Prologue – Whispers of Fate
Beneath the silver glow of the moon, the city breathed secrets into the night. Its lights shimmered like promises, fragile and fleeting, waiting to be claimed.
Serena Collins believed she had carved her own path—her café, her independence, her dreams untouched by the weight of family expectations. Yet destiny often hides in shadows, waiting for the moment when choice collides with desire.
Marco Scott was steady, kind, the heir her family trusted. He carried tradition like armor, offering Serena the safety of a life already written.
Matthew Scott was different—untamed, magnetic, impossible to ignore. His arrogance concealed a longing he could not name, a fire that drew Serena closer even as she tried to resist.
Three lives, bound by blood and love, would soon be tested. In the silence between heartbeats, jealousy would rise, passion would ignite, and Serena would discover that freedom is never simple—it is a battle between duty and desire, between what is expected and what the heart demands.
And under the same moonlight that illuminated the city, her story would begin.
Chapter One – The Café Encounter
The morning sun spilled across the cobblestone street, painting golden streaks on the windows of Café Royale. Inside, Serena Collins moved gracefully between tables, her golden hair catching the light like threads of sunlight. She carried herself with quiet determination, though her family never understood why she insisted on running the café instead of preparing to inherit the family business.
For Serena, the café was more than a shop—it was freedom. It was hers.
The bell above the door chimed, and in walked Matthew Scott. His presence filled the room instantly. Tall, broad-shouldered, with eyes the color of the ocean after a storm, he carried himself with the arrogance of a man who had never been denied anything. Serena's lips pressed into a thin line. He was a regular, and though she served him every morning, she never quite warmed to him.
"Good morning, Miss Collins," Matthew said smoothly, his voice deep and commanding.
Serena set a porcelain cup before him, her tone clipped. "Your usual. Black coffee."
Matthew's smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You remember."
"I remember all my customers," she replied, turning away before he could see the faint flush on her cheeks.
From the corner table, Marco Scott—Matthew's older brother—watched the exchange with amusement. Unlike Matthew, Marco was gentle, his smile warm and inviting. He leaned back in his chair, calling out, "Serena, you should join me for dinner tonight. I promise I won't make you serve coffee."
Serena laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Dinner? You'll have to convince me, Marco."
Matthew's jaw tightened. He sipped his coffee, eyes narrowing as Marco teased Serena. The idea of her laughing with his brother unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
A few minutes later, Marco's phone rang. He stood, apologizing with a smile. "I guess I'll see you tonight then." He waved goodbye before leaving the café.
Serena returned to the counter, only to find Matthew rising from his seat, his gaze fixed on her.
"Tell me, Miss Collins," he asked casually, "what's your favorite dessert?"
She blinked, surprised by the question. "Strawberry cake. Why?"
Matthew's smirk deepened. "Because I know you have plans with Marco tonight. But I'd rather you join me at Maison du Café. Seven o'clock. Garden Circle."
Serena's heart skipped. She had never heard Matthew speak to her with such directness. Confused yet intrigued, she nodded slowly. "I've always wanted to go there…"
"Then it's settled." He left without another word, the bell chiming behind him.
Serena stood frozen, her pulse racing. For years she had dismissed Matthew as arrogant, untouchable. Yet tonight, she would see him in a different light.
Chapter Two – Maison du Café
Serena stood before her mirror, heart fluttering as she slipped into a soft ivory dress that shimmered under the lamplight. Her golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, and the sparkle of her heels caught her own gaze. She had never dressed this way for Matthew Scott before—never thought she would.
The clock struck seven. At the Garden Circle, Matthew was already waiting, his tailored suit crisp, his ocean-blue eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on her. For a moment, his arrogance softened, replaced by something Serena had never seen before—admiration.
"You're late," he teased, though his smile betrayed him.
Serena lifted her chin. "Only by a minute."
They walked together through the evening streets, the city alive with laughter and the scent of fresh bread drifting from bakeries. When they arrived at Maison du Café, Serena's breath caught. The café was glowing, its windows lined with golden light, pastries displayed like jewels behind glass.
Inside, Matthew guided her to a corner table. "I've always wanted to come here," he admitted, surprising her. "But I needed someone who truly loves desserts to share it with."
