Serena’s voice softened into a blissful murmur, "Martin, having you is just amazing. With you by my side, I feel like I’m not completely abandoned by the world. Even though I’m not born into the Collins family, and I can’t enjoy the privileges I once had or claim a noble title, you still treat me like a princess. My happiness is still intact. Seriously, having you as my boyfriend is the best thing ever!"
Hearing the girl openly refer to him as her boyfriend wiped away Martin’s previous sorrow, replacing it with a surge of emotion and a pang of guilt.
He was moved by her heartfelt confession—
And guilty because, since last night, he’d doubted her feelings for him, sinking into a funk until just now.
But now, he was thrilled, overjoyed.
"Serena, I’ve been terrible today—not checking in on you sooner, not even noticing you were upset," Martin admitted with remorse. "From now on, I swear I’ll treat you twice as well. You don’t want me to confront Rosemary right now, but I’m keeping a tally. If she crosses me in the future, I’ll make sure to settle both new and old scores. I won’t let today’s hurt go unnoticed."
"Martin, you’re the best!" Serena’s voice dripped with sweet happiness. "If you were here right now, I’m afraid I might not be able to stop myself from kissing you."
Her flirtation sparked a fire in Martin, his breathing growing heavier.
Since when did his little princess become such a flirt?
Catching him hook, line, and sinker, Serena giggled coyly, "Stop it, I’ve got to go."
Before Martin could respond, a beeping tone signaled the end of the call.
His gaze softened, and a content smile played at the corners of his mouth.
The deputy at his side stared in disbelief. Was Mr. Martin smiling? And not just any smile, but one filled with pure happiness and satisfaction.
Who on earth was on the other end of that phone?
That person was capable of turning Mr. Martin’s stormy mood sunny!
Martin opened WhatsApp and messaged the girl:
[Did the doc give you anything for the pain? A month to recover seems too long. I’ll find you another doctor, maybe you can heal faster.]
(Sure 😊) Serena replied promptly, punctuating her message with a kiss emoji.
Without hesitation, Martin immediately reached out to a doctor.
Serena agreed because she wanted him to see her injuries—even the ones on her back—through the doctor’s eyes. She wanted Martin to know the extent of her suffering.
The more he hurt for her, the deeper his hatred for Rosemary would grow.
And the more he would become her unsuspecting pawn.
Come evening.
Darren wheedled Rosemary, "Rose, that fried chicken we had the other night was divine, I can’t stop thinking about it. How about we have it for a midnight snack? Maybe throw in some BBQ skewers?"
Rosemary chuckled, "You’re still not fully recovered; we should stick to lighter fare."
"Just a little bit, please!"
After much cajoling from Darren, Rosemary relented, "But not too much."
"Don’t worry, just a few!"
With his granddaughter’s blessing, Darren eagerly ordered the meal. In no time at all, the chef wheeled in two large barbecue grills, loaded with hundreds of skewers.
Rosemary chuckled lightly at the sight before her, a playful glint in her eyes.

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