Chapter 34
“Mrs. Farrow Senior. Mrs. Farrow.”
Jenna shot Serena a withering glare but offered only a curt rod in response.
In stark contrast, Beatrice’s face lit up with delight. “Rina, ny dear! Come here. Let me take a good look at you!”
Serena walked over and was immediately pulled to sit by the bedside, Beatrice’s hands clasping hers gently.
“It’s been almost a year since I last saw you. You’ve lost weight, haven’t you?” Beatrice turned to Jenna and instructed, “Tell Leyla to make some bagels and beef ribs for Rina. She needs to eat more and put on some weight.
Jenna’s expression soured, her lips twitching as though she wanted to object. But before she could speak, Beatrice coughed sharply, cutting her off. With a reluctant sigh, she stood and left the room.
Serena gently patted Beatrice’s back. “Mrs. Farrow Senior, why are you sick again?”
“Oh, it’s nothing—just old age catching up with me. It’s nothing to worry about. Seeing you here has already made me feel a hundred times better. With you around, no illness stands a chance,” Beatrice replied with a
dismissive wave.
“Still, you need to take care of yourself. If there’s anything you want to eat, let me know. I’ll make it for you,” Serena said with concern.
“I don’t have any cravings. I’m more worried about you.” Beatrice tightened her grip on Serena’s hand. “Tell me honestly, why did you leave Farrow Corporation? Did that rascal Justin give you trouble?”
Serena lowered her gaze. “No, it was my decision to leave.”
“Why? Weren’t you fond of Justin?” Beatrice asked.
“It’s not what you think. He was kind to me when we were kids, so I was kind to him in return. But we had some disagreements at work, so I thought it best to leave,” Serena replied hesitantly.
“So… there’s no chance for you two anymore?” Beatrice’s face fell, her brows knitting together before she coughed again.
“Mrs. Farrow Senior…” Serena gently rubbed her back. Before she could say more, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted her.
Justin entered, holding a glass of water for Beatrice. “You’re old. You shouldn’t stress yourself out like this. Serena and I are fine.”
Beatrice’s eyes lit up at his words. “Really?”
“Of course. It’s normal for couples to argue every now and then. You’ve seen us fight plenty over the years, haven’t you? And didn’t we always make up quickly?” He reached out and grabbed Serena’s waist. “Are you still mad at me?”
Serena froze. Her instinct was to pull away, but the subtle warning in his eyes stopped her. She forced herself to play along. “A little bit.”
“Alright. Tomorrow, I’ll take you out for your favorite strawberry cake,” Justin said smoothly.
Beatrice smacked the back of his head. “I knew it! It must’ve been your fault she was upset. Go on and apologize!”
“Fine, fine. I’ll apologize. Don’t be angry anymore. You wouldn’t want to stress yourself out again,” Justin said.
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Chapter 34
Turning to Serena, he added, “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me, please?” His dark eyes held a sincerity that almost felt real.
Once, such a gaze might have moved her. But now, Serena’s heart felt cold and still like a frozen lake. “Alright,” she replied simply.
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“Good, that’s settled, then.” Beatrice beamed. “Rina, if that rascal ever troubles you again, you come straight to me. I’ll make sure he learns his lesson!”
For the first time that day, Serena smiled.
Seeing their hands still clasped together, Beatrice’s expression softened into one of pure contentment. “I’m old, and I don’t have much time left. Rina, you’ve grown up in this family. If you could truly become one of us, it would bring me the greatest happiness, knowing someone will cherish you.“. .
Serena’s chest tightened at those words. She lowered her gaze to hide the turmoil in her eyes. “Don’t say things like that. You’ll live a long life.”
“Oh, I’ve lived long enough. Life loses its meaning when it drags on for too long. But if I could see you and Justin get married, then I’d have no regrets,” Beatrice said wistfully.
Serena said nothing. That was a promise she could never make.
Chapter 11
