Chapter 19

　　Serena's POV. 　　I stepped out of the bathroom, refreshed after washing up. Richard was waiting for me, his eyes locked on mine. 　　"Serena, please, can we talk?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. 　　I brushed past him, my shoulder grazing his. "No, we can't. You said everything you needed to say that day," I replied, my voice firm and detached. 　　I began to rummage through his wardrobe, searching for something. "What are you looking for?" Richard asked, his curiosity piqued. 　　I turned to face him, a sly smile spreading across my face. 　　"Contraceptives. I don't want to get trapped with your child in my precious womb," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. 　　Richard's eyes flashed with anger, and he yanked me backwards, his grip aggressive. 　　"Come on, Serena, don't tell me you took those words seriously?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement. 　　I let out a chuckle, a cold, mirthless sound. 　　"Seriously? You think I'm that naive? I may not have your wealth or