Serena giggled, her eyes bright. "Since I was a child, cakes were my world. That's why I opened my café. It's not about business—it's about joy."
Matthew leaned closer, his voice low. "I know. I've known that about you for years."
Her laughter faltered. "You've… known me?"
He nodded, his gaze steady. "You were younger then. I noticed you long before you noticed me."
Serena's cheeks warmed. She tried to hide her smile behind her coffee cup, but Matthew's eyes lingered, unrelenting.
The evening unfolded with ease—strawberry cake shared between them, stories exchanged, laughter echoing against the café's walls. Serena found herself forgetting Matthew's arrogance, seeing instead the man beneath it.
In the middle of their conversation, Serena's phone buzzed. A text from Marco lit up the screen: Where are you? I'll pick you up for dinner.
Her breath caught—she had forgotten she had agreed to dinner with him. Quickly, she typed: I'm sorry, Marco. I forgot to tell you I have some urgent matters to attend to.
Matthew noticed her expression. "Are you alright? That seemed urgent."
Serena shook her head, giggling softly. "Oh no… not really. I just forgot to inform Marco I was out. I was so excited when I heard you invited me to my favorite café."
Matthew's smirk softened into something more genuine, his eyes lingering on her with quiet satisfaction.
Later, when they left Maison du Café, Matthew drove Serena home. At her apartment door, she turned to him, her voice gentle. "Thank you, Matthew. I enjoyed it."
Matthew smiled back, his ocean-blue eyes steady. "So did I." He drove away, leaving Serena with her thoughts tangled in the memory of his laughter and the warmth of his presence.
The next morning, Serena opened her café, though her mind was still caught in the glow of the previous night. Sarah arrived not long after, her energy filling the room. She leaned against the counter, studying her sister.
"Where were you last night?" Sarah asked. "I stopped by your apartment, but you weren't there. And the café was closed."
Serena flushed, fumbling with a tray. "I… went out."
Sarah's brows lifted knowingly. "With Matthew?"
Serena hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. At Maison du Café."
Sarah's eyes narrowed, half in surprise, half in disapproval. "Serena, you know what Father wants. He wanted me to marry him, and I refused. I won't let them decide my life."
Serena lowered her gaze, her heart unsettled. She couldn't deny the warning—but she also couldn't deny the way Matthew had made her feel.
Sarah sighed, shaking her head. "Be careful, Serena. Men like Matthew hide behind charm. Howard—" her lips curved into a smile at the name, "—Howard has never hidden anything from me. He's been my friend since childhood, and now he's the man I love. That's what real love is. No masks, no games."
As if summoned by her words, Howard Blair appeared at the doorway, carrying a small bouquet of wildflowers. His smile was gentle, his presence grounding. "I thought you might need these after a long day," he said, handing them to Sarah.
Sarah's eyes lit up, her laughter filling the café. Serena watched them together—the ease, the honesty, the way Sarah's hand slipped naturally into Howard's. It was love chosen freely, without obligation or wealth.
For a moment, Serena envied her sister's certainty. She wondered if Matthew could ever give her that kind of love, or if his arrogance would always stand between them.
The café, once her sanctuary, now felt like the crossroads of destiny—where one sister had found her freedom, and the other stood on the edge of a choice that could change everything.
Chapter Three – Business and Betrayal
The polished marble floors of the Scott Investment headquarters gleamed under the morning light. Mr. Serio Collins entered the grand boardroom with a mixture of hope and unease. His company, Maravelle Investments, had been struggling, and today's meeting with the Scotts could determine its survival.
At the head of the table sat Mr. Henry Scott, dignified and commanding. Marco and Matthew entered moments later, their presence shifting the atmosphere. Marco's calm smile contrasted sharply with Matthew's cool, unreadable expression.
The discussion began with numbers, projections, and strategies. Mr. Collins spoke earnestly about Maravelle's potential, while Mr. Scott listened with the patience of a seasoned businessman. Then, as the conversation turned toward partnership, Mr. Collins added a personal note.
"This negotiation," he said, "Will be strengthened by the bond between our families. Marco and my daughter Serena will be marrying soon."
