Chapter 25
MALENA’S MEADOW
The manager did not expect Seraphina to survive. When she was brought to the hospital that day, she wasn’t breathing or showing any signs of life. He had even prepared for her funeral expenses.
Now, seeing her standing in front of him, he was taken aback and a little frightened.
“Manager, I want to take a few days off,” Seraphina said, breaking the silence.
The manager looked at her in surprise, finding it hard to believe. “What do you mean? Are you planning to continue working as a cleaner here?”
Seraphina nodded, feeling helpless and sad. “Until I find a new job, I can only stay at Malena’s Meadow.”
Hearing this, the manager tapped his fingertips on the table, his gaze becoming serious. “To be frank, Malena’s Meadow can’t afford to keep you. You’ve been fired.”
With that, he took out a thick envelope from the drawer.
“Inside this envelope is $20,000. It’s Malena’s compensation for you. Take the money and find a new job that suits you better.”
Seraphina’s gaze fell on the envelope. If it weren’t for her struggles with alcoholism, the manager wouldn’t have offered her such a generous amount.
Seeing this as an opportunity, he could not only sever ties with her but also regain a good reputation. It was like killing two birds with one stone.
Seraphina laughed at herself and remained silent.
Previously, the reason she had stayed at Malena’s Meadow was because she had no money. But now that Malena had given her $20,000, she no longer had to worry about being homeless when she left.
That afternoon, Seraphina packed her belongings and left Malena’s Meadow without informing anyone of her destination.
TWO DAYS LATER
Seraphina rented a house in Nolan Apartments, located in the east part of the city.
Wearing the first new outfit she had bought since her release from prison, Seraphina had neat, short hair that suited her well, giving her a refreshing and capable yet gentle appearance.
13:05
Married His Rival My Stepbr
Chapter 25
After a simple breakfast, she hurriedly left and took a taxi to the kindergarten.
Arriving early, Seraphina found that the kindergarten had not yet opened, so she patiently waited at the
gate.
Although it had been four years since she last saw Seraphinaana, she was remarkably confident and certain that she would be able to instantly recognize her amongst countless other children.
As more parents arrived to drop off their children, luxury cars lined the side of the road. The adults and children exuded a natural elegance and beauty, with gestures that carried an innate sense of privilege.
Seraphina dared not blink, fearing she might miss Seraphinaana in the crowd. She couldn’t stand in a conspicuous spot, yet being too far away would hinder her from spotting Seraphinaana.
With each passing moment, the number of people at the kindergarten entrance dwindled. Seraphina grew increasingly anxious.
Suddenly, the gate was closed. Seraphina hurried forward and called out to the gatekeeper, “Excuse me,
wait a moment.”
The gatekeeper turned to her. “What is it?”
“Does the kindergarten close before nine o’clock?” Seraphina asked, her anxiety evident.
The uniformed guard looked at her warily. “Which class are you a parent of?”
Seraphina hesitated. She hadn’t mentioned to Emily which class Seraphinaana attended.
“I…” Seraphina couldn’t answer.
Emily had written down the name and address of the kindergarten but hadn’t mentioned the specific class Seraphinaana was in.
“If you’re not a parent, you can’t wait at the school gate. Consider this a verbal warning. If you come again, I’ll call the police,” the guard warned.
“Sir, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not a bad person,” Seraphina tried to explain.
“Don’t talk nonsense, move along,” the guard interrupted, turning away and returning to the concierge, ignoring her completely. Seraphina was frustrated but didn’t get angry. Instead, she felt dejected, followed by a sense of anxiety and worry.
Why hadn’t the Winters family sent Seraphinaana to school today? Was it because Seraphinaana was unwell and couldn’t remember, or was she sick? Or perhaps something else had caused a delay?
Seraphina couldn’t give up and continued waiting near the kindergarten entrance, her eyes fixed on the
13.05
Chapter 25
school gate.
Not having seen her daughter for four years had left her feeling down the entire day. She had no appetite and was solely focused on getting through today and tomorrow.
For the next three days, Seraphina arrived at the kindergarten entrance at 8 a.m. and waited until nearly noon. However, just like the first day, the person she longed to see never showed up.
Seraphina couldn’t remain calm anymore. She had a terrible premonition. Either something had happened to Seraphinaana or something had happened to the Winters family. Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense for them to keep Seraphinaana from school for several days.
At that moment, a bold idea crossed her mind: she had to go to the Kaelan’s‘ house!
Regardless of Kaelan’s attitude towards her, she needed to go there to find out about Seraphinaana’s
situation
AFTER A WHILE
Royal Garden Villa was one of the most luxurious villas in New York City.
Standing in front of the imposing black wrought–iron gate, Seraphina was overwhelmed by thoughts and
emotions.
This had been her and Kaelan’s home. She had lived here for three years, but as she approached, it felt unfamiliar, and she lacked the courage to get any closer.
For some reason, her nose suddenly tingled, and tears threatened to fall. She managed to control her
emotions and prevent herself from breaking down.
After a moment, Seraphina raised her hand to ring the doorbell. Just then, someone happened to step out
of the villa
“Granny Agatha!” she exclaimed with excitement.
Agatha turned towards the voice and walked towards the door. When she saw that it was Seraphina, she felt both surprised and happy. She quickly opened the door and invited her inside.
“Mistress Seraphina, you’re back,” she said, her voice tinged with surprise.
“Granny Agatha, how have you been?” Seraphina asked
“Tine, fine…” Agatha’s voice suddenly broke, and she began to cry. It wasn’t tears of joy, but tears of sadness. “It’s not good, not good at all
Seraphina supported Agatha, concerned. “Granny Agatha, what’s wrong? Why are you crying like this?
Chapter 25
What happened?”
Agatha couldn’t find the words to respond, only sobbing.
Seraphina felt a surge of anxiety and asked urgently, “Granny Agatha, what’s happened? Please tell me.”
Agatha wiped her tears and let out a pained sigh.
“You’re Seraphinaana’s mother. I can’t hide it from you. Seraphinaana fell off a swing and hit her head. She suffered intracranial hemorrhage and fractured her ribs.”
Those words hit Seraphina like a bolt of lightning. She was shocked, feeling as if a knife had pierced her heart.
No wonder Seraphinaana hadn’t been sent to kindergarten. Something had indeed happened!
Seraphina tightly gripped Agatha’s arm, her voice trembling. “Granny Agatha, tell me, which hospital is Seraphinaana in? I want to see her. I want to take care of her.”
Agatha sadly shook her head. “Mistress Seraphina, you’re too late. Yesterday, Young Master took Seraphinaana abroad. The doctor advised against keeping her in New York City due to the low temperature, which isn’t conducive to her recovery.”
Seraphina collapsed, nearly fainting
She berated herself for waiting until today to come to the Winterss‘ residence. Even if she had arrived a day earlier, she wouldn’t have missed them.
Now that Kaelan had taken Seraphinaana overseas, she had no idea when she would be able to see her again.
The feeling of helplessness and despair overwhelmed her, and she found herself squatting on the ground, crying.
“Seraphina, I’m sorry. Mother arrived too late. I can’t be there to take care of you when you’re injured and sick. I’m a terrible mother, the worst in the world…”
Agatha tried to comfort her, her voice filled with distress. “Don’t be sad, don’t worry. Young Master will take good care of Seraphinaana.”
Though Seraphina managed to stop crying, the grief continued to consume her from deep within. As she stood up, dizziness overwhelmed her, and she fainted.
