Chapter 9
“You need to go back and apologize to Sheridan. Let’s put this matter behind us.” Diana said.
Her tone was soft and her expression full of what looked like compassion, as if none of this was Sheridan’s fault-like Seren was just being unreasonable and dragging innocent people into her drama.
For three years, Diana Yates had always been this way: gentle on the surface, but always playing the elder, perching on her moral high ground and passing down judgment from above.
Seren smiled.
“Diana, I was never the obedient type. When I got angry as a kid, I’d just run off. I don’t like lowering my head or saying sorry to anyone. Least of all now-things with Sheridan are already over p>
She’d never been one to just take things lying down, not even when she was with the Powers family. She’d always had a temper and a stubborn streak.
For three years, she’d tried to soften her edges for Sheridan’s sake, hoping for a peaceful life together. She’d swallowed her pride, gone along just to keep the peace.
But she was done. She couldn’t do it anymore.
Diana didn’t get angry-instead, she kept her voice calm and gentle.
“Seren, I know you’re upset. I don’t mean anything by it—I just want what’s best for you both. In any relationship, if you keep fighting all the time, eventually the love will disappear completely p>
“Think about it. Sheridan’s always been hot-tempered and proud since he was a boy. If you’d just be a little softer, give in a little, this would all blow over p>
Seren nearly hung up, but Nadine snatched the phone from her hand.
“Seren’s got a temper too, you know. She’s proud, and I’ve known her for years- I’ve never seen her bow her head for anyone. What makes your son so special? Why should he be the exception? Why don’t you tell your son to give in for once, to apologize? Oh, but I forgot your son’s the sun, right? Everyone’s supposed to revolve around him. He doesn’t have to bow his head he can just look down on everyone p>
“Seren, I get that you’re upset. Let’s talk again after you’ve cooled off.” Diana’s tone stayed gentle, and with that, she hung up.
Nadine finally understood-Diana was so confident because she was sure Seren would never really leave her precious son. That’s why she could act so high and mighty, without a care in the world.
Nadine’s chest ached with frustration.
Seren might not have been favored in the Bradley family, but in the Rutledge family, she’d always been the little princess-adored by both Grandpa and Grandma Rutledge.
“When you were back in Seaside City, did we ever let you suffer the slightest grievance? Who do the Powers family think they are, to treat you like this p>
For three years, Seren had never spoken about how things were in Riverbend City. Nadine had always assumed she was doing well. Only today did she realize Seren had only ever shared the good news never the bad. sŵnovels
If Sheridan was at fault and even then his mother could force Seren to apologize, what had things been like for her all this time?
Nadine suddenly couldn’t bear to imagine what Seren had endured these past three years.
Seren had been so proud, never one to bow her head, yet she had lowered herself-humbled herself for a man like Sheridan.
And now, Diana had the nerve to act like Seren would never have the courage to leave her son. As if! Sheridan was nothing special she Could find someone better just walking down the street.
The more Nadine thought about it, the angrier she felt.
“I’m going to find you a real man—someone who puts Sheridan to shame in every possible way p>
Nadine moved in circles full of wealthy, eligible bachelors.
But as soon as she thought about it, she dismissed all of them. Most of the men in
her world were spoiled playboys-good looks, no substance, only interested in parties and pleasure.
None of them were good enough for Seren.
Then, after wracking her brain, Nadine finally came up with the perfect candidate -her childhood friend and best buddy, Jasper Crestwood.
Jasper was a rising star, the
youngest actor ever to win Best Actor at the national film awards. With his looks, success and a
Actor of tooks, Success,sand a
reputation for true talent, he stood in a different league entirely-Sheridan wasn’t even in the running.
He was from Seaside City too, the Crestwood family every bit as distinguished as the Powers, if not more so.
And best of all, both he and Seren were artists-they’d have plenty in common.
Nadine was never one to hesitate once she had an idea. She called Jasper immediately.
Before Seren even knew what was happening, Nadine had arranged a dinner for the two of them that very evening.
After hanging up, Nadine patted Seren’s shoulder, speaking with heartfelt sincerity.
“Jasper’s the real deal. I’ve checked him out myself-good character, loads of talent. You and he would be perfect together. I start my night shift at six, so you two can have dinner then p>
Seren had always been quiet, never one for crowds.