Game Over No Second Chances

"Thank you!" Serena said.

Hugh's hand froze in midair.

All around them, the crowd erupted into cheers and playful hollers. Someone even had the nerve to shout, "Mr. Larson, kiss her!"

Hugh's icy expression almost cracked. He pressed his lips into a firm line, and his jaw was clenched so tightly it ached.

He forced himself to push down the storm of emotions rising in his chest. Then, gently, he wrapped Serena in his arms and—just like he had said softly that morning,

"Happy birthday."

Serena didn't say anything in return. She simply held him tighter. Meeting an ally like him... she knew it was her greatest fortune.

With the setting sun painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, the two stood locked in an embrace while cheers and blessings echoed in the air.

But in a shadowed corner of the deck, Sarah stood alone, seething. The seed of jealousy had long since taken root and now grew into a suffocating tree, blotting out the light around her.

She felt her entire body trembling with rage. Her nails dug into her palms so hard they almost broke the skin.

"Serena... you always get everything good!"

She had turned the cold and distant Hugh into a lovestruck fool without even trying. And she, Sarah, had nothing to show for herself.

She hadn't forgotten what she saw last night: Cole with Wendy. The sight had nearly driven her mad.

Cole was never hers-not before, and not now.

So why did Serena get to have a perfect, diamond-tier man like Hugh?

Fueled by envy and frustration, Sarah stormed off the deck. As she passed, she overheard two attendants chatting nearby.

"We'll be docking soon. Are Mr. and Mrs. Larson's rooms ready?"

"Mr. Larson asked us to prepare the best suite for Mrs. Larson, so she can rest after the party. He said everything must be perfect-no mistakes."

"Got it. Mr. Larson even said he'll personally inspect the room before she arrives. He's really thoughtful when it comes to Mrs. Larson."

"Oh, and don't forget to leave a bottle of red wine to help her sleep."noveldrama

The attendants scurried away after speaking, but the words echoed in Sarah's ears like a taunt.

Hugh really did treat Serena like she was the center of his world. And the more he gave her, the more Sarah couldn't stand it.

She tracked down the younger

server from earlier, discreetly slipped her some cash, and said with a practiced smile, "I'm Serena's sister. Could you tell me which room you've prepared for her?"

Hugh's private island wasn't far—just a day's sail from the mainland.

After a night's wild celebration, Serena could barely stand when they docked. Her legs were shaky, and her vision seemed hazy from the wine.

As she stepped off the last stair of the cruise, she stumbled straight into a warm chest.

"Huh?" She looked up, dazed, only able to make out a tall figure. Instinctively, she tried to pull away while mumbling an apology.

But Hugh's strong hands held her steady. His arm wrapped around her back, pulling her closer. "It's me. You're drunk," he said.

"Maybe a little... Your friends were so fun and welcoming-I might've had one too many..."

After recognizing his voice, she smiled and lifted her empty glass with pride, whispering, "This was the best birthday gift I've ever gotten."

A small, amused smile played on Hugh's lips.

ine

Every one of those guests had been carefully handpicked—charming, agreeable partners who knew.

to play their roles. Clearly, Serena had loved it.

He helped her off the cruise.

An attendant stepped forward. "Shall I escort Mrs. Larson to her suite?"

"No!" Serena said, still leaning against Hugh's shoulder. Her cheeks were flushed,

and the sea breeze tousled her hair.

She lifted her empty glass high and

looked him straight in the eyes. "Today was amazing. I don't want to waste a single second of it. Stay with me a little longer, won't you?"