Chapter 3Seven Years of Love: All a Lie

Comments were already flooding in.

"Isn't that the new Patek?"

"Oh my god, that's the limited edition! It's worth over three million dollars!"

"I'm so jealous!"

"I don't even have to guess who sent it."

"Say no more. Just wishing you two soulmates all the best."

I scrolled through the entire thread. There was no comment from Serena.

I glanced up. She was still engrossed in her work, her phone lying untouched beside her.

It dawned on me. Julian must have blocked her from seeing that post.

A bitter taste filled my mouth. In all the years I'd known her, I'd never seen Serena that angry. And it was all over a watch…

Finally, she finished her work, and we drove to her parents' house.

On the way, I closed my eyes, feigning sleep.

Serena's phone rang. She glanced at me, and seeing my eyes closed, she answered, her voice low. The call was on her Bluetooth earpiece.

"Serena, thank you for the watch. It's incredible."

The voice was faint, but I was close enough to hear every word.

A small smile played on Serena's lips. "It's only three million. Not that expensive."

"As long as you like it."

Julian sounded genuinely moved. "You've given me so many gifts over the years. Each one more extravagant than the last. I feel... uneasy. If Tim found out, he would be so hurt. I don't want to be the reason for trouble between you two."

Serena laughed softly. "Don't worry, he'll never know. Besides, I bought him a watch too. Just… not as valuable as yours."

Julian's voice dropped to a whisper. "Serena, can you… can you be with me tonight?"

She hesitated for a few seconds before replying, her voice laced with apology. "I'm sorry, Julian. It's New Year's Eve. I promised my parents I'd bring Tim over to celebrate with them."

"Alright. Well, happy New Year's Eve, then."

The deep disappointment in his voice was palpable. A look of pain flickered in Serena's eyes.

"Julian," she said softly, "I promise I'll spend your birthday with you next year. And our daughter… she'll be with you too."

As she spoke, Serena lovingly caressed her stomach. The sight made my eyes burn. I felt a muscle in my eyebrow twitch uncontrollably.

Suddenly, I heard Julian cry out through the earpiece, followed by a heavy thud.

"Julian, what happened?" Serena cried out, alarmed.

"I slipped… I fell in the snow. I think I'm hurt."

"Is it bad?"

"No… not too bad."

"Tell me where you are. I'm coming right now!"

"No, Serena, don't," Julian said, his voice theatrically weak. "I can get a cab to the hospital. Don't let a little thing like this ruin your family's holiday."

Serena's brow furrowed. "Tell me where you are!" she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Once she had the address, she hung up, pulled the car over to the side of the road, and shook me awake.

"Tim, my assistant just called. There's an emergency meeting I have to get back for."

"I'm so sorry. I have to go."

"Can you get a cab from here? Or I can have our driver come pick you up."

I looked out the window. It was pitch black, and heavy snow was falling. We were far from the city. On New Year's Eve, in this weather, there wouldn't be a single cab or bus in sight.

I didn't want to get out, but she practically pushed me from the car.

Serena slammed her foot on the gas, and the car shot forward, leaving me behind without a second thought.

She was so worried about Julian, she didn't even bother with a better lie.

I pulled out my phone. The signal was barely there; the rideshare app wouldn't even load.

With no other choice, I pulled my coat tighter and began to walk, trudging through the deepening snow, one painful step at a time.

Over two hours later, frozen and shivering, I finally reached her parents' villa.

Through the wrought iron fence, I could see the house ablaze with light, bursts of laughter drifting out into the cold night.

A servant saw me and rushed to open the gate.

"Mr. Tim, you're so late!"

I didn't explain. "Is Serena here yet?"

"The mistress arrived a while ago, sir. With Mr. Julian."

The servant spoke cautiously. He knew the old story—how Julian had stolen Heather on my wedding day, how my mother had died from the shock. The scandal had rocked the city. He was trying not to upset me.

A bitter smile touched my lips. Even a servant knew to be discreet, but Serena couldn't care less about my feelings.