Marco stiffened, his hand tightening around his pen. He had not expected his father-in-law-to-be to speak so openly. Matthew, meanwhile, lifted his glass of water, his ocean-blue eyes narrowing as jealousy flickered across his face.
Mr. Scott chuckled warmly. "Ah, then I cannot wait for the union. A fine match indeed." He glanced at Matthew. "And as for Matthew, I understand he will not be marrying Sarah. A pity, but understandable."
Mr. Collins forced a polite smile. "Yes, my daughter Sarah has chosen to settle down with Louis. We respect her decision."
The meeting concluded with handshakes and promises. Relief washed over Mr. Collins as he clasped Matthew's hand. "Thank you, Matthew, for saving our company. I owe you."
Matthew's jaw tightened, but he nodded. Marco, eager to solidify his bond with Serena, announced, "I'll meet her tonight for dinner, as we agreed."
Matthew said nothing, but his silence was heavy.
That evening, Matthew sat alone in his study, a glass of whiskey in hand. The amber liquid caught the light as he swirled it, his thoughts consumed by the image of Serena laughing at Marco's side. The idea gnawed at him, twisting his pride into something darker.
Unable to bear the thought of Marco winning Serena's heart, Matthew made a decision. He dressed sharply, his arrogance like armor, and headed to The Gilded Fork, the city's most exclusive restaurant.
Inside, he spotted Marco and Serena at a candlelit table, their laughter soft and intimate. His chest tightened. Without hesitation, Matthew strode in with another woman on his arm—a striking brunette he had met at the club days before. Her laughter was loud, her presence flamboyant, but Matthew's eyes never left Serena.
Serena's gaze flickered toward him, her smile faltering. Marco noticed too, his expression tightening. The air between the three of them grew heavy, charged with unspoken rivalry.
Matthew raised his glass across the room, his smirk daring Serena to look away.
Chapter Four– The Gilded Fork
The Gilded Fork glowed with chandeliers and hushed conversations. Serena sat across from Marco, her laughter soft as he teased her about the café.
"You know," Marco said, swirling his wine, "You should let me invest in your café. It deserves to grow."
Serena shook her head, smiling. "It's not about growth, Marco. It's about joy. I want it to stay mine."
Before Marco could reply, the doors opened. Matthew Scott entered, his stride confident, a striking brunette clinging to his arm. The woman's laughter rang too loudly, drawing eyes across the room. But Matthew's gaze was fixed on Serena.
Serena's smile faltered. Marco noticed, his jaw tightening.
Matthew approached their table, his smirk deliberate. "Well, well. Marco, Serena. I didn't expect to see you here tonight."
Marco's voice was calm but edged. "We had plans. Dinner, just the two of us."
Matthew raised his glass, his ocean-blue eyes locked on Serena. "And yet, fate brings us together. Serena, you look… radiant."
Serena shifted uncomfortably, her cheeks warming. "Thank you, Matthew. Enjoy your evening."
The brunette at Matthew's side leaned in, whispering something that made him chuckle. But his eyes never left Serena.
Marco leaned forward, his tone protective. "Serena doesn't need your attention tonight. She's with me."
Matthew's smirk deepened. "Is she? Or is she simply tolerating your company until she realizes what she truly wants?"
Serena's breath caught. The tension between the brothers was palpable, their rivalry spilling into the candlelight. She glanced between them, her heart pounding, realizing that this dinner was no longer just about business or family—it was about desire, jealousy, and choices that could change everything.
Chapter Five– The Kiss
The night at The Gilded Fork ended with Matthew leaving first, his companion escorted into a cab while he remained behind, waiting silently in his car. His eyes never left the restaurant doors. He had called a friend to create a distraction—an urgent business matter that pulled Marco away—leaving Serena alone.
When Serena stepped outside, the cool air brushed against her skin. She raised her hand for a cab, but Matthew's voice cut through the night.
"Serena. Let me take you home."
She turned, her expression sharp. "No need. I don't want to have a bad impression with your girl."
Matthew laughed, the sound low and amused. "She's not my girlfriend. I just met her. Come on—I'll lift you home. Marco would be happy knowing I sent you safely."
