Chapter 3

I stumbled backward in fear, my wrist firmly gripped in Mr. Lincoln's hand.

Dashiell had told me about him - notorious in the industry for his brutality with women.

I looked pleadingly at Dashiell, his face deep in thought.

Mr. Lincoln grinned, revealing yellowed teeth, his hand still caressing incessantly.

"Mr. Channing, we have that business meeting tomorrow, you know."

Dashiell was still hesitating when Jolene clung to his arm, acting as if she had my best interests at heart.

"Serenity's mom is sick and needs money. You'd be helping her out."

"Plus, if we land Mr. Lincoln's contract, we'll definitely be the industry leader."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I shook my head desperately, nearly begging him not to agree.

But Dashiell's expression softened, and he gave a slight nod.

With his approval, Mr. Lincoln leered as he began dragging me towards a private room upstairs.

I started crying in desperation, but Dashiell had already turned his back.

"The way she's dressed, no one would believe she's not here to seduce men anyway."

I couldn't believe it. Even if he'd lost his memory and forgotten me,

The Dashiell I knew was always so kind-hearted.Our encounter was due to his assistance when I was harassed while working at the hospital, which touched my heart.

When he first established his company, some shareholders even abused their power to harass employees.

Dashiell, risking his position, declared he would protect the personal safety of every employee.

But now his eyes are only on fame and fortune, and he maliciously speculates about others. He's no longer the person I fell for.

I let out a bitter laugh, resigning myself to being dragged away.

Suddenly, Dashiell turned and grabbed me, then hesitated and let go when he met Mr. Lincoln's puzzled gaze.

His eyes held emotions I couldn't understand, but now I no longer wanted to try.

Everyone's attention shifted elsewhere. In their eyes, I was just a toy.

An object for amusement, to be discarded when the fun was over.

I shouldn't have dared to hope for a future with Dashiell.

I obediently followed behind Mr. Lincoln, whose eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Smart girl. You won't regret coming with me!"

Only I knew how his flabby body made me want to vomit.

In the room, Mr. Lincoln eagerly pounced on me. I forced down my disgust and pretended to be coy.

"So impatient, there's no atmosphere."

Mr.Lincoln laughed and called for someone to bring wine.

His lowered guard due to my compliance gave me the opportunity. As he turned, I swiftly raised the wine bottle and smashed it against his head.

Mr. Lincoln's eyes widened as he collapsed limply, wine and blood mingling together.

I didn't have time to panic and fled immediately, rushing home to pack my things.

My mother's medical records and my documents were all here; I had no choice but to return.

Midway through packing, I heard noises at the door and had to hide in the closet.

Through the crack, I saw Jolene supporting a drunken Dashiell, laying him on the bed.

Dashiell was mumbling what sounded like my name.

But if he truly cared for me, why was he discussing marriage with Jolene?

As Jolene turned, our eyes seemed to meet for a moment, causing my palms to break out in a cold sweat.

Would she drag me out and send me back to Mr. Lincoln's bed?

But in the next second, she acted as if she hadn't seen me, leaning down to kiss Dashiell's face.

I watched as Dashiell chuckled softly, pulling Jolene onto the bed, their bodies intertwining.

Clothes fell to the floor one by one.

I closed my eyes, our past flashing rapidly through my mind.Once upon a time, even the slightest presence near him while he slept would startle him awake. But now, Jolene could easily get close to him.

This wasn't the first time something like this had happened between them, was it?

A melodious tune started playing from my phone - it was "Serenade," the confession song Dashiell had sung for me.

I shakily emerged from the closet, completely disregarding Jolene's expression.

My friend's voice came through the phone.

"Serenity, I've already transferred the money for you. About Auntie， you can rest easy now."

The last bit of strength I'd been clinging to finally dissipated, and I moved to leave without a word.

Jolene, looking triumphant, planted a kiss on Dashiell's face as if to show off.

The mirror nearby reflected Dashiell's gradually clearing gaze.

He first realized he was lying next to Jolene, then looked up to see my suitcase. Shocked, he tumbled off the bed.

The alcohol made his steps unsteady. He frantically tried to grab me but only caught air.

All I left him with was the thunderous slam of the door.

Dashiell, his face drained of all color, chased after me.

He then collapsed on the ground, lacking strength, but still tried to crawl towards me.

"Serenity! — Where are you going, Serenity?""Serenity, come back!"