---- 5 Seraphina's POV Just when I thought I had made my stance clear that day at the hotel, my mother called a few days later, once again reminding me of the "importance" of my marriage to Elias. The strategic alliance. The best partner I could find. Blah, blah, blah. What she didn't mention was that Elias had left me to face the cops alone. Is that really what she considers the best partner? Someone who runs at the first sign of trouble, throwing you into the fire without a second thought? "You need to grow up. Be mature." My mother's voice came through the phone, sharp and insistent. "Come home for dinner next Sunday. Let's talk then." It was as polite as my mother could ever be. But I knew better than to think a dinner would change my mind. After some hesitation, I decided to go home. The moment I stepped through the front door, I knew ---- something was off. The usual stillness had been replaced by a flurry of activity. Maids scurried about, carrying dishes and glasses of champagne, while guests filled the front yard, their laughter and chatter loud and discordant. "This was the dinner my mother talked about?" I muttered to myself, disbelief settling in. And then I saw him-Elias. Of course. How could I have been so blind? My mother was notorious for this kind of manipulation. How could I have fallen for it again? "Sera!" Elias's voice rang out, cutting through the noise. He walked toward me with that practiced smile of his, dressed in a suit and tie, looking every bit the gentleman in a house full of mafia bosses and gang leaders. "ve missed you," he said, stopping in front of me, already reaching for my hand. I stepped back, my hands instinctively moving to my back, a cold smile on my lips. "I thought I made myself clear. You want to talk to me? Talk to my lawyer. Don't drag my mother into your games and have her set traps for me." ---- "That's not what I-" "Save it, Elias." My tone was sharp, biting. "Don't make me lose even more respect for you." Without waiting for his response, I turned to leave, but then I saw her. Elias's mother, Mary, walking toward me. During my marriage to Elias, Mary had always been kind to me. I hesitated for a moment before offering her a smile. "Mary." "Sera." She reached out and pulled me into her arms, her embrace warm and comforting. "I know you're upset with Elias. I've scolded him, believe me. But don't stay mad, alright?" "Mary," I said softly, pulling away slightly to look her in the eye. "I don't regret marrying Elias. But as a woman, I'm sure you understand why I'm angry. My own husband abandoning me when things got tough, when he was supposed to be the one by my side..." Just then, my mother's voice rang out from behind us, cutting through the moment. "Don't take Seraphina's words too seriously, Mary. She's just a girl. She doesn't understand yet. Come, have a drink with me." Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!