Seraphina Is Back | Read Free Preview

Read chapters 1–3 of Seraphina Is Back free. Unlock the full ebook when you are ready to keep going.

Chapter 1 — I'm Dead Wrong

"Theron Silverbrook, do you take Linara Whitewood to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to cherish her in sickness and health, for better or worse, richer or poorer, until death do you part?"
Theron looked at the beautiful lady before him and affirmed softly, "I do."
Out of nowhere, a loud "bang" resonated through the hall as the doors burst open, grabbing everyone's attention.
A girl dressed in black gradually walked in. She looked exhausted, with a scar running from her left eyebrow to the corner of her lips, like a red centipede on her once delicate face.
The guests started whispering as they recognized her.
"Isn't that the girl the Whitewood Family adopted?" someone murmured.
Surprised, another guest asked, "Adopted?"
Someone explained, "No, that's Mr. Whitewood's real daughter, Seraphina Whitewood. Linara took her when they were kids. She returned eight years ago, and they even threw a big reunion party for her. Then she disappeared for a while, and now looks like this."
"How did their own daughter end up like this?" a guest wondered aloud.
Another whispered, "After Seraphina returned, she caused all kinds of chaos. People say Old Mr. Whitewood died because of her. That scar? She got it fighting with some thugs."
"Seraphina spent sixteen years in the slums, hanging out with the wrong crowd. She couldn't shake her rough past even after returning to the Whitewood Family. Fights, bad behavior, even trying to steal Linara’s fiancé," someone added.
"They always say once someone goes down the wrong path, it's hard to return," another remarked.
A guest asked, "Why is she here today? Is she trying to steal her sister’s fiancé?"
Another responded, "If these sisters start fighting over the same guy, the Whitewood Family's reputation is toast."
Someone added, "Just look at her. Any man would pick Linara."
The guests buzzed with gossip. Even those who didn’t know Seraphina could tell from the chatter who she was.
Amid all the mockery and disdain, Seraphina stayed calm. She kept her eyes on the newlyweds and walked toward them.
Eyeing the unexpected guest, the emcee debated whether to break the tension with a joke but held back as he was intimidated by Seraphina's icy gaze. The atmosphere around the Whitewood and Silverbrook families at the head table grew tense, particularly affecting her parents, Oberon Whitewood and Chloe Thorne.
Controlling his anger, Oberon stood up and firmly urged, "Seraphina, today is your sister's big day. Please, take a seat." His voice held authority, his stance resolute.
Disregarding his request, Seraphina continued to advance.
Oberon's expression hardened. "Seraphina," he uttered sharply, almost as a challenge.
Seraphina turned to him with a smile. "Dad, why do you falter in my presence? Does my existence shame you, or is it a blow to your pride?"
Seeing her defiance mounted, Chloe interrupted quickly, "What's all this nonsense? Save your speech for after your sister's wedding."
However, Seraphina erupted into laughter. Her body shook with amusement, with tears welling up in her eyes. "Nonsense? Haha, I've never been clearer."
She turned sharply, pointing at Linara, who was glowing in her lavish wedding dress. "Sister? Me, Seraphina? I can't claim kinship with her. She's a heavenly princess, and I'm just an ordinary person. What right do I have to call her my sister? She's of royal lineage, while my roots are humble. Am I even deserving of being her sister?"
These words cut deep into the Whitewood Family, prompting Oberon and Chloe to drop their facades and reveal their true reactions.
Oberon's anger flared. "Have you not caused enough trouble? Get down from the stage! Stop disgracing us!"
"Dad, are you dropping the act of being a kind father?" Seraphina challenged, meeting his gaze with a confident smile.
"Seraphina, consider this your last warning. Leave now and apologize to Linara, Theron, and all our guests," Oberon demanded firmly, his authority unmistakable.
Seraphina calmly agreed, "You're right; I should apologize."
Oberon felt slightly relieved at her response, though his fury still smoldered.
Our reputation in Pyrin has taken a hit because of this! I'll teach you a firm lesson when we get home!
As Oberon mulled over this, his anger reignited at Seraphina's following words.
Facing the guests and brushing off their scornful glances, Seraphina merrily began, "I want to apologize to my dear sister, Linara. I'm sorry for barging into this place, causing you pain and hardship, and making it hard to hold your head high. To my parents, I'm sorry for my pride and illusions and for craving your love.
"I was naive to think that if I excelled, you'd treat me like Linara—just a smile, a hug, or encouragement. Sadly, I was wrong. No matter how hard I try, I'll never match a tear shed by Linara. Remember when she said, 'I'm mocked and humiliated because of Seraphina.' Then, you all keep me from ever outshining her!
"If she wants something of mine, you all insist I give it to her. If she cries, it's my fault. Just my being here makes her sad and embarrassed. Why did you bring me back if you all dislike me so much? Why?!"
Despite her smiling delivery, tears blurred her vision. Her laughter lacked any real joy, echoing heavily in the guests' hearts.

Unlock the full story →

Chapter 2 — Am I Really Your Daughter?

