He Faked Forgetting our Marriage until Somebody Proposed to Me

On our tenth wedding anniversary, Wilmer Marchetti pretended to have amnesia and brought a new woman home.

He looked me dead in the eye and warned, Im in love with Brionne now.

You? Youre nothing but my ex. Dont even dream Id give a damn about you again.

I didnt cry or make a scene. I just burned everything we ever had and walked the hell out.

His buddies tried to persuade him to win me back.

But Wilmer just slung an arm around the new womans waist, smirking confidently.

Serena cant let me go. Even if I dont lift a finger, that womans gonna come running back to me like a loyal dog.

Besides, I havent had my fun with this amnesia game yet. Once Im bored, Ill go back and settle down with her.

What that douchey didnt know? I had already said yes to another mans proposal.

In fact, I was about to fly off to marry him.

By the third year of keeping Wilmer tied to her side, Serena caught him again, this time on a yacht with yet another new woman.

Wilmer was lounging on a leather couch, one arm wrapped around Brionne Babcocks slim waist. He casually pointed at the stack of gifts in front of them.

Babe, you like it?

In that pile were keys to a limited-edition sports car, property deeds worth hundreds of millions, and insanely expensive jewelry he just acquired from auction.

Brionne just pouted. Nope. If you really wanna make me happy, divorce Serena and marry me. Im not trying to stay some hidden side chick forever.

Wilmer raised a brow. Who dares call you a side chick, babe?

He glanced lazily around the room, a dangerous smirk tugging at his lips. Those morons?

The crowd immediately rushed to respond.

No way! Maam Brionne is the CEOs woman! That makes her the real wife!

Exactly. Serena? She can never compare. Shes just clinging to Mr. Marchettis name.

Yeah, the unloved one is the third party. The only Mrs. Marchetti we know is Maam Brionne.

Then, in perfect unison, they all declared, The real wife!

Wilmer smirked wider. He didnt stop his men calling Brionne that way.

With that, Brionnes annoyance melted into playful sweetness. She lightly punched his chest. Youre such a smooth talker.

Wilmer caught her hand and pressed a kiss to it.

Outside the crowd, Serena stood quietly, watching everything. Her fingers slowly clenched.

The crystal chandeliers light was blinding but not nearly as blinding as this scene.

After a moment, she wiped the blood from her palm, then grabbed a candlestick and smashed it straight into the champagne tower beside her.

With a crash, the entire tower collapsed.

The loud noise instantly silenced the room. When everyone saw who it was, the smiles on their faces froze.

M-Mrs. Marchetti

Staring at their boss with a flat expression, she spat, Dont call me that. I dont deserve that.

In an instant, the air turned painfully awkward.

Wilmer clearly hadnt expected that. He narrowed his eyes slightly. What are you doing here? he asked.

His hand stayed on Brionnes waist. He didnt pull away. He didnt even bother to hide it. Instead, he lit a cigarette and blew smoke in Serenas direction.

Chasing me once or twice is cute. But you

He looked at her with a half-smile, like she wasnt his legal wife but some clueless clown.

Whats your plan this time?

He pointed toward the deck. Perfect spot out there to jump into the ocean. You gonna do it?

The crowd immediately made way for her, clearing a path to the deck.

His men even helpfully arranged for people to wait in the water, ready for a rescue.

Serenas fingers trembled.

It was true.

Shed used this kind of desperate, suicidal stunt so many times to force him back to her side.

At first, he panicked. Then he got used to it. Then he got tired of it. Now, he treated it like entertainment.

But this time, Serena didnt walk toward the ocean.

She slapped him.

The smack was crisp and loud. Wilmer didnt even see it coming.

Before he could react, the second slap landed fast and hard.

On the third, he grabbed her right hand. But Serena had expected that. Her left hand came up instantly.

One slap. Two slaps. Three slaps. The entire room fell dead silent.

Wilmer sat there on the couch, bewildered.

A few seconds later, Brionnes scream shattered the suffocating quiet.

