The black car wound through London’s streets, taking Serena deeper into the life she never asked for. Dressed in a modest navy gown, she sat stiffly beside Alexander, her hands folded in her lap. Tonight she would meet his family — the ones who truly owned him.
Mrs. Kingston
(cool) You’re late.
Mrs. Kingston
(flat) Business.
Mr. Kingston
(hard) That better not be a habit.
Alexander Kingston
(blank) Never.
Mrs. Kingston
(studying) So… you’re Serena.
Serene Reyes
(nervous) Y-Yes… ma’am.
Mrs. Kingston
(dry) You don’t look like the other one.
Serene Reyes
(quiet) I… I know.
Mr. Kingston
(cold) At least you’re here.
Alexander Kingston
(firm) She’s my wife now.
Mrs. Kingston
(sharp) Let’s hope she learns quickly.
Serene Reyes
(hesitant) I’ll… do my best.
Alexander Kingston
(flat) She will.
Mr. Kingston
(dark) See what she does.
Serene Reyes
(meek) Yes… sir.
Mrs. Kingston
(dismissive) Sit. Eat.
Alexander Kingston
(blank) We’re done here.
As they stood to leave, Serena caught sight of herself in the gilded mirror — a stranger in her own skin. Behind her, the powerful Kingstons whispered, already judging.
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