Reluctantly, Serena slid into the passenger seat. The silence between them was heavy, broken only when Matthew asked, "Are you jealous?"
Serena laughed, though her cheeks warmed. "Wait. Why? I mean why would I be?"
They both laughed, the tension easing as the car carried them through the quiet streets. Yet when they arrived at her apartment, the air shifted again.
Matthew leaned closer, helping untangle her seatbelt. Their faces hovered inches apart, breaths mingling, hearts pounding. Serena's lips parted, her body leaning toward him, the moment electric.
But Matthew stopped. His voice was steady, though his eyes betrayed conflict. "It's untagled. Goodnight Serena."
Serena froze, embarrassed. "I'm sorry." She stepped out quickly, frustration burning in her chest. Alone in her room later, she buried her face in her pillow. "What a coward. Ugh, I hate him." Yet her heart betrayed her, replaying the closeness again and again.
Meanwhile, Matthew stood under the shower's spray, his thoughts consumed by Serena. He had wanted to kiss her—needed to—but something inside him held back.
The next morning, Serena dragged herself into her café, exhaustion etched beneath her eyes. Tiffany, her cheerful assistant and her best friend, noticed immediately.
"What happened? You look like you didn't sleep at all. Is someone bothering you?"
Serena groaned. "Let's not talk about him. He's arrogant, frustrating…"
Tiffany giggle. "Oh. Look who's here. The Prince."
The bell chimed. Matthew entered, as usual, ordering his hot brewed coffee. Serena served him with forced composure, but before Matthew could speak, Marco arrived.
"Serena, I'm sorry I wasn't able to take you home last night," Marco said warmly.
Serena glanced at Matthew, then back at Marco. "That's okay. I went home safely. Thank you for dinner—I enjoyed it."
Marco's smile widened. "Me too. Let's grab lunch later?"
Serena hesitated, then nodded. "Sure."
Matthew's jaw tightened. He left without a word, jealousy simmering.
In the car ride to the company, Marco pulled out a delicate bracelet. "Do you think Serena will like this?"
Matthew's eyes darkened. "Have you asked her?"
Marco smiled. "I know she wouldn't accept it easily, but she deserves it."
Matthew said nothing, but the jealousy gnawed at him.
At the office, he called Serena, requesting coffee delivery. Serena groaned. "Ugh, this man. I hate him." Tiffany laughed. "Go on, I'll handle the café."
Serena arrived at the Executive Director's lounge, setting the coffee down. "What did you need, Matthew?"
Matthew chuckled, stepping closer. "What do you think I need, Serena?"
She frowned, confused. "Why are you always like this?"
His voice dropped, his face inches from hers. "Like what, Serena? Tell me."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. The room seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of them. And then, Matthew kissed her.
Serena's body betrayed her frustration, responding instinctively. The kiss was fire and confusion, arrogance and vulnerability, everything she hated and everything she couldn't resist.
Chapter Six– Confusion in the Café
Serena's heart was still racing when she pushed open the café door. The familiar scent of roasted beans and sugar should have calmed her, but instead it only stirred the memory of Matthew's closeness—his breath, his gaze, his lips almost brushing hers.
Her eyes were wide, her movements distracted. Tiffany, wiping down the counter, noticed immediately.
"Hey," she said, tilting her head. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Serena froze, the kiss-that-almost-was replaying in her mind like a scene she couldn't escape. She didn't answer. Seconds stretched into silence until Tiffany pressed again, her voice playful but edged with concern.
"Serena. What happened?"
Serena blinked, as if waking from a dream. "No… nothing happened." Her voice was too quick, too sharp.
Tiffany raised an eyebrow, unconvinced, but let it go.
Serena slipped behind the counter, trying to busy herself with cups and trays. But her phone buzzed, dragging her back into the storm.
Matthew:
Dinner. Tonight. Don't refuse me this time.
Her breath caught. She stared at the message, thumb hovering. She didn't want to see him—not after last night. Not after the way her heart had betrayed her.
Before she could decide, another message lit up the screen.
Marco:
I'm sorry, Serena. I have to reschedule our dinner. Urgent meeting. Forgive me.
