His Innocent Sera

No. I hate him. The confession burned on the tip of her tongue, aching to be spilled. One second was all it would take- but one lifetime of facing its

consequences. His threat pounded in her skull- menacing, cruel, and certain. She knew he meant every word; he'd follow through, just like he always did.

"Nate is difficult....... sometimes," she replied instead, trailing her fingers along the counter's edge.

"That he is," Ara agreed with a sigh. "His temper issues are a nightmare to deal with..." guilt settled across her features as she continued, "Sometimes, I feel like I failed them, like I should've been there more. I got so caught up with my other kids that I couldn't give Nate and Gigi the time they deserved."

"Don't doubt yourself. They couldn't have gotten a better mother than you. You were always there when they needed you.." her eyes softened with a hidden wound as she continued, "...trust me, that means a lot for a child." Her mother was never there for her when she needed her. Ara caught the hint of pain in her eyes and couldn't help but feel bad.

"Nate loves you," Sera assured her. "He just couldn't stop gushing about you and Mr. Serrano at the sanctuary you built for Mr. Serrano."

Ara's eyes widened in disbelief before she asked, "he brought you there?" Sera gave a hesitant nod, wondering if she had said too much.

"He is very possessive about that place. He's never even taken his friends there. You really must mean a lot to him," Ara mused the last part, realisation settling in. She thought he was exaggerating, but now it seems he actually meant his words.

"He wants to marry you," Ara circled back to the topic, wanting her opinion. "As much as I want you to be a part of our family, I also want you to know that nothing will happen without your consent. If it's not what you want, just say it. No pressure. We'll talk him through it," Ara assured her. Sera pondered for a moment. She could tell Ara had no clue about the monster Nate was. She was worried about his temper issues, but that was nothing compared to his other flaws. He was a sadist who reveled in other's suffering.

I will kill your family. No matter what, I'll make you pay.

Sera's stomach clenched with the urge to tell her everything, but she resisted. He was their heir. They would punish him, maybe lock him away, but not forever. And when he was free, he'd come straight for her to make her pay. Not with her life. With theirs.noveldrama

"I too want to marry him," she replied, pasting a smile that could convince even a blind. Ara was overjoyed to hear it but didn't let her emotions spill over before confirming.

"Are you sure? Don't you think it's too early?" Ara enquired.

"I am sure," Sera confirmed, still smiling, though a traitorous tear escaped her eye, calling her out.

Ara's smile slipped just like that. Sera quickly wiped the tear away, but Ara had already seen through her facade.

"What is it? Why are you crying?' Ara demanded. Sera looked away as if hiding something.

"Nothing. I am just....I got emo..emotional," Sera explained, actively avoiding eye contact. A heavy silence settled in.

"Is..Is he forcing you?' Ara asked, causing Sera's head to snap up, eyes wide with unspoken truth. Ara felt being hit by a bomb. Her son-her own blood and flesh- was a monster.

"Please, don't say a word to him. I'll marry him, I swear. Just don't tell him. He'll punish me if he knows," Sera pleaded with Ara. The sheer terror in her eyes-Ara felt as if she was looking into a mirror of her past. Her heart clenched painfully.

Her own son.

Ara's own eyes teared up, but her features hardened in resolve.

"You will not marry him," Ara declared.

"You don't understand. I have to or he'll.."

"He'll do nothing. Wipe your tears, go out, and act like nothing happened. I'l handle the rest," Ara told her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Sera was still confused, but she nodded anyway. She had faith in Mrs. Serrano.

Ara handed her a few plates to distribute outside.

She came out of the kitchen to find Nate and Dyson coming down the stairs. Dyson's face was split in a wide grin as he zealously cradled a game box to his chest and skipped his way down.

"Sera," Dyson beamed when he spotted her, bounding over with Nate close behind.

"Nate showed me his gameroon and gave me this. I have wanted this game for so long," Dyson exulted, bursting with joy. Sera shot a sharp glance at Nate, but he only smirked back. She shifted her gaze back to Dyson. She opened her mouth to tell him not to take it, but Nate was quicker.

"Go and show it to your dad and mom," Nate gave a light pat to Dyson's back, ushering him off. Asz soon as they were alone, Nate stepped closer. His lips curved¶nto a playful smile as he picked up a piece and took a bite. Then, he put it back on the plate. An unspoken command for her to finish the rest.

"It's getting late. We should take our leave now," Mr. Diaz said. Killian nodded in agreement, and they all stood up. They all said goodbye to each other. Mrs. Diaz conveyed her thanks to Ara for inviting them as they moved toward the main door. Séra had stayed close to Mrs. Diaz to avoid any contact with Nate. Yet she felt his gaze boring into her skull every now and then.

"I'll show them out," Nate announced, already moving towards the door, causing Hannah's brows to rise through her hairline. He looked actually very happy today.

Sera's unsure eyes flicked to Ara who gave her a reassuring smile. The girl followed her family out.

"Thank you for showing us out," Mr. Diaz said, offering a smile as he glanced up at Nate. Nate walked beside him, towering over his frame.

"It's nothing. Hope you enjoyed the dinner," Nate responded. Small talks weren't

his thing, yet here he was, making efforts to impress his woman's family.

Sera followed close behind, giving a stink eye to his broad back.

If that's wasn't too much, he helped her mother get into the car, promised to take Dyson to Pokemon center and even offered her dad his personal driver in case the meal had him too stuffed to drive. Sera was gobsmacked.

They all settled in but as Sera moved to climb inside, Nate caught her wrist. She turned around to meet his rather reluctant eyes. He wasn't willing to let her go just yet. He wanted to spend more time with her, to touch and love her.

He came closer, his gaze roaming over her face with a hint of fascination as he whispered, "good night." Her wrist was still in grasp of his fingers.

"Good night," she replied, her voice hesitant. Nate leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a sudden kiss, making her eye sgo wide in surprise. She recoiled, stunned and flustered.

"My family is right here," she murmured indignantly, her gaze flashing with annoyance. Her tiny outburst brougth a smirk onto his face.

we

"They know we are together. Nothing is a sceret anymore," he said, pressing another kiss to her slightly open lips. A quiet thrill ran

Mance to

through him, relishing the claim her openly in front of O everyone. Also, her family should know that she was his prized

possession in their safekeeping and very soon he'll claim her back.

He released her after a moment, watched as she climbed inside with her cheeks

burning crimson. She was already so embarassed.

As the car pulled away, he turned back towards the mansion. He thought his mom was going to propose a marriage today.

He stepped inside to find Ara and Killian still in the hall. He strolled towards them, curious to know their intents.

"Mom," he started, standing before her. "I thought you were going to ask her hand

in marriage," he said, his voice carried a hint of disappointment, his brow creasing

into a frown.

In an instant, like a crack of lightning, Ara's hand lashed out, striking his face with a sharp, stinging blow.