chapter 1

[Serena's viewpoint]

"Breaking news: a man's head was discovered near the police headquarters; they suspect that the number one serial killer, Exodus, is the perpetrator of the crime once more." I wasn't paying attention to what was being mentioned in the news because I was busy making meals in the kitchen.

"It's really scary to come out now; why hasn't Exodus been caught yet? He's already killed so many innocent people."

"Yes, of course he's still alive, but his soul is being burned in hell," our housemates murmured.

I can't blame them for talking to that criminal in that way because he has killed so many people.

I'm not sure why people are capable of murdering their fellow humans. If they do this, they will not be rewarded, and they have no authority to take the lives of others because they are not God.

"Perfect," I said quietly as I gazed at the adorable cupcakes I'd created. I am now in college and enrolled in a culinary program.

I enjoy cooking and baking, and I hope to have my own restaurant after I graduate.

"Seorita Serena, your parents are already in the dining area, and Seorito Haru's family is with them." I gave Nanny Isa a sparing grin and indicated that I would follow.

Before leaving our kitchen, I quickly removed my apron and adjusted my hair. "Mom." I rushed up to Mommy and Daddy, kissing them both as well as my two snake brothers.

"What's wrong?" I said, sitting next to Haru, who was beaming at me. "Why are you here?" He shrugged and muttered back. "I'm not sure; they just said they had something important to say to us," I replied, nodding.

My childhood best friend's name is Haru Arcadio. His family, like mine, comes from politics because his father is a senator in our area.

"Serena, your birthday is in a week, which means you're at the right age to get married; that's why we thought we'd tell everyone that you're engaged, Haru, on your birthday," Mommy stated.

I looked at Haru, but his head was lowered and his clenched hand was visible under the table, which secretly crushed my heart.

To be honest, I adore him and am delighted that we are getting married. But I can't disrupt his happiness, and I know I have no chance in his heart because he already has a girlfriend.

Bettina is already in his life.

I tried to hide my emotions by smiling like Mommy. "But Mom, is that really necessary? Our family is fine; maybe we don't need a wedding, right?" I object, even though it goes against my feelings.

"We know that, but it's better if our family comes together; each one's power will be stronger, and the chances of us becoming a victim of a serial killer in this country will be smaller." Uncle Hiro's lengthy line, Haru's Daddy

Most politicians, no matter how wealthy or powerful, are powerless to stop him. Nobody understands how he manages to assassinate key government officials.

And it is not far off that my father, the governor, will be targeted by him. To be honest, I'm worried about him, but I know Dad is a wonderful man, so there's no reason for Exodus to attack him.

Haru and I kept to ourselves while we were in our garden. He bowed, and I just stared at him, sorrowful.

"Why don't you try to object?" I suggested. "I know you love Bettina; that's why you need to fight for her."

He looked me in the eyes with sadness.

"Serena, you know I can't do that, right? First and foremost, I made a mistake by choosing to love her; our family is against us."

It's heartbreaking. They're like Romeo and Juliet. Haru and I have no idea why Arcadio and Chavilire are such nasty opponents.

"So, what are you going to do? Will you just agree to marry me? Won't you even fight for the woman you love?" It pains me to say this because I love him, but I can't take the thought of him regretting the time he decided to marry me.

I adore him, but I will always do what is best for him. It's fine with me if he'll be happier with Bettina. I'll just be there for him whenever he needs me.

"Should I fight for her, or should I accept that we can't be together? I love my family, Serena, and I can't turn my back on them, but I will ask you, do you want to marry me?" He gave me a withering look, and I seemed to be at a loss for words.

Am I going to say it? Should I tell him that I've loved him for a long time and that I'm willing to marry him even if he doesn't love me?

When we glanced at Brother Isaiah, who had taunted us to come to us, I was going to open my mouth to tell him my answer.

"Oops, it's already late; your family has left, so I think you should leave." He mocked Haru, leading him to look back at me and smile.

"I'll go now, Serena. Goodnight." I just smiled at him and nodded. I looked at my brother, irritated, after Haru had departed.

"Why did you talk to him like that?" he asked, laughing and raising his hand.

"What, I didn't say anything wrong? I just want him to go home," I said, slapping him on the arm.

"No, you're provoking him! Why do you and Isaac seem to despise him when he's doing nothing wrong?"

When my brother looked at me earnestly and held my head before kissing my forehead, I was taken aback.

"Princess, we're just protecting you because you're the only girl in our family, and Haru, I don't trust him because that stupid friend of yours is a freaking playboy, and I'm afraid you'll be his next victim."