His Innocent Sera

He had acted all sigma in front of her, but only he knew the torment within. His bowel system hadn't stopped doing acrobats since the moment he consumed that infernal dish. It was beyond him as to how did she even conceive such a diabolical idea. Vixen. That's some way to torture someone- no weapon needed, just the dish is enough. He stepped out of the bathroom holding his stomach, worn out. He had spent the whole night shuffling in and out of the bathroom, not getting even a wink of sleep.

None who wronged him had lived to see another day. Those who so much as scratched him carried scars far deeper in return. His vengeance burned hotter than the flames of hell itself. And yet.... she was alive. He suffered yet she lived. He had no idea what was happening to him. Why was he being so lenient with the girl who had rejected him so blatantly? A profound mix of hurt and anger had crashed through him. The sting of rejection still lingered, sharpening in quiet moments. He didn't forget the day and made sure she didn't too.

He flopped onto the bed only for another strong urge to hit him. "Fuck," he cursed, shooting upright and dashing back into the toilet.

"Holy shit? Is that true?" Gigi exclaimed in pure shock. Gloria gave a somber nod, her face dark with bitterness.

"I hate her. She ruined my family," Gloria fumed, glaring furiously at the wall across from them.

"But it wasn't her fault your.."

"It was all her fault. She is nothing but a disgrace to our family," Gloria seethed, not willing to hear anything in her favor.

"I am going to ask Dad one last time, if he says no, I'll air his dirty laundry to the world," Gloria had made up her mind. Her dad had refused her to fill their pool with alcohol for her party and that had infuriated Gloria to no end. Her dad was being unnecessarily mean.

"I am still not able to get over the fact that Sera is your half-sister," Gigi uttered, still in disbelief. Nate who just walked into the room froze mid-stride. The revelation shocked him.

"I don't even wann.." Gloria's words died in her throat the moment her eyes landed on Nate at the doorway. In an instant, her scowl melted away, replaced by a sickly sweet smile.

"Hi, Nate," she chirped, rising to her feet. Her gaze followed the taut muscles of his arms, mesmerized by the strength hidden beneath the surface. She clenched her legs.

"Someone's working out really good," she remarked, sauntering towards him. A mischievous smile played over her lips as she stopped before him and added, "I can see those veins pulsing under your skin." The need to trace those faintly emerging veins with her fingers surged through her.

"Is it okay if I touch them?" she asked, her fingers ghosting the purple streak with a hunger barely concealed. Hovering but not dare touching.

"No," came his curt reply before he walked past her only to be stopped by Gigi.

"Nate, can you drop Glo at her place? She came with me but I have to leave for church with Mom in ten minutes," Gigi asked, briefly glancing at her diamond- studded watch.

"Yeah, I am also running late for my dance class. It's about to start in twenty," Gloria joined in, suddenly sounding urgent.noveldrama

"Not my concern," Nate stated, uninterested, and started towards his room. Gloria's face fell. Gigi scowled.

"If there were a competition for the most useless brother you would win with flying colors," Gigi bit out.

"Just like you would win the competition for the most brainless," Nate shot back casually without sparing her a glance. Gigi made a face behind his back.

Nate opened the door and found his sister lying on the bed with a face mask on. Gigi opened her eyes, causing the cucumber slices to slide off.

"Ever heard of knocking?" she spat, clearly irritated by his arrival. Nate smirked before closing the door behind him.

"Now you look tolerable. keep that thing on forever," Nate stated, pointing at the mask. Gigi rolled her eyes.

"That's how jealous people sound," Gigi shot back, putting her cucumber slices back in the place.

"Why so salty? That was a compliment," Nate answered, lowering himself in the chair. Gigi heaved a long-suffering sigh.

A momentary silence followed before Nate broke it.

"So, what's the deal about Gloria and Sera?" Nate asked, feigning nonchalance. Gigi removed the slices to look at him.

"You heard us?" she asked, slowly sitting up. A newfound interest lit up her eyes.

"Isn't it shocking? Sera is Gloria's dad's daughter," Gigi exclaimed. Nate kept his expression neutral.

"Why did he give her to his brother?" Nate asked, keeping the curiosity from his tone.

"He gave her to his brother because she is his extramarital product," Gigi answered before continuing, "And the most interesting part, Sera doesn't even know that her rea father is Gloria's dad." Nate listened to every detail, his brows curved into a subtle frown. Gloria's father had to take in Sera after his affair partner threatened to expose him to the public. As his wife refused to accept her, he gave her to his younger brother along with a heavy bribe. A contract was drawn up stating that Sera's true parentage would remain hidden forever. Franklin was going through a financial struggle at that time, so he had to accept Sera.

"She is in for such a huge shock when she finds out," Gigi said.

Nate's countenance betrayed nothing as he pushed to his feet. He walked out of her room, his fists clenched tight.

Gigi gave him a weird glance before shrugging and putting the slices back in place. Turning on her favorite music, she reclined.

Sera picked up the packet, gave it a quick look, then dropped it into the trolley. With the groceries nearly gone, she was here to restock.

Wandering through the all net

she

collected all the necessary items, careful not to exceed budget. At times like this, she wished she was earning more so that she could buy anything without a second thought. With all the required items in her trolley, she went over to the counter to pay.

As she reached into her pocket to get the cash, an arm shot out beside her, handing a card to the cashier. She looked over to find Nate standing next to her. He was looking ahead. Her gaze drifted back to the woman behind the counter as she realized he was paying her bill.

"I'll pay," she offered her crumpled notes to the cashier. The cashier looked

conflicted for a moment.

"Take the card," Nate commanded. The woman took the card from him and swiped it. The bill was settled. Nate picked up her groceries and strolled out of the store. Sera rushed after him, thinking he was going to steal her groceries.

He stopped by his car and she paused too.

"Give me my bag," she demanded meekly, eyeing him with a slight frown. Instead of handing it over, he tossed it onto the backseat.

"Get in," he opened the door for her before walking around to his side. Sera gazed

at the open door in suspicion.

"Get in," he repeated strictly, holding his door. She gritted her teeth in annoyance before grudgingly getting in.

He ignited the engine and the car sped off.