Chapter 12
**Chapter 12: The Last Time p>
Four years past.
“Honey,” Nathaniel whispered softly, turning his gaze toward her, “If fate blesses us with a daughter, I hope she embodies everything that you are… gentle, compassionate, and with that unique way of perceiving the world p>
Serena’s laughter danced in the air, a sweet and tender sound that warmed the cool night around them. She nestled against him, her head resting comfortably on his chest, as they both gazed up at the vast sky, a canvas painted with stars.
It was the night following their wedding-a moment of bliss that marked the beginning of their journey as husband and wife. Just after Serena had donned her cap and gown, they had tied the knot. Now, they lay together on the open rooftop of their cozy cabin, cocooned in blankets, while the northern lights swirled above them, casting a magical glow over the scene.
“You’re already thinking about kids?” she teased, her voice light and playful, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
Nathaniel’s handsome features softened into a gentle smile, his expression brightening with a playful glint. He reached out and pinched her nose lightly, his touch sending a ripple of affection through her. “Not just yet, Serena. We’re still young and adventurous. I’ve just taken the reins of my mom’s company, and your father is nudging me to assist at Kline BioSolutions p>
He shifted closer, enveloping her in his warmth, planting a soft kiss on her cheek, lingering there as if he were trying to memorize the feel of her skin beneath his lips.
“But soon, I promise you,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere. “I dream of having at least two children-one little princess with that enchanting smile of yours… and a boy to match p>
Serena’s laughter bubbled up again, feeling the reassuring strength of his arms tighten around her. The northern lights shimmered overhead, casting a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to wrap around them, creating a memory she once believed would stretch into eternity.
Yet, now, that dream felt tainted, distorted by an unforeseen reality.
Never in her wildest nightmares had she envisioned facing this future alone.
As she drifted off to sleep, the memory of that promise haunted her a reminder of yet another grand deception woven into the fabric of her marriage.
The chill of the night pressed against her, and she hugged her arms around herself tightly, as if trying to piece together the fragments of a past that felt irretrievably lost. Then, gradually, she felt warmth enveloping her.
The cold receded just enough for her to sink deeper into slumber.
Hours later, the world began to stir.
When Serena finally awakened, her senses were greeted by something soft brushing against her.
She blinked, pushing herself upright, only to discover a blanket draped over her, a cozy barrier against the morning chill.
But she had no recollection of bringing a blanket with her.
The gentle morning light filtered through the large living room windows, casting a soft glow that contrasted sharply with the turmoil brewing within her.
Her brows furrowed in confusion.
Swinging her legs over the edge of the sofa, she froze as something brushed against her feet.
Slippers.
Her slippers.
The very same pair Nathaniel had bought for her during a trip to the mall just five months ago, the ones she had deliberately left behind in the villa, hoping to erase memories of him. Yet here they were, placed neatly at her feet as if he had never left.
A sharp wave of unease surged through her.
She stood up, slipping her feet into the familiar warmth almost instinctively, and moved toward the window.
And there he was.
Nathaniel Thorne, clad in nothing but an undershirt, stood beside her car with the hood raised, examining the engine just like he used to.
As if he still had any claim to touch anything in her life.
‘How did my car even get here? Why is he doing this for me?’ Serena’s jaw
tightened, a mix of anger and confusion flooding her system. Her heart raced, and her pulse quickened.
“Nathaniel Thorne,” she hissed under her breath, the fury bubbling up within her, “What kind of twisted game are you playing p>
With determination, she stormed out of the house, her voice sharp as she demanded, “What are you doing p>
“I replaced your battery. I should
have taken care of this three months
ago,” he replied calmly, closing the
hood with a finality that stung. He
slid into her car turning the engine over effortlessly, driving it around the driveway, even venturing beyond the gate.
Upon his return, he stepped out and casually remarked, “It’s all set now. Just remember to change the battery every three years or better yet, consider getting a new car p>
Watching him move with such ease, Serena crossed her arms defensively against her chest. “You didn’t need to fix my car p>
Nathaniel walked past her, pausing in his tracks to turn back. “Don’t worry. That’s the last time I’ll do something like this. From now on, we go our separate ways p>
At his words, a gasp escaped her lips, the air feeling suddenly heavy and oppressive.
It was as if the wind had been knocked from her lungs. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught in her throat as a sharp pain twisted within her chest.
This was what she had wished for,
Yet the ache was unbearable.
Nathaniel ascended the stairs to the room, taking a shower and changing clothes. By the time he returned downstairs, he carried a suitcase that unmistakably contained some of his belongings.
He didn’t spare her a glance as he walked through the living room, simply stating, “There’s take-out in the kitchen. Heat it up. Eat. T p>
His phone rang, interrupting him mid-sentence. He answered, his tone softening as he spoke to the person on the other end. “Yes. Vanessa. Breakfast? I haven’t eaten yet That’s fine p>
Vanessa again.
Nathaniel glanced at the time, adding, “I’ll come pick you up p>
Once the call ended, he turned to Serena with a finality that felt like a punch to the
gut. “Take better care of yourself, Serena. Goodbye. I’ll see you when we finalize the
divorce p>
With that, he stepped out, leaving
her standing there, feeling as if her heart was being squeezed mercilessly. She watched his tetreating figure, the broad
shoulders she once leaned on for support, the steady stride she had
once matched with her own. Each step he took felt like another thread snapping within her.
He didn’t look back.
Outside, the car roared to life, and just like that, Nathaniel vanished from her sight.
They had promised her that time would heal her wounds, but no one had warned her about the cruelty of each passing minute.
She had convinced herself that she could live without him—she had to… but saying
it was one thing. Watching him walk away was an entirely different ordeal.
LiLhyz
Author
November 25, 2025. Thank you for reading, and welcome back to my books. I cherish and appreciate everyone’s support. The next chapter is tomorrow.