Serena! How dare you hit Wilmer?! You crazy bitch!

Wilmer finally snapped out of it. He looked at Serena like he was seeing her for the first time, disbelief in his eyes. Then he licked the blood at the corner of his lips, his smirk slowly fading.

What now?

Suddenly, the room felt ten degrees colder under his dark presence.

He yanked Serena forward and gripped her chin. Finally realized all that suicidal drama wont win me back, so youre switching tactics?

Their eyes met. But this time, there was no pain in hers.

They were eerily calm like still, lifeless water.

She looked at him like that and said flatly, Three slaps. That settles everything between us. Wilmer, were getting divorced.

But the room erupted in laughter.

The coldness in Wilmers eyes shifted into mocking amusement.

Divorce? he mocked. Serena, do you even believe that yourself?

Hidden beneath her sleeve, Serenas hand trembled uncontrollably.

Yeah.

Once upon a time, she wouldnt have believed it.

After he fell for Brionne, shed tried to kill herself multiple times just to get him to come home. Shed knelt in the rain begging him dozens of times. Shed caused scenes like a lunatic hundreds of times

But this time, she was really letting him go.

Right then, her phone rang in her bag.

In front of Wilmer, she picked it up. Dad, she said, Im coming home for the marriage you set up.

The moment Serena said that, Wilmers big, flirtatious eyes narrowed.

A second later, the look on his face turned even more amused.

Oh? Now youre pulling this kind of act on me?

He smirked. Baby, you never used tricks like this before. Who taught you this shit, huh?

His fingers brushed along her chin, his smile almost cruel. Doesnt matter where you learned it though. It wont work on me.

Serena didnt respond.

She knew he didnt believe her, but she didnt bother explaining. She just turned her head, shook off his grip, and placed a document on the table.

Sign it.

The moment the words [Divorce Agreement] came into view, the lazy mockery on Wilmers face finally faltered.

Serena stared at him, unblinking.

Just when she thought he might actually panic, he picked up a pen and signed his name without hesitation, then pushed it back to her.

You think this is gonna scare me?

Meeting her eyes, he curled his lips and drove the invisible knife in deeper.

You should know by now: Getting rid of you is something Ive always wanted.

Serenas pupils shrank.

Just like that, the last bit of warmth in her chest was completely extinguished.

She slowly stood up, her gaze fixed on his face.

Wilmer, she said quietly, I hope you remember what you said tonight. Dont regret it later.

Her eyes swept across the entire room.

And one more thing. This yacht youre throwing your party on? Its my private property now. So take your folks, and get the hell off my ship.

Thats when Wilmer remembered, yeah, he had given this yacht to her once.

But he didnt move. Instead, he casually pulled out a checkbook.

Then Ill just buy it back from you. Name your price.

Serena didnt answer. She simply raised her hand and made a small gesture.

The next second, flames burst into the sky outside.

The crowd instantly panicked, scattering in all directions.

Shit! Who started the fire?! Wilmer snapped his head toward Serena.

This yacht is going to explode in five minutes, she said calmly. If you dont want to die, leave now.

With that, she turned and walked off first, heading toward the dock without looking back.

Moments later, a massive explosion tore through the night sky.

Serenas heart trembled along with it.

She stopped walking and turned around, staring at the towering mushroom cloud in the distance. She wiped the cold tears off her face.

That yacht was where Wilmer proposed to her, where he had promised her forever.

He had named it Moon. When he gave it to her, hed said, Serena, baby, youre my moon. Youre the only light in the darkest part of my life.

The words still echoed in her ears. But everything had already changed.

She didnt even know how they ended up like this.

They met when they were young. Back then, Wilmer was just some street punk.

Like every clich story, he saved her once when she was in danger. And that was how it all started. They fell in love.

For ten years, she stuck by him, watching him climb from a street punk to the guy who ran the whole citys economy, feared and respected by everyone as Mr. Marchetti, the big CEO.

