Chapter 21
This arrangement required secrecy, so no one beyond Hunter and Serena knew about their deal. Their relationship seemed to revert to how it was when Nadine was alive, as they now flaunted affectionate gestures without restraint.
They went to see the northern lights and took photos together. Later, Serena captioned her photos as, “Always by my side.”
Hunter amplified the message by sharing it across all his platforms, the romantic implication unmistakable. They were sparking another online frenzy. But unlike before, the reactions were more bewildered than envious.
“If I remember correctly, didn’t Hunter’s wife just die? He’s already back with Serena?”
“You don’t get it. Hunter and Nadine were just a business marriage, and there’s no love there. They were sworn enemies. Now that she’s gone, he’s finally free to be with his true love.”
“But Nadine was still his wife in name. Her body’s barely cold, and he’s already moved on? That’s just wrong.”
The confusion wasn’t limited to the internet. Even Hunter’s closest friends couldn’t fathom
his sudden shift. Just days ago, he’d seemed heartbroken over Nadine, as if losing her had
shattered his world.
Yet the moment Serena reappeared, he’d tossed Nadine aside without a second thought. He
hadn’t even pretended to mourn for three full days. And he had the nerve to claim he loved Nadine?
His friends were disgusted but didn’t want to misjudge him. They arranged a meetup, only for Serena to show up alongside him.
“Hunter, is… is it really appropriate to let Serena tag along here?” someone asked awkwardly.
Serena smiled graciously while clinging to Hunter’s arm. “What could you possibly discuss that I can’t hear? I used to join Hunter all the time. Don’t treat me like an outsider now.”
Hunter nodded in agreement. “She’s right. Serena is my lover now. There’s no need for
secrecy.”
With him insisting, they had no choice but to bluntly voice their concerns.
“Hunter, we just want to know–who do you actually love? Two days ago, you swore you loved Nadine, that losing her destroyed you. We all saw it. But now, barely 48 hours later, you’re back with Serena?
“Which is it? If it’s still Nadine, fine. But if it’s Serena…” The speaker trailed off while
Chapter 21
frowning.
2/2
Everyone in the room knew what that meant–if it was Serena, Hunter had truly sunk too low. All eyes focused on Hunter, with Serena smiling triumphantly as she tightened her grip on his
hand.
Pain lanced through his chest. He didn’t love Serena at all; every minute with her made his stomach churn. But he had to endure these five days for Nadine’s sake.
Steeling himself, he met his friends‘ expectant gazes and spoke slowly.
“What I felt for Nadine was just guilt. Now I see clearly that I’ve always loved Serena. That will never change. If anyone looks down on me for this, feel free to leave. I won’t stop you. Serena is all I need.”
The room erupted in shock. No one expected Hunter to actually say those words.
The first few people left in disappointment. Then others followed suit. Even his childhood best friend paused at the door to clasp his shoulder.
“Hunter, Nadine truly deserved better. But this isn’t my place to judge. We’ve known each other for far too long, and I just hope you won’t regret this.”
With that, he too was gone. The private room now stood empty.
Hunter’s face paled. He hadn’t anticipated losing all his friends, but it didn’t matter. It was just five more days, then they’d understand his actions.
Nadine would return. He’d apologize to her, and he’d love her properly this time.
Clutching his aching chest, he squeezed Serena’s hand tightly. The woman wrinkled her nose in disdain before cooing at him.
“Those blind fools! How am I inferior to Nadine? Hunter, tell them—you love me most, don’t you?”
Though warm and petite in his arms, she felt ice–cold to him. His voice came out hoarse as he replied, “Yes. You’re 100 times better than Nadine. I love you, Serena.”
