Seraphina

Seraphina

“Calm down, Seraphina… breathe.”

I gripped the cool marble sink until my knuckles went white.

My reflection stared back at me—composed, flawless.

No one could see the storm raging beneath my skin.

Fate had a cruel sense of humor. Out of all the cities in the world, it dragged Dominic Montgomery back into my life.

I had smiled through the introduction. Smiled while my chest burned.

Pretending was second nature now—but even masks crack under pressure. Jaxson’s call had saved me.

I fled before Dominic could say another word.

I was fixing my lipstick when the bathroom door swung open.

Natalia.

Her heels clicked against the floor like a warning.

“Seraphina?” she drawled. “Or should I say… Serah?” She laughed, sharp and venomous.

I picked up my clutch, ready to leave. But she continued blabbering.

“How pathetic. Do you really think playing an actress will make Dominic want you back?”

“Are you that afraid of losing him?” I turned slowly, a cold smile curving my lips. “With a face like yours, insecurity really suits you.”

Her fingers clenched. “You’re nothing compared to me,” she snapped, flashing her diamond ring under the lights. “We’re getting married.”

“Relax,” I said calmly. “No one’s trying to steal your future husband. I’ll do my job and disappear—just like you want.”

Her smile vanished.

She grabbed my shoulder. “Work? I’ll snatch that movie away from you before the cameras even roll.”

“When we were kids, you always wanted my toys,” I said, looking her dead in the eye. “I already gave you the biggest toy I ever owned. You can keep him.”

“You bitch!” Natalia raised her hand to slap me.

I was faster. I caught her wrist mid-air, my grip like iron. She struggled, but she couldn't move.

“It would take less than a second to break this arm,” I whispered against her ear. “Touch me again, and you’ll regret it.”

I shoved her away like dirt and walked out.

The moment I stepped back into the hall, I felt it.

His gaze.

Dominic stood across the room, speaking to the director—but his eyes were locked on me.Dark and intense.

I turned toward the exit.

He intercepted me before I reached the car.

“Seraphina.”

His voice hit like a memory I never asked for.

“Mr. Montgomery,” I said coolly. His brows knit at the title. It was no longer Dominic. “If you have business matters, contact my agency.”

He grabbed my wrist.

“Stop acting,” he said low. “You signed the divorce papers and vanished. Why are you back now?”

I felt a flash of rage, but I kept my face like stone.

“Mr. Montgomery, your calendar seems stuck in 2019. It’s 2024 now. I suggest you help your fiancée understand that, too.” I yanked my hand back. “Let’s keep this professional.”

I pulled my hand free. “Let’s keep this professional.”

I didn’t wait for his answer.

Inside the car, I stared straight ahead as the door closed. In the rearview mirror, I saw him standing alone under the lights—powerful, furious, watching me leave.

The next morning, my face was everywhere.

THE DIAMOND OF ITALY RETURNS.

As I flipped through the papers, something made my breath hitch.

In almost every photo—Dominic stood in the background.

Watching me. Like a predator.

"You're everywhere, Sera. The city loves you," Jaxson said, walking into the room.

"Thanks, Jax. But I’ve changed my mind," I said, my voice firm. "I want to quit. Call off the project. Tell Mr. Enzo I’m done."

“It was Mr. Enzo’s dream project. He chose you because he believes you.” Jaxson winked.

He knew My godfather more than me. But I was helpless.

"I just don't get it. People would kill for this role. Why run?" He put a hand on my shoulder.

I couldn't tell him the truth. Seeing Dominic last night made me realize how much Noah looked like him.

My children were more important than any movie.

I would rather protect them than have a prestigious award.

"Even Dominic Montgomery tried to replace you," Jaxson added, picking up the paper. "But Mr. Enzo refused to budge."

"He tried to fire me?" I asked, my heart stinging.

"He wanted a supermodel from his own agency for the lead," Jaxson explained. "It looks like he bought the production company just to give the role to Natalia."

I let out a dry laugh. He was willing to buy an entire company just for her. He really thought he could bend the world to his will.

"If you quit now, people will think you're a coward," Jaxson warned. "They’ll say your success in Italy was just luck."

I looked at him. Jaxson had been my rock for four years. I owed him, and I owed Mr. Enzo.

"You're right," I sighed, taking a sip of my coffee. "I won't let him ruin my reputation."

Just then, Noah and Noelle burst into the room. They looked adorable in their new purple and white school uniforms. It was their first day of kindergarten.

"Mommy! Are you taking us to school?" they shouted.

Guilt washed over me.

I had to stay and study the script. "Darlings, Aunt Joanna will take you today. I promise I’ll take you tomorrow."

I watched them leave, feeling a pang in my heart. I sat back down to focus on my work, but then my phone buzzed with a new message.

My blood turned to ice as I read the words on the screen.