Chapter 4

Just as she had told Mrs. Del Fuego earlier, Serene never went back home.

She was certain her parents—especially her father—would never agree to the decision she had made.

They both knew how much her education meant to her. She was only a few months away from graduating, and once she earned her degree, she would finally be able to help support the family and send her younger siblings to school.

But she also couldn't bear the thought of seeing her father locked behind iron bars.

Her mother wouldn't survive that heartbreak either.

If someone had to sacrifice their future, then she would gladly be the one to do it.

That afternoon, she sat alone in the Del Fuego estate's sprawling garden, quietly passing the time. Mrs. Del Fuego had told her that she would introduce her to their youngest son later in the day since he was most likely still asleep.

Serene didn't ask any questions about him.

She didn't want to appear hesitant after already accepting their condition.

Instead, her thoughts remained with the family she had left behind.

Her parents believed she had gone to school that morning.

They had no idea she had come straight to Rancho Del Fuego.

Not a single person knew about the decision she had made.

She had deliberately left without saying goodbye because she knew her father would never allow her to work there.

Just imagining their reactions when they discovered she was already living at the ranch made her chest tighten.

She knew her father too well.

He loved them more than his own life.

If he found out where she was, he would probably rush over without thinking, and that was exactly what frightened her.

She prayed it wouldn't come to that.

Everything she was doing was for him.

Hopefully, one day, he would understand.

If he really came looking for her, she had already decided not to meet him.

She wasn't sure she could stay strong if she saw him again.

It would be easier if he hated her.

At least then, she wouldn't lose the resolve she had worked so hard to build.

Later, she planned to speak with Mr. and Mrs. Del Fuego.

If her father ever came to the ranch, she wanted to beg them not to hurt him.

Serene released a weary sigh.

She had never imagined that life could become even harder than poverty itself.

If given the choice, she would rather remain poor forever—as long as her family stayed healthy and no tragedy ever befell them.

But fate had other plans.

The burden wasn't hers alone.

Her mother was just as terrified.

She knew prison wasn't a place for someone like her husband. She had heard stories about new inmates being beaten, bullied, and abused.

That fear haunted her every waking moment.

On top of that, her father had always helped support the family.

Her mother's earnings from washing other people's clothes barely covered their daily meals.

If her father went to prison, how would they survive?

How would her younger siblings continue studying?

She closed her eyes.

She was giving up the future she had worked so hard for.

Giving up the dream she'd cherished for years.

All because of the man who had spent his entire life sacrificing everything for his family.

And because the only reason he had committed such a terrible mistake was to buy her internship uniform.

She slowly lifted her eyes toward the endless blue sky.

Why is life so unfair?

Why couldn't we have been born into a family that had enough?

If only they hadn't been so poor...

None of this would have happened.

Still...

She believed everything happened for a reason.

Perhaps this was simply the path destiny had prepared for her.

"Oh, dear. So this is where you are."

The gentle voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She turned and saw Mrs. Del Fuego approaching with a tray in her hands. The older woman set it carefully on the small table before smiling warmly at her.

"Here, have a snack first."

Embarrassed, Serene quickly stood.

"You didn't have to trouble yourself, Ma'am."

Truthfully, her stomach had been growling for quite some time.

She had skipped breakfast because she had rushed out of the house that morning.

Although she was starving, she had been too shy to admit it.

Mrs. Del Fuego chuckled softly.

"Oh, don't be silly. Go ahead and eat. You must be hungry."

Still feeling awkward, Serene picked up one of the sandwiches.

She couldn't deny her hunger any longer.

As she quietly ate, Mrs. Del Fuego simply sat across from her, admiring the colorful flowers blooming throughout the garden.

After a long silence, the older woman finally spoke.

"Are you thinking about your parents?"

Serene nodded while chewing.

"I'm sure they're worried sick about you."

Her movements slowed.

She knew that was true.

By now, her parents were probably searching everywhere.

Mrs. Del Fuego let out a quiet sigh.

"You don't have to worry too much, dear," she said gently. "We won't mistreat you here. Besides, we're not bad people."

Serene looked at her and gave a small nod.

She believed her.

From the moment they met, Mr. and Mrs. Del Fuego had treated her with kindness she hadn't expected.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Del Fuego stood.

"Your room is already prepared, and I've had some clothes placed inside. You can rest there if you'd like."

She smiled before adding,

"I'll send someone to call you when it's time for dinner. My son doesn't usually wake up until late afternoon."

With that, the older woman excused herself and headed back inside the mansion.

After finishing her sandwich, Serene quietly followed her into the house.