Will you get married again?

Serena's hard work had finally come to an end. Even though she had reviewed all the data from the employment agency, she still couldn't find the right people that felt just right in her heart.

So, for the past few days, Serena had been cleaning her house by herself. She had to admit—it wasn't easy to take care of such a large house alone. Even though Adrian had offered to help, she refused. She couldn't bear to see him working hard all day only to come home and help her tidy up. So, she did everything on her own.

As for cooking, that was something she wouldn't even attempt. She was well aware that her cooking skills were nonexistent—zero skills. So, for the past few days, she had been surviving on takeout.

Finally, her efforts paid off. She had found a few people she felt were the right fit, and they had already started working.

Knock… knock… knock…

In her sleep, Serena heard a knocking sound. But since she was too exhausted, she ignored it and continued sleeping.

However, not long after, her sleep was disturbed again—this time, because Iril had already made her way into her room and was bothering her.

Serena shot Iril a sharp look for disturbing her, but Iril simply responded with a sweet smile.

"That side-eye won't work on me. We're going to the spa today, no matter what!" Iril declared, unfazed.

"I'm exhausted, Ril," Serena protested, her face pleading.

"I know you're tired—that's exactly why I'm taking you to the spa! It'll help you relax and make you feel refreshed," Iril replied enthusiastically.

Realizing there was no way she could get rid of Iril, Serena finally gave in. With great reluctance, she got up and went to take a shower.

Once she had freshened up, her awareness slowly returned.

In less than 30 minutes, they had arrived at their go-to spa. Serena had to admit, she was grateful to Iril. After the spa session, she felt light and refreshed.

From morning until late afternoon, they had spent their time pampering themselves. Afterward, they decided to grab a meal together.

While enjoying their food, Iril brought up the topic of the Smith family's upcoming birthday celebration.

"Are you going?" Iril asked curiously.

Serena gave her a strange smile.

"Am I even invited?" she asked back.

"Of course, you are," Iril said confidently. "Even though Andre is gone, you're not just a former daughter-in-law of the Shine family—you're also a daughter of the Kale family."

"I don't know… Honestly, I don't feel like attending events like that. It's just an opportunity for people to show off their achievements. Besides, if I go, I'll have to go alone. And I really don't feel like showing up alone."

"You could bring someone with you," Iril suggested.

"I'm single, Ril. Did you forget?"

"You could take Adrian. There'll be plenty of people in his field at the event. It wouldn't hurt for him to make new connections."

Serena fell silent, realizing Iril had a point.

"I'll ask Adrian once I get the invitation. If he's busy, then I won't go," Serena finally decided.

________________________

It turned out that Iril was right. Serena did receive an invitation from the Smith family.

Fortunately, Adrian had some free time, so they decided to attend the event together.

Serena chose a simple yet classic black gown—not too revealing, making her feel comfortable. She rarely wore formal dresses, and with the added touch of event-appropriate makeup, she looked stunning—gorgeous!

"You look absolutely beautiful, Mom," Adrian complimented her sincerely, a smile lighting up his face.

"Thank you. And you're not bad yourself," Serena replied.

Adrian chuckled at his mother's response.

Once they were ready, they headed to the Smith residence, with Rio, Adrian's secretary, acting as their temporary driver for the evening.

As they arrived at the ballroom where the event was being held, Adrian noticed the slight nervousness in Serena's expression.

"Mom, are you okay?" he whispered with concern.

Serena gave a small smile and exhaled deeply, trying to steady herself.

"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice sounded a bit stiff.

Adrian studied his mother carefully. It was obvious—she was slightly tense.

For some reason, seeing her like this made Adrian think she was absolutely adorable.

"Mom… you're cute," Adrian said, teasingly.

Hearing her son's words, Serena did not feel flattered. She was almost in her mid-thirties, and the last thing she wanted was to be called cute—especially by her own son.

With a half-hearted glare, she reached out and pinched Adrian's cheek.

"You're getting bold, teasing your mother like this," she scolded.

Adrian laughed.

"Come on, Mom, that was a genuine compliment, not teasing!"

Before she knew it, Serena had completely forgotten her nervousness.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk… you two never change," a voice suddenly interrupted from behind them.

Serena and Adrian turned to see Iril approaching, accompanied by her husband, Frau Knight.

"Uncle, Aunt," Adrian greeted politely.

"Ugh… It feels so weird being called 'Aunt' by someone only eight years younger than me," Iril complained playfully.

"Uh… but you're my mom's friend. It would be weird if I called you sister instead," Adrian replied, looking genuinely confused.

Hearing this, Frau and Serena burst into laughter.

Iril shot Adrian a deadly glare.

"Even if I'm your mom's friend, I really wouldn't mind if you called me Sister!" Iril insisted.

"But then it would be even weirder if I called your husband 'Uncle' while calling you 'Sister,'" Adrian reasoned.

"….."

Iril was left speechless.

Meanwhile, Serena and Frau struggled to contain their laughter.

Seeing her husband laughing at her expense, Iril turned to glare at him instead.

"Babe…!!!" she called out threateningly.

Frau immediately stopped laughing and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, honey," he said, his voice full of fake remorse.

"You better not do that again," Iril warned.

"I swear, I won't," Frau replied instantly, without hesitation.

Hearing his response, Iril's expression softened into a sweet smile.

"Alright, alright, that's enough! No more flirting in front of us. Save it for when you're alone," Serena complained, pretending to be annoyed.

"Okaaay," Iril replied jokingly.

The four of them laughed together.

"Have you greeted the host of the event yet?" Serena asked Iril and Frau.

"Not yet," Frau replied briefly.

"Do you want to go now?" Iril asked.

"Sure," Serena agreed.

With that, they decided to greet the host together.

After offering their congratulations, Frau and Adrian drifted off to mingle with the other male guests, while Serena found herself looking for a quiet corner. She really wasn't in the mood for socializing tonight.

"You don't have to stay with me, Ril. If you want to chat with the others, go ahead. I'm really not in the mood to socialize," Serena told Iril.

"I've socialized enough for one night, S," Iril replied.

Suddenly, from a distance, Iril noticed Ren Shield talking with the event's host.

She glanced at Serena, curious to see her reaction, but Serena was too busy looking at her phone.

"…"

Iril was speechless.

"S?" she called.

"Hmm?" Serena responded without looking up.

"Are you going to get married again?"

Hearing such a shocking question, Serena immediately looked at Iril, utterly dumbfounded.

"What?"

"Are you planning to stay single forever?"