Chapter 5 I Was Always Alone These Past Few Years

5 I Was Always Alone These Past Few Years
This was the first time she’d met eyes with him in three years, but she quickly shifted her gaze from him.
Her eyes still looked as dark and clear as ever. However, he could no longer see the love in her eyes. What was left was just indifference and calmness.
His heart suddenly felt very empty, and his gaze also darkened.
“Serene, Mom and Dad went to Auckland to fetch Grandpa, so there isn’t anyone at home right now. How about you stay here for the time being?” Selena had the presence of a big sister and was always thinking about her well-being. “At least I can take care of you here. Besides, you have been through too much overseas.”
She clearly knew that Serenity and John had a past together, and yet, she still wanted to take her in. If it weren’t because Selena had always loved and protected her, Serenity would have suspected that she was trying to humiliate her.
Although Selena had a good reputation among the rich as she had outstanding looks and a generous and gentle personality, wouldn’t it be too magnanimous of her to let her husband’s ex-girlfriend live at her house?
Even if she was her younger sister, shouldn’t a woman be more careful and petty when it came to protecting her marriage?
Her lips curled upwards to form a cold smile. “I also lived alone these past few years when I was in California.”
If she could survive in a country filled with Westerners and learn how to live independently, the Rivers family would not be a problem. Besides, the Rivers residence was her home, and there were also maids in there.
Selena looked pityingly at her slim face. “Serene, we have not seen each other for three years. Don’t you want to catch up with me?”
“I always have time to catch up with you.” Given the awkward relationship between John and her, there was really no need for them to stay under the same roof. “Sis, arrange a driver to send me back to the Rivers residence.”
John put down the bowl of hangover soup and took his coat, preparing to go upstairs. However, he stopped after walking two steps. “It’s getting late. Even if you want to leave, you should wait until tomorrow.”
Serenity looked at the clock in the living room and saw that it was not even 10:30 yet. But upon looking at Selena’s expectant eyes, she thought for a while and said, “In that case, I will be troubling you guys.”
John, who was going up the stairs, froze. Her polite and indifferent tone of voice was just like a sharp weapon suddenly stabbed into his heart, causing him to feel suffocation and pain.
…
Serenity had just come back and was dealing with jet lag. She tossed and turned for the whole night and was unable to fall asleep. It was not until it was almost daybreak that she managed to take a light nap.
She decided that she would return to the Rivers residence today. After she woke up, she placed the washed clothes from yesterday into her luggage. After she’d packed everything, she went downstairs.
In the living area, John was wearing his casual clothes while sitting at the dining table, reading his newspaper. There was a cup of milk and a sandwich that had not been eaten yet placed in front of him.
He slightly lowered his head and read the newspaper in his hands with a focused look. Hearing her footsteps, he turned around to look at her before shouting, “Lily!” Lily saw Serenity walking down the stairs and, thus, placed her breakfast on the dining table.
Serenity walked towards the dining table and sat opposite him. She faintly greeted, “Good morning.”
John slightly froze and replied, “Good morning.”
Strange. It was already almost 8:00 am, yet why was he still sitting here, reading his newspaper? Didn’t he have to go to work?
Her breakfast was the same as John’s breakfast. There was a sandwich, a cup of milk, as well as one serving of toasted bread. She ate only two bites of her sandwich and drank a cup of milk before taking the napkin to wipe her mouth.
“Breakfast is very important. You eat too little.” John closed the newspaper in his hands. Her appetite was really alarmingly small.