Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
But she had risen too early, and when breakfast time came, she found herself alone at the table.
The sky was a blanket of dull gray, the night’s curtain not yet fully lifted, when she couldn’t help but ask the housekeeper, “What time does Uncle Bard usually wake up?”
“Well, usually about half an hour from now, but ever since his wife came back, Mr. Bard has been rising late with her. To be honest, we servants can’t say for certain.”
Serena couldn’t help but inquire further, “And what about Grandpa?”
“Mr. Darren woke up just last night. He’s usually in a comatose state, so his routine is unpredictable.”
Serena could only put down her fork, ‘Then I’ll go for a morning run, and we can all have breakfast together when they wake up.”
At minus three degrees, even clad in thick clothing, the bone-chilling wind made Serena shiver uncontrollably.
But she jogged on determinedly, thinking to herself, what if Uncle or Grandpa woke to find her running before dawn, impressed by her self-discipline and drive?
So, braving the cold, she ran around the garden for 40 minutes, and with still no one awake, she couldn’t bear it any longer and hurried back inside.
Half an hour later, Bard was the first to come downstairs. Spotting Serena at the breakfast table, cradling a bowl in her hands, he couldn’t resist asking, “Serena, why so early? And your face is so red.
Is it from the cold?”
“Lran outside for an hour. It started snowing, so I stopped. Good morning, Uncle Bard.” Serena spoke, her breath visible in the air.Bard hadn’t expected her to change, to take up early morning runs.
“That’s a good habit, but on bad weather days, you might consider an indoor workout. Your aunt does just that with her morning yoga.”
Serena thought, had she known, she would have grabbed a yoga mat and practiced in a conspicuous spot indoors, enjoying the warmth and avoiding the strenuous run while still catching people’s attention.
Bard joined her at the table, sharing breakfast. “By the way, Serena, you mentioned on the phone that you have a boyfriend. How long has that been going on?”
“It started after my sister came home.” Serena deliberately cast her eyes down, then mustered a smile.
“It’s been about half a year. He pursued me for six years, from junior high through to senior year. After the college entrance exams last summer, I gave it a shot.”
“What does he do?” Bard asked with interest. “A student like you?”
“He’s a freshman too, but he’s exceptional. The college granted him privileges due to his grades. He only needs to take exams at the end of each semester and will graduate in four years.”
Unable to resist boasting, Serena added, “His family owns a department store chain with over 600
locations worldwide. Using his family’s resources, he started a logistics company and recently secured funding. He owns fifty cargo planes and exclusive rights to certain flight paths.”
Bard was well aware of what owning fifty cargo planes meant at such a young age, especially with exclusive domestic flight path rights — no small feat.
“He’s expanded the air freight business nationwide, the fastest in the country, outpacing other logistics companies, including those owned by the Collins and McMillian families.”
Serena made a point of comparing him to the Collins and McMillian families.Bard nodded, “Impressive. Young, ambitious, with a unique vision.”
“Thank you, Uncle Bard”
Serena thought to herself how Uncle could so easily overlook the truth. In comparison, Martin was clearly no match for Romeo!
“Since my sister is the true Collins family heiress and I’m just an adopted daughter, it’s only natural that the arranged marriage between the Collins and McMillian families should be for her.”
Serena put on an understanding face, not mentioning whether Romeo was interested in her or how she reluctantly settled for Martin.
If she could have her way, she would be Romeo’s wife!
“My granddaughter has a boyfriend now.’ Darren’s cheerful voice came from the doorway. “I sleep for a little while, and I miss my granddaughter getting a boyfriend.”
Eunice, supporting Darren, added with a smile, “It’s not too late for you to find out now, Dad.”
“Bring him over to meet us when you get a chance,’ Darren suggested with a twinkle in his eye. “I overheard at the doorway that the young man is in logistics. Not bad at all, quite the business acumen for a freshman. He has a promising future.”
“Grandpa, you finally came!” Serena quickly left her seat, went up to Darren, and took his hand affectionately. “I wanted to talk to you last night, but Bella said you were off to bed”
“I was pooped last night,” Darren replied with a warm smile.
But Serena couldn’t help thinking, if he was so tired, why did he keep Mirabella in his room for a private chat?
“Grandpa, you have no idea how much I missed you while you were out of it,” Serena said as she pulled out a chair for him and helped him sit down. She then sat beside him, still holding his hand, and cooed, “It’s been such a relief to finish the semester so I could come to see you. And Aunt Eunice made it back safe and sound, too. It’s just so great to see all of you!”
