Game Over No Second Chances

The villa Hugh had prepared was located near the city centre, nestled in a rare pocket of land carved out from the surrounding high-rises. The area was known as The Havencrest Villa Estate, which was also known as The Haven.

As they entered, the first thing Serena noticed was the peace and quiet.

Inside and outside the walls, lush greenery shimmered under a light drizzle. On the left was a misty lake; on the right stood rows of unique, stand-alone villas and gardens, each meticulously maintained and worth a fortune.

Hugh parked the car in front of one of the lakeside villas.

The ivy clinging to the walls hadn't been trimmed yet. The grand Eathalian-style courtyard, paired with the vintage villa, made it feel like they'd stepped back in time.

With Snuggle drowsily curled up in her arms, Serena couldn't help but marvel. "It's hard to believe this was built in recent years."

"It was designed by a master architect from Eathaly. But if you don't like the elaborate decor, I can have it redone," Hugh said as he stepped out of the car.

The maids, butler, and driver were already waiting nearby, silently standing by for orders.

Serena nearly clicked her tongue in disbelief.noveldrama

This was clearly the work of a renowned Eathaly designer. Was he seriously suggesting tearing it all down and redoing it?

What a waste that would be.

She did like bright, Merinian-style houses in blue and white, but this blend of old- world architecture with modern art interiors wasn't bad either.

She waved it off. "There's no need to redo anything. This is more than enough."

Hugh saw her expression soften, as if she genuinely liked it. He patiently dismissed the staff and led her inside himself.

The antique fireplace and long dining table didn't exactly match modern tastes. But once inside, the interior leaned more contemporary. It felt comfortable to live in.

Suddenly, Snuggle's ears perked up. His round eyes peeked out from Serena's arms and glanced around. He let out a soft meow before leaping down.

Before Serena could catch him, he had already climbed up her arm and hopped onto the back of a chair. He stretched lazily and started kneading at the cushion.

"Be careful. Don't scratch the couch." Serena moved to stop him, but Hugh gently caught her hand before she could.

"It's fine. If it gets scratched, we'll just get a new one. This is going to be our matrimonial home. Snuggle will be living here for a long time. He can take his time settling in."

Upon hearing the words "matrimonial home", Serena froze for a moment.

She thought back to the villas she and Zach had once connected, which were filled with flowers. Back then, Zach had warned her that pets would only destroy her carefully tended garden and ruin her peace, so they'd shelved the idea of ever keeping one.

She glanced back at Hugh and blurted out without thinking, "What if he doesn't just scratch the couch but ruins the garden too? What if he tears your favorite suits? Would that still be okay?"

Would her pet really never be a burden?

Hugh noticed the uncertainty in her voice and the flicker of confusion in her eyes.

Perhaps she had escaped her past of a failed relationship, but the memories still clung to her like a dull blade, slow and painful.

His gaze softened.

"It's fine. It's your cat. That makes him half the owner here too. If anything gets ruined, we'll just replace it. Whether the couch and the flowers, they're all replaceable.

"Besides, I've already prepared climbing trees and a dedicated cat room for Snuggle. If you're worried about your dresses getting scratched, the maids can keep an eye on him."

It was rare for Hugh's voice to sound so gentle.

The unease in Serena's heart slowly settled. She smiled as she said, "Thank you."

"No worries."

"You really are the best ally. But if Snuggle does ruin something, I'll make sure to pay for it in full. Don't worry."

Hugh was speechless.