FROM DISCARDED WIFE TO UNTOUCHABLE WOMAN

Serena

Elliot's POV

I felt like my whole world had been uprooted from me.

I watched the door close behind my father but that only deepened the wound in my heart.

Staring at the file on the desk felt like a death sentence. I picked it up and tore it to shreds.

I was kicking the desk furiously when my right hand man, Austin stepped in.

He bowed.

“Not now, Austin.” I dismissed him.

“I'm sorry, sir. It's just–” he paused and avoided my gaze.

“What's the matter?”

Austin hesitated before answering “Mr Henry Vance is really serious about this. He has shut you out of the firm and has even set the company up for sale.”

“What?”

He nodded and added, “Right now, we are shut out of the elite society. I'm afraid if you don't do something about this, you might lose everything.”

I tightened my hand into a fist and sank into the chair.

“I can't give in to his demands, Austin. After seeing how vulnerable my mother was with him and how he treated her despite her love for him, I don't ever want to be in that position.”

Austin stepped forward and spoke calmly, “Love is not bad when you're into it with the right person, sir.”

I shot him a glance. “You weren't there to see my mum, Austin. Love makes one weak, and miserable. I'd rather die than be in love or marry someone who wants to be loved by me.”

Austin sighed as he stared at me with worry in his eyes.

“I fear for your life, sir. The people you've hurt in the past, and those you took revenge on, not to mention Finn.”

I bit my lips at the sound of that name.

He continued, “It has been his dream to watch you suffer, especially after he was made to work under you.”

I pressed my fingers to my temples. It felt like I was losing my mind. Still, Austin was right. I have gotten back at hundreds of people, some intentional, others unintentionally.

I was less worried about them though, losing to Finn bugged me more. Ever since childhood, we've been pit against one another.

While his mom earned my father's affection, the Vance family disapproved of her and made my dad marry my mom instead. His love for Finn's mother caused him to cheat and that led to Finn's birth.

I would never forget the look of betrayal in the eyes of my mother and how my father treated her afterwards.

Growing up was more about me having to fight for what's mine, to prove to my dad that I was better than his bastard son, Finn.

I had braced myself up and fought every challenge just to be ahead of Finn. I never imagined that my father would use my weakness against me.

Could this be the end?

Even though I promised my mother before she left me that I would always hold on to what's mine and never disappoint her, can I really do what my father is asking me?

Get married and bear an heir?

I shut my eyes. The thought of it was heart-wrenching. I've only had pleasures from unknown women, how can I get married and bear an heir?

“I have a suggestion, sir.”

I opened my eyes and stared at him.

“How about you marry someone you're incapable of loving and vice versa? Since Mr Henry is said to have seven months left, you can have a contract marriage based on the timeframe. She can fake pregnancy towards Mr Henry's time of death.”

I sighed. That is a good one but the idea of walking down the aisle, holding a woman pricked me so much.

I guess it's the sacrifice I'd have to make.

“Fine.” I mumbled.

“Find any woman and–”

“I already found one, sir.”

I lifted my gaze to meet his. “Very quickly?”

He nodded. “We don't have much time, Mr Vance. Finn could already be making his move.”

I stared at Austin and wondered for a split second why he was so interested in helping me. And then I remembered how close he was to my mother. They were so close that my father accused my mom of having an affair with him.

I saw the genuine concern for me in his eyes and said,

“Who is she?”

Austin swallowed before muttering, “Serena, sir.”

I arched my brows. “Serena Cole?”

He nodded after two seconds.

“Are you serious? Adrian Whitmore's ex-wife??”

“I need you to trust me, sir. I already did my research before now.”

“What are you talking about, Austin? Have you lost your mind?”

“Mr Vance, Serena Cole has a goal. A goal you can use to your advantage.” He caught my attention.

“What goal?”

“She was mistreated by the Whitmore family and after being unable to conceive, they cast her out and got a new wife for Adrian Whitmore.”

My mind clicked.

“That's the reason she was arguing with Camille the night she soiled my suit?”

Austin nodded.

“She's the best possible choice, after all, she's unable to conceive, can easily be coerced and you already don't like her.”

I still wasn't convinced.

“Mr Henry won't vouch for you marrying a woman of lower status. We do have other options for women from higher statuses but they all have a grudge against you. They could use this to their advantage.”

I nodded. “You have a point, but can Serena be trusted?”

Austin answered. “After staying faithful to Adrian Whitmore for eight years, that's the last thing to be worried about.”

I stared at Austin for a long time before heaving a sigh and rising from the chair.

* * *

Meanwhile Serena Cole was busy admiring the beautiful lilies in the garden. It made her think of Adrian, and her hand instinctively went to her belly.

Tears stung her eyes but she reminded herself not to cry. Somehow, she'd find a way to survive with the baby and prove to Adrian that he made a big mistake.

Where she sat was not entirely visible to anyone. In fact, she had walked from the garden, taken away by the lilies, to the fountain side.

Behind the trees, two maids stopped to exchange words.

“Did you hear?” One of them asked.

“Mr Elliot has been stripped off his inheritance.” Answered the other.

Serena sat up.

“It’s just his father's way of mitigating his sleeping around.”

“I don't think so, I think he wants Finn to have it instead.”

“I doubt that. Mr Elliot has always been his father's favorite.”

“Whatever. The way I see it, Mr Henry has only started the brewing war between the two brothers.”

“I’ll be happy if one of them chooses to marry me!”

They laughed and walked away.

Serena stood up instantly and began to find her way out of the building. If what she heard is true, then the suit is the last thing Elliot Vance will be worried about.

As she was about to step out of the garden, a calm voice stopped her.

“Serena.”