Over those ten years, shed shared everything with himrunning through storms, tangled up on rickety beds in tiny apartments, fighting through countless hardships, side by side.

Wilmer had done the same for her.

When she got sick, he stayed up all night taking care of her.

When danger came, he willingly risked his life to protect her.

At their most in love, he once held her hand in front of everyone and declared that Serena was his life.

Even if he died, hed never let anyone hurt her.

Ten years was a long time.

She thought they were already part of each other, like bone and blood. That they would never, ever separate. But life doesnt warn you before it breaks you.

Back then, Wilmer went overseas to expand business. He got caught in a local armed conflict and disappeared.

When Serena finally found him a year later, he had lost his memory. And there was another woman by his side.

Even then, despite the pain tearing her apart, Serena stayed calm. She told him everything about their past, piece by piece.

She showed him proof. Proof that he had someone he loved.

That she was waiting for him.

Wilmer believed her. But he didnt want to go back to her.

She would never forget the way he looked at her that day. Cigarette between his lips, gaze careless and distant.

Sorry. I believe youre my wife. But I dont remember you at all.

Its okay, Serena said, taking his hand. Come back with me. Ill help you remember everything.

But he shook his head.

Ive thought about it a lot. Ive decided to stay with Brionne.

Serenas lips parted. Why?

Its simple. You say I loved you so much. But if you really love someone, how do you just forget them like that?

He tapped his temple. Theres nothing here. Not a single memory of you. I look at you, and I feel nothing.

He studied her, doubtful. Did I really love you that much?

Before she could answer, he went on.

I dont know if I loved you before. But right now, I love Brionne. I cant live without her.

So Im sorry.

If you can, I hope youll agree to divorce me. Let me be with her openly and officially.

The cigarette at his lips burned down to the end.

Smoke blurred Serenas vision.

And at that moment, she suddenly didnt know what the hell she was anymorethe woman whod kept the company afloat, survived a year of sleepless nights while he was gone, holding everything together as it all fell apart.

Serena didnt give Wilmer what he wanted.

She didnt let him be with Brionne.

Using the fact that they were still legally married, Serena forced him back to her side.

Again and again, he tried to shake her off. And every time, she trapped him with one method or another.

A friend once asked her, completely unable to understand, Why? No matter how much you loved him before, once he fell for someone else, youd be the first to walk away. But now

Her friend looked at her, heartbroken.

Serena this isnt you anymore.

Why?

Serenas thoughts drifted back seven years.

Wilmer wasnt the powerful CEO he was now. Back then, they lived on the edge; danger was part of everyday life.

One day, his closest friend got into trouble. Wilmer rushed to save him, but he was too late. His buddys legs were already ruined.

And when the guys wife heard the news, she left without hesitation.

Maybe it hit too close to home. That night, Wilmer held Serena tightly, his voice hoarse.

Serena if something like that happened to me would you leave me, too?

I wont, she said.

But his arms tightened even more.

Promise me. Promise me that no matter what happens to me in the future, youll stay.

His eyes were red.

Serena Without you, Id die.

Seeing the fear in his eyes, her heart completely softened.

So she made a promise.

And she kept it.

Because she had given him her word, even after he lost his memory and hurt her over and over again, she never once thought about giving up.

To make him stay, she crossed lines she never would have before. She did things she used to think she never could.

She told herself that it would be okay once he remembered.

There was no way one year could beat ten.

For that, she practically ran across the entire country, visiting every top neurology hospital she could find, doing everything she could to restore his memory.

Until yesterday. She overheard a conversation between Wilmer and one of his buddies outside the door.

Hey, you already got your memory back a couple days ago. Why are you still hiding it from your wife?

Wilmer answered casually. Because the moment she finds out, shell make me choose between her and Brionne. And yeah, I wont give up my wife but I cant let go of Brionne either.

Dude, thats

I know, its kinda shitty, he cut in. But people are greedy. Who doesnt want both?

Then if you remember everything now, why not treat her a little better, dude?

