Substitute Bride: Utterly Pampered by Her Billionaire Husband-Chapter 844: Serena, Let Me Take You Away

Zane prepared a birthday gift for her.

Serena Sterling quickly got up, "Okay, I’m coming out now."

Serena got out of bed and walked out.

She didn’t know what the birthday gift was, but she was grateful for everything Zane had done for her during this time. Although she treated Zane as a true friend, she didn’t want to drag him down, so she would soon be leaving.

Serena walked out of the villa, onto the lawn, and suddenly, her steps halted.

Because she saw a tall and handsome figure ahead, so familiar.

Familiar to the bone.

Serena’s clear pupils suddenly contracted, glued to the spot—Hayden Crawford!

No, to be precise, it should now be Harrison Ashworth; he had returned to the royal family.

Serena hadn’t expected to see him here; there was an insurmountable chasm between them, yet he suddenly appeared before her.

Not long ago, she had made a wish, her 24th birthday wish was to see him once.

Now her birthday wish had come true.

Harrison stood by the luxury car’s door, his tall frame outlined by the bright lights that cast a golden edge around him.

With one hand in his pants pocket, he held a cigarette between two slender fingers, smoking leisurely.

In an instant, their eyes met.

Harrison strode over with long legs and stopped in front of her.

Serena’s slender white fingers by her side tightened slightly, "Mr. Crawford, long time no see."

She greeted him awkwardly.

Harrison took a drag of his cigarette, then curved his thin lips into a pampering smile, answering with a simple, "Hm."

Serena didn’t know what to say next.

Just then, Harrison exhaled a puff of smoke onto her small face.

Although he avoided her mouth and nose, the strong scent of tobacco quickly caused her small face to burn.

Was he doing it on purpose?

Serena bit her red lip with her delicate white teeth, "Then I’ll leave first."

Harrison looked at her; her lower lip lost its vivid color when she bit it. His eyes deepened, and he nodded, "Hm."

Serena turned around, leaving.

She left.

Not knowing where to go.

Feeling very sad, like something was missing, Serena’s fair eyes inexplicably reddened as she suddenly remembered that it was her 24th birthday.

Serena recalled coming to Bayside at the age of 19 from the countryside, still in her bright youthful days when she met him from the City of Aethelgard. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Time flies, fleetingly.

Then she heard steady footsteps behind her; he had followed.

Harrison followed her all the way.

As she left, he kept trailing behind her.

Yet she lowered her small head along the way, lost in her thoughts.

He stopped behind her; the cigarette in his fingertips had burned out, and he stubbed it out in the trash can.

Now, Serena was ahead, and he was behind.

With both hands in his pockets, he watched her figure. Today, she wore a nude pink dress, her pure long black hair casually resting on her delicate shoulders, and a pair of white shoes on her feet, weaving a touch of charm into her purity.

Over the years, time had slowly settled her flamboyant spirit, making her more captivating.

Serena knew he was watching her.

Though they didn’t exchange a word, the emptiness in their hearts slowly filled up, warming them.

...

Outside the villa, Serena hailed a taxi on the street.

The taxi stopped, and she reached out to open the rear door, but a well-defined large hand reached over, opening it before she could.

She got in, followed by the seat next to her sinking as he joined her.

The driver in front asked, "Sir, Miss, where are you going?"

She said nothing.

His deep, magnetic voice sounded in her ear, "Just drive around."

"Okay."

The taxi started moving, the cool night breeze wafting in, stirring Serena’s long hair.

She turned to look at the dazzling city neon lights outside the window. After all these years, his travels always involved limited edition luxury cars; this was truly the first time they were taking a taxi together.

Harrison felt his handsome cheek itch as the breeze played with her hair, wisps tangling against his face; he could faintly smell the fragrance of her hair.

"Sit tight."

At this moment, the driver reminded them with a turn of the steering wheel as the taxi swiftly maneuvered a corner.

Serena wasn’t sitting steady; due to inertia, her whole body tilted towards the man beside her.

Just then, a strong arm snaked over, wrapping around her slender waist, naturally pulling her into his embrace.

She lifted her bright, clear eyes to look at him, and his large hand cradled her soft face, leaning in to kiss her.

His scent filled her mouth and senses immediately.

Her rosy lips were deeply sealed by his, as he slowly and firmly pried her teeth apart, enticing her into a dance.

She could feel it.

Feel his longing like a tidal wave.

Serena stretched out her tiny hands, hugging his strong waist, as her delicate lashes swept low, and she closed her eyes.

This night, on her 24th birthday, in the taxi, she snuggled in his warm, broad embrace and kissed him freely and passionately.

...

The taxi stopped, Serena opened the rear door, "Mr. Crawford, you don’t need to get out, I want to watch you leave."

Harrison reached out to pinch her small face gently, "Alright."

Serena stood outside, waving her small hand.

Harrison glanced at the driver, "Drive."

"Yes, sir."

The driver stepped on the gas, and the taxi sped away.

As the car drove further, Harrison looked back through the rearview mirror, seeing that she was still there, seeing him off.

Her slender figure gradually faded, dissipated, disappearing from his sight.

The well-defined hands balled into fists, using all his strength not to look back.

He actually wanted to tell her, Serena, come with me, let me take you away.

Don’t worry about Alani, don’t worry about Westria, none of that matters to them; they could settle in a place without disturbances, where he could protect her, give her a lifetime of love, never to part again.

But in the end, he said nothing.

Because he couldn’t.

He knew she had many responsibilities and missions, and he knew what she wanted to achieve; he could only let her go, let her do what she had to do.

Just then, a melodious ringtone echoed—it was a call...from Zane Crawford.

Looking at the name "Zane Crawford" on the phone screen, Harrison slightly furrowed his brows. He knew his brother’s feelings had begun without knowing, yet ran deep and unwavering.