All Chapters of Stamped, But Not Real: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Vincent's phone lit up on the coffee table.The ringtone—custom, just for one person—blared through the silence.Serena hesitated, then stepped toward it.Before she could get there, something wet slammed into her.Her shin cracked against the corner of the table, pain shooting up like fire.Vincent—the culprit—didn't even look back.He grabbed his phone and disappeared into the bathroom.Serena limped to the couch, breath shaky.From behind the door came his voice, low and tense, trying to sound chill—but it wasn't."Don't be scared. Stay in your room. I'm coming right now."Bitterness surged up in her chest.Six years, and Vincent had always kept his cool around her.But one phone call and he cracked.So that was it—he wasn't cold. He just didn't care.Vincent came out of the bathroom, still looking rattled.Didn't even stop."Something came up at work. Don't wait for me."He didn't notice the girl who used to hand him his coat, who always told him to come home early

A huge wedding photo dominated the wall.Maggie, strapless gown and all, was wrapped around Vincent like they were soulmates.Noses touching. Eyes locked. Total fairytale vibe.Vincent burst in from the living room."Serena, you should crash in the guest room. Maggie's not feeling great. This one gets good sun, so I figured she could stay—"His words hit the brakes when he spotted the photo.He stiffened. "It was just to calm her family. That's all."The marriage certificate? Just helping out.The photos? Pure PR.Serena stared him down, ice cold.Vincent scrambled, reaching for her hand. "It's not what you think. I just—"She backed off."Don't touch me."First time in six years she'd ever pulled away.His chest clenched. He opened his mouth—But Maggie stormed in, voice shaky and tear-soaked."Miss Saun, please don't fight with Vincent. It's my fault. I shouldn't have come. I'll leave right now..."Vincent cut in, stepping between them."This has nothing to do with

Vincent froze, like he'd just remembered Serena existed.He opened his mouth to say something, but she beat him to it."I'm their friend," she said, calm and steady.He glanced her way—expression all tangled up—but with Maggie clinging to his side, he kept quiet.People looked confused but let it slide, waving her over to join the group.Old friends, same energy, like nothing had changed.Vincent jumped right in, laughing, chatting, and carefully fixing a plate for Maggie—making sure to leave out the onions she hated.Serena sat beside them, wearing her 'just a friend' mask.Midway through, she ducked out to the bathroom.On her way back, a voice from inside stopped her."Vincent, be real. While Maggie was gone all those years, did you ever catch feelings for someone else?"The room went dead quiet.Everyone turned, waiting.Maggie jumped in fast. "Okay, let's not do this. I was gone forever—it's normal if he liked someone else..."She tried to smile, but her eyes were sh

The call rang and rang. Just before it dropped, someone finally picked up."Vincent Schit, bring Maggie back. Fifteen minutes. Or say goodbye to your girlfriend."Vincent's face went pale when he saw the knife at Serena's neck. "Don't hurt her! Where are you? I'm coming! Maggie, Peter's got Serena—tell him to stop!"The camera shifted—Maggie's face popped into view. "Peter?"The guy stared at her. "It's me, Maggie. You said you'd marry me. I gave up everything for you. You can't just ditch me..."His voice cracked, and his hand twitched—the knife sliced Serena's skin. She gasped.Vincent's heart dropped. "Don't touch her! Serena, just hold on—I'm on my way!"Tears blurred Serena's vision, but she stayed still, jaw clenched.Then Maggie opened her mouth—and everything stopped."Vincent, relax. That's not Peter. Miss Saun, come on. There's nothing between me and Vincent. You didn't need to fake a whole kidnapping just to test him."Vincent's face shifted, doubt creeping in.Se

Before Maggie could say more, Vincent yanked his arm free."I'm going to find Serena. Stop getting in my way. And once you're discharged? Move out. Finalize the divorce."He bolted, flew down the stairs, and jumped into a cab.On the ride home, he kept calling Serena.Same dead tone. Phone off.Still, he clung to hope. Maybe her phone died. Maybe she was already home. As long as he made it back, he'd see her.He urged the driver to go faster.But the second he stepped inside the house, everything hit wrong.The living room was... empty. Off.Her throw pillows—gone.Blanket? Mug? Figurines she'd collected?All gone.He staggered to the cabinet, hands shaking.This was where she kept the wedding stuff. That charm bracelet she made. The scrapbook she poured her heart into.Gone.He tore through the place—drawers, closets, every corner.Told himself she'd just moved stuff.But the harder he searched, the worse it got.In a few days, Serena had erased herself. Maggie's jun