Serena sank onto a stool, her phone heavy in her hand. Two men. Two choices. Two paths pulling her in opposite directions. One offered safety and gentleness. The other, danger and desire.
Tiffany glanced over, sensing the weight in Serena's silence. "Who's texting you?" she asked lightly.
Serena locked her phone, forcing a smile. "No one important."
But inside, her chest pounded with the truth she couldn't admit—not even to herself.
Tiffany leaned closer, her voice softer now. "You know you can talk to me, right? Whatever it is… I'm here."
Serena hesitated, then nodded. "I know. I just… I don't know what I'm feeling anymore."
Tiffany gave a small smile. "Feelings are messy. But they don't lie."
Serena looked out the window, watching the city blur behind the glass. Somewhere out there, Matthew was waiting. And Marco was pulling away.
She didn't know which path to follow. But she knew one thing—tonight, her heart would make a choice.
Later that evening, Matthew pulled up outside Serena's apartment. She descended the steps slowly, her ivory dress catching the glow of the streetlights. For a moment, Matthew forgot his usual composure—his breath caught at the sight of her.
Serena noticed his stare and tilted her head. "Are you okay?"
Matthew quickly moved to open the car door for her, his voice softer than she had ever heard it. "You… look stunning." A smile tugged at his lips, but his eyes betrayed something deeper—admiration, almost reverence. Serena's cheeks warmed as she slipped into the car. The drive was quiet, filled with the hum of the engine and the unspoken tension between them.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Matthew guided her inside. The room glowed with candlelight, each table adorned with flickering flames that painted the air in gold. A corner table awaited them, intimate and secluded, the soft music weaving through the atmosphere like a secret meant only for them.
Matthew pulled out her chair, his gaze lingering as she sat. "Tonight," he said, his voice low, "I don't want to talk about anyone else. Just you and me."
Serena's heart raced as she looked at him across the candlelit table. For the first time, she wondered if the man she had dismissed as arrogant might be capable of something far more dangerous—something she wasn't sure she could resist.
Chapter Seven - City Lights and Shadows
After dinner, Matthew drove Serena through the winding streets until the city lights gave way to something grander. The tower rose above the skyline, its balcony open to the night sky. From the top, the city stretched endlessly, glittering like a sea of stars beneath them.
Serena stepped out, her heels clicking softly against the stone floor. The cool night air brushed her skin, carrying with it the faint hum of the city below. She walked to the edge of the balcony, her golden hair catching the moonlight.
Matthew followed, his gaze fixed not on the view, but on her. "I wanted you to see this," he said quietly. "Whenever I come here, I feel like the world slows down. Like nothing else matters."
Serena's breath caught as she looked out over the city. "It's beautiful," she whispered.
Matthew moved closer, his voice low. "Not as beautiful as you."
She turned, startled by the sincerity in his tone. For once, there was no arrogance in his eyes—only vulnerability, raw and unguarded.
The cold wind brushed against their faces as they stood side by side, the moon glowing like a silver lantern above. Below them, the city lights shimmered, alive and endless.
Matthew's voice broke the silence. "Tell me, Serena… what's your dream?"
Serena gazed at the city, her golden hair shimmering in the moonlight. She smiled faintly. "I want a happy life. One I control. Not dictated by business, not by family… just mine."
Matthew studied her, his ocean-blue eyes lingering too long. "And what about me? What dream do you think an arrogant man like me has?"
She laughed lightly, teasing. "You look like you already have everything. Wealth, power, charm. What more could you want?"
Matthew's smile softened. "There's nothing more I want… but to be with her."
Serena's smile faded, confusion flickering across her face. "Well, it looks like you already have a lucky girl who won your heart."
Matthew's gaze didn't waver. "She's the most beautiful I've ever seen in my whole life."
Serena's chest tightened. Jealousy pricked at her, though she masked it with a cold response. "Wow. I'm happy for you. But it's late—I should go. I have to be early at the café tomorrow."
Matthew knew she was jealous, but he said nothing.
