SEVEN YEARS LATER,

SERENA

My phone vibrated in my hand as I entered the company. It was a message from my children's nanny.

"You have a ten million bounty on your head!"

My spine stiffened, and a chill ran through my bones.

Only one person can do that, even after seven years.

"Serena!" The secretary called, stopping me as I entered the company.

"Yes?" I stared at her questioningly.

Thanks to Karen, I'd managed to get employed as a designer in one of the top companies in California.

After running away from my wedding, I'd gone home, packed my things, took the cash at home, and flew to California for a fresh start.

I ran away.

Kane Wilder is going to kill me for that alone if he ever finds me, then kill me again for having his children.

The ultrasound I didn't months later revealed I was pregnant with twins.

They were his babies since he was the only man I'd been with in weeks prior.

Also, I married him as the agreement stated, so he couldn't have possibly killed my father, could he?

Although, I've not heard from my parents.

But according to Karen, before she went AWOL too, my father and stepmother didn't try looking for me after they found out I was missing. It was almost like they couldn't be happier to be rid of me.

Now, my babies are what's keeping me whole and on my feet.

But these days the company have been complaining about my work lately and I really hope they are not about to fire me, especially with the way the secretary is currently staring at me coldly.

"Yes?" I repeated when she didn't reply.

"The CEO would like to see you in his office. Right now."

I nodded and made my way to the CEO's office, picking at my nails as I walked.

The CEO is a man in his late fifties and isn't exactly on the list of good bosses.

"Mr Harris!" I said firmly as I entered his office, "You called for me."

He looked up from this computer, peering up at me through his gold rimmed eyeglasses, "Ah, yes! Serena, take a seat. I have something to talk to you about."

I nodded nervously and sat opposite him, waiting for him with bated breath to say the words.

That I'm fired.

"You are our best designer, Serena," He started, "but lately, I've heard a lot of bad reviews about you."

"I'll work harder, sir," I rushed out.

I really need this job. If I lose it, I'd be out in the streets within a month.

"And seeing as the company has invested a lot in you," he continued, "we came to a unanimous decision."

"I understand if you want to fire me, but my contract doesn't end until four years."

"Exactly," he grinned, "such a loss for your new employer."

My forehead creased in a frown, "My new employer?"

"Someone offered to buy you from us, your contract. So you'll finish your four years service in another company."

"You sold me out?" I shrieked, feeling panic build up in my chest.

"Don't fret," Mr Harris eyed me, "They paid good money, also think of it as a change in scenario."

"Please," I clasped my hands together, "I really like working here. Give me three days to prove myself."

"Too late, Serena. The only thing the company would do for you as a farewell gift is pay for your flight and buy you a small apartment. All you have to do is pack your bags and leave quietly."

I narrowed my eyes, "Flight?"

"The company you'll be working for is in New York. Fortunately, you'll be working in the design department. That's the best you can ever ask for. " He stood, "Go and start packing, your flight leaves in three hours."

I stared blankly at him and stood up in a daze. My feet moved on their own, and ten hours later, I'm back in New York.

The place my life began and ended.

Everyone should have forgotten about me, right? The top model who turned out to be a whore or the bride who ran away from her marriage.

If only I had a choice in this matter.

Thankfully, there was no media at the airport and the ride to my new apartment was silent, with my babies sleeping.

I spent the rest of the day resting and reading the file that barely contained anything aside from the company's name, address, and when I'd be resuming.

The internet wasn't connected in my apartment yet, so I couldn't search for more information, but I knew Roux Designs was among the top three in New York.

I resumed at Roux Designs the next morning and was directed by the super friendly receptionist to the CEO's office where I'd be signing my part of the contract before I started working.

I knocked twice on the door that read CEO..

A low, 'come in,' prompted me to open the door.

The person inside stood when he saw me, a small smile on his face.

"Welcome to Roux, Miss Serena Jones," the man stretched his hand for an handshake which I took gently.

"The CEO is currently not on seat." He explained, "He would be with us shortly. All you have to do is sign these and wait for an official welcome from the CEO, then resume next week Monday."

I nodded and signed the papers, grateful I'd have two days off before I resumed.

Maybe I judged them too quickly, and maybe it was a good thing.

Kane wouldn't think to look for me under his nose.

Just as I finished signing, the door opened again, and the man that welcomed me jumped to his feet.

"The CEO is here." He announced.

I plastered a big smile and stood, ready to lie to the CEO about how happy I am to be here.

I turned and paused, blood drained from my face at the speed of light.

Time seemed to stop and I momentarily forgot how to breathe. An habit I now have whenever I was around him.

My nemesis was here.

Anger flashed through his eyes briefly before he wore an indifferent expression.

"Who's this, Isaac?" He asked, removing his jacket and hanging them.

"Mr Wilder, meet Miss Serena Jones, she's the new designer we bought, and Miss Jones, meet Mr Kane Wilder, the CEO of Roux. " Isaac introduced.

"Welcome to Roux, Miss Serena. I hope you have a pleasant experience with us." Kane said icily.

"T.. thank you ," I stuttered, dipping my head in acknowledgment. "I'll just be on my way then." I mumbled bolted out of the company.

They say the third time is a charm, right?

Maybe he won't hurt me?

I thought I left my past life behind, and I wouldn't come across anyone. Yet, the first person I met is Kane Wilder???

Of all people?!!

And there's no doubt he was angry.

Still, why did he pretend not to know me? Didn't he buy me from the previous company, or was it just a coincidence?

Whatever happens, I can't run away from the country again. My passport was collected at the airport to be sent to Roux as a leverage against me.

I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to.

Barely an hour after I got home, my children wrapped in my embrace while we watched princess diaries, but I couldn’t get my mind off Kane Wilder.

The doorbell rang.

That was fast!

The pizza I'd ordered a few minutes ago was here.

I opened the door and six foot four body in a tailored suit towered above me rigidly.

It was not the pizza guy.

"K.... Kane?" I stammered.

"Hello, wife," He replied coldly, not bothering to hide the unbridled rage in his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned, craning my neck up at him.

"I'm here to take what rightfully belongs to me."

"What?" I asked, my voice coming off as a whisper.

"You and my child."

His child?

Did he know I was pregnant?

"I don't have your child." I answered, "I miscarried my baby,"

"Mummy," As if on cue, my six year old daughter, Jamie, appeared beside me, "who's this man, and why does he look like my brother, Jason?"

"Go back to the living room, Jamie." I chided softly.

She took a step backward and glanced from me to Kane.

"Mummy," she called again, "Is this Daddy?"

Without waiting for my response, she ran back to the living room, shouting,

"Jason!! Daddy is here. Daddy has come for us."