Chapter 10
The room fell into stunned silence.
Everyone knew Serena Whitmore and Wesley Hawthorne had been at odds since childhood. Whenever they crossed paths, it usually ended in a shouting match–or a fight. No one could have imagined that the person Serena had been waiting for… was him.
Julian Blackwell’s face turned stone–cold. He strode toward her, his voice low and sharp. “Serena, what the hell are you doing?”
Serena didn’t even look at him. Her eyes were locked on Wesley, who stood a few steps away with his hands in his pockets, wearing that trademark look of aloof indifference. But she caught the flicker in his gaze as it shifted between her and Julian,
said, I choose him.” Serena raised her hand and pointed directly at Wesley.
Her words detonated like a bomb in the banquet hall..
The guests broke into a wave of shocked murmurs.
“What? She picked Wesley Hawthorne?”
“But aren’t they mortal enemies?”
“Look at Julian’s face–he’s livid.”
Julian’s expression darkened, cycling from pale to flushed. He grabbed Serena’s wrist. “Are you out of your mind? Do you even know what you’re saying?”
Serena yanked her arm free and shot him a cold glare. “I know exactly what I’m saying.
“No way,” Julian growled through clenched teeth. “You can’t possibly”
“Can’t what?” Serena cut in, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. “Can’t mean I’ve been chasing you for twenty years? That I swore I’d never marry anyone else?”
She shook her head slowly. “Julian, you really do overestimate yourself.”
The words hit him like a slap. Julian staggered back a step, stunned. He’d never seen this side of Serena her voice icy, her eyes razor–sharp, like she was staring at a stranger.
Miles Carrington, Grayson Hale, and Declan Price rushed over. Grayson frowned. “Serena, come on Don’t play this kind of game.” “Yeah,” Declan added. “Everyone knows you’re in love with Julian.”
Their concern made Serena’s stomach turn.
“I’m not playing,” she said clearly, each word deliberate, “I choose Wesley.”
A strange silence settled over the hall. All eyes shifted to Wesley, waiting for his response.
He strolled over to her, gaze cool and unreadable, as though he could see straight through her.
“Miss Whitmore,” he said with a faint smirk, “don’t try pulling the same tricks on me you use on them.” Serena met his eyes head–on. “I’m not playing any tricks.”
The two locked stares, neither backing down. The tension gripped the room
no one dared breathe.
Then, Evangeline Hart–Evie–pushed through the crowd to Julian’s side. Her hand trembled as she clutched his sleeve. “Julian…” Her voice wavered on the verge of tears. “Is Serena just acting out? It’s my fault–1 shouldn’t have come…”
Jullan softened at once, slipping an arm around her shoulder. “It’s not your fault.” Then he turned back to Serena, his expression blazing with anger. “Is this really how you want to humiliate me?”
Serena glanced at the two of them–Evie nestled against him, Julian comforting her and felt nothing, but clarity.
Chucker to
Ronic
“I’m not trying to humiliate anyone,” she said calmly. “I’m just making my choice.”
Wesley let out a short, derisive laugh, breaking the tension.
He glanced at Julian. “She picked me. Got a problem with that?”
His tone was casual, but the challenge in his voice was unmistakable.
Julian’s face twisted with rage. “Don’t get smug, Wesley, Serena’s just confused. She doesn’t love you!”
“So what?” Wesley shrugged. “It’s an engagement. Love isn’t a prerequisite.”
Serena’s heart clenched. She knew he said it to provoke, but the chill in his voice still pierced.
Julian opened his mouth again, but before he could speak, Serena’s father stepped forward, his voice firm. “That’s enough. Serena’s made her choice. The ceremony ends here.” He turned to the crowd. “Thank you all for coming. The banquet will continue.”
The guests began to disperse, though the gossip lingered in every corner of the room.
Serena watched Julian storm off, followed by the uncertain, conflicted looks from Miles, Grayson, and Declan. She exhaled, a weight lifting from ber chest.
She turned back–only to see Wesley already walking away.
“Wait!” She ran after him, catching up in the hallway. “Where are you going?”
He stopped, but didn’t look back. “Home.”
“We need to talk.” She reached out, trying to grab his sleeve, but he sidestepped her touch.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” He finally turned, eyes icy. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but I’m not interested.” “It’s not a game!” she said, urgent. “I’m serious.
Wesley studied her for a moment, then suddenly stepped forward, tilting her chin up to force her eyes to his. “You chased Julian Blackwell for twenty years, and now you want to marry me?” His thumb brushed her lips as his voice dropped. “You think I’m that easy to fool?”
Serena’s lashes trembled. He was too close–close enough for her to see her reflection in his eyes.
“at you don’t believe me, that’s fine,” she said softly. “Just give me à chance.”
Wesley released her and stepped back. “Why?”
“Because “She bit her lip, hesitating. She couldn’t say it was because she’d beengeborn. “Because I finally see who’s worth it.” Something flickered in his eyes, but he quickly shuttered his expression. He turned to leave, tossing over his shoulder, “Ten o’clock tomorrow morning Hawthorne Group. Don’t be late.”
erera stood there as his tall figure disappeared into the corridor. A small smile broke across her lips.
This was already more than she’d hoped for.
At least he was willing to give her a chance.
Back in a corner of the banquet hall, Evie glared daggers in Serena’s direction, her eyes filled with venom.
She leared toward Julian and whispered, “Julian Serena must be under pressure from Wesley. We can’t just let this happen…” julien’s fists clenched, a dark edge hardening his jaw. “Don’t worry,” he said coldly. “I won’t let them get away with this.”