Serenas too sharp. When I didnt remember her, I treated her like shit. If I suddenly change, shell notice. Shell figure out Ive been lying. And once she does, shell leave me.

So until I figure out a solution, I just keep things as they are.

The room fell into a long, stunned silence.

Outside the door, Serena stood frozen like a statue.

Later, she wandered the streets with no destination.

The autumn rain was cold, but it wasnt even a fraction of how cold she felt inside.

So it wasnt that he hadnt remembered. He just wanted both her and Brionne.

And he was the same man who once held her hand and said that all he wanted in this life was only her for a lifetime.

Her tears came hard but silently.

Only now did Serena realize how ridiculously insane shed been, clinging to a promise like it was everything.

Ten years really did lose to one.

She slowly pressed her lips together, wiped the tears from her eyes, and turned her back on the fire behind her, walking toward the end of the dock without a single trace of hesitation.

When she got home, she started packing her things.

Green Garden Villa had been their home together. But now that shed decided to divorce, she didnt want to stay there anymore.

Halfway through packing, two men suddenly barged in and grabbed her, dragging her outside without a word.

Serenas face changed. What are you doing?!

Right as she asked, she met Wilmers cold gaze at the door.

You burned all of Brionnes birthday gifts, he said flatly. Im just returning the favor.

Then he ordered his men to pour gasoline around the villa inside and out.

Without hesitation, he flicked his lighter into it.

With a whoosh, flames exploded instantly.

Serenas pupils shrank as she stared at the fire raging in front of her.

Aside from the two years theyd been drifting, they had lived in this house for eight full years.

Everything inside held their most precious memories. And now, it was all turning to ash.

Her eyes turned red. But the next second, she laughed.

Wilmer frowned immediately.

He hadnt expected that reaction.

Hed already been feeling a flicker of regret for setting the fire on impulse. But seeing her laugh now, something sharp and restless rose in his chest.

What are you laughing at? he asked coldly. I remember you saying this place was our home for eight years.

Isnt a home supposed to mean everything to someone?

Serenas laughter didnt falter.

Yeah. Exactly because its been eight years, theres too much of us in there. I didnt even know how to deal with it. Honestly? You just made it easy for me.

Guess I should thank you, she added casually.

Then she reached up, took off the pendant around her neck, and threw it straight into the flames.

Wilmer froze, shouting, Hey! You

Serena didnt respond.

She knew exactly why he reacted like that.

The thing she just threw away was a protection charm he had gotten for her after kneeling through three thousand steps, praying for three days straight in front of a temple.

And just like that, she let it burn.

If Wilmer had only been venting for Brionne before, now, he was actually pissed.

He grabbed Serenas wrist hard, teeth clenched.

You woman youve got some nerve!

Serenas expression didnt change. Its just a pendant. Why are you so worked up?

She looked straight at him.

Or what, is your memory back already?

A flicker passed through Wilmers eyes in less than half a second. So fast it was almost impossible to catch.

No, he said coldly. But you told me about it before. When you were trying to prove I loved you.

His tone sounded accusatory. So, this is how you treat someones feelings?

Serenas face turned even colder.

She never told him.

But she didnt bother exposing the lie.

She shook off his hand and walked away without a second thought.

She didnt even want him anymore. Why would she care about anything else?

Wilmers expression stiffened slightly.

One of his men spoke up carefully, Sir you think shes actually serious this time?

Shes not, Wilmer said instinctively.

He knew Serena. She kept her promises.

As long as he hadnt regained his memory, no matter how far he crossed the line, no matter how badly he treated her, she would never leave him.

Still something about tonight felt off.

Wilmer frowned, a faint unease creeping in.

After a moment, he pulled out his phone and called a friend, someone who worked as a psychologist, and asked him to analyze Serenas behavior.

I cant say for sure unless I talk to her, his friend said, but sometimes, when gentle methods dont work to help someone recover their memory, doctors suggest more extreme approaches. To stimulate them. Trigger something.

