Chapter 3: A Different World

Serena's pov

​Cole guided me upstairs, his hand resting gently against the small of my back. He led me into an ensuite bedroom that was absolutely beautiful, centered around a stunning four-poster bed.

​"If you don't mind, I would like to freshen up... and I do need to get back home," I said, looking around at my luxurious surroundings. I walked over to the large, floor-length windows. This room wasn't facing the beach, but instead looked out over the bustling coastal roads lined with sophisticated boutique shops and designer stores.

​"Home?" Cole repeated, looking at me, completely confused. The word seemed entirely foreign to him now that he had found me. He shook it off quickly. "Okay, here's what we'll do. Freshen up first. There should be new robes and towels in the bathroom, and we'll talk afterward."

​I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. The warm water felt incredible against my skin. I had felt so grubby and scruffy, even more so standing in the middle of his pristine, luxurious estate.

​While I was washing away the sand, Cole must have left the room to freshen up in another part of the house. When I walked back out into the bedroom, he looked absolutely striking. He had changed into a sharp, tailored suit, and his blond curls were still damp from his own shower. I couldn't help but stare at how the fabric stretched perfectly over his wide, powerful chest.

​He caught me looking. A slow, playful teasing smile spread across his lips. I quickly smiled back, my face instantly growing warm with shyness.

​Suddenly, there was a firm knock on the door. Cole went over, speaking to someone briefly in the hallway before returning to the room. He carried a tray over to the table by the window, setting down my breakfast along with a second cup of coffee, presumably for him.

​His phone began to vibrate again. He pulled it out and dialed a contact. While he was talking, I sat down at the table and stared out the window at the high-end shops below. I picked up my croissant and took a small bite.

​"Yes, okay... hold on a minute," Cole said into the receiver, pulling the phone away from his ear. He looked over at me. "Babe, what's your dress size?"

​I frowned slightly, completely caught off guard, but I told him anyway.

​Cole immediately spoke back into the phone. "Okay. Bring every color they have."

​I sat there, sipping my coffee wrapped in the plush robe, feeling a little overwhelmed by how fast he was moving. In my mind, this was still a temporary stop. I was fully planning on putting my old beach clothes back on and heading right back to my regular life.

​After finishing my small breakfast, I went back into the bathroom and reluctantly pulled the wrinkled clothes I had arrived in back over my clean skin.

​When I stepped out, Cole's eyes dropped to my outfit, his brow furrowing into a deep frown.

​I deliberately ignored his disapproval and braced myself. "Cole, I really have to get home. Thanks... thanks for everything."

​I turned, taking a step toward the bedroom door.

​"Serena." Cole's voice was a soft command as he reached out, his hand gently catching mine to stop me. "Please. I know you are eager to leave, but please, at least let's have a talk first. Let's lay our cards out on the table, so to speak. I've just found you. You are my fated mate. We belong together."

"I know... but I need to leave. Just give me some time," I pleaded.

​And with that, I slipped my hand out of his grip and took off out of the bedroom, almost stumbling over my own feet as I reached the door.

​"Serena!" he called out after me, his powerful Alpha voice echoing down the hall.

​I didn't look back. I practically flew down the winding staircase, my heart hammering against my ribs. I didn't stop until I burst through the front doors of the grand house and out into the crisp morning air. But as I hurried down the hillside path, I ran straight into a wall of pure hostility.

​I came face-to-face with Maisey.

​"I see you couldn't wait to leave," she sneered, blocking my path for a fraction of a second. She looked me up and down with absolute contempt.

"Perhaps next time, you'll wear something a little more suitable." My panic instantly flared into anger.

"Perhaps you'll mind your own business!" I darted back sharply, pushing past her before hurrying down the rest of the hillside path toward the beach.

Once my feet hit the sand, I risked a quick glance over my shoulder. Good. Cole wasn't following me.

I got back to my cottage in record time. I changed into something more comfortable and put what I had been wearing into the washing machine.

​As it started, I went over the past day's events-from saving the man in the water to meeting my fated mate, Cole. He seemed kind, even with that typical Alpha style of wanting to control and sort everything out. And, of course, he was very attractive.

​But can I trust a man again? This is so soon after Malcolm, and I still have loose ends with him. Knowing him, he is actively looking for me. A shudder went down my spine at the thought.

​I had saved every bit of money I could to get here. We were together for four years, having married within months of meeting. Back then, he was ever so charming; I never believed he would turn into a monster, but his mask had slipped.

He would beat me if I didn't do things the way he wanted-simple things like forgetting to call the gardener, or not hanging his suits the precise way he liked, in color order from light to dark. He would storm over to me, calling me a "stupid human" as an insult before striking me across my face or pulling my head back. I was always too scared to run until now.

​After that first year, his true nature came out, and I realized he wasn't the man I married. I knew I had to build an escape plan. Since he refused to let me work, I convinced him to let me "volunteer" for a local garden project. In reality, I landed a secret receptionist job at a used car dealership one day a week. I stashed that money away, along with whatever allowance he threw my way whenever I played the dutiful, compliant wife.

​Combined with a modest inheritance from my grandmother, I finally bought this little cottage. Three years of careful planning had brought me here. It was run-down and needed work, but looking around at the peeling kitchen wallpaper, I couldn't help but smile. It was mine.

​BANG.

A sudden slam at the door tore me away from my thoughts. ​Another one rattled the frame.

I instantly felt a chill. Someone was out there. I walked slowly and carefully toward the front hallway, not realizing I was holding my breath. Looking ahead, I could see the dark shadow of a figure through the door window.

​I froze in fear. What if... it's Malcolm.