At that moment, a servant brought in breakfast, and Serena hurried to help serve it in front of Darren.
“Grandpa, this is your favorite pumpkin and millet porridge.”
The bowl was a bit hot, and after setting it down, Serena quickly touched her earlobe.
“Did you burn your hand?” Darren asked with concern.
“No, it’s fine,” Serena laughed, serving the other side dishes in front of him and arranging the silverware before sweetly adding, ‘Eat up while it’s hot, Grandpa!”
Darren chuckled. “Such a thoughtful child.”
Another servant brought Eunice her breakfast. As Serena helped serve it, the bowl was indeed too hot, and just half a meter from the table, she accidentally let go.In a flash, Bard swept Eunice into his arms and turned to shield her.
The soup splashed onto Bard’s clothes and spilled all over the table, creating a messy scene.
Serena, burned by the heat, recoiled and was visibly shaken. “I’m so sorry, Uncle Bard, Aunt Eunice, are you both okay?”
She just wanted to make a good impression but ended up messing things up again.
Seeing that his wife was unharmed, Bard finally said, “It’s alright.”
Eunice, noticing his stained clothes, pulled out a tissue to wipe him down, thankful that the thick clothes and cold weather prevented any burns.
“I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault. I tried to be clever and just messed up,’ Serena said, full of remorse.
“It’s okay, I know it wasn’t on purpose. Let’s have breakfast,’ Bard instructed the servants to prepare another serving.
Two more servants quickly started cleaning up the chaotic table.
Then Mirabella arrived.
Everyone greeted her with smiles as she entered the room.
Serena felt a twinge of jealousy. Everyone seemed more enthusiastic about Mirabella than her!
Despite her discomfort, Serena still managed to smile and called out to her sister, making sure to keep up appearances.
The servant respectfully approached, “Ms. Bella, for breakfast we have soup, pumpkin porridge, bread and pastries, milk, cheese omelets, sandwiches, and rolled omelets. Plus, we have some side dishes.What would you like?”
“Give Bella a little of everything, Darren said enthusiastically. “It’s not every day we have her over, so bring out all the good stuff for Bella! And Bella, if there’s anything you don’t like, just tell me, and I won’t let them make it anymore”
“I’m not picky; Mirabella said with a smile. “But serving too much might mean I can’t finish it all.”
“You downed more fried chicken than me last night, so I’m pretty sure you can handle it. It’s no problem for you!” Darren teased.
Mirabella grinned, “Grandpa, are you implying I’m a big eater?”
“It’s a hearty appetite, my dear. It cheers me up to see you enjoying your food,’ Darren replied with a twinkle in his eye, “Tonight, let’s dig in again for some late-night snacks.”
Serena, overhearing the conversation, felt a pang of discomfort. Had Grandpa and Mirabella had a midnight feast last night without inviting her?
That was just playing favorites!
“Grandpa, now that you’re on the mend, are you sure you should be eating fried chicken?” Serena asked with feigned concern.
“Of course! We’ve got Dr. Bella here. If she says I can eat it, then there’s no problem,’ Darren chuckled merrily. As the servants brought in the meal, he eagerly presented each dish to Mirabella.
Eunice offered Mirabella a bowl of soothing almond and bird’s nest pudding. “Try this, it’s cooling and moisturizing, perfect for beauty and wellness.”
“This cheesy omelette is pretty good too; Bard suggested.
“I think these are the best! Give them a try, even just a bite.”
Seeing everyone fuss over Mirabella, Serena couldn’t help feeling even more sour. “Grandpa, are those good? I want to try one too!”
But with the chef having prepared only three, and Darren having already enjoyed two, only one was left.”It’s just one left” Darren had already placed the last one on Mirabella’s plate when he turned to a servant and asked, “Do we have any more in the kitchen?”
“The chef only made three, as we never repeat breakfast dishes and had them yesterday. I remember Serena didn’t fancy them much back then.”
So, only three were made.
“That was a long time ago” Serena said, her discomfort apparent. “Then I’ll try this cheesy omelette that Uncle Bard mentioned.”
But Bard had already served the cheesy omelette to Mirabella, looking surprised as he asked, “Serena, I thought you didn’t like cheesy omelettes.”
“It’s just been so long, I’ve forgotten how they taste. I just wanted to try again. It’s okay, Mirabella can have it. I’ll have something else.”
Serena’s words made the three adults present sense her mood. She seemed to be taking things to heart.
Always regal and commanding, Eunice exuded an air of nobility, embodying the poise of a powerful woman.
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.