Chapter 2: Five Years Later

The heavy rain chilled me to the bone, but it couldn't compare to the coldness in my heart.

I walked until my feet blistered. I found a small motel and collapsed onto the bed. I curled up, hugging my stomach protectively.

"I will survive," I whispered into the dark room. "For you two."

The next day, I contacted my best friend in France. I used the little savings I had left to buy a one-way ticket.

Before boarding the plane, I looked at the city one last time.

Jackson thought he had destroyed me. But he was wrong. Fire doesn't destroy a phoenix; it makes it reborn.

---

Five Years Later.

New York International Airport. The VIP arrival gate.

Reporters were swarming the area, their cameras flashing non-stop.

"Is she coming out?"
"I heard the mysterious jewelry designer, 'Vera', is finally returning to the country!"
"She is the legend of the fashion world. No one knows her real face, but her designs sell for millions!"

The automatic doors slid open.

Click! Click! Click!

A woman stepped out. She wore a tailored red trench coat that accentuated her slender figure. Big sunglasses covered half of her porcelain face, but her red lips curved into a confident, slightly arrogant smile.

It was me. Serenity.

Or as the world knew me now—Vera.

"Mommy! Wait for us!"

Two childish voices rang out from behind me. The reporters were stunned. Vera has kids?

I turned around and softened my gaze. Two adorable five-year-olds were running towards me.

One was a girl with curly hair and big, bright eyes, dressed like a princess. That was Mia.
The other was a boy with cool, sharp features, wearing a mini suit. He had a poker face that matched his father’s perfectly. That was Alex.

"Mia, slow down. Alex, hold your sister's hand," I said, crouching down to hug them.

"Mommy, are we finally going to see the city where you grew up?" Mia asked, blinking her curious eyes.

"Yes, baby," I smiled, though a shadow crossed my heart. This city held too many memories.

I hadn't planned to return. But my design company was expanding, and I had to attend the Grand Gala tonight as the guest of honor.

"Mommy, I need to use the bathroom!" Alex said, his face tightening.

I chuckled. For all his coolness, he was still a kid. "Okay, go to the men's room over there. Be careful. I'll wait here with Mia."

Alex nodded and marched towards the restroom like a little soldier.

I adjusted my sunglasses, trying to ignore the whispers of the crowd.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the VIP exit on the other side. A group of bodyguards in black suits cleared a path.

A man walked through the crowd. He was tall, exuding an aura of absolute power and dominance. He wore a handmade Italian suit that screamed wealth.

My breath hitched.

Even after five years, even with sunglasses on, I recognized him instantly.

Jackson.

He looked colder and sharper than before. He was talking on his phone, his brow furrowed in impatience.

I quickly turned my back, pulling Mia close to me. Not now. I can't let him see me now.

"Mommy, who is that handsome uncle?" Mia asked innocently, pointing a chubby finger at Jackson.

"No one," I whispered. "Just a stranger."

Meanwhile, in the men's restroom.

Alex washed his hands and reached for a paper towel, but it was too high. He jumped a few times but couldn't reach it.

Suddenly, a large hand reached out and pulled a towel for him.

"Here," a deep, magnetic voice said.

Alex looked up. He saw a tall man looking down at him.

Jackson stared at the little boy. For some reason, his heart skipped a beat. This boy... those eyes... that nose...

Why did this child look so familiar? It was like looking into a mirror from twenty years ago.

"Thank you, sir," Alex said politely but coldly. He didn't smile.

Jackson was amused. Most kids were scared of his cold aura, but this little guy was calm. "Where are your parents, kid?"

"My mommy is outside," Alex replied. "She is the most beautiful woman in the world."

"And your daddy?" Jackson asked, a strange curiosity taking over him.

Alex's face darkened slightly. He straightened his little suit.

"My mommy says my daddy died five years ago. He went to a far away place called 'Hell'."

Jackson was stunned.

Before he could say anything else, Alex nodded and walked out of the restroom.

Jackson stood there, frozen. That feeling... it was unsettling.

Outside, I grabbed Alex as soon as he came out.

"Let's go," I said, putting my arms around both of them. "The car is waiting."

We hurried towards the exit, passing right by Jackson just as he stepped out of the restroom.

We were only meters apart.

He stopped. He turned his head sharply, looking at my retreating back. The familiar scent of vanilla perfume drifted into his nose.

"Serenity?" he muttered to the air, his eyes widening in shock.

But when he looked again, I was already gone, disappearing into the black limousine.