Game Over No Second Chances

Serena had no intention of giving Cole the slightest sliver of hope, especially not after what nearly happened last time. "Thank you for the birthday wishes, my dear nephew."

Cole's gaze faltered.

Even when Serena rejected him-her face cold and eyes downcast she was still devastatingly alluring. Her indifference didn't deter him. If anything, it made him more desperate.

"Besides the outsiders, was I the first one to wish you a happy birthday?"

"No. That would be Hugh."

Serena's lips curved into the faintest smile. She thought of the first light of morning, the whisper of wind rushing past, and Hugh's quiet "happy birthday". Her expression softened without her even realizing it.

"You don't have to be the first. I'm feeling a bit tired, so I won't keep you. Forgive me for the early goodnight."

While cradling a mug of warm milk, she turned and walked into her room, not sparing Cole another glance.

Out in the hall, Melissa shoved Cole hard. "Are you insane? What, do you get a prize for being the first to say happy birthday?

"Do you think there's money in it? You treat her like some saint, but for all you know, she doesn't give a damn about the three of us.

"You're throwing yourself at her feet for nothing. I've never seen you this eager with anyone else..."

She kept griping in his ear, but Cole wasn't listening. His eyes grew darker, colder, and the bones in his hand cracked as he clenched his fists.

Serena had looked at him with ice. But when she spoke about Hugh, her whole face had softened.

Jealousy tore through him like fire. Why hadn't he been the one chosen for the engagement? Why was he stuck picking from shallow women like Regina and Sarah? Life was so damn unfair.

Furious, he shoved Melissa aside and stormed into his room, slamming the door behind him. Melissa pounded on it, yelling.

"Ungrateful brat! How dare you shove your own mother? Is this what I taught you? Where's your sense of decency? You'll never catch up to Hugh at this rate! Open this door and apologize!"noveldrama

Her fists slammed against the wood with a loud bang.

However, Cole lit a cigarette and dialed a number.

"Come over tonight," he said flatly.

Sarah squealed with surprise and glee on the other end.

But he was too irritated to care. When he saw Serena and Hugh together tonight... he'd need an outlet. Otherwise, he was scared he might lose control right in front of Eric and Melissa.

Outside, Melissa's voice shrieked on.

Inside, Cole's frustration deepened

as he lit another cigarette, then another. His head throbbed. He clutched it with both hands, and his eyes went wild with craze.

Would things be quieter... if he were beside Serena?

...

"Damn, you really don't give up, huh?" A rich playboy, Larry Benson, accepted a sleek black card as he puffed on his cigarette. The ocean breeze ruffled his hair as he eyed Zach.

"You're a reputable socialite in Yellowbrook City. Why keep throwing yourself against a brick wall here in Javerton, begging for scraps from Larson Group?"

Zach didn't respond to the jab. He just tightened his grip on the invitation and looked up at the towering luxury cruise ship before him.

"I'm not here for business," he said.

"Oh? Then what, you came all this way just to celebrate Mrs. Larson's birthday? Come on, man."

Larry was still poking fun. But Zach felt like something sharp had pierced his chest.

He wanted to nod and say that he had indeed come for Serena. But the words wouldn't come when it struck him that Serena now belonged to Hugh.

Zach had spent over a dozen birthdays by her side and walked through more than a dozen seasons with her. But today, it was her husband's turn.