Chapter 2
Seraphina didn’t dwell too long on last night’s events. After Randy had arranged a ride for her, she politely declined to be dropped off right in front of her apartment complex. The last thing she needed was nosy neighbors gossiping about her arriving in a fancy car in the dead of night.
In her old, run–down neighborhood, anyone or anything out of place sparked curiosity and whispers.
Her home was as quiet as ever. Her mother Shirley Johnson was still at the hospital taking care of her father George, and her younger brother Thomas Johnson was away at boarding school. The humble house felt as cold as her empty heart.
Exhausted from the night, she collapsed onto her bed and drifted into a restless sleep.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, waking Seraphina early. It was Sunday, and she had to head for her part–time job at Heavenly Cakes. As she prepared for the day, she called her mom for an update on her dad.
“The doctor says we need to pay for the surgery soon. We can’t afford to wait any longer. Shirley’s voice trembled, heavy with worry. “But even with the surgery, there’s no guarantee. We might spend all that money and let him go through with the surgery, and he still might not make it.”
Seraphina’s heart clenched as she fought back tears. “But we have to try, don’t we? We have to save him.”
“We will, sweetheart. Don’t worry about that.” Shirley responded with a forced chuckle, putting on a brave front despite her fear. “You just focus on studying for the SAT Let me handle your dad’s situation. I’ll do everything to raise the money for
Seraphina softly murmured her agreement, but she knew the truth. They were out of options and there was no way Shirley could get the money.
To pay George’s medical bills, Shirley had already borrowed money from every friend and relative they could think of. Now, everyone was avoiding them Worse still, Shirley had secretly taken out high–interest loans just to cover the bills Seraphina wasn’t supposed to know, but she did.
Downtown, Heavenly Cakes was buzzing with weekend customers. The bakery was a hot spot in Angoria, known for its beautifully crafted pastries and cozy ambiance.
Seraphina worked there on weekends alongside her best friend, Barbara Wright, and today was shaping up to be a busy day. Barbara handed Seraphina a tray with a slice of mousse cake. “Here, this is for table 7. You good?“
Seraphina snapped out of her dare and took the tray, her mind elsewhere
Barbara studied her face and gently tugged at her sleeve, concern etched in her features. “Sera, are you alright?”
Seraphina nodded lightly, not quite ready to share the burden weighing on her heart.
Understanding her friend’s concern for George’s illness, Barbara offered, “How much more do you need for Mr. Johnson’s medical expenses! I can lend you seven grand”
A warm smile touched Seraphina’s lips. “When we’re only short seven grand, I’ll definitely take you up on that offer.” She appreciated the gesture, but with the bills towering over them, seven thousand dollars wouldn’t even scratch the surface.
As Seraphina approached table 7 with the cake, she noticed two stunning women sitting there, each flaunting the latest fashionable hairstyles and impeccable makeup. Their outfits screamed high–end fashion, accentuating their curves and confidence
Chapter 2
But what truly caught Seraphina’s eye was the luxurious handbag placed on the table–a brand–new release from a top designer. When the sunlight hit it, the glossy leather sparkled, reflecting beams of light like a diamond glinting in the sun.
“Kyra, your bag is amazing. Did he buy that for you?” one of the girls Ella Kaur asked, her voice a mix of admiration and
envy.
Kyra Hayes, the woman sitting across from her, nodded, her expression softening with happiness. “Yeah, he got it for me as soon as it came out. It cost him fifty thousand dollars.”
Ella gasped, “Wow, he really spoils you.”
Kyra’s eyes gleamed as she reminisced. “He’s always been generous with me. My family was in financial trouble back then, and I never expected him to help, but he did. And he’s been good to me ever since.”
Kyra recalled the fateful car accident that led to their paths crossing. At that moment, she had boldly offered to become his mistress to save her family, half expecting him to scoff at her proposition. But to her surprise, he had agreed. I must be one of the lucky ones, she thought.
“Since he’s been so good to you, don’t you think you should try and make it official, become his wife?” Ella asked.
– Kyra gave a soft shake of her head, her smile gentle but distant. I can’t be greedy in life. If I am the universe has a way of taking back the little luck I’ve been given.”