Wilmer understood immediately.

The darkness in his eyes cleared.

So thats it. Serena had just changed her approach, trying to force his memories back.

For a brief moment, he actually felt a little bad for her.

There was even a second where he almost told her the truth.

But then he saw Brionne running toward him from a distance.

And just like that, the thought disappeared.

After leaving, Serena checked into a luxury hotel.

The divorce papers were already signed. Now it was just a matter of waiting a few days for the process to go through.

Once it was done, she could finally leave everything behind.

That night, it started raining.

She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wide awake. After a while, she got up and went to the biggest shooting range in the city.

After firing a hundred rounds, she rubbed her sore, numb hand. The pressure in her chest finally eased just a little.

Well, well. An annoying voice came from behind her.

Serena turned and saw Brionne, raising a brow as she looked her up and down.

Oh, I was wondering who it was. Turns out its Mrs. Marchetti.

She emphasized Mrs. Marchetti with heavy sarcasm.

Serena ignored her, lowering her head to reload her gun.

But Brionne didnt leave. Instead, she lazily showed off the faint hickeys on her body and said, You know, after Wilmer burned down your house, he took me to an auction and spent hundreds of millions on me.

Bitch, being a wife like you? Honestly, I almost feel sorry for you.

Serena finally looked at her. What are you trying to say?

Brionnes expression turned serious. Leave Wilmer. He doesnt love you. Stop clinging to him!

Serena wasnt exactly known for having a good temper. She shot back, Are you blind? I already signed the divorce papers.

But just like Wilmer, Brionne didnt believe her. If you really can let him go, she said, then when Wilmer and I get married, Ill make sure you get a seat at the main table.

Serena let out a short, disbelieving laugh.

Brionne really knew how to disgust people.

She stopped responding, turned back to her target, and raised her gun.

But suddenly, a slap resounded.

Brionne hit herself. Then let out a cry and collapsed to the floor. Ouch!

The next second, Wilmer appeared at the entrance.

Seeing the scene, he quickly walked over and helped her up. You okay?

Brionne covered her face, tears in her eyes. Wilmeryour wife hit me!

Wilmers gaze shot toward Serena like a blade.

His voice dropped. Who gave you the guts to lay a hand on Brionne?

Serena didnt speak.

She hadnt expected that after ten years together, he wouldnt even give her basic trust.

But then she quickly understood. Maybe it wasnt that he didnt trust her.

Maybe he was just keeping up his amnesia act.

After all, when he really had lost his memory, hed always blindly sided with Brionne.

If that was the case, there was nothing left to argue. She just turned her eyes to Brionne.

That lunatic had hit herself pretty hard. Her face was already red and swollen, her lip split, a bit of blood showing.

But

Serena raised her gun. Without hesitation, she aimed at Bionne, and then pulled the trigger.

Gasps erupted around them. And Serena met Wilmers suddenly shrinking pupils.

This, she said coldly, is what it actually looks like when I hit someone.

Brionne let out a scream that didnt even sound human.

In her mind, Serena had always been someone who just took whatever was thrown at her. No matter how much Brionne provoked her behind the scenes, Serena never fought back.

But now, was she insane?

Even Wilmer hadnt expected her to actually pull the trigger.

His sharp features tightened instantly. The next second, he snatched the gun from her hand and, without hesitation, fired straight at her. Her thigh. Her abdomen. Her chest.

One bang after the other startled everyone.

Even though the shooting range only used blanks, the force at that distance was no joke, especially with how close he was when he fired.

The impact sent Serena flying to the ground. She coughed up a mouthful of blood.

It felt like her insides had shattered, pain spreading wildly through her body.

She clenched her teeth, forcing down the groan rising in her throat, her reddened eyes locked on Wilmer.

Before, if she so much as bumped into something, hed panic.

Now? She shot his new girl once, he returned it with three shots!

Serena laughed. But her eyes went dull, piece by piece, like something burning down to ash.