The car ride back was heavy with silence. Serena stared out the window, her thoughts tangled. "Why am I expecting too much?" she asked herself. "He kissed me, then brought another girl. And now he speaks of someone else…"
At her apartment, Matthew broke the silence. "Have lunch with me tomorrow."
Serena shook her head. "I don't think I can. I have a lot of things to do at the café. Thank you for tonight." She stepped out quickly, leaving him in the quiet car, his jaw tight.
In her room, Serena collapsed onto her bed, punching her pillow. "Why is he always like this? Ugh! Why am I expecting something? He kissed me, then he shows up with another girl. I hate this man!"
Her phone buzzed. A message from Marco:
Lunch tomorrow? I'd like to see you.
Serena exhaled, relief washing over her. "Fine," she whispered to herself. "If Matthew wants to play games, I'll avoid him. I won't let his girl think I'm flirting with him."
At the Scott residence, Matthew entered to find Marco in the living room, sipping whiskey.
"Hey," Marco said casually. "You just got home from work? I didn't see you at the office. Did you go on a date?"
Matthew smirked faintly. "Yeah. I was."
Marco chuckled, teasing. "Woah. Who's the lucky girl? I want to meet her, Mat. Or better yet, let's have lunch together with Serena. I'll be meeting her tomorrow anyway. I might give her the bracelet I bought."
Matthew froze, his smirk fading. "Naaah. Not right now." He brushed past, heading upstairs.
Alone in his room, he loosened his necktie, poured himself another glass of whiskey, and sat heavily. His thoughts circled bitterly. "Why did Serena agreed to have lunch with Marco when she declined mine?".
The jealousy burned deeper, leaving Matthew restless, his heart caught between pride and longing.
Chapter Eight – Family Ties and Jealous Eyes
The morning began with a call Serena hadn't expected.
"Serena, honey," Mrs. Anne Collins' voice carried warmth and longing. "You haven't visited the house since you opened your café. How are you doing?"
Serena smiled faintly, balancing her phone against her ear as she prepared trays. "Well, Mom, you know how busy I am at the café. I enjoy my job—it keeps me alive."
Anne sighed softly. "I know, darling. But I miss you. Sarah came here with Louis yesterday. They asked for our blessing for their wedding." Her voice wavered with both pride and resignation. "We'll be having a family dinner with the Blair family to set the date. I'll be expecting you."
Serena's heart warmed. "Of course, Mom. I'll be there. I can't give my sister away without knowing Louis' family."
Anne chuckled. "Good girl. And how's Marco? Bring him to the family dinner, okay?"
Serena hesitated. "Hmm… he's busy with work. But we're having lunch today. I'll ask him."
"Perfect. Then I'll see you next week. Love you, Serena."
"Love you too, Mom. See you next week." Serena ended the call, her mind already spinning with the weight of family expectations.
At the café, Tiffany noticed Serena's distracted expression. "What's wrong?" she asked, wiping down the counter.
Serena glanced at the door. "Matthew hasn't come in today."
Tiffany raised a brow. "You're disappointed."
Serena shook her head quickly. "No. Half relieved, actually." But her voice betrayed her uncertainty.
By noon, Marco arrived, his smile easy and warm. "Ready for lunch?"
Serena nodded, slipping into his car. They drove to The Grand Meridian, a restaurant of polished glass and golden chandeliers. Over lunch, Marco's laughter filled the air, his presence light and comforting.
Serena leaned forward. "Marco, I want you to join our family dinner next week. The Blair family will be there to discuss Sarah's wedding."
Marco's brows lifted in surprise. "Sarah's getting married? I didn't expect that. She was the strongest girl on campus—I even thought she wasn't interested in anyone."
Serena laughed, covering her mouth. "She proved us all wrong."
Their laughter mingled, warm and genuine.
Outside, Matthew's car slowed as he passed the restaurant. His eyes caught the sight of Serena and Marco through the window, their faces lit with laughter. His grip tightened on the steering wheel, jealousy burning in his chest.
For a moment, he considered stopping, walking in, disrupting their peace. But instead, he drove on, his ocean-blue eyes darkened with envy.
Chapter Nine – The Confession
Matthew stormed into his office earlier that day, his anger sharp and unrelenting. The image of Serena laughing with Marco at The Grand Meridian burned in his mind. He called his assistant, his voice cold.
