LOGINEthan AshfordI stood there, still smiling like an idiot, watching her walk away.I didn’t even realize I was smiling until my face started to hurt.God… she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.And that scares me.I’m not the kind of man who loses sleep over a woman. I’ve built my life on control, discipline, and focus. Feelings have never had a place in my world. Especially not feelings for a married woman.But Serena ruined that rule without even trying.Since that night, sleep has avoided me like a curse. Every time I close my eyes, I see her face. Pale and broken. So full of pain it made my chest ache in ways I didn’t understand.I remember that night clearly.At first, I thought she was just a maid. That’s how they treated her. That’s how she looked—overworked, invisible, ignored. Then Marcus said she was his wife.Like, I was shocked.I didn’t understand it then, and I still don’t understand it now.I mean, what kind of man lets his wife be treated like dirt? What kind
SerenaI sat on the leather couch with a glass of wine in my hand, my eyes fixed on the large screen in front of me.The CCTV cameras showed the entrance of the hall. One by one, the guests arrived. Expensive suits. Shining dresses. Fake smiles. Big names.This was Lawrence Global’s annual gala.But this time, it was different because this time, it's mine.I took a slow sip of my wine and breathed in deeply. My heart was calm, but inside me, fire burned. Tonight, the world would see the new Serena. Not the woman they pushed around. Not the woman they broke.I watched as the doors opened, and more powerful men walked in. CEOs. Investors. Men who once ignored me when I stood behind Marcus like a shadow.Now they were here because of me.What an irony of life.“Welcome,” I whispered softly to the screen. “Step into my world.”I stood up and straightened my black, simple and elegant dress. No need to shout wealth when power already speaks for you.As I walked toward the private lounge r
MarcusI woke up with a heavy headache, the kind that sits behind my eyes and refuses to leave. I didn’t sleep well all night. I kept turning from one side to the other, my mind restless and my chest tight for no clear reason.I sit up slowly and rub my face. This house has felt strange since Serena left. Too quiet and empty. But I told myself it doesn’t matter. She chose this.I drag myself to the bathroom, wash my face, and stare at my reflection. I look tired, annoyed and angry. I straighten my shoulders and remind myself who I am. Marcus Willington. A man no woman walks away from.After dressing up, I walk down the hall and stop at Kelvin’s room. He’s still sleeping, his small chest rising and falling softly. A smile spreads across my face without me trying.That’s my son.Pride fills my chest. I bend down and kiss his forehead gently. “Daddy will bring you toys,” I whisper. He stirs a little, then settles again.I could perceive the aroma of food from downstairs.When I stepped
MarcusIt has been more than a week since Serena signed the divorce papers and left.Not a call.Not a message.Nothing from her, making me wondering what was going on. Serena always came back. She always begged. She always apologized.So why not this time?I sit behind my desk, staring at nothing, my fingers tapping slowly on the table. I don’t know why this is bothering me. It’s not like I regret letting her go. No. I don’t regret it at all.I’m just… surprised.You know, Serena has always been weak, quiet and dependent. She never dared to challenge me. Never dared to leave. So how did she suddenly find the courage to walk away?It doesn’t make sense.I scoff softly. She’ll come back. Yeah, she always does.I mean, I took care of her when she had nothing. When she claimed her father disowned her. I never believed that story anyway. I mean, what kind of father would disown his daughter? And what kind of father wouldn’t be proud to have a Wellington as a son-in-law?The truth is sim
Serena I walked back to my office with my head held high.For the first time in years, my back was straight. My steps were steady. No fear, no shame.This was my place now.I pushed the door open and walked in. The office was large, quiet, and powerful. It smelled like money, control, and authority. I walked to the chair behind the desk and sat down slowly, like I belonged there, because I did.Desmond stood in front of me, smiling. Not a polite smile. A proud one.“You did very well,” he said. “Your first meeting… It shocked the board. They didn’t expect that from you. You exposed everything they tried to hide, and you didn’t even raise your voice.”I smiled faintly.They didn’t expect Serena Lawrence.“You’ve already bought their loyalty,” Desmond continued. “Not with kindness, but with fear and intelligence. They know now that you’re not your father. And you’re not weak.”I leaned back in my chair. “They don’t need to like me,” I said calmly. “They just need to obey.”Desmond nod
Serena One week later.The funeral was over. My father was buried beside my mother.I stood at his grave long after everyone left."I promise you, Daddy," I whispered. "I will make them pay. I will take back everything. I will be strong. Just like you said."The wind blew softly, and I felt it.His presence. His strength.I wiped my tears and walked away.It is time. Time to become Serena Lawrence. Not Serena Wellington. Not anymore.I am the daughter of Richard Lawrence, one of the richest and most powerful men in the country.And now, I am the president of Lawrence Global Enterprises.My father's empire.My empire now.*******One week after my father’s burial, I stood in front of the mirror, staring at the woman I had become. My eyes were still swollen from tears, but behind them burned something darker… something stronger.I wasn’t the same Serena who begged for love, who got thrown into the rain like trash or the Serena who lost her unborn child.That Serena died the night Marcu