As darkness crept in, she remembered what her dad had said back when she left her family for Wilmer.

The least reliable thing in this world is love.

If his love for you lasts ten years, I might consider accepting him.

Otherwise, get out with him.

Back then, shed said shed prove it. Shed prove that Wilmer was a man worth spending her life with.

And now, they had stopped exactly at year ten.

So this is all a wholehearted love was worth: a ten-year expiration date.

When she woke up, the first thing she smelled was disinfectant in the hospital.

Youre awake.

She turned her head and met Wilmers eyes.

He spoke without emotion. This was just a warning. If you ever touch Brionne again, next time, the gun wont be loaded with blanks.

The way he stood there, it didnt feel like he was checking on her. It felt like hed stayed just to deliver that line.

Serena said nothing.

At this point, she felt like there was nothing left to say between them anyway.

Wilmer didnt bother staying another second. He turned and walked out.

But at the door, he paused and looked back.

Stop trying to use cheap tricks to trigger my memory, he said coldly. It wont work on me.

A faint, mocking smile tugged at Serenas lips.

So even now, he still thought she was doing all this just to get him back.

He really didnt believe she was done with him.

For the next week, she stayed in the hospital recovering.

Wilmer never came back.

And she didnt care.

A week later, after she was discharged, she made a few calls.

After ten years in Harbor City, she had a few close friends here.

Since she might never come back again, she invited them out for dinner that night for a farewell.

They met at a private restaurant.

By the time Serena arrived, everyone else was already there.

The moment they saw her, their eyes turned red.

One of them stepped forward and hugged her. Youre really leaving?

Serena smiled and nodded.

Thats good, her friend said, patting her shoulder. You shouldve started over a long time ago.

Serena let out a soft mm and hugged her back.

Halfway through dinner, Serena went to the restroom.

On her way back, she suddenly stopped. Then quietly stepped behind a potted plant, hiding herself.

Not far away, in the small garden, Brionne was talking to a man with a scar across his face.

Maam, the man said, the boss wants you to move faster. Once you get your hands on Wilmers core business secrets, itll be easy to take down his empire.

Brionne sounded annoyed. Whats the rush? Yeah, Wilmer loves me, but hes not stupid enough to let me near his companys core operations. If I want this to work, I have to take it slow. Besides, Serenas still in the way.

The man nodded. If necessary, we can get rid of her. Wouldnt be a waste of the effort we put in. Setting Wilmer up back then, then having you save him so you could get close.

Brionne hummed in agreement.

Just two meters away, hidden behind the plant, Serena felt like a storm had exploded in her chest.

All this time, shed thought Brionne was just a spoiled, brainless pretty girl, good at acting cute, nothing more.

Even Wilmer had once said that himself to his buddies. That Brionne was the complete opposite of Serena, not cunning. Thats why she felt exciting. Thats why he couldnt let her go.

But right now, there wasnt a trace of that brainless girl left. Her eyes were cold and calculating.

Serena knew. She had completely misjudged Brionne.

But she wasnt the only one.

If Wilmer found out his precious new love had been playing him from the start, what kind of reaction would he have?

Serena saved the recording shed just secretly taken, then quietly slipped away from the garden.

After saying goodbye to her friends, she got into her car. For a moment, she hesitated. Should she tell Wilmer the truth?

Not because she wanted to help him but because she wanted to see his face when he realized.

Just as she was thinking, a hand suddenly came from behind and clamped over her mouth and nose!

Serena caught a sharp, chemical smell. It was ether.

The next second, everything went black.

When she opened her eyes again, her hands were tied behind her back. She was on the ground, forehead pressed against the cold barrel of a gun.

Not far from her, Brionne was in the exact same situation.

And a few meters ahead, Wilmer stood there with his men, facing off against the kidnappers.

Serena froze for a split second, then quickly understood.

Theyd been kidnapped.

And both she and Brionne were being used as bargaining chips.

