Serena's POV
As Alexander's mother pulled him away, something inside me snapped back into place. A quiet clarity washed over me. It was harsh, but absolutely necessary.
Alexander and I were from two different worlds. Whatever I felt, whatever he felt… none of it mattered. I couldn't let myself fall deeper. Not when he had a fiancée.
Not when I had sworn as a little girl that I would never become someone like Elena — a homewrecker.
Before he could return or call after me, I slipped out of the banquet hall. I needed distance. I needed air. I needed to be away from him, to cut whatever feelings were growing between us.
The night breeze brushed against my skin as I walked down the pavement, trying to steady my thoughts. A cab eventually stopped, and I gave the driver my address without another word.
I dared not return to Alexander's house. The memory of last night still lingered — the fear, the attack…
At least the man who tried to hurt me had been dealt with. I was safe now.
