Chapter 1 “Is he going propose today?” heart pounded the highest speed her orbs were on her in the mirror. Her hazel brown were sparkling anticipation. was her 22nd birthday, a day she had. een looking forward to not just the event but the special her boyfriend, Russo, had hinted at. “This dress is beautiful!” smile adorned red lips. shook her head, thinking of the man who had off her feet. A ago, when she had working as to Vincent, the CEO of the renowned financial firm, met Dominic by chance, so she believed. Dominic Russo wasn’t just any casual man. He was the heir to the mafia family on Coast. With chiseled jawline, confident personality, powerful and charismatic appearance, Dominic everything that Serena had ever wanted in her life. Although they belonged to two different she was drawn to world of and danger whereas he was captivated by her kindness, independence she brought chaotic life. But tonight, felt off. After every few minutes, her eyes. themselves their way the wall clock. “He is late,” she whispered under breath. It was the first time Dominic didn’t keep word. had promised. her to pick at 7 p. for a surprise, and now it was half past 8. Slowly, her excitement turned into a matter of concern. Within loud sound from her phone broke trance. It a from Dominic. Dominic: Stuck an meeting. I’ll make it up to later, I promise. kept staring at the screen, her heart sinking. Although 1/4 1 was a man of his word, that wasn’t the first time his mysterious interrupted their plans. The she took a deep breath, trying to settle down the rising within her mind. From the beginning, Dominic so many secrets. Despite so uncertainties, chose to trust him. She as she him. Serena: Is everything After giving it long she chose to respond. Dominic: Yes! worry me. Happy birthday, my love. Serena sighed. She the device on the couch, trying to shake off the feeling that something wasn’t right. Finally, not dwell on it, and unconscious mind, she switched on the television. “This she whispered, staring at the most familiar face on the screen. Undoubtedly, wasn’t prepared what she saw next. The screen flashed footage of a luxurious yacht off the coast. Fireworks exploded in the complementing the over the ocean. Amidst the was Dominic. He laughing, toasting champagne, wrapping his hands possessively beautiful with flowing blonde hair. Serena found it breathe as the voice of the anchor in air. “Tonight, heir of Russo Dominic is spotted celebrating with Rosa Martinez, on his private yacht. are to be believed, the rekindle their romance. The celebration is in honor of their reunion. ” That time, Serena felt like her world turned upside down. It couldn’t be happening. Dominic had boldly and shamelessly lied to her. His laughing image with Rosa, arms around her as they saw. the fireworks together imprinted in Serena’s mind. 10 Chune 1 At that moment, her phone buzzed again. wasn’t a but call from Dominic. Serena hesitated. Tears at the edge of her eyes. Her hands. trembled, reaching for phone. Her ached, her body. trembling with rage. But answered the call, her voice unexpectedly calm. “Dominic,” she said, sticking at the urge to keep her steady. babe,” Dominic’s smooth voice came from other end of the line. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t there on special day. I I’ll make it up to you. ” To Dominic’s dismay, Serena stayed silent. Seeing that, he cleared his throat and added further, “How dinner night? the of us?” Serena swallowed her breath, her mind racing. Does he I’m that stupid? the meeting?” asked, her sweet. “It’s the usual. So tiring. You works,” replied. effortlessly. “I’m still thinking A wave of anger washed over mind. sure you’re at work, Dominic?” She asked, her voice and commanding. On the other there was a brief pause long enough to hear tantalizing Rosa’s laughter background. course, I’m at work. Where else would be?” Dominic’s calm could hear the tension it. “Interesting,” she replied, her chilling. “You know I happened to on television, minutes ago. You and Rosa, on a yacht. champagne. Does any of ring a bell?” After a long pause, Dominic finally his voice cold calculating. “Serena, it’s what it looks like. me explain-” “Explain what, Dominic?” Serena snapped. She was out of patience. “That you’ve been lying to me this whole time? you’re still with Rosa? Or I’m just with whom you’re playing along?” 13:19 3/4 Chapter 1 to me-” “No! I she her dripping with rage. “You’re a liar. me, Dominic, I’m done with lies, your and your games. Go back to where belong. ” Without for his reply, she ended the call. Her heart hurt, her eyes fixed the screen. She able to comprehend what just happened. Dominic, the one she given her heart, shattered in most brutal way possible. But the wasn’t over yet. later, Serena moved swiftly packing her stuff. With every she placed in the suitcase, her shattered. “I have to leave. I can’t him her to this room,” she sobbed. When she was done, gave a last look around and placed a small piece of paper Goodbye.