"Check on Marco and Serena. Today. At the restaurant. I want to know everything."
The command hung heavy in the air, his jealousy consuming him.
Meanwhile, Marco drove Serena back to her café. His smile was warm, his tone light. "Thank you, Serena. I'll see you next week. I'll pick you up then."
Serena nodded, returning his smile. "I'll be there. Bye, Marco."
Back inside, Tiffany greeted her with a mischievous grin. "Well, how was your date with the prince?"
Serena laughed, shaking her head. "He's just a friend. Nothing more. He's like an older brother to me."
Tiffany raised a brow, unconvinced. "Well… if you say so." They both laughed, though Serena's heart was unsettled.
Later that evening, Serena drove home, exhaustion weighing on her. But as she pulled into her driveway, her breath caught—Matthew was waiting outside her door.
"Matthew?" she gasped, fumbling with her keys. "What are you doing here?"
His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed worry. "You never texted me after last night. I was… concerned."
Serena sighed, unlocking the door. "I'm fine. Just busy at the café." She stepped inside, motioning for him to follow. "I'll grab something to drink. You drink beer? You won't be staying long, right? I don't want anyone thinking I'm flirting with you. Your girlfriend might be angry."
Matthew's lips curved into a smile. "Why? Are you jealous?"
Serena's cheeks flushed. "No! Why should I be upset?" She forced a laugh, handing him a can of beer.
They sat across from each other, the silence thick. Serena's voice broke it, hesitant. "I just don't want anyone thinking I'm stealing you."
Matthew rose, crossing the room to sit beside her. His voice dropped, his ocean-blue eyes locking onto hers. "The only girl in my heart… is nothing more but you."
Serena froze, her breath caught. The words hung between them, heavy and undeniable.
Matthew leaned closer, and before she could speak, his lips met hers. The kiss was deep, urgent, filled with everything he had hidden behind arrogance. Serena's body responded instinctively, her heart pounding as if it had been waiting for this moment all along.
For the first time, she didn't resist.
Chapter Ten – The Kiss That Lingers
The room was quiet, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound between them. Serena sat frozen, Matthew's words echoing in her chest: "The only girl in my heart is nothing more but you."
Her breath caught, her pulse racing. She wanted to laugh it off, to dismiss it as another arrogant line, but the sincerity in his eyes held her captive.
Matthew leaned closer, his ocean-blue gaze unwavering. Serena's heart thudded against her ribs, each beat louder than the last. She could smell the faint trace of his cologne—warm, sharp, intoxicating.
What is happening to me? she thought, her fingers tightening around the edge of the sofa. Why do I want this? Why do I hate him and yet… crave him?
When his lips brushed hers, the world seemed to stop. The kiss was not gentle—it was urgent, filled with the weight of everything he had hidden behind arrogance. Serena's body betrayed her frustration, responding instinctively, her hands trembling as they rose to his chest.
Her mind screamed resistance, but her heart whispered surrender.
She felt the warmth of his breath, the firmness of his touch, the way his kiss deepened as if he had been holding it back for years. Her pulse quickened, her thoughts blurred.
This is wrong, she told herself. This is dangerous. Yet she leaned into him, her body longing for more.
Matthew's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. Without breaking the kiss, he guided her gently toward the bedroom. The silence of the apartment seemed to grow heavier, broken only by the sound of their uneven breaths and the pounding of their hearts.
Inside, the room was dim, the moonlight spilling across the bed. They sat together, still caught in the gravity of each other. Serena's golden hair brushed against his cheek as she whispered, "Why do you make me feel this way?"
Matthew's reply was quiet, but certain. "Because you're the only one who ever mattered."
Their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling, their heartbeats loud in the silence. Serena closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment. For the first time, she stopped fighting.
The night stretched long, filled with whispered words, lingering touches, and the sound of two hearts beating in unison.
Chapter Eleven – Morning Confusion
The night had stretched long, filled with whispered words and the sound of two hearts beating in unison. When dawn finally broke, pale light spilled across Serena's room, painting her golden hair in soft hues.
