The call ended with a series of beeps.
Martin glanced at his phone screen before finally approaching Serena, unsure of how to start the conversation.
He had already told his parents about Serena, along with the close call she had with death and her eventual refuge at the estate.
His intention was to take good care of Serena, to spend the holidays with her, and to skip the slew of New Year's events with his
extended family.
His mother had already formed a less than favorable impression of Serena, and to preserve her reputation, he had refrained from
discussing Serena's biological parents and their questionable actions.
But fate had other plans.
Two nights ago, his parents encountered Eunice at an auction. Eunice didn't hold back, revealing all about Serena's behavior over
the past six months, as well as Erik and Martha's despicable tactics...
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This revelation had his parents seething on the spot.
During the drive home, they took turns calling him, implying that he must break up with Serena!
Not only did he refuse, but he also planned to miss the New Year dinner.
How could his parents accept this?
On the phone just now, they insisted he either join the family for a lively celebration or they would cover personally to drive
Serena out.
For Serena's sake, Martin had to compromise.
But now, he didn't know how to explain to Serena.
Seeing his troubled look, Serena guessed what was on his mind and asked gently, "Do you have something urgent to take care of?
It's okay, you go. | have Dora and June with me. | won't be lonely.”
"Serena." Martin struggled to articulate, managing only to say, "I do have something | must attend to. But I'll rush back to be with
you for dinner, okay?”
Worst case, he would eat at both dinners, hurrying from one to rejoin Serena.
"Sure." Serena nodded gently, without a trace of blin her eyes. Instead, she reached out with her warm hand, caressing
Martin's face. "You go take care of your things. We live together now, right? Any tis good for dinner."
Hearing her understanding words, Martin felt even more guilty. He was about to instruct the staff to present the gingerbread house
he had prepared, so he could at least accompany Serena for a few bites before leaving.
Serena had been waiting since morning, her stomach growling, looking forward to a meaningful breakfast of his homemade
gingerbread house.
But just then, his phone rang with a message.
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His parents had given him only half an hour; even rushing there was cutting it close, let alone accompanying Serena for breakfast.
Martin was torn once more.
"Is it an emergency?" Serena urged with kindness, "Go handle it, don't worry about me!"
Martin felt a deeper pang of guilt, "Serena."
"Go, please."
"You guys start cooking for Serena. I'll be back in no time," Martin instructed before caressing Serena's face again. "Wait for me,
okay? I'll be hsoon."
Serena nodded, feeling a touch of disappointment.
As she watched Martin's hurried departure, Serena understood that in her current situation, the Coopers would surely think she
wasn't good enough for Martin.
With no powerful family background or relatives to support her, winning Martin's heart was her only chance to turn her life around!
She wouldn't allow anyone to ruin her plans.