Golden Chains

005

CHAPTER 005
| Moonlight

Serenity found herself seated at the dining table with her stepmother, Victoria, stepbrother, Luca and her father, Nathaniel Sinclair.

The dining room was adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a shimmering glow across the room. The air was filled with an unspoken tension as the family prepared to share a meal together.

It was customary in their family to share a meal together on a Sunday.

Serenity had always been a challenging presence within the household.

Her stepmother, Mrs. Victoria, a poised woman with a subtle air of authority, had tried to bridge the gap between them on countless occasions.

However, her attempts were often met with disdain from Serenity, who made no secret of her contempt for Victoria.

As the evening progressed, the clinking of silverware echoed through the dining room. Serenity sat at one end of the long table, her posture perfect and her expression void.

Her gaze flickered across the room, seemingly unaffected by the presence of her family.

Victoria, attempting to break the ice, cleared her throat and spoke with a forced cheerfulness. "Serenity, dear, I must say, your latest art exhibition was quite impressive. It seems your talent is blossoming."

Her only interest in the dull reality was Art, although she wasn't sure if it could be called a passion yet, she's quite enthusiastic about it, she likes holding exhibitions once or twice a year to entertain her interests.

Serenity paused, keeping her spoon down, "I suppose you're trying to understand what art is, Victoria. But it's far beyond your reach. It's an acquired taste, one that cannot be fathomed by someone with your mundane sensibilities." She answered,

Victoria's smile faltered, but she pressed on, determined to maintain a sense of civility. "Well, regardless, I believe your father and I would be happy to attend your next exhibition. We could show our support as a family."

Serenity's eyes narrowed, her tone laced with venom. "You wouldn't appreciate it, Victoria. Art is an expression of the soul, and your soul is devoid of any depth or understanding. It would be a wasted effort."

Mr. Sinclair, seated at the head of the table, had remained silent throughout the exchange, observing the escalating tension with growing concern.

As Serenity's words lingered in the air, Victoria's eyes raged in anger and her voice trembled with a mix of furiousness and frustration.

"You may think you're superior, Serenity," Victoria whispered, her voice cracking. "But you're nothing more than an entitled child who uses her wealth as a shield. Your father may tolerate your behavior, but I won't stand by and be humiliated any longer."

Mr. Sinclair's face reddened with anger, his voice echoing through the room, surprising even Serenity with its intensity.

"That's enough, Serenity! I will not tolerate your disrespect towards your stepmother. She may not be your mother, but she has shown you nothing but kindness and love. It's time you learned some humility and gratitude."

Serenity wiped her lips with a napkin, 'Here he goes again' she thought to herself bored already,

The room fell silent, the tension still hanging in the air like an unresolved chord. Serenity got up from her seat, "I think I'm done with the dinner, thank you so much for the delightful meal"

Serenity entered her room, the moon cast an ethereal glow over the quiet room as Serenity Sinclair reclined in her plush, ivory armchair.

She held her smartphone delicately in her perfectly manicured hands. She swiftly tapped the screen, her slender fingers dancing effortlessly across the glass surface.

Meanwhile, in a apartment across the town, Cyrus hunched over the table. His face wore the weariness of countless sleepless nights and constant anxiety.

Getting the first rank in the class in order to maintain his scholarship and to get into a good university was difficult even for someone as academically gifted as Cyrus.

As Cyrus scrolled through his Academy notes on his laptop, his phone vibrated, he picked it up, his eyes widening at the sight of Serenity's name on the screen, her contact number was saved in his phone by herself.

He hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to answer or let the call go to voicemail.

With a deep breath, Cyrus finally swiped his finger across the screen, accepting the call. "Hello?" he murmured, his voice showing both fatigue and caution.

"Serenity here," she spoke. "I have a task for you, Cyrus"

"What kind of task?" Cyrus asked,

"Come over to my place tomorrow," Serenity replied casually,

Cyrus's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why would I do that?"

A sly smile curled at the corners of Serenity's lips, even though he couldn't see it. "Because, my darling Cyrus, you want to keep your secret safe, don't you?."

Fear gripped Cyrus's heart, "Alright", he hesitantly agreed.

"You'll be at my doorstep tomorrow evening. Do we have an agreement?" Serenity ordered enjoying the power she held over him.

Defeated, Cyrus sighed heavily and nodded, forgetting that she couldn't see him. "I heard it once clear, no need to repeat it."

Serenity's voice took on a hint of triumph. "Good boy. I'll text you the address. Until then, darling."

The call ended abruptly, leaving Cyrus staring at his phone in disbelief. The weight of his decision settled heavily upon him, and he wondered what he had just gotten himself into.

He couldn't help but question how his life had spiraled to this point.

With his mood ruined, Cyrus went to sleep.

| TO BE CONTINUED

A/N :
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