Chapter 3

"She lived with her grandmother after her adoptive parents passed away?"

"Started dating at nineteen and at twenty-one, her boyfriend's mother broke them up, causing a scene at school?"

"Even the neighbor's son was infatuated with her, got into a fight over her and nearly ended up in jail?"

Listening to the report, Damien chuckled.She was indeed a little vixen who knew how to charm men from a young age!

"Looks like my new wife has quite a colorful romantic history."

The assistant hesitated on the other end. "Mr. Damien, do you still want to marry Miss Vale?"

Damien squinted, holding the phone, his gaze turning thoughtful. "A little vixen is only wild because she hasn't met her match. Once she does, she'll settle down."

"......"

His thumb brushed against the kiss mark on his neck, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

Amidst the gazes of the crowd, the groom, standing tall, lifted the bride's veil. Their eyes met.

There was no tenderness or love in their gaze, only endless calculation and scheming.

As soon as the wedding ended, Serena was whisked away from the venue by Damien.

As she passed by Marcus and Katrina, wearing a brand-new spare wedding dress, she clearly saw Marcus's face twisted with anger.

She leaned closer to Damien, her smile growing even brighter.

It was the same room, the same bed.

Damien pressed Serena onto the dark sheets, her restless body writhing like a fish out of water.

And he was the butcher with a sharp knife, not granting her a swift end, but rather savoring her suffering, bit by bit.

"My beautiful wife, enjoy your wedding night."

Serey's eyes were wide, filled with unshed tears. Despite her cunning mind, she had an innocent face.

Damien found this both amusing and destructive. The hotel room had a large floor-to-ceiling window, through which the shimmering city lights ebbed and flowed like waves.

The dappled light and shadows flowed over their entwined bodies.

The room's atmosphere grew increasingly decadent and indulgent. Serena had always found it hard to resist Damien's charm and now that she could act on her desires openly, she was more than willing to indulge.

Tsk, tsk, he was definitely more exciting than that wimp Marcus!

After a night of passion, Serena woke up to the afternoon sun streaming through the window. Damien was already gone.

His assistant delivered a set of villa keys, a bank card and a perfectly fitting dress, without saying a word.

Surprisingly, Serena didn't ask any questions. By that afternoon, she had moved into Damien's villa as per the address provided.

For the next few days, she found herself alone in the spacious house, waiting in vain for Damien to return.

Instead, she saw her new husband splashed all over the tabloids, enjoying himself at a lavish beach party, surrounded by women.

Serena was lounging on the sofa, munching on an apple and scrolling through her phone, when it rang.

On the other end, Katrina's soft, pitying voice came through, "Sister, everyone is talking about Mr. Kade's escapades right after the wedding. You must be feeling awful, right? Mom asked me to tell you that we're family and I'm here to comfort you."

If she wanted to comfort her, it would be better to do it in person.

Vale family home, afternoon.

Serena walked in alone, her heels clicking on the floor. Her parents' faces twisted into sneers as soon as they saw her.

"Just married and your husband is already cozying up with another woman. Aren't you ashamed as his wife?"

"Not at all. There are plenty of thick-skinned people around. Some even sneak around with their sister's fiancé in the bridal suite. I have more than one video saved on my phone and yet, here she sits comfortably," Serena retorted sharply.

Katrina's face turned pale instantly. "Sister, you've misunderstood. There's nothing between me and Brother Marcus..."

"Rolling in the sheets so many times and still nothing between you?" Serena interrupted with a smile. "You're really open-minded. I can't compete with that!"

"Enough!”

Chris, who had been silent until now, couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed an ashtray and hurled it at Serena.

Even though she dodged in time, a sharp piece of glass still grazed her, leaving a trickle of blood on her forehead.

"We should never have listened to the old lady and brought you back! If it weren't for you, Marcus and our Katrina would be married by now. So what if we gave birth to you? To us, you're an ungrateful wretch. Even if you've climbed up to Damien, so what? Does he treat you as his wife? He's still out there partying!"

“Serena, you've brought nothing but shame to the Vale family. You're a disgrace!"

The insults pounded against Serena's already numb heart. She remained unfazed, even managing a smile.

"You're right. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. If you want to blame someone, blame your own bad genes. If you're so angry, maybe you should just end it all."

With that, she turned and walked out of the Vale family home, leaving behind her parents' curses. She remained indifferent as she left, but once she got into her car, her shoulders finally slumped.

Just then, her best friend called, saying she saw some gossip on the news and asked if she wanted to go out for drinks.

Serena had no objections and hit the gas, arriving at the bar in less than twenty minutes.

…

After a few rounds at the bar, Serena said she needed to use the restroom but was stopped midway by a tall figure.

Her eyes were a bit hazy, but once she saw who it was, she sobered up instantly and took a step back. "What are you doing here? Get lost!"

"So, you and my uncle are just doing your own thing. Just a few days into your marriage, he's off at some fancy party with beauties and you're here at the bar flirting with guys," Marcus said with a lazy smirk.

The first time she saw Marcus, she thought he looked okay, but after meeting the stunning Damien, Marcus seemed downright unattractive to her.

She frowned and muttered under her breath,"I'd flirt with anyone but you."