said you’re part of the family. I want you to know–you truly are!]
The message arrived at just the right moment, when she felt most lost. Despite herself, it made her smile, and tears welled up again.
After reading the message, she got up, took a long shower, and returned to bed, feeling a little lighter but still carrying the weight of everything on her shoulders.
