FROM DISCARDED WIFE TO UNTOUCHABLE WOMAN

Divorcing You

Serena's POV

“Karen?”

The music drowned my voice, else everyone would have heard me clearly. Karen looked away. I was confused.

I tried walking up to her but Elliot grabbed my wrist.

“Not now.”

I sighed and stopped but my gaze never left Karen. How is she back with him? And, is Finn not Vance's family driver? What exactly is happening?

I didn't have time to think as we were ushered to the dinner table. Not everyone joined us, some of them, who I deemed might be less important members remained in the sitting room drinking and dancing.

At the dinner table were Mr Vance, the middle-aged man from earlier, the woman with the heavy make-up, and of course the calm man with an eerie demeanor who had not come to receive I and Elliot.

“Count this as your formal introduction into the Vance family, which I am sure you have heard of.” Mr Vance began, adding, “Right?”

“Yes, certainly.” Answered Karen.

I also replied. “Yes.”

Dinner was served and everyone dived in.

“Forgive me, but there is going to be a lot of talking at this dinner table.” Mr Vance chuckled. “After all, I'll be getting to know the wives of both my sons.”

The middle-aged man spoke, “An introduction should be a great start.”

The woman with the heavy make-up added, pointing at Karen, “I agree, and I'd love to start with you dear. You are pretty.”

Karen smiled, as she dropped her glass of wine. “Good evening all. I am Karen Wilson, twenty-nine years old, and a college graduate. I'd always wanted to further my education but after a tragic fire accident that claimed the lives of my parents, I couldn't realize that dream.”

She looked at Finn, “Finn and I have been together for some time now and I'm happy I finally get to meet with the Vance family.”

“Ooooohhh..” the middle-aged man cooed with no iota of embarrassment. “Did you see how she looked at him?”

The woman with heavy make-up tapped him gently, stopping him from making any more comments.

As Karen took her seat, Finn held her close, planting a short kiss on her cheek. I had to admit that seeing Karen tonight unnerved me and destroyed my entire composure for the night.

To think that she was deftly avoiding my gaze and made no effort to speak to me was driving me mad.

This was nothing but a competition between me and my best friend. How is this possible?? Could this be what she's been keeping from me? Did Karen really betray our friendship??

“What about you, dear? You look familiar and I love how elegant you look!” The woman on heavy make-up complimented. “Did Elliot pick this gown for you?”

“Yes.” I answered, unaware of the blush that appeared on my cheeks.

“I never thought the sons of the Vance family would have good eyes to select such beautiful women.” The middle-aged man laughed.

I forced a smile. “Good evening all. I am Serena Cole.”

I paused, not sure if I should continue. Speaking of how far my education actually is could discredit Karen because compared to her, I was more educated, even though I had to stop at some point due to my marriage to Adrian.

They were all staring at me.

I cleared my throat and continued. “I have no intention of flattering y’all with my status because it's much better if you have an impression based on my personality and not what I've acquired in life.”

I continued, “This is not to say that I have nothing to offer Elliot. In fact, it was what brought us together— his grim colour of clothing, which I intend to change, and even the dark decor of his mansion as I am into interior decorations.”

“Lovely! Finally, someone agrees with me on changing his wardrobe!” The woman on heavy make-up exclaimed excitedly.

“Well, my knowledge on business might be dormant for now because I have no doubt that my husband is a legend in that field.” I grinned as I turned to Elliot, giving him my hand, “Right, honey?”

He took it and kissed my knuckles, “You're right, darling.”

Silence ensued.

Mr Vance broke the silence by clearing his throat.

“It's hard to believe.” Finn spoke. “I am sure that no one here believes that Elliot is actually in love with that woman.”

“Finn—” Mr Vance began but was interrupted.

“Are you going to deny that too, father?” Finn chuckled.

“Brother-in-law,” I began, “I never said Elliot loves me. I am the one hopelessly in love with him.”

They all turned to me.

“How can he love me when I plan on changing his wardrobe, his cold personality and even his dark and cozy interior decor?” I laughed. “Let's not mistake his care for me for love.”

“Ah…a woman who just fits your personality, Finn!” The middle-aged man mocked.

“I do love you, Serena.” Elliot spoke, surprising everyone. Our gazes locked. “I'm sorry if I'm unable to express it in a way that's convincing enough.”

Silence filled the air, save for the background music

“Well, I guess it's time we introduced ourselves.” The middle-aged man started. “I am Ezekiel, the younger brother to Mr Vance. You can call me Zeke.”

“And I am Rose, their only aunt.” The woman on heavy make-up announced. “You are both welcome to our family. I can't wait to dress you up as brides!”

Everyone turned to the calm man seated at the end of the table. He ate his food quietly and had not spoken a word.

Ezekiel urged, “Jenson, won't you introduce yourself?”

“Thanks to you, they already know my name.” Jenson spoke. “What else should I introduce?”

Ezekiel cleared his throat. “Nevermind his demeanor. He's usually this way since he's regarded as the last born and maybe unexpected baby of the house.”

That explained why he looked younger than all the members of the Vance family.

Mr Vance cleared his throat, taking his position back.

“As you both know, daughter-in-laws of the Vance family are highly respected. Although they have chosen you both, I will personally test you on occasions. And you—” he turned to me.

“I hope your personality, which you regard even higher than what you've acquired in life, helps you win.”

“I am more than confident, Mr Vance.” I replied.

“Really?” Jenson chirped in, causing everyone to turn to him.

He held my gaze. “I wonder how good that personality of yours is, that it couldn't prevent Adrian Whitmore from divorcing you.”