---- I turned, catching my mother's icy glance as she silently warned me to stop, to not say any more that might upset Mary and Elias. It was heartbreaking, really. To have a husband who was quick to run and a mother who always sided with everyone else-it was unbearable. I swallowed the lump in my throat, the sting of betrayal sharp in my chest, and texted back the job offer I had been sitting on. "Sorry for the delayed response, but I would be more than happy to take on this job." The offer had come through during a meeting about selling the casino I once owned with Elias. Eric Cromwell, the head of the Cromwell group in Mexico, had reached out, impressed with the way I ran my business. He wanted me to organize his new casino in Las Vegas. "Miss Seraphina," his message read, "I'm sorry for everything that's happened with your husband and your casino. If you don't mind, my casino is still looking for a professional. If you ever need a change of scenery, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'll take care of the rest." ---- Ihadn't planned on leaving New York entirely. But given the circumstances, it seemed unavoidable. And worst of all, I couldn't let anyone-especially my mother-know where I was going. Maybe Elias loved me. Maybe my mother cared. But I couldn't let my happiness-or my life-depend on them anymore. I had to take control back. I'd be leaving exactly one week from now. Originally, I wanted to leave as soon as possible. But tomorrow was mother's birthday. I hadn't missed one since I could remember. It was always a special day between just the two of us. She never invited Mireille or Michael. I thought, at the very least, before I left, this was the least I could do for her-one final gesture. Iknew my mother was still angry with me, soI figured a homemade dinner might ease some of the tension between us. I'd also baked a lemon cake for her-her favorite. I'd been in the kitchen since morning, seasoning the steak, chopping the salad. Time passed without me ---- even realizing it, and soon, it was almost time. Mother was always punctual, never late for anything. But today, she was late. I started to worry, wondering if something had happened. Just as I was about to call her, the doorbell rang. I opened the door to find Mireille standing there, no one else in sight. "Hey, Sera. Mother said she'd be running late with Dad, so I'm here to help set up the table and everything." Before I could respond, Mireille brushed past me, bumping my shoulder slightly as she walked into the apartment. "This is your new place?" she asked, looking around with mild amusement. I'd moved out of Elias's house after the failed divorce attempt. This apartment was temporary-a week- long rental. "Yes," I answered curtly, not planning to share anything more about my life with her. She smiled, eyes twinkling, almost with glee. "Seems ---- abit small, don't you think?" Her tone was laced with something almost cruel, like she was pleased to see me in acramped space. "Tt's fine for me," I replied, ignoring her and heading back toward the kitchen. That was my clear signal that I didn't want to engage, but Mireille was relentless. She followed me into the kitchen, casually flashing a new bracelet in front of me. "Tsn't this pretty?" I glanced at it-a new luxury piece from a brand I didn't care to recognize. "Evelyn insisted on gifting this to me," she continued, her face practically glowing. "But I told her it was her birthday. You shouldn't be giving me presents." Evelyn. My mother. And yes, it was her birthday. So why would she give Mireille anything? Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!