Serena's POV
My legs felt heavy as I made my way to the restroom. Once inside, I closed the door behind me and faced the mirror, my reflection staring back like a stranger.
Taking a deep breath, I splashed cold water on my face, hoping to wash away the sting of Amelia's words. Alexander had a fiancée. I would not be the one to destroy that.
The sound of sudden footsteps and the door creaking open made me spin. My eyes met my stepmother's, and my expression hardened instantly.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice sharp, my gaze boring into her.
Elena's smile was saccharine, almost mocking. "I came to see my daughter."
I laughed bitterly, rolling my eyes while letting out a scoff. "You are not my mother. Jessica is your daughter. You're just a homewrecker… and your daughter is no different."
Her eyes flickered, briefly darkened, then returned to that practiced, fake sweetness. "Is that any way to speak to your mother, Serena?"
