Some of Anabelle’s classmates were also engaged, and you would expect that an engagement is not a marriage. After the engagement, the woman would still live at her parents’ home, and the man at his own place. But times have changed; now everyone is young and modern-minded. Engagement is like getting a room card, and most people start living together. Anabelle wasn’t sure how Hayden planned to proceed, so she probed him. She was genuinely looking forward to tonight. Before their engagement, Hayden told her he didn’t like her, but what does it matter? She can have him now, he’s already hers! Hayden drove ahead without looking around, his hand with the expensive watch on the steering wheel, accelerating, turning, changing lanes with fluidity. His thin lips pressed slightly together as he spoke in a deep, magnetic voice, "I’m taking you home now." All of Anabelle’s expectations were dashed as if doused by a cold bucket of water. He had no plans for intimacy, which was quite embarrassing for a girl. Anabelle was confident in herself; she was born beautiful and dazzling, with a good figure, at her youthful prime, and had countless men interested in her. Yet, she made efforts to hint at him, and he remained unmoved. "Hayden, dear, we’re engaged now. We’ll get married soon; shouldn’t we prepare a marital home?" Hayden owned a lot of properties, so preparing a marital home would be easy, "Sure." Anabelle’s eyes lit up, and she pressed on, "Actually, no matter how many houses there are, a marital home is important. It would be just the two of us, and it has a unique meaning. When do you have time, Hayden dear, to take me to see the marital home? I want to choose one I like, and the interior must follow my tastes." Hayden displayed little expression, his handsome face detached and indifferent. Since he was already engaged to Anabelle, he would satisfy her in material aspects, "Sure." The Rolls-Royce Phantom soon stopped on the Rathborne family’s lawn, and Anabelle unbuckled her seatbelt, "Hayden dear, I’m off then." Hayden glanced at her, "Mmm." Anabelle felt a bit disappointed. Their engagement ended with them going their separate ways, but was there no sign of affection before leaving? ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI(F)ire.net Anabelle decided to be proactive; she quickly reached over, wrapping her small arms around Hayden’s neck, "Hayden dear, a kiss." A beautiful, dazzling girl in her twenties was hugging him, acting coy and asking for a kiss. Any other man would not refuse, but Hayden instinctively dodged. Anabelle wore makeup today and had a perfume scent on her; all these artificial smells annoyed Hayden. Hayden suddenly thought of the clear, sweet youthful scent on Serena Sterling, a scent that he liked and was addicted to. Why did he think of Serena Sterling again? Hayden felt a bit frustrated and reached out to push Anabelle away, "It’s late; you should head back." Anabelle felt deeply hurt, her red lips pouting in grievance as she looked at him. However, Hayden’s expression revealed some impatience, as if tonight’s patience had run out, and if she didn’t leave soon, it would only be more embarrassing for her. "Hayden dear, I’m really leaving now. Drive safely." Anabelle reluctantly got out of the car. Hayden hit the gas, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom sped away without a hint of reluctance. Anabelle stamped her feet angrily on the spot. She, the proud daughter of a wealthy family, never received such cold treatment; the only man she stooped to flatter was Hayden. Serena Sterling returned to the hospital, and the doctor visited her. She could be discharged tomorrow. Serena was in a low mood, ate a little millet porridge, and went to sleep. This time, she truly fell asleep. Serena’s father and Iris Blue sat together, their faces serious as they discussed Serena’s marital future. Iris Blue said, "Hayden Crawford is just a philanderer. We can’t let Serena continue to be hurt . Everyone says the best way to forget someone is to start a new relationship; we really should help Serena find a new partner with a grand event!" Serena’s father said, "But with Serena’s personality, she’ll never agree to a partner selection event." Iris Blue said, "You’re silly. In two days, it’s your fiftieth birthday. We’ll send invitations widely, ostensibly for your birthday celebration, but really, it’s to help Serena find a partner." Serena’s father asked in confusion, "Dear, isn’t it my birthday in two days?" Iris Blue said, "When I say it’s your birthday, just celebrate it knowing that." Serena’s father said, "Oh! My wife is truly clever; this idea is excellent. Everyone outside is gossiping and disparaging Serena, thinking she can’t show her face. We’ll host a grand event and boldly write on the invitation: Bring your sons, and we’ll make sure they envy and jealously see our Serena finding a partner!" Iris Blue said, "Finally, you’re being smart once." Serena’s father said, "No, it’s all thanks to my wife’s great guidance!" Serena Sterling was discharged; she had just returned to the Sterling family home when Iris Blue pulled her into the car, "Serena, let’s go. Mom will take you shopping for some beautiful dresses." "Mom, I have clothes; there’s no need to buy more," Serena refused. "That’s not right. Serena, tomorrow is your dad’s fiftieth birthday. Many will come to celebrate. Shouldn’t we dress beautifully to honor your father?" Upon hearing this, Serena agreed to the reasoning and nodded, "Alright then." Iris Blue beamed with joy, "To the shopping mall! We’re going to Aethelgard’s largest shopping center!" Serena Sterling and Iris Blue arrived at Aethelgard’s largest mall and entered a women’s clothing store. Serena quickly saw a familiar face, Tiana Ford. Tiana was not alone; Anabelle was by her side. Selected in the Academy of Sciences competition, Anabelle, Tiana, and another girl from a different college were chosen together. Seeing Tiana, who previously seemed friendly but had stabbed her in the back and now was with Anabelle, Serena’s bright gaze fell upon her. Tiana and Anabelle also saw Serena. When Tiana met Serena’s eyes, they were calm, observing her quietly, but within them, flowed a stream of icy coldness. This chill made Tiana shiver involuntarily. "Oh dear, what a coincidence, Serena. Wasn’t Tiana your good friend in the past? It seems some people don’t want to be human; they prefer being someone else’s sidekick, wagging their tails for favor." Iris Blue went up and needled Tiana unkindly. Tiana’s face immediately turned unpleasant, but she held back without speaking. At this moment, Anabelle stepped forward with a sweet smile, "Serena Sterling, I’m already engaged to Hayden dear. It’s a pity you couldn’t attend our engagement party."