Seraphina Lee, a beautiful young woman and intelligent the only daughter of the influential Lee family, becomes the focal point of a strategic alliance. BINI, a group of eight powerful and ambitious girls, seeks a collaboration with the Lee family...
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CHAPTER 9
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On their second night in Jeju Island, Seraphine Lee and BINI found themselves seated around a crackling beach bonfire, the cool ocean breeze carrying the faint scent of salt and pine. They had spent the day exploring the island's natural wonders and now, as the stars twinkled above them, they settled into a circle, exchanging stories beneath the soft glow of the moon.
"Sera, paano ka pala napunta dito sa Pilipinas?" Jhoanna asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Sera smiled wistfully, her gaze drifting out to sea. "My dad is Korean, and when he met my mom, who is Filipina, he fell in love with her instantly. He wanted to go to the Philippines to be with her."
BINI leaned in closer, captivated by Sera's tale. They had always sensed a deeper layer to her, a history that shaped the woman they knew.
"Ano bang unang naging impression mo nung unang pumunta ka dito sa Pilipinas, Sera?" Colet queried, her eyes alight with interest.
Sera chuckled softly, reminiscing. "It was overwhelming at first. Ang init ng welcome sa akin ng mga tao, parang napakabait nila. And the food... sobrang sarap talaga!"
"Sera, parang gusto ko na tuloy makita ang Korea!" Mikha chimed in, her excitement contagious.
Sera nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Korea is beautiful, too. Jeju Island, especially, holds a special place in my heart. I used to come here often as a child. It's where I first fell in love with the ocean."
Gwen, always perceptive, asked gently, "Do you miss living in Korea, Sera?"
Sera hesitated, her gaze flickering with emotion. "Sometimes, yes. It's where I spent most of my formative years. But now... now I feel like I've found another home here, with all of you."
BINI exchanged warm smiles, touched by Sera's openness. They had grown closer during their time together, their bond deepening with each passing day.
As the night wore on, they shared more stories and laughter, their voices blending harmoniously with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore. Underneath the canopy of stars, Seraphine Lee and BINI found solace in each other's company, discovering that their shared histories and dreams bound them together in ways they had never imagined.
In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Jeju Island and the warmth of newfound love, Sera realized that home wasn't just a place—it was the feeling of belonging, of being cherished and understood by those who mattered most.
As they bid farewell to the night, the promise of tomorrow held the allure of new adventures and deeper connections, each step forward a testament to the enduring power of love and companionship.
-
After their trip to jeju island, bumalik sila sa pinas due to work. In the heart of Manila, Lee Company buzzed with the fervor of another day. Seraphine Lee, adorned in a sleek office attire that matched her determination, maneuvered through the corridors with purpose. Despite the whispers of her employees acknowledging her presence, a daunting message stole her focus.
She read the text, her phone casting a pale glow on her face.
Unknown: Get a divorce. You don't belong with them."*
Sera: Ayoko nga, sino ka ba telling me that.
Sera's response was immediate and firm: She knew she had her wives and she wouldn't give them up for anyone.
That evening, Sera found herself standing in her penthouse, the scent of a freshly cooked meal wafting from the kitchen. Her wives, affectionately calling her "Sera" or "Bebe," had prepared a comforting haven. Despite their thoughtful gestures, a pang of anxiety pricked Sera's heart as she recalled the unsettling messages.
As she moved to leave for her car, intending to clear her mind with a drive, her phone buzzed once more. With hesitant fingers, she unlocked it to see a new message. Her heart sank as she stared at a photo: a candid shot of herself in her office, taken through the window.
The chill of fear gripped her, but she quickly composed herself, blocking the unknown number. She couldn't risk alarming her wives, not when they had already shown such unwavering support.
Alone in her thoughts during the drive, Sera couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Each passing streetlight seemed to cast longer shadows, and every turn amplified her unease. She needed answers, but she wasn't sure where to find them.
Back at the penthouse, BINI exchanged concerned glances as they waited for Sera's return. They noticed her absence had stretched longer than usual, but they maintained an air of quiet reassurance for each other.
"Sera talaga, napakatagal," Jhoanna remarked softly, her worry etched in her furrowed brow.
Gwen nodded, her voice gentle yet firm. "Dapat siguro itext na natin siya ulit. Baka may problema siya."
Aiah, pacing anxiously, finally spoke up. "Baka naman nag-stay lang siya sa office, busy lang talaga. Pero kung may kailangan siya, sana sinabi niya."
Colet, always attuned to their emotions, placed a comforting hand on Aiah's shoulder. "Kailangan natin siyang intindihin. Baka pagod lang siya."
As if on cue, the sound of keys jingling in the lock drew their attention. Sera entered, her smile strained but appreciative as she greeted them. "Hi, I'm home."
BINI's relief was palpable, but beneath the surface, they sensed something amiss. Maloi stepped forward, her concern spilling over. "Bebe, okay ka lang ba talaga?"
Sera nodded quickly, brushing off their worries. "Oo, okay lang ako. Medyo pagod lang."
Despite her attempt to reassure them, BINI exchanged knowing looks, their intuition telling them that something was wrong. They observed Sera throughout dinner, their glances occasionally meeting hers with unspoken questions.
As the night wore on and Sera retreated to her room, the weight of the day's events pressed upon her. She paced the room, the unsettling image of the photograph replaying in her mind. She debated whether to confide in BINI, but fear of alarming them held her back.
Finally, with a heavy heart, she picked up her phone and dialed a number she never thought she'd need—contacting a private investigator she had discreetly hired to investigate the threats and strange occurrences. "Hello?" a voice answered on the other end. "It's me Mingyu," Sera said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need you to find out who's watching me."
As she hung up, a sense of vulnerability washed over her. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew she had to protect herself and her wives, even if it meant facing shadows lurking in the darkness alone.
