Chapter 653


    Alice took Serenity around the residence before excusing herself to take a nap.


    “Go and have your break, Alice. I’ll sit here and enjoy the view.”


    Serenity did not want to go back into the house. Compared to thevishly furnished home, she


    preferred the natural scenery in the yard.


    She saw a few garden patches along the fence and guessed that her aunt must have done the


    gardening herself.


    Mrs. Stone was thedy of a wealthy and powerful family, but it did not change the fact that she grew


    up in an orphanage. It made sense that she would be hands–on with gardening after going through


    poverty and retiring from a desk job.


    “Are you cold? I’ll send someone to fetch you a jacket if you are.”


    Serenity and Liberty did not bring extra clothes as they were here for a meal. They thought they would


    go home after a meal and a good chat.


    It turned out Mrs. Stone wanted them to stay for a few days. Serenity had to returnter in the evening


    to bring a change of clothes.


    “Thank you, Alice, but I don’t feel chilly.”


    Alice smiled. “Well, have fun. I’m heading back for a nap. I’ll feel tired if I don’t stick to the routine.”


    Serenity expressed understanding.


    Such was the case with her daily routine as well.


    Once Alice was back inside the house, Serenity whipped out her phone and clicked on her Whatsapp.


    Staring at Zachary’s profile picture, she realized he had switched his profile picture for a photograph of


    their wedding rings.


    Serenity chuckled as the frustration she had toward him gradually diminished.


    She tapped on the button for a video chat.


    Zachary quickly picked up.


    “Seren.”


    His deep but hoarse voice was heard. It somehow pained Serenity to hear him like this.


    It must have taken a toll on Zachary after the couple had another fight, and she went drinking at a bar


    while he was away on business. He rushed back on the same day to check on her and hurried back to


    work soon after.


    “Didn’t you sleep well?”


    “It’s not that. I might have caught a cold.”


    His health took a hit as he often bathed in cold water during winter.


    Serenity told him off, “You betteryer up and have your meals on time. I was fine. I only went for a few


    drinks to let some steam off.” Zachary stared at her for a moment before uttering, “I’m sorry, Seren. It


    was all my fault.


    “I was overly sensitive and self-centered without any regard for your feelings. You’re an independent


    woman. I’ve known that from the start. Yet, I kept trying to get you to rely on mepletely to satisfy


    my pride as a man. It was my fault.


    “I was being petty and narrow–minded. You should yell at me if I make the same mistake again, but


    don’t go drinking at a bar, okay? You can’t hold your liquor well. You threw up and cried after you got


    drunk. I felt terrible and sorry that felt upset. that you


    “I’ve been through the pain of a splitting headache after a night of drinking. It was so bad I don’t ever


    want you to experience it.”


    Serenity looked at him quietly through the video call. His apologies and reflections threw her back to


    the night of their phone call. Her voice softened. “Zachary, I thought I didn’t have to tell you everything


    since I could handle it myself, but in a way, your huge reaction is a show of your concern for me.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    “We can be a little more patient and understanding toward one another. We got married without


    knowing or loving each other. I can’t promise that we won’t have another fight after this, but I can


    guarantee that we can take a few days to cool our heads and calmly have a talk whenever we face a


    problem.”


    The fight had left the couple with mental scars and bruises.


    Marriage was forever. The road was long, so the fights, silent treatment, and misunderstanding would


    often find their way into the journey.