Serena should have known peace never lasted long.
Three weeks into the marriage, she had started adjusting.
Learning the staff names.
Learning Adrian's moods.
Learning how to exist in a world that still didn't feel like hers.
That morning she even allowed herself a small victory.
She felt… stable.
That was her first mistake.
Because enemies usually strike when you finally breathe.
It started with a message from Margaret.
Mrs. Kingston, there is an urgent article spreading online.
Serena opened the link.
And her world went cold.
Headline:
KINGSTON CEO'S WIFE EXPOSED – PAST RELATIONSHIP SCANDAL
Another:
WAS SERENA VALE ABANDONED FOR BEING UNSTABLE?
Another:
FORMER COLLEAGUES CLAIM SHE WAS "DESPERATE"
Serena's fingers tightened around the phone.
This wasn't random.
This was organized.
Then she saw the photo.
An old picture of her and Jason from years ago.
Private.
How did they even get that?
Her phone rang.
Unknown number.
She answered slowly.
Victoria's voice came smoothly:
"You should see what people are saying about you."
Serena stayed calm.
"I have."
"This is what happens when people step above their level."
Serena didn't react.
Victoria continued:
"You're embarrassing Adrian now."
"If he cared about embarrassment, he wouldn't have married me."
Victoria's tone sharpened slightly.
"Confidence is dangerous when you're replaceable."
Serena answered quietly:
"Then replace me."
Silence.
Victoria didn't expect that.
"You're not afraid?"
Serena answered truthfully:
"I've already lost everything once. Fear loses power after that."
Victoria hung up.
Not satisfied.
Meaning she wasn't done.
That afternoon Adrian called Serena into his office.
He looked calm.
Too calm.
Which meant he was angry.
"Sit."
She did.
He placed several printed articles on the table.
"Do you want to explain?"
Serena didn't panic.
"Old relationship. Ended badly. He chose money."
"Did you leak anything?"
"No."
"Did you lie about anything?"
"No."
He studied her face carefully.
Searching for cracks.
He found none.
"Then this is fabrication."
"Yes."
A pause.
Then Serena said something unexpected:
"You can end the contract if this damages you."
Adrian looked up sharply.
"Excuse me?"
"I understand reputation matters."
"And?"
"I won't hold you if this becomes inconvenient."
Silence filled the room.
Then Adrian said something very cold:
"Do I look like a man who retreats under pressure?"
Serena blinked slightly.
"No."
"Good."
Then he added:
"Because I don't abandon what's mine."
The sentence slipped out naturally.
Both noticed it.
Neither addressed it.
That evening the real attack happened.
A charity event.
Important investors present.
Serena attended beside Adrian.
The whispers started immediately.
But this time…
People weren't just whispering.
They were avoiding her.
Judging her.
One woman said loudly:
"Some people really sleep their way into society."
Serena heard it.
So did Adrian.
Another voice:
"Temporary wives usually disappear quietly."
Serena kept walking.
Head high.
But Adrian stopped.
That was new.
Very new.
"Repeat that."
His voice was calm.
Deadly calm.
The woman froze.
"I—I didn't mean—"
"You did."
The entire room went silent.
Adrian continued:
"If anyone has questions about my wife's character… they can address me directly."
No one spoke.
He continued:
"Because any attack on her… is an attack on me."
That sentence echoed.
Power shifted instantly.
Then he delivered the real slap:
"And I do not tolerate disrespect."
The woman apologized immediately.
Victoria, watching from across the room, realized something important.
This was no longer just business for him.
And that made Serena dangerous.
Later that night Serena asked quietly:
"Why did you do that?"
"Because it was necessary."
"You always say that."
"Because it usually is."
She looked at him carefully.
"And tonight?"
A pause.
Then Adrian answered honestly:
"Tonight it annoyed me."
"The rumors?"
A longer pause.
Then:
"No."
"What then?"
His answer came before he could stop it:
"Seeing you treated unfairly."
Silence.
They both felt it.
That wasn't strategy.
That was feeling.
Serena spoke softly:
"You don't have to fight all my battles."
His answer came immediately:
"Yes. I do."
"Why?"
He didn't answer.
Because the real answer was dangerous:
Because it bothers me when you're hurt.
And that sounded too close to caring.
That night both of them realized something important:
This marriage started as protection.
But protection was turning into attachment.
And attachment…
Was exactly what Adrian promised himself he would never allow.