Chapter 10
“Congratulations on your graduation, Serene. You were brave just now.”
Rowan’s gaze shifted to Caius, piercing and unrelenting.
“About that night in the alley behind the bar… the one you’ve been brooding over. The truth is, I ran into the thugs harassing Serene and dealt with them before they could touch her. My arm was slightly injured, and Serene insisted on taking me to the hospital. Later, worried about you, she went back to find you.”
He stepped closer, eyes locked on Caius, whose pupils constricted sharply.
“It’s a shame the one person she trusted most refused her even a shred of trust. You condemned her for being ‘unclean’-based entirely on your imagination.”
A sneer twisted Rowan’s lips.
“But… thank you, too. Thank you for pushing this pearl away, so the rest of the world could finally see her worth.”
Just a week ago, after overhearing Caius’ plan, I had felt despair-but also an unshakable resolve. Homeless, I wandered to a bar and met Rowan. I knew, instinctively, he could help me.
He listened silently, no questions asked, and then said firmly,
“Tell me what you need me to do.”
His trust became my strongest weapon in this desperate battle.
Caius froze as if struck by lightning. His legs gave way; he collapsed to his knees before me with
a thud.
“Serene! I was wrong! I-please, forgive me! Give me another chance!”
I shook my head gently, my voice calm and final.
“It’s too late, Caius. It’s useless.
All the so-called ‘goodness’ you showed me was just hurt and control. I don’t need it.
What I’ve always wanted was unconditional trust and love-what it truly means to be ‘good to me.’ But today, you stood against me without hesitation. You even tried to push me into the abyss.”
I leaned slightly forward, my eyes cutting into his.
“Have you ever considered what might have happened if I hadn’t prepared, if I hadn’t anticipated it? Would it have been worse than what Elowen went through? You spared her some protection, but to me… you were ruthless.”
His excuses and pleas crumbled under my gaze. He knelt there, powerless, humiliated.
I turned, hugging the bouquet of sunflowers, and walked off the stage. Rowan followed silently, steady as a guardian.
Outside the auditorium, my parents rubbed their hands together, smirking.
“Serene, your performance today… were you satisfied? Did we do well?”
Rowan didn’t glance at them. Calm, precise, he pulled a bank card from his pocket.
My Boyfriend Tried to Duin Mafaella.
3:38 pm P ppp.
“Here’s fifteen thousand dollars. The agreed-upon fee.”
Their eyes lit up, and they eagerly nodded, accepting it.
Rowan’s tone hardened as he pulled another document from his briefcase.
“This is the Severance of Parent-Child Relationship Agreement. Name your price. One-time buyout. No strings attached.”
My parents froze, exchanging uneasy glances.
I spoke, measured and cold.
“You don’t need to sign it. We can go through the legal process. You can sue me in court. I’ll pay only the minimum alimony required by law-strictly by the book.”
At once, panic overtook them. Their smiles vanished.
3:38 pm P ppp.
