His Innocent Sera novel Chapter 46

The giant oak door swung open to reveal Ara, Nate, and Hannah. Nate stood in the back, but his towering frame was impossible to miss.

Sera's guts clenched with dread the instant she saw him. His eyes were already locked on her, cold and unblinking, like a wolf observing his prey. Visions from that night suddenly began flashing before her eyes— Gruesome, bloody, brutal— forcing a trembling breath from her lungs. He smirked, amused.

"Sera," Hannah beamed before hugging Sera. Sera tore her gaze from him and hugged her back, forcing a smile that she barely felt. She was too nervous to reciprocate Hannah's enthusiasm.

"I am so happy you could make it. Please, come in," Ara told Mr. and Mrs. Diaz, stepping aside to usher them in. Sera tightly gripped her mother's wheelchair, knuckles turning white as she forced herself to move forward.

Just as Sera entered, Ara touched her shoulder softly, met her eyes with a fond smile, and said, "I was hoping you'd come." There was something in her eyes that suggested she was genuinely pleased to see her. Sera smiled back, not able to decipher the meaning behind her words. Sera suddenly recalled the pie they’d brought. She took it from Dyson and extended it toward Ara.

"Ohh..there was no need for it," Ara said.

"It's nothing really. We just wanted to bring something," Sera replied. Mrs. Diaz insisted as well. Ara took it with a grateful smile.

Nate watched them quietly, an unfamiliar warmth blooming in his chest. He couldn't understand why the sight of her bonding with his mother filled him with an intense, serene joy, but it did. As odd as it was, it also made him want her more.

His eyes followed her tenaciously as she walked toward the table, and Sera felt the weight of his attention.

"Sir isn't joining?" Franklin asked, looking around expectantly.

"He’s upstairs in his study, taking a meeting. He’ll be down soon," Ara answered, gesturing for them to take a seat. Sera sat down beside Mary after adjusting her wheelchair. Nate chose the seat right across from her and sat down, causing her to shift uncomfortably in her seat.

"Let me bring out the dishes. I gave the maids the day off, I wanted today to feel a little more personal," Ara said the last part, taking a glance at Sera.

"It will take only a minute." Ara moved to leave when Sera spoke.

"I'll help," she offered, already getting up.

Ara shook her head. "No need, you’re a guest." But Sera insisted, and after a moment, Ara relented with a smile.

"You've raised a fine young lady, Mrs. Diaz," Ara complimented but was surprised when Mrs. Diaz gave a strained smile, one that didn’t light up her eyes. It looked forced, unfeeling.

"Come along, child," Ara said warmly, gently grasping Sera’s arm before she could notice the lack of warmth in her mother’s smile and guiding her towards the kitchen.

As soon as Sera walked into the kitchen, Luna snuggled around her feet, purring softly.

"She is very fond of you," Ara noticed, bringing a smile to Sera's face. Mrs. Serrano exuded a motherly, nurturing warmth, making her forget about her troubles, even if just briefly.

"The feelings are mutual," Sera said, picking up the white furball and cuddling it close to her face. The kitten purred in approval.

"So, what's your future plan?" Ara asked, taking a dish off the stove. Sera faltered for a moment before gathering Luna to her chest. In all honesty, she doubted if she even had a future.