The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride

Trust No One

SERENA

I came back to Damien's house. Yes, Damien's house because I don't see this place as my home. The ghost of the past lingers in every corner and it is almost too suffocating. I could easily see Eleanor roaming around in this house, dreaming of a future that she was supposed to have.

I ignored Vincent whom I saw sitting in the living room with his wife, Ginerva. I just made my way towards my bedroom because that's the only place I can find peace.

Once in, I locked myself up as I slid against the door until I was sitting on the floor. Everything feel too much right now to me.

Eleanor died because she was drunk. How absurd.

Eleanor was someone who rarely drank a glass and after giving birth to Lucy and Lucas, she had an almost tunnel vision. Her sole thoughts were filled with her babies and their well-being. She had a nutritionist appointed for herself just so that she could be in healthy state.

She was also breastfeeding them, so I refused to believe that she got so drunk and got behind the car seat and drove herself to death. The past few days have been so drastic that I was always tired. With taking care of the babies and the constant grief that refused to leave me alone even at night, it made me stay awake at night. That is why I don't know when I fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes again, I was still sitting behind the door while the sky was painted black. I looked at the digital clock on the wall only to notice that it was ten in the evening. My entire body was aching after sitting in the same position for nearly five hours.

“Open the door, Serena or I will knock it out.” A cold voice suddenly said and only then did I hear the muffled voices that were coming from outside. I groaned as I stood up and opened the door, only to be face to face with Damien. Or you could say that I came face to face with his chest.

“Oh thank God! I thought…” Ginerva began only to stop soon after. She immediately made her way towards me. “We have been knocking at the door for a couple of minutes. I thought maybe something happened.”

“i… I just fell asleep. There is nothing to worry about.” I said as I tried to smile , completely ignoring Damien's piercing gaze that was fixed on me.

“Fell asleep?” Damien asked, voice as calm as always but I still felt a shiver run down my spine at his question. “Do you have any idea how worried everyone was when you didn't open the door ? And now you are saying that you fell asleep?” He asked as he took a step towards me.

“Yes. I fell asleep and I am really sorry for making you all worry over me.” I said as I looked at everyone standing around me. The entire Laurent family was standing before me.

“How careless.” Damien said as he huffed and looked away. I snapped my head towards him. Who does he think he is?

“Excuse me? I said I am sorry! I didn't mean to make you worry or is it prohibited to accidentally fall asleep?”

“And I say that you are careless and reckless. Wanting to do things against all odds , not really caring about how it will affect everyone.” He said and I narrowed my eyes because I knew that he was not referring to this particular event.

Before I could say anything, Damien's mother chirped in. “You must be hungry. Let's go and have dinner.” I tried to smile at her but I knew it was strained. It was clear by everyone's expression that they knew that something was wrong between us.

“I'll come after washing up.” I said with my softest voice and watched how everything agreed before leaving. But not Damien. He stood there like a brick wall as he watched everyone leave. No one questioned why he was not leaving me alone. Perks of being legally married, I guess. “I'll be downstairs in fifteen minutes, you can leave.” I said as I stepped back and tried to shut the door at his face but he immediately stopped it which forced me to keep the door ajar as he walked in, making me walk backwards.

“What are you doing?” He asked, voice icy calm.

“Going to take a shower.”

“Don't play dumb.” He scoffed as he stepped closer and I walked backwards. “Are you going to play detective now, huh?”

“By being a detective you mean not agreeing that my sister and your wife died just like that by drinking alcohol which she hated so much? Then yes, I am going to play detective.” I said, standing my ground. He stepped closer but I did not back away. I had to look up to meet his gaze.

“You will be wasting your time.” He said casually as he placed his hands in his pocket.

“How are you so sure?” I asked, c*****g my brow. “Is it because maybe you know the truth behind her death?” The sudden realisation made my blood run cold. My eyes widened as I stared at him, heart beating a bit faster.

“You think I killed my wife?” He asked, his voice sharp as if I had offended him. “Really?”

“I don't know but you seem very against my idea about going to the end of this.” I said, my voice barely over whisper. “ It seems like you have something that you want to hide.”

“I loved her, Serena. How can you even think about me killing the mother of my children?” Damien asked with a scoff. “You know what, think whatever you want. It's up to you and I am not going to clarify but just remember that this is a dangerous game that you are trying to play.”

“Good thing that I like dangerous things.”