To my horror, I caught Cain and my older sister having an intimate dinner at the very spot he reserved for us that night he asked for my hand in marriage.
I heard my heart shatter a million pieces as they exchanged a passionate kiss!
Hurriedly, I left my seat.
As I carelessly turned, I bumped on a tall man in a tuxedo. It was none other than Maximus Vine, the well-known philanthropist, who despite being popular, managed to keep his investments a secret to prying eyes.
He was sought after by women, and various prominent families both from the business and social world, not just for his good looks and physique, but for his immense wealth, intelligence, and, according to some sources, performance in bed. His power and influence are on par, if not greater, than that of an alpha werewolf. Rumors had been circulating that he is, but the man never denied nor admitted to it.
He grabbed me by the waist, to prevent me from falling. I felt his warm breath on my cheek as he gently reminded me to be careful, lest my actions harm the child in my womb.
“Ho… how… Can you tell?” I stammered.
“How can I not? Your scent was all over the place. That little one is receiving much love from you.” Was all he told me.
As he steadied me, Shelly approached us and scathingly commented that I’m being shameless for flirting with a man when I just got married weeks ago. Cain joined her and gave me a judging look.
“Cain, we just happened to bump into each other.” I explained.
“Oh my! Playing the coincidence bullshit, aren’t we, Serena?” she commented contemptuously.
“Then why is that man still holding you?” Cain maliciously asked.
“In case your eyes aren’t working properly, you dullard, I am steadying this fine miss who almost fell on the floor. An unfortunate occurrence if it actually happened.” Maximus Vine answered.
“That’s my wife, just in case you missed the news, Mr. Vine” Cain thornily pointed out.
“Oh, I haven’t!” Maximus answered coolly, then added “I just hope you haven’t forgotten she is!”
“Seems like it is my younger sister who forgot who her husband is!” Shelly commented
“What do you mean by that, Shelly?” I asked her.
“What else would I mean?” She replied. “Just look at you. Spending the night in a fancy restaurant, when your husband is obviously not around.”
“I’ve been looking for Cain.” I told her.
“And why are you looking for me?” Cain asked.
“The family doctor took my pulse yesterday. He said it’s a boy.” I told him.
“What are you talking about?” Shelly’s voice began to shake.
“I’m three weeks pregnant with our child.” Was all I said.
I saw Shelly stiffen, then she turned to Cain, who at that moment was looking down as if he was caught having an illicit affair.
“Is she telling the truth?” She asked.
“Yes” was Cain’s brief reply.
“Go home with your wife!” Shelly icily told Cain.
With her head held high, she walked away from us without looking back.
Cain looked accusingly at me and chased after Shelly, who at that moment was already getting out of the restaurant through its elegant double doors.
I felt a painful tug in my chest as I watched my husband. Marriage was nothing to him, even when I told him that I am carrying his child, it’s Shelly who only matters.
Tears started to well in my eyes. Maximus Vine handed me his handkerchief. Gratefully I accepted it, as I utter mumbled words of gratitude, I started to dab my eyes. It faintly smelled of green tea and citrus Sakura – my perfume. I didn’t dwell on it much and thought that Maximus Vine coincidentally has the same preference in perfume.
“Are you really planning to go with your husband?” He asked.
I laughed bitterly.
“As the situation stands, I think I’ll go back home by myself.” I said bitterly.
“In our world, waiting for things to unfold is foolish.” He reminded me.
“I know. My mother told me the same thing” I said.
“Your mother is a remarkable woman.” He said with admiration.
“Was. Her sickness claimed her.” I said, tears welling in my eyes again.
“She still is.” Maximus Vine insisted. “You are her legacy, a living proof of her awesomeness, she can’t be put as a mere “was” by anyone.”
“You must be speaking about my older sister Shelly. She’s more capable than I am” I contradicted him.
“Serena” he softly called my name.
The way he called me made me look up at him. His eyes met mine, and I was instantly captivated. It was filled with kindness and another emotion I dare not put a name.
He gently held my face in both of his hands and spoke.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent, remember that.” He reminded me.
At that moment it felt like I could do anything.
Maximus Vine’s words felt like they were infused with unseen power. Feeding the long dormant confidence in me.
Maybe I was sad, or because I’m fed up with Cain’s actions of late. With the presence of a man with oozing appeal, who treats me as if I’m someone precious, a wild thought crossed my mind.
Should I seek this kind man’s company?