"Finding my biological parents was like hitting the jackpot, you know? Not viewed anymore as the troublemaker, the outcast in the eyes of others. I convinced myself my parents didn't abandon me; they just lost me accidentally. They care for me, so they've come to bring me back home." Seraphina's voice stayed steady but with a trace of wavering if you listened closely.
"Sadly, I was dead wrong. All your love went to Linara, and I feel like a pathetic outsider who wants what's rightfully hers."
"Seeing you three so close and cozy makes me feel like I don't fit in, never really part of it. All I ever wanted was a bit of love, a touch of warmth and affection, just a little. Why the hesitation? Just because it might upset Linara? I'm your biological daughter, the baby you carried for nine months. Why treat me like this?"
"Mom, am I really your daughter? Why give me hope just to dash it? Why put me through this? Why, why?!" she asked, tears flowing freely.
Her gut-wrenching questions hung heavy in the quiet room, leaving everyone without words. Meanwhile, the emcee blinked back tears as he regarded the weak Seraphina with deep sympathy.
Her weary appearance and slim figure provoked empathy from everyone who saw her. The pain in her eyes stirred a deep disgust within him toward the Whitewood Family.
"I'd rather be an orphan than part of the Whitewood Family again." Her words were barely audible, yet they carried clearly to everyone present. Her words gently tugged at their hearts, leaving a trace of grief.
Seraphina reflected bitterly, I used to crave their love so desperately, but now, after eight years of shattered hopes, all I feel is pain and sadness.
"Seraphina, please don't make a scene. I'm begging you. Grandpa was really upset after your last outburst. Do you want to upset Mom and Dad again?" Linara's voice carried a soft tone mixed with concern and frustration.
Her expression clouded with sorrow, she added, "I know you're upset with me and want Theron, but he loves me. We've grown up together; he's been my childhood sweetheart. I can give you everything but his love."
Seeing through her crafty ways, Seraphina sneered. There you go again! Such a clever actress, always shifting blame, playing the victim, and accusing me of stealing Theron! How dare you paint me as shameless and wicked?
Before she could retort, Theron shot her a disgusted look and asserted, "Listen, Seraphina! Even if I end up marrying someone else, I'd never pick a sneaky and nasty girl like you!"
Suddenly, a cry escaped his lips, "Ah!" He bent forward in pain, clutching his legs tightly with his face pale.
No one saw it coming when Seraphina swiftly reacted—a kick that took him down. She grabbed Theron's collar, lifted him, and threw him before everyone, crashing onto the head table. Glasses and plates shattered all over.
Everything happened so fast that everyone was left stunned, unable to react. When the chaos settled, Theron lay unconscious from the pain. His parents were panicked.
Seeing what Seraphina did, Theron's mother, Helena Starling, held back but glared fiercely at her. Yet her anger was palpable when she faced Chloe and asserted, "Is this the fine daughter you raised? If anything happens to my son, your Whitewood Family will pay!"
Caught off guard, Chloe managed a forced smile and stammered, "Helena, please don't be mad. I..."
Helena cut her off sharply, "Don't call me that. Our Silverbrook Family has nothing to do with your Whitewood Family!"
Oberon seethed with rage. He charged onto the stage, aiming to slap Seraphina. Before his hand could connect, it was steadfastly blocked by Seraphina's tiny hands.
Caught off guard by her disobedience, Oberon swiftly delivered a kick at Seraphina. However, she swiftly countered with a forceful blow that sent Oberon sprawling, crashing heavily at the stage's edge and leaving him incapacitated momentarily.
Shocked, Chloe couldn't believe that the usually docile Seraphina would defy Oberon like this. She exclaimed, "Seraphina, how could you strike your father like that? You're crazy!"
Seraphina casually replied with a faint smile, "Why should I listen to you now that I've disowned the Whitewood name and family ties? Who are you to me now?"
"Seraphina!" Chloe's voice rang out angrily. Her eyes blazed with fury as she regarded Seraphina like a stranger.
"I've said it before—I'm not Seraphina Whitewood anymore. I'm Seraphina Valewyn. An orphan without parents, abandoned and unwanted," Seraphina declared firmly.
As she let go of her longing for family love, shedding her once soft and obedient demeanor to reveal an inner strength brimming with fierceness. Despite the scar on her face, she couldn't mask the confidence from within.
At that instant, she reclaimed her identity as the fearless and brilliant Seraphina Valewyn. She was no longer the obedient Seraphina looking for morsels of love and warmth from her parents.
Watching the new Seraphina before her, Linara's heart stirred.
She was stunning, charming, and utterly unforgettable the first time I saw her. Back then, even in her humblest moments, how could anyone overshadow her? I tried so hard to dim her radiance, making myself fade in comparison. Now, the radiant Seraphina Valewyn has returned in full glory.
After the earlier shock, Linara felt no worry as she reflected further.
Seraphina's on the edge. Her body's giving out with eight years of poison slowly draining her. In this world, there's no blood daughter in the Whitewood Family. The Whitewood Family has just one daughter, and that's me, Linara Whitewood!

