Chapter 6

The car door of the limousine opened and I stepped out, greeted by a thunderous cheer from the throngs of people gathered in front of me.

My gaze was momentarily blocked by flashes of cameras. My heart began to race as I realized that this was really happening, all according to plan. Slowly, I emerged from the limousine and heard another great roar from the crowd as they welcomed me.

“Remember…

I felt a pair of firm hands clutching my waist and when I looked up to my left, Dominic’s unmistakable smirk met mine. His face was filled with delight as he moved closer, making sure that his arms were now securely wrapped around me.

“Be confident, bold, and fierce. If you give them the slightest hint of emotion or show any weakness, you will surely lose.”

I licked my lower l*p, nodding in response to Dominic’s question. Synchronized, we both turned to the crowd and I flashed my most confident and dazzling smile I could muster. Releasing a deep breath, I struck a pose, then shifted my b*dy closer to Dominic as he led me onto the stairs.

“She’s stunning…”

“Who is she? Is she an actress?”

“I can’t believe such beauty exists.”

“She’s breathtaking…”

“Sir Dominic, can you confirm or deny the rumors that she is your girlfriend?”

As we entered the building, a news reporter blocked our path, holding their microphone right in front of us. I smiled confidently, feeling all the admiration from the people around me. Before Dominic could respond to their question, I boldly stepped up and took the opportunity to speak.

“Yes, I am his girlfriend.”

Dominic and I were suddenly surrounded by a horde of news reporters eager to get the scoop on how we met, where I came from, and how long we had been together. I remember Dominic telling me about this type of experience with the paparazzi. If it had happened when I was still my old self, I would have become overwhelmed and terrified, running away into the shadows as fast as my legs could carry me.

But I am changed now, no longer the timid Serena who always shrank back into the shadows. I watched Dominic, radiating confidence and enthusiasm as he answered questions. I’m fortunate to have him by my side, guiding me through everything.

“What is the depth of your love for each other? Are you prepared to go to any lengths, even sacrificing your own life, for one another?”

I was about to answer when something caught my eye, forcing me to look up and lock eyes with him. Five years ago, his family had caused me so much pain that I felt the only way to cope was to run and hide from them. But now, as our gaze connected for the first time in all those years, I was surprised that a feeling of fear did not overwhelm me. Instead, I felt strangely empowered.

He was there, standing in the middle of his family, all of whom had yet to notice me. His deep, unwavering eyes and mysterious presence were just as I remembered. Though much had changed in his features after five years, he looked so much more grown and powerful now than before.

But unfortunately for him, I changed. I’m not the same person he knew before. I’m different now. Over time, my experiences have made me think more about what I do and say. I don’t just believe everything I hear like I used to. I ask questions and think for myself.

I boldly stare at him, smirking slightly in a taunting manner before giving the news reporter an answer to their question.

“Yes, I will do whatever it takes for Dominic, the love of my life and the one who gives me a reason to live.”

I made sure he understood every single word I spoke, watching as his eyes darkened and his jaw clenched. I stood up straight and hooked my arm around Dominic’s, walking together towards the entrance of the event where his family was waiting and posing for the paparazzi.

I saw Victoria glance over in our direction and she froze when she noticed me. It was a moment of utter shock, clearly, my presence had taken her aback. She seemed to be struggling to comprehend the reality of what was happening.

“Oh, my, god. This can’t be for real.”

In that moment, Charlotte notice her reaction and soon enough, a whole chain of his family were glancing our way. Margaret and Charles, his parents, narrowed their eyes in surprise when our gazes met. It was as if they were mentally absorbing everything around them before finally settling on their expressions. Margaret’s face lit up with an almost wicked smile.

“Ah, I see you’ve managed to escape your prison. How delightful. How’s hiding from your cage for five years?”

“Well, it looks like you can see the outcome for yourself, Mrs. Blackwood.” Before I could even think up a suitable response, Dominic answered her in my stead. Releasing his arm from my arm, he draped it around my waist with a gentle smile upon his face.