Before Seraphina could pull herself out of her own thoughts, Kyra’s voice broke her trance. “Miss, we’ll call you if we anything else, okay?”
Seraphina blinked, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks. She’d been standing there too long after she served the cake. eavesdropping on their conversation without even realizing it.
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“Sorry about that.” She quickly gathered the erupty tray and humed away, her face still flushed with embarrassment, Ella leaned in as Seraphina scurried off, her voice low. “Another one, listening in, trying to pick up tips on how to live the high life, huh?”
“She is really pretty, though Kyra mused, watching Seraphina for a moment:
Seraphina rushed a few steps away until she was out of earshot, her heart racing Only then did she stop, feeling the warmth. still lingering on her face.
She gave herself a little tap on the cheek and thought to herself, Seraphina, get a grip. What the hell are you thinking? She shook her head, trying to shake off the awkwardnes.
Letting out a long breath, she straightened up and prepared to head back to work. But then her eyes were drawn to the large Wien hanging on the opposite wall. The image on the screen froze her in place. It was a live interview with a man-
no, not just any man–a ridiculously handsome man whose presence seemed to command the entire room.
He was dressed sharply in a white shirt and tailored black trousers. Even though his attire was businesslike, there was something about him, a controlled coldness in his demeanor that exuded a kind of forbidden allure
Microphones were thrust toward him as reporters fought for his attention. “Mr. Vanderbilt, do you feel any pressure taking over the Vanderbilt Group” one of them asked
Another chimed in. “What are your plans for the future of the company?”
Some reporters asked. “Mr. Vanderbilt, can you comment
He remained silent, his expression unyielding and unreadable. Just then, Randy appeared in the shot and stepped in front of ameras and microphones, saying something to the reporten. With a few words from him, the crowd parted to make way for the striking man who moved like royalty
13.27 Tue, Oct 29 GGG
Chapter 2
As he slipped on his sunglasses, flanked by bodyguards and his assistant, he got into a Rolls–Royce with the indifference and ease of someone who was born into a world of unimaginable power and wealth.
At the bottom of the screen, a line of text introduced him as Clarence Vanderbilt, the newly appointed CEO of Vanderbilt Group
Seraphina stood rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on the screen even after the sleek car drove off and the image changed. So, that’s him, she thought, batting her eyes, her breath catching. The man who saved me… is that stunning. She struggled for words to describe him. There were none. No vocabulary in her world could capture what she’d just seen.
Barbara strolled over, noticing her friend’s dazed expression “Sera, what’s got you all spaced out? What are you watching?”
Seraphina didn’t respond right away, realizing that Clarence had already disappeared from the screen, which was now showing a commercial for men’s underwear.
She snapped back to reality, shoving the tray into Barbara’s hands and taking a deep breath. “Barb, I need you to cover for me today. I gotta go.”
Without waiting for a response, Seraphina took off but then remembered something. She yanked off her apron, tossed it at Barbara, and made a beeline for the back room. Barbara barely had time to react as Seraphina grabbed her bag and bolted out of the shop.
Barbara stared after her, bewildered. Is she rushing off to buy those men’s underwear from that ad?‘ she wondered.
Outside, at the bus stop. Seraphina took a deep breath, gathering her nerves. Before she could lose her courage, she quickly pulled out her phone and dialed the number on Kandy’s business card.
The line connected after a few rings. Randy’s smooth voice greeting her. “Hello, this is Randy Burton,” he said on the line.
Burton, hi, it’s Seraphina,” she replied, her voice soft, nearly drowned out by her nerves. 1 I wanna see Mr. Vanderbilt.
The taxi pulled up in front of an exclusive gated community, its polished gates gleaming under the afternoon suni.
Seraphina stepped out, her heart pounding as she handed the driver thirty dollars. She rarely took taxis, especially with her financial situation being so tight, but today want a day for hesitations. She couldn’t keep the big shot she was about to meet waiting for her.
Standing before the luxurious gates, the hesitated, the enormity of what she was doing hitting her all at once. Can I really do this Meet a man like Clarence Vanderbilt face to face” she thought nervously. But there was no turning back now. Mustering up all her courage, she straightened her back and walked towards the entrance
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Chapter 3
