CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 5: TAKING OFF THE WEDDING RING HE GAVE

Serena landed hard on her backside.

"Snap, snap..."

Countless flashes lit up, capturing her in this embarrassing moment.

Serena instinctively looked at Julian Lawson, but saw his cold eyes instead.

She understood the meaning in his eyes.

Her heart pierced with pain.

He wanted her to tell the media, "It’s just a misunderstanding. Miss Vera was unwell, and it’s only natural for my husband to show sympathy and care for a sick person, as it’s the virtue a man should possess."

Pressing slightly on her stomach, Serena lowered her head and laughed softly.

The clouds slowly moved across the blue sky, and sunlight scattered sporadically through the gaps in the crowd.

But not a ray landed on her.

Serena collected herself and slowly stood up.

With her back towards Julian, she replied calmly, "I sympathize with Miss Vera’s illness, but that’s all there is to it."

"So, are you friends with Vera Hansen now?" asked someone nearby, obliviously.

"Friends?" Serena chuckled lightly.

"No, who would be friends with someone who clings to your husband all day long." Serena retorted coldly, turning to wave at Bianca Lynch, who was already driving over.

"Serena!" Julian’s slightly angry voice came from behind.

She ignored him completely, stubbornly standing with her back to him.

Bianca quickly rescued her and, before leaving, snorted.

"Ha, anyone would think you two are having a showdown with a mistress. Have you ever seen anyone so shameless, ugh!"

"You!" Vera immediately felt angry and wanted to speak.

But Bianca immediately interrupted her, "What about me? Every word I said is true. If you want to use the cameras to bully me, there’s nothing I can do."

At these words, Vera’s face turned even more unsightly, and she looked like she was about to faint.

The scene became chaotic over there.

Meanwhile, Bianca took Serena into the car. Without looking back, they drove off.

"Don’t worry, she’s clearly faking it. I’ve seen it a lot; I can spot it at a glance." Bianca comforted.

Serena smiled helplessly and said, "It’s not her I’m worried about, it’s you. What about your job if they cause trouble for you?"

With a red light ahead, Bianca stepped on the brakes and grinned widely at Serena.

"Sis, you’ve forgotten the director is my dad."

Serena rolled her eyes and said, "I recall someone swearing they’d never accept that old man as their dad."

"Ugh! Hindsight is twenty-twenty. I wish all the world’s geniuses were my father!"

The two playfully bantered for a while, and when they confirmed Serena was alright, the light turned green, and the car continued on its way.

"Speak up, sis, I’m free this afternoon. Whatever you ask, I’ll do it!" Bianca showed a gave-up posture.

Serena got infected by her antics and grinned slyly.

"I just happen to need you for one thing."

"What is it?" Bianca looked at Serena innocently.

"Help me move." Serena grabbed Bianca’s wrist, "No backing out!"

In the end, Bianca admitted defeat.

So, they brought along an organizer and moving staff to the matrimonial home they had lived in for a year.

Back then, their wedding was rushed, and everything was arranged hastily.

Like this house.

But over the year, with her careful decoration, it had begun to feel like a home.

No longer just a cold, empty building.

What a pity...

Bianca commanded the organizers and had them working busily. Serena picked up the Chanel No. 5 from a shelf.

This was the first gift Julian had brought her after a business trip post-wedding.

A classic scent.

When he came back, he had the smell of London fog on him.

He hurriedly found her right after getting off the plane.

That day, his hug was urgent, and his kiss was eager.

At that time, they were just like any ordinary couple.

She opened the cap, spraying a bit.

The scent was still familiar.

Just like the time he sprayed it on her and lightly kissed her lips, the same fragrance.

"Shall we pack this too?" Bianca noticed the perfume and immediately called someone over.

Serena shook her head, "No need."

She took off the wedding ring he casually bought and placed it on the table.

But looking at the organizers bustling around outside, she reconsidered and put the perfume, the ring, and a note listing items in the drawer together.

After a while, the house had been tidied up.

Everything related to her, except that bottle of perfume and the ring, had been moved.

Although moving is bothersome, once you make up your mind, it goes quickly.

Sorting one’s heart is the same.

The car was heading towards Serena’s new home, the wind lightly lifting her hair as the mansion grew distant in the rearview mirror.

Leaving the past behind allows you to move forward.

She still has many important things to do.

The Sheridan Family’s sudden demise, the mysterious "accidental" death of her father, all need to be investigated by her.

She seemed to have lived life for others.

She wants to start anew, becoming her own person.

Starting with that music show, on the one hand to secure funding, and on the other to show acquaintances of her father what she’s capable of.

Thinking of this, Serena took out her phone, found someone’s contact, and replied: [I’ll participate in that music show.]

...

On the other side, Vera was still crying.

Julian softly comforted her, his mind filled with the image of Serena when she left.

She just stood there, back facing him, saying those words.

She clearly knew what he wanted her to say.

Yet she defied him once again.

He sent many messages, but she didn’t respond.

It’s happened again.

In just over a day, she seemed to have become a different person, deliberately stirring trouble with him.

Picking up the divorce certificate was like this; visiting the hospital was like this.

Suddenly, Julian recalled Serena’s determined gaze when she asked him about his decision the night before.

A touch of sorrow, yet full of calm.

He suddenly felt a bit scared.

"Brother Julian, please don’t blame Serena." Vera said while crying.

"I know Serena feels upset, seeing us both at the hospital online, she came over to confront us, I’m fine with that. After all..."

Her tears flowed even more.

"After all, I stole this... Brother Julian, the last half year, was stolen from your marriage, so no matter how Serena slanders me, it’s something I deserve."

As she spoke, she suddenly coughed.

"Cough, cough..."

Then she spat out a large mouthful of blood.

"Vera!" Julian panicked and immediately wanted to call an ambulance.

As for Serena’s odd behavior, he thought it was just temper. She couldn’t live without him.

But Vera merely shook her head, smiling weakly and said, "It’s already late stage, that’s just how it is, don’t worry."

Then the nurse helped settle her down.

Watching Julian going to trouble Serena with a frown, Vera casually wiped away the blood and spat out the blood bag she had hidden in her mouth earlier.

She laughed and said to the nurse, "What do you think he’ll say to scold Serena? Haha, I’m looking forward to it."

Then, she happily opened various video comments online.

Online, people were unanimously criticizing Serena.

"Vera was at the hospital for medicine, not even life-saving ones anymore, just to die more gracefully with painkillers, yet Serena had to rub it in!"

"Vera is almost dying, can’t Serena tolerate that?"

"Honestly, Vera and President Lawson are the perfect match, they look like a couple made in heaven standing together!"

"Serena fell on her butt and looked ugly to death,"

"Serena should step down quickly!"

"Serena divorce!"

"Serena divorce +1!"

"Divorce +10086!"

...

Vera laughed happily, took out her phone, and ordered: "Today went well, create more topics wantonly, market it well, we must stomp Serena underfoot!"

"Oh, and check what Serena was doing at the hospital today for me."