Rising from Ashes

After receiving the 167th intimate photo of Vivian and Carter together, Serena decided she was done with this marriage.

In the corner office of a top family law firm in Manhattan, partner Daniel sat across from Serena with a serious expression.

"Ms. Hayes, are you certain you want to request half of Carter Sterling's assets and company shares, and that you're waiving custody of your child?"

Serena's hands clenched beneath the table as she forced out two words: "I'm certain."

"Alright. We'll gather the evidence of marital fund transfers. Final mediation and court filing will happen in two weeks."

Serena nodded, then stood and walked out of the law firm.

She had barely reached the crowded Fifth Avenue sidewalk when her phone screen lit up with an iMessage notification.

She unlocked it and saw the photo Vivian had sent.

"Serena, Carter took me to Aspen to ski last week. We even booked an entire luxury cabin."

Looking at the photos of Carter grinning behind his ski goggles, Serena couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.

Like always, she didn't reply to Vivian. Instead, she just selected the photos and forwarded them.

"Daniel, here's more evidence of infidelity."

Then she put her phone away and got into a waiting taxi.

......

Half a month ago, Carter's executive assistant Vivian had followed her on Instagram and sent her a direct message.

She thought it was work-related, so she opened it. Instead, it was a punch to the gut.

Every photo Vivian sent was of her with Carter. And in each one, the Wall Street CEO known for his cold demeanor looked at her with a soft, doting expression.

Serena closed her eyes, forcing the thoughts away.

On the Upper East Side, inside the Sterling family's penthouse apartment, Serena had barely stepped out of the elevator and pushed open the double doors when Carter hurried over, looking tense.

"Are you feeling okay today? Leo's private school called. They said you didn't pick him up."

Seeing the gentle concern in his eyes, Serena's throat tightened.

She shook her head. "I'm fine. Just forgot."

Carter froze.

When Serena gave birth to Leo, she had suffered severe complications and a hemorrhage that led to a hysterectomy. Doctors said she would never have another child.

She had always been meticulous with their only son. How could she have forgotten to pick him up?

Just then, a boy's voice echoed from the second floor of the duplex.

"Dad, don't let her pick me up anymore. Let Vivian do it instead."

"She's way better than her. All my friends say she's super cool and pretty."

Carter's face darkened instantly. "Leo Sterling, who allowed you to speak about your mother that way!"

The sharp authority in his voice made Leo's face go pale.

Serena watched the scene, a flicker of irony running through her.

She had given Leo everything, and he acted like a spoiled little monster. One warning from Carter, and he straightened right up.

She stopped Carter, who was about to storm off. "Forget it."

Carter looked at her, his voice urgent. "Honey, there was a board meeting today I couldn't get out of. That's why I had Vivian pick him up."

Serena nodded. "If she's capable, let her do it. Whatever you think is best."

Might as well let Leo get used to his future stepmother now.

She started toward the master bedroom, but Carter caught her arm.

His voice was gentle. "Serena, are you upset?"

Serena pressed her lips together.

Ten years of marriage, and they both knew each other well.

Unfortunately, she'd only learned about Carter's betrayal through his mistress's bragging.

But Carter could still see right through her when she was faking.

As Serena stayed silent, Carter pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. Honey, I won't let her be involved with family stuff anymore, okay?"

His soft words flowed like a stream, but they only made Serena feel sad.

In New York social circles, everyone saw Carter as the perfect husband.

If Vivian hadn't sent her those photos two weeks ago, she would have thought she had the perfect life too.

Pushing down the turmoil inside her, Serena closed her eyes. "Okay."

After all, in two weeks, they would go their separate ways.