Tears Behind Smiles

“Mama! Papa! I don’t want to stay here! Please don’t leave me! I promise, I’ll be obedient! I’ll do anything you want just don’t give me to them!”

The young girl cried desperately as she chased after a man and a woman walking toward the gates of a grand mansion. When she finally caught up to her mother, she wrapped her arms tightly around the woman’s waist, trying to stop her from leaving.

The woman halted.

But she did not turn around.

Instead, she forcefully pried the child’s hands away and shoved her aside. The little girl fell onto the grass, stunned.

With tear-filled eyes, she looked up at her mother in confusion as sobs continued to shake her small body.

From the mansion’s terrace, a young boy stood silently, watching everything unfold.

“Stop following us,” her father said coldly. “You’ll live here from now on. Don’t be stubborn if you don’t want me to get angry.”

Without another glance, he turned away, guiding her mother toward the gate.

The child could do nothing but cry.

Near the mansion’s entrance stood a man in a suit who had witnessed the entire scene, while above them on the terrace remained the young boy, gazing down at her without expression.

That was the first day Seren arrived at the De Luna estate.

Her father had fallen deep into gambling. He lost a massive amount of money and eventually his job. The De Luna family was feared by everyone as powerful and untouchable. To save themselves from their wrath, her parents offered Seren as payment for the debt.

Seren looked up at the boy standing on the terrace.

She was trembling.

Terrified.

It felt as though her parents had abandoned her inside a cage filled with lions.

“Hey.”

A gentle tap against her cheek pulled Seren back to the present.

Her eyes fluttered open, and Rafael’s handsome face came into view, leaning close as he looked down at her.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly, brushing away the tear that had slipped down her cheek.

Startled, Seren quickly sat up and scrambled backward, instinctively shielding herself from him.

“What are you even thinking, stupid girl?” Rafael said, flicking her forehead lightly. “Do you really think I’d take advantage of you? You can’t even kiss properly.”

“Then what are you doing in my room?” she demanded.

“My room,” Rafael corrected calmly. “Did you forget this is mine too?”

Seren froze and glanced around.

Only then did realization dawn on her.

She was inside Rafael’s bedroom.

After they returned from the arena, her old room had already been converted into a massive walk-in closet. Rafael’s father had informed her that since she and Rafael were to be married, they would begin sharing the same room from now on.

Ten years ago, she had been too young, so they allowed her to sleep separately. But now that they were both adults, there was no longer any reason for them to stay apart.

After all, she was the fiancée of the head of the De Luna family.

“Do you have any plans today?” Rafael asked, his tone casual.

“Why are you asking?” Seren replied cautiously.

“I’m free today. Let’s go shopping,” he said, his voice calm but confident.

“No, thank you. I have some place I have to be,” she answered.

Rafael’s gaze sharpened, and he studied her carefully.

“Planning to run away again, are you?” he murmured, barely audible, yet firm.

Seren’s eyes flickered to him. She had long since lost count of how many times she had tried to escape the De Luna household. And yet, she always ended up being caught.

But she had never stopped trying.

She had never wanted to belong to this family. She had been sold by her parents because they had no other choice.

In her mind, every time she returned to her parents, begging and pleading, eventually their hearts might soften. Eventually, they would realize she was still their daughter and accept her back.

Even if it meant working until her body gave out, paying off every debt her parents had incurred to the De Luna family, she would do it just to be with her family.

Today was special. Her twenty-first birthday. And she planned to go to her parents’ house to beg for their acceptance once again.

“Where are you planning to go today?” Rafael asked, standing and turning toward the terrace.

Over the past ten years, he had long since lost count of how many times Seren had attempted to escape their power. Only to get herself caught in yet another mess caused by her so-called family. And yet, she never learned. Time and time again, she returned to them, no matter how many times he had to push her away or treat her like property to be sold.

“Fine. Do what you like,” Rafael said with a sigh, turning to face her. “Just don’t get caught in another mess. I may not be merciful next time.”

He stepped closer, pressing a possessive kiss to the top of her head, and walked out without waiting for her reply.

Seren could do nothing but watch him leave the room.

In her mind, she vowed: I won’t stay here for long. I will not become the wife of a monster who kills for amusement.

Seren waited until Rafael had left the De Luna mansion with her father before slipping out herself.

It was her birthday. And though her father and older brother had used her as collateral with a dangerous gangster, they were still her family and she had forgiven them for what they had done.

A wide smile spread across her face as she walked to the grocery store, picking out gifts for her parents and siblings. It’s my birthday, she thought. I’ll surprise them. I’ll celebrate it with them.

Her heart raced with anticipation as she walked toward her home, the sun warming her back.

But as she neared the street, something made her stop in her tracks.

From a distance, she could see the house, and a sense of surprise stopped her breath. People filled the yard, laughing and chatting. A small celebration was underway.

Her eyes caught sight of her mother, serving food and drinks to their guests. Her father and older brother sat at a table, laughing and drinking with the visitors.

Seren’s heart swelled with happiness, and a tear threatened to spill from the corner of her eye. She quickly blinked it back, not wanting anything to ruin this moment.

She could hardly contain her joy as she walked closer to the house, gifts in hand, her excitement bubbling over. They remembered, they prepared this for me.