His Reluctant Bride

I'm not interested in this marriage either. And by the way, I'm not a dog. 'Obedient' wife? Really?" her laugh

at you're their last hope for a luxurious life, I think you should t

ided to give her away; she had never thought of it that way, and that broke her. "So you better start getting

oney to her. It was a long moment before she heard Sofia's cheerful voice calling

es, brimming with excitement. "There she is!" Mr. DeLuca exclaimed as Sofia poured Serena a glass, chirping, "To family bonding!" The room erupted in che

h to plan for the wedding!" Mrs. Deluca laughed, her voice bright with anticipation. "When is the big day?" Mr. DeLuca

bridge the gap between them and linking both ar

er like a distant echo. She had drifted so far from the conversation that it took a gentle n

ily grew. "So we have a wedding next Saturday!" Mr. De

e he'd made. He offered a nervous smile to Mr. DeLuca, glancing over at Serena, who could no longer hold back her

of an evening that would change everything. In her room, Serena lay sprawled on her bed, staring blankly at t

d the door open. Standing there with his hand behind his head, he looked vulner

or you, Serena." His voice trembled, barely holding back the emotion bubbling beneath the surface. " I just had to and it pains me

her glance at her father, she began stuffing a bag with essentials from her closet, refusing to let the anguish en

et with her bag on her shoulder. "There's nothing to talk about; it's already don

n. "Ser, what's going on? Are you okay?" Ashley bombarded her with questions, not giving Serena a moment to catch her

pain. Later, in the living room, Ashley greeted her with a bucket of strawberry and chocolate ice cream. "Ready to talk?" sh

in the air. "And my soon-to-be husband? What a total jerk! You wouldn't believe what he said at dinner!" As

tered by Serena's phone ringing incessantly, pulling her from slumber. Groggy, she reached for the device, squint

eted her. "I arranged a date under my fath

is this?" she asked,

drian D

her eyes locked on Serena's reaction. "Oh... Adrian. Sor

back?" he asked,

, feeling a mixture o

before abruptly e

himed in unison, bur

" Ashley asked, eager to escape

," Serena replied, a sense of determination creeping back as t

lly ready to enjoy a quiet evening by the pool. The sun dipped low in the sky, painting the horizon in warm hues

ed. Serena shook her head, confusion mirroring Ashley's expression. "It's addresse

ts," Serena murmured, a mix of intrigue and anxiety bubbling in her chest. Deciding

ers. As they ripped open the packaging, a folded note slipped out, its content

ckening in the air. Serena sifted through the box, her surprising find making her breath catch. There it was

o the box, pulling out limited edition Chanel shoes. "Girl!" she exclaimed, her

mmering in the box, Serena's phone buzzed. A mes

erena asked, glancing

crossing her face. They both laughed, "I thought this

a smile creeping onto her face as she abs

ghter mingling with the warm evening air, excite