Game Over No Second Chances

Serena had always been a sucker for Zach's sweet talk, but resentment simmered beneath the surface.

She knew she was never wrong when she spoke her mind, yet people still

dismissed her, as if she were nothing more than a decorative accessory on Zach's

arm.

The backlash even worsened when Zach tried to put his foot down. That crowd didn't retreat-they doubled down.

Some subordinates had crossed the line so many times that Serena eventually stopped going to the Zarena Group altogether.

But Hugh was different. Why did he seem to value her more than Zach ever had?

The question tugged at her, and she couldn't hold it back anymore. "Anyone who works under you must be talented. There's no need for them to change them just because of me."

"You're my wife. Your honor is mine. If they can't respect you, they don't respect

me.

"And any employee who disrespects their boss doesn't deserve to stay around. That kind of person isn't loyal—and loyalty is everything."

His sharp eyes met hers. At a red light, the neon lights outside flickered across his face, catching in his eyes like shards of stained glass-brilliant, serious, and striking.

"I won't let myself be mistreated. And I won't let you be either."

In the silence that followed, Serena could hear her own heart pounding.

Hugh wasn't just a good ally. He was a thoughtful and kind friend. That realization brought a smile to her lips.

"Thank you."

"There's no need to thank me," Hugh said while starting the car again. His eyes shifted to the road.

"Because of the last-minute change, this was the only time I could come pick you up so we can make it to the dock on time. Would you like to take a nap?" Hugh pointed out the blanket folded neatly beside her.

Serena shook her head. "If you're staying up, I'll stay up with you.

"Still, a cruise with a bunch of socialites is already a huge deal. Isn't it a bit over the top if we have to use your private island too?"

And this was just her birthday party. What kind of spectacle would their wedding be?

A larger scale and more big shots? The thought alone made her feel a tight knot of pressure in her chest.

But Hugh simply answered, "It's not excessive. This reflects on the Larson family —and it has Grandpa's full attention. We have to do it right."

Perfectly reasonable. Not a single flaw in his logic.

Serena took a quiet breath and nodded. "Alright then."

She just hoped she wouldn't have to spend the entire cruise making small talk.

While she looked out the window, Hugh's gaze fell on two new messages flashing across his phone.

"The recording studio and concert hall are ready. All instruments are custom- made by top craftsmen. We've also brought in a gardener to prepare Mrs. Larson's favorite flowers..."

"Everything Mrs. Larson loves is in place-her food, clothes, lodging. All customized to her preferences..."

Each message read like a carefully written essay. Every last detail had been handled exactly as he'd ordered. Everything Serena loved would be waiting for her at the birthday celebration.

They boarded the cruise early. The sky was still cloaked in deep blue, with the

stars scattered like whispers across the heavens.

Serena hela Hugh's hand as they climbed to the top deck. She looked up at the sky, then out over the vast sea. As her hair was caught in the air, she pushed it back, showing her shimmering eyes.

"So, who exactly are the guests for this cruise?"

"Mainly friends and partners of Larson Group. And a few other well-known figures." Hugh replied while stepping between her and the wind as if it were second nature.

He gently placed a hat on her

head-one he'd brought for her-and seeing her confusion, he added, "Only those with an invitation from the Larson family get to celebrate your birthday." noveldrama

Serena let out a low whistle. This was a lot. But then again, that was probably

what the Larson family expected-prestige, face, appearances.

Beneath the brim of her hat, she didn't notice the tenderness in Hugh's expression.

She looked out toward the horizon. "Look, the sun's coming up."

"Yeah," Hugh murmured.

But his eyes weren't on the sky. They were on her. Because to him, Serena was

the sunrise.