Matthew was already awake, moving quietly in the kitchen. The aroma of toasted bread and freshly brewed coffee filled the apartment. Serena blinked in surprise when she saw him setting a plate before her.
"You made breakfast?" she asked, startled.
Matthew smirked faintly. "Don't look so shocked. I can take care of you too, Serena."
Her chest tightened at the simple gesture. She ate in silence, her mind replaying fragments of the night—the kiss, the closeness, the way Matthew's arrogance had melted into vulnerability.
Later, they drove together to the café. The city morning was alive with chatter and traffic, but inside the car, the silence was heavy, filled with unspoken thoughts.
When they arrived, Matthew parked and turned to her. "I'll pick you up after work," he said firmly, his ocean-blue eyes holding hers.
Serena hesitated, then nodded, though her heart twisted with confusion.
Inside the café, Tiffany's eyes widened the moment she saw them arrive together. She pulled Serena aside, her voice hushed but sharp. "You didn't to work yesterday. I was really worried And now you're with Matthew? Serena, what's going on?"
Serena froze, her cheeks warming. "Let's not talk about him," she said quickly, brushing past Tiffany and busying herself with trays.
Tiffany frowned, worry flickering in her eyes. But Serena kept her silence, unwilling to admit the truth even to herself.
Chapter Twelve – The Breaking Point
Serena waited outside the café, the evening air cool against her skin. Marco's car slowed as he passed, his smile warm.
"Are you going home? I can give you a lift," he offered.
Serena froze, nerves tightening in her chest. She worried he might see Matthew arriving. "No, I have some errands. I'm waiting for a friend. Thank you, Marco."
Marco nodded, still smiling, and drove away.
Moments later, Matthew's car pulled up. His eyes narrowed, catching the sight of Marco's departure. "What did Marco ask you?" he demanded.
"Nothing," Serena replied quickly, but Matthew's jaw tightened. Jealousy burned in his chest.
At her apartment, frustration spilled over. Matthew pulled her close, kissing her with urgency. Their hearts raced as they surrendered to the moment, the silence of the room broken only by their breaths.
Afterwards, Serena lay against him, her voice soft. "Why are you sulking?"
Matthew kissed her forehead, his voice low. "Because I don't want anyone else to steal you from me."
Serena saw the jealousy in his eyes. She cupped his face, whispering, "I don't want anyone else but you." Their lips met again, and the night stretched long beneath the full moon.
----
Weeks later, the Collins residence buzzed with anticipation. The Blair family was arriving to discuss Sarah's wedding. Serena and Marco entered together, greeted warmly by Mr. and Mrs. Collins.
"Hi Mom, Hi Dad. We're here," Serena said.
Sarah rushed to her sister, her voice trembling with excitement. "Serena, help me. Is my dress okay? My makeup? Do I look good?"
Serena held her cheeks, smiling. "Aw, look at you, my dear sister. You're beautiful. I'm so happy for you. Invite me to your wedding dress fitting, okay?"
The sisters hugged, their bond glowing in the moment.
Soon Louis and his family arrived, greetings exchanged, laughter filling the room. Mr. Collins raised his glass.
"To our beloved daughter Sarah and our son-in-law Louis. I wish you happiness. And aside from Sarah's wedding, I would also like to toast my younger daughter Serena—to her upcoming wedding to the heir of the Scott family, Marco. Cheers!"
The room erupted in applause. Serena froze, her heart pounding. Marco rose, kneeling before her, the bracelet in his hand.
"Serena," he said softly, "be mine."
Her breath caught. Shock and anger surged. She stood abruptly, leaving the room. Marco followed her outside.
"Wait, Serena. You didn't answer me."
Her eyes blazed. "So you knew all along? You knew I was being set up to marry you? I'm so angry, Marco. I hate this. I want to go home."
Marco's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry."
Serena left alone, tears streaming. In her apartment, she called Matthew, her voice breaking. "I miss you. Can you meet me?"
Matthew hurried to her side, arriving before she did. When Serena entered, crying, he pulled her into his arms. "It's okay. I'm here."
She kissed him passionately, her pain spilling into desire. Together, they surrendered to the night, their hearts beating as one.
to be continued. . .