“So you’ve found yourself palling around with Dominic Ryder, Damon’s business rival. What diabolical sorcery did you use to bewitch him?” Isabella raised a judgmental eyebrow as she sneered in disbelief.

“Oh, Isabella, I didn’t need any sorcery to charm Dominic. He values honesty, integrity, and genuine beauty, qualities you might want to consider, especially since you’ve started getting l*p fillers.”

She gasped in disbelief, taking a step back while her hand instinctively flew to cover her mouth. The three sisters of the Blackwood family were standing before me, all of them sneering and gazing upon me with disdain.

“Don’t you dare speak to my daughter that way. Remember your place, Serena. We welcomed you into the family, and this is how you repay us after five years.”

I looked towards his father, the strong figure I met when I initially came in contact with the family. He had this intimidating presence that commanded respect, that made you want to bow down on your knees in reverence. But now, it was a different case entirely.

I chuckled at his attempt of a joke, my laughter clearly unexpected. My amusement didn’t cease and in fact grew more lively as I even posed for the paparazzi to capture my iconic laughter on camera.

“Me? Owe this family? How “hilarious”, considering the way they “treat” me.” I said, quoting the words I emphasize.

“Me? Owe this family? How ‘hilarious,’ considering the way they ‘treat’ me,” I said, emphasizing the words I quoted.

“That’s enough, Serena.”

I paused then slowly glanced up at the person who was trying to shout me down. I locked eyes with him, but as our gazes held I arched an eyebrow in defiance and smiled confidently in response.

“Oh? You want to silence my words, the same ones you used to lovingly k*ss before?” I couldn’t help but smirk as I saw his eyes twitch and the shock that immediately rippled through his family. His parents and siblings stared at me in surprise, disbelief etched onto their faces.

“Shut up, Serena.”

Instead of speaking, I moved closer to him and leaned my face in. I intentionally made my eyes look heavy-lidded, as if I were about to k*ss him. His reaction suddenly changed, he was uncertain what to do next. So I placed both hands on his shoulders and brought my face even nearer.

When our faces were just inches away, hovering in the moment, I parted my l*ps slightly. An inner voice whispered its name as it spilled out of my mouth and hovered on the tip of my tongue.

“I will, especially after I’ve taken everything from you for what you and your family did to me.”

I tapped on his shoulder then leaned back, followed by a blow k*ss and wink before waving my fingers goodbye as I started to walk away from them. All of them were rendered speechless at my audacity, but I just kept walking until I heard Dominic’s rich laugh ringing out beside me. It was a daring move on my part, but it had worked.

“Damn woman, you’re on fire today. That was sassy.”

When we reached the center, I embraced him tightly, my arms winding around his n*eck. His scent filled my senses as I closed my eyes for a moment.

“I couldn’t have become the person I am today without your help and support, my love.”

His eyes fixed on my face, and then he smiled broadly, saying, “Of course, I’ll do anything for you, babe.”

He leaned his face in, about to k*ss me, when I noticed someone lurking in the corners of my eye. I took a quick glance and saw him standing there, the darkness and coldness of his gaze reflecting from his eyes all the way to here. We held each other’s gaze for a moment before I smiled and k*ssed Dominic back without ever looking away.

It was an intense, deep k*ss when I noticed his eyes become darker and he tightened his jaw. I smiled to myself, realizing that he no longer had the right to get angry or come any closer yet.

Dominic released my hand, then he took mine.

“Shall we make history, my darling?”

I let out a lighthearted chuckle before taking his hand and wordlessly heading towards the main event.

Tonight, I want to make sure they don’t forget what I said and did before. I want them to know I’m serious about getting back at them. I want them to understand how severe this is and and know that if they do not repent for the wrongs they have done, then their downfall shall be inevitable. I’m going to make sure they know what’s on the line.

Especially to Damon.

***

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