Chapter 572 Serafina's Hidden Unhappiness 3
Serafina stared at the newspaper in silence.
So last night had been the Windsor Group's annual gala, yet he hadn't mentioned it during their phone conversation. He clearly hadn't intended to invite her.
She was genuinely heartbroken. Even though theirs was a loveless union, having her husband publicly kissed by a starlet and splashed across the newspapers was both disrespectful and dismissive of her as his wife.
Otherwise, how could such a story have made it to print? The Windsor Group's PR department wasn't incompetent.
But she didn't dare to hope for anything more. All she could do was endure in silence.
She folded the newspaper as hushed whispers from colleagues drifted around her, carefully muted but still audible enough for fragments to reach her ears.
"Life in high society isn't easy."
"What man could resist a beautiful actress?"
"I hope Serafina can weather this."
Serafina paid them no mind. She gathered her things to head to class when a tall figure appeared in the doorway, prompting choruses of "Mr. Ryan" from the other teachers.
Floyd had become vice principal at a remarkably young age, not only due to his excellence but also his privileged background.
Despite his low profile, he was beloved by the female faculty, his desk perpetually adorned with homemade treats, though he'd never accepted any romantic advances.
Everyone could see he harbored feelings for Serafina, but before he could confess, she had swiftly married into one of the city's most prominent families.
Her wedding had been the talk of the town.
In the days before her marriage, Floyd had spent two sleepless nights contemplating whether to reveal his feelings, ultimately deciding to let sleeping dogs lie.
This morning, having seen Jacob's scandal, he found himself unconsciously drawn here, arriving just as he caught the tail end of the gossip.
Standing in the doorway, his gaze intense, he said, "Serafina, time for class."
Serafina clutched her folder and nodded with a smile. "Yes."
Walking downstairs side by side, Floyd hesitated before asking softly, "Can you handle this? Do you need a few days off?"
The tenderness in his eyes was unmistakable. As a woman, Serafina couldn't help but notice, but unspoken affection hardly warranted much consideration, especially given their professional relationship.
She offered a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Mr. Ryan. It won't affect my work."
Floyd studied her for a long moment before suddenly breaking into a smile. "Serafina, you know, mental toughness is really in these days—and you've got it. It's impressive that you keep your emotions separate from your work."
Serafina smiled back softly.
In the morning campus light, she wore a light coffee-colored coat, her hair falling to her shoulders with an ineffable gentle beauty that made her and Floyd appear perfectly matched.
As twilight deepened and the world grew dim, Serafina sat alone in her office. One by one, the lights in surrounding offices went dark until only hers remained. She finally lifted her aching neck and prepared to leave.
Downstairs, the driver was already waiting. Seeing Serafina emerge, he immediately opened the rear door with a smile. "Working late, Mrs. Windsor?"
Serafina slipped into the car and settled in before speaking quietly, "Please don't call me Mrs. Windsor at school."
"Ms. Penrose it is, then." Elton was particularly sharp.
He pressed the accelerator and began chattering away to entertain Serafina, though he carefully avoided any mention of Jacob's scandal.
Finally, he cleared his throat lightly. "Mr. Windsor is already home, waiting for you to start dinner."
Serafina felt momentarily disoriented.
He was home already?
Sensing her confusion, Elton smiled. "It's nearly eight o'clock! Mr. Windsor had too much to drink last night, so with no business engagements today, he came home early. First thing he did was ask where you were."
Serafina smiled faintly.
The car sped through the streets as she sat in quiet contemplation. Suddenly, she spoke to Elton. "Turn at the next intersection onto Raindrop Avenue. I need to pick up something."
Elton didn't question it, making a U-turn ahead.
In truth, Serafina had nothing to buy—she simply couldn't bear the thought of facing Jacob immediately. Even knowing this was merely a temporary delay, she treasured every additional moment of peace and freedom.
Around nine o'clock, she finally returned to the villa.
The great hall blazed with light.
Her handsome, aristocratic husband had removed his coat and sat on the sofa in a light gray sweater, reading a magazine. His expression was serene, showing not a trace of remorse about the scandal. In fact, he hadn't called to explain all day.
The maid took Serafina's coat at the entrance. "Mrs. Windsor is home."
Serafina set down her handbag and smiled gently at the staff.
Jacob then set aside his magazine and rose, walking toward the dining room with a casual tone. "Dinner's ready."
Though his voice was even, Serafina detected displeasure.
She supposed it was due to her late return.
Here was her wealthy husband, making the effort to come home early for dinner with her, and she had deliberately delayed—it was rather unseemly and certainly didn't align with the expectations of their social circle.
She should be grateful, should actively help Jacob bury this scandal, should be even more tender and accommodating in their intimate moments to ensure his satisfaction.
Yes, that's what she should do. But she simply couldn't bring herself to do it.