Unlock the full story →

Chapter 3 — Betrayal

Linara's eyes shimmered with tears, hiding the malice behind them. She looked up piteously and pleaded, "Seraphina, I'll go if you want me out of the Whitewood Family. I'll even openly disown our family if that's what you want. Just stop hurting the people who care for you, okay?" Her voice sounded so righteous, but Seraphina saw right through it.
Seraphina watched Linara's act with disgust. She had wanted to expose her fake facade so many times, but she had always held back. She was afraid of disappointing their parents and being seen as brutal and uncultured.
Yet now, she was done being afraid.
In a flash, Linara's expression changed from sad to frightened as Seraphina's hands closed around her neck. "Do you know how long I've wanted to slap your lying face?"
A loud slap echoed as Seraphina’s hand met Linara's cheek, causing her head to snap to the side.
Slap, slap, slap. Seraphina continued, each slap swelling Linara's cheeks and stripping away her false delicacy.
Linara cried.
Seeing her daughter's suffering, Chloe yelled at the hotel staff, "Why are you just standing there? Get that crazy girl out of here!"
The hotel security guards arrived promptly and moved in quickly, responding to her command.
Suddenly, Seraphina pressed a knife against Linara's neck. "Don't move! Anyone steps closer, and this knife moves," she warned.
The guards halted while the guests stared in disbelief and wondered, What could drive such a young girl to this point of desperation?
The cold blade against her neck instantly silenced Linara. Her eyes went wide with fear, fixated on the knife, terrified that any move might end her life.
"Seraphina, what you're doing is illegal. You'll end up in jail. Let me go, and I promise I won't press charges. I'll leave the Whitewood Family and give up our parents to you," Linara pleaded, her voice shaky.
Seraphina smirked. "I don't care anymore." Inwardly, she laughed bitterly at her own naivety. Eight years... It has shown me who you really are. To you, I'm just a burden. I live a life worse than a dog's in that family. Even a dog gets more respect than I ever do.
I thought hard work and obedience would earn your love. I'm never truly your daughter. How stupid I am to think you care. You never do. Your so-called love is a lie, and I'm a fool to believe it.
Linara tried to speak, but Seraphina's cold voice cut her off. "I know my time is running out. Since you all want me gone, why not go together? We can be sisters in the afterlife."
Linara's lips trembled, unable to find the words.
"Linara, you can..." Before Seraphina could finish, a bullet flew by and hit her forehead. She crumpled to the ground. She stared in shock at the man who had fired, her mind spinning with questions she couldn't voice.
You're my protector, my shield from all the bad stuff. Now, you stand against me. The one person I trusted the most has betrayed me. Why?!
Nothing was more heartbreaking to Seraphina. Overwhelmed by anger and bitterness, she slowly sank to the ground. The knife slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor.
The heartbroken Linara leaned close to Seraphina's lifeless body and whispered, "You think this is bad? You haven't seen anything yet. This was all my doing. Even the people you trusted, I chose them. I can't believe you still tried to fight me. Aren't you supposed to protect the family's honor?"
Seraphina's eyes stayed steady, even as Linara's words dripped with venom.
Seeing the hate in her eyes, Linara smirked. "You've got such pretty eyes. Seeing you go is almost a shame, but Theron doesn't want you around anymore. I have to send you away. Don't blame me. Blame yourself for coming back. Everything in the Whitewood Family belongs to me. You're just a nobody."
Suddenly, blood gushed from Seraphina's mouth and splattered across Linara's shocked face. Then Linara's cold indifference melted into genuine concern as Chloe and the others hurried over.
"Linara, are you hurt? Let me see," Chloe asked anxiously.
Linara shook her head, tears welling up. "Mom, I'm sorry. I hurt Seraphina."
Chloe's face darkened with disapproval. "She got what was coming to her."
Oberon added, "It's her own fault. She brought this on herself."
Chloe hugged Linara tightly, blaming herself, "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have let that cursed girl into our lives and put you in danger."
Oberon declared firmly, "Forget about her. She's no longer part of this family."
Rowan Duskwood, the sophisticated man who had just handled Seraphina, cast a look of disdain as he passed by her. Walking up to Linara, he asked softly, "Are you okay, Linara? I blame myself for this."
Tears welled in Linara's eyes as she looked at Rowan and replied, "Rowan, it's not your fault. Don't blame yourself. Seraphina... I... I'm scared."
Rowan wanted to comfort her but restrained himself in front of others.
Meanwhile, members of the Whitewood Family continued to console Linara.
"You're still thinking about her after everything she did to you? She got what she deserved."
"Her death will be a relief for everyone."
"Linara, you're too kind for your own good."
Rowan gazed at Linara tenderly, his affection for her evident. Linara was compassionate and forgiving to him, even in the face of such betrayal. In contrast, Seraphina's deceitful schemes had brought nothing but trouble.
As Linara took in the comforting words around her, a flicker of pleasure crossed her face.

Finished the preview?

Unlock the full ebook now and continue the story right away. Get instant access after purchase — no shipping, no waiting. Delivered as PDF and EPUB for reading on phone, tablet, or desktop.

👉 Unlock the Full Story — Seraphina Is Back ($15.99)