Sir, the kidnapper leader said, five hundred million, plus that shipment youve got. Get it to me fast, or both your women are gonna suffer.

Across from them, Wilmers expression was tight.

Three minutes later, he took a laptop from one of his men and said coldly, The moneys been transferred. Let them go.

The kidnapper raised a hand. After confirming the funds, a smile crept onto his face.

Moneys here. But I havent taken the goods yet.

He paused, then added, almost mockingly polite:

Im not unreasonable though. Heres the deal. Pick one woman. You can take her now.

As for the other, once I get the goods and make it out to sea, Ill send her back.

Serenas breath hitched.

She looked at Wilmer.

And unexpectedly, he was already looking at her.

Their eyes met.

His lips moved slightly, like he was about to say something.

But just then, Brionne woke up.

Wilmer, save me! she cried.

Serena clearly saw it. That flash of pain in his eyes.

Then he spoke.

I choose Serena.

Serena lowered her gaze.

Right on cue, the kidnappers shoved Brionne forward.

In a moment like this, people always choose the one who matters most.

And once that choice is made, the one who matters most is the one the kidnappers wont let go.

So if he wanted to save Brionne, of course, he had to choose Serena.

And yet, Serena felt nothing. No pain. No heartbreak.

So this was what it felt like to finally let someone go.

Three days. Thats all it took.

Dont worry, the kidnapper said, dragging her back step by step. Once were safe, Ill return your wife.

The tension in the air was suffocating.

Then suddenly, Wilmers voice cut through it.

Serena!

She looked up.

For the first time, there was real anxiety in his eyes.

His fists clenched. He pressed his lips together.

Dont be scared, he said. I wont let anything happen to you.

But the moment the words left his mouth, a gunshot rang out.

Everything shattered.

Wilmer, you dared to shoot?! the kidnapper roared.

Wilmers face changed instantly. That wasnt me!

But no one was listening anymore.

The gunshot was like a fuse being lit.

Bullets started flying. Both sides opened fire. Chaos erupted.

Wilmers heart dropped straight to the bottom.

Panic fashed across his face.

If things escalated now, Serena was as good as dead.

Whatever it takes, he ordered harshly, get her out!

But the kidnappers had come prepared.

The fight turned brutal. Even Wilmer got injured.

Sir, we need to fall back! one of his men shouted. If we keep going, were gonna lose too many people!

But Wilmer had completely lost his usual calm.

He kept pushing forward anyway until one of his trusted men knocked him out from behind.

As darkness swallowed him, the last thing burned into his vision was Serena.

Standing there in the middle of gunfire.

Looking at him completely expressionless.

On the other side, once Wilmers people retreated, the kidnappers pulled back too.

Theyd taken even heavier losses. Only seven of them were still standing.

The leader spat out a mouthful of blood.

Fuck! Thought having her would keep him from making a move.

Didnt expect that bastard to play me.

What do we do with her? someone asked.

The leader stared at Serena, eyes dark.

Kill her. Dump her in the ocean.

Serena said nothing.

She lowered her eyes and quietly waited.

She had been through ten years with Wilmer and seen storms far worse than this.

She wasnt afraid of dying.

It was just kind of ironic.

After finally divorcing him, she was about to die because of him. Funny, in a way.

But the death she expected never came.

Serena opened her eyes, and realized that at some point, over a dozen camouflaged mercenaries had silently appeared inside the abandoned factory.

They moved fast and clean.

Before the kidnappers could even react, they were all taken out.

The leader of the mercenaries walked up to her.

Maam, he said politely, we were sent by Sir Aidan to bring you back.

Serena paused.

Aidan. Aidan Dickerson, her future arranged marriage partner.

After a moment, she nodded. Thank you.

She borrowed a phone, downloaded the recording she had saved in the cloud. The conversation between Brionne and the scar-faced man. And then, she sent it to Wilmer.

Then, without hesitation, she boarded the helicopter waiting for her.

And as it lifted into the sky, she didnt look back. Not even once.