The two exchanged a knowing smile, linking arms as they headed back to the car. Seraphina drove Della home, and on the way, Della couldn't stop talking. "Seraphina, you and Zachary are perfect together. I couldn't handle someone like him; I prefer gentle guys."
Seraphina listened to Della's chatter with a guilty smile. She didn't say anything, but inside, her emotions were a whirlwind.
Before long, they arrived at Della's house.
As Della got out of the car, she reminded Seraphina, "Take care, okay?"
Then she skipped happily into her house.
Once inside, Della's demeanor changed completely. She pretended to make a phone call, her voice sickeningly sweet, "Honey, when are you coming to see me? I miss you so much. It's been two years, you know? I think about you every day, but you're always so busy..."
Verity, busy in the kitchen, poked her head out curiously, "Della, who are you talking to? Why do you sound so sweet?"
Della quickly hung up the phone and ran over to hug Verity, giggling, "Mom, it's a guy I've had a crush on for two years. I really like him."
Verity gently tapped Della's forehead, "You silly girl, it's good to have someone you like, but remember to protect yourself."
After some playful banter with her mom, Della turned serious, "Mom, to be honest, I was really unhappy with the engagement to the Baker family. I felt so relieved when it was called off. You have no idea how happy I was. Plus, I think Zachary and Seraphina are a great match. They like each other."
Verity looked at Della in shock, "How could you make such a decision on your own? What if Seraphina's parents find out? They might blame us for meddling."
After calming her mom down, Della went to her room and immediately called Seraphina, her tone playful, "Seraphina, I told my mom I have a crush on a guy. Don't mess this up, or I'll be in big trouble."
On the other end, Seraphina smiled, her voice full of gratitude, "Thank you, Della. I won't mess it up."
After hanging up, Della started scrolling through her contacts, looking for someone who could pretend to be her boyfriend.
Her finger paused on Jeremy Wright's name.
She hesitated but then gathered her courage and called him, "Jeremy, I need a favor. Are you free tomorrow afternoon? Can we meet up and talk?"
Jeremy's cheerful voice came through, "Sure, Della. Just tell me what you need, and I'll help if I can."
Hearing his voice, Della couldn't help but smile.
She looked through her photos, her eyes landing on a picture from a hiking trip a year ago.
In the photo, she and Jeremy stood shoulder to shoulder, smiling brightly. They had grown up together and had once shared a youthful crush.
When she heard that other girls were pursuing Jeremy, Della had distanced herself out of jealousy.
Recently, she heard that Jeremy had turned down those girls and went abroad for further studies. He was still single.
Hope sparked in Della's heart once again.
Meanwhile, at the York Villa, Seraphina was explaining Della's fabricated story to her parents.
She pleaded, "Mom, Dad, please go along with it. Della is just trying to help us. She doesn't want you to worry about her."
Niamh and Xander exchanged glances. Though they thought it was unnecessary to go to such lengths, they appreciated Della's good intentions and agreed.
Xander chuckled, "Who would've thought Seraphina was the one the Baker family wanted all along? What a mix-up that was."
Niamh, too, was pleased with Zachary. She smiled, "I've always thought Zachary and Seraphina would make a great couple. Now it seems my wish is coming true."
Back in her room, Seraphina's phone rang. Seeing it was Nico, she hesitated but answered. Nico's voice was menacing, "Seraphina, you owe me for emotional damages. Five million dollars, not a penny less, or I'll post your nudes on those creepy websites!"
Seraphina trembled with anger, her voice shaking, "Nico, you bastard! You're despicable!" She hung up, trying to calm herself.
She called him back, pressing the record button, her voice trembling, "Nico, let's talk this out. Don't do anything rash."
Nico laughed arrogantly, "Seraphina, transfer the money, and I'll delete the photos."
Her phone buzzed again. WhatsApp notifications showed several photos of her, partially censored but still recognizable.
Seeing the explicit photos, Seraphina felt her blood run cold. She was nauseated, almost to the point of vomiting.
But a fire ignited within her. She gritted her teeth, vowing, "I won't let you get away with this. I'll make sure you go to jail!"
Knowing Zachary might act impulsively if he found out, she decided to keep it from him for now.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Zachary called. Hearing his deep voice, her tension eased.
She spoke softly, "I talked to Della. She supports us and will help cover for us."
"Thank you, Seraphina," Zachary said gratefully.
Seraphina hesitated, "Zachary, are you free tomorrow afternoon? I need you to help me with something. I'll explain then."
Zachary's heart tightened, "Okay, but you have to call me 'husband' first."
Blushing, Seraphina shyly said, "Husband."
Zachary smiled, "Wife."
Seraphina laughed, then teased, "When I first kissed you, did you feel anything?"
Zachary's voice was sincere, "Only you can touch me. No one else."
Seraphina laughed again.
The next morning, Seraphina woke up, her mind filled with anger and determination. She looked at the photos and recordings Nico had sent, taking a deep breath.
She dressed carefully, choosing a simple yet elegant yellow dress and white heels, exuding confidence.
With evidence in hand, she headed to the police station.
The officer on duty straightened up at the sight of her.
Seraphina handed over the evidence, her voice firm, "Officer, this man is blackmailing me. Please make sure he is punished."
After reviewing the evidence, the police agreed to take the case. Seraphina felt a wave of relief, knowing she had a chance to bring Nico to justice.
She recalled Nico's past misdeeds, her anger flaring, "He's been reported before but got out quickly. This time, he won't get away."
As lunchtime approached, Zachary called, inviting Seraphina to lunch.
She agreed, needing to discuss things with him.
They sat by the window, sunlight casting a golden glow over them.
Halfway through lunch, Seraphina's phone rang.