Chapter 10: The Truth Behind the Name

The apartment was unusually quiet that night.

Serenity sat across from Zachary, both holding cups of tea.

Neither spoke for several minutes.

Finally, Zachary broke the silence.

"You deserve the truth."

Serenity looked at him calmly.

"I'm listening."

Zachary took a deep breath.

"My full name is Zachary York."

"I am the President and CEO of York Corporation."

"The company belongs to my family."

"Everything you heard tonight... is true."

Serenity lowered her eyes for a moment.

"So... you're really a billionaire."

"Yes."

"Then why did you hide it from me?"

"Because I wanted someone to marry me for who I am—not because of my wealth."

"Grandma May insisted that I keep my identity a secret."

"She believed it was the only way I'd find someone genuine."

Serenity smiled faintly.

"That certainly sounds like Grandma."

Zachary looked surprised.

"You're not angry?"

"I won't lie... I'm shocked."

"But angry? No."

"You never treated me badly."

"You respected me from the beginning."

"That's more important than money."

Zachary felt an unexpected sense of relief.

"Still," Serenity continued,

"I wish you had trusted me sooner."

"You're right."

"I'm sorry."

It was the first sincere apology Zachary had given in years.

Serenity accepted it with a gentle nod.

"Then let's move forward."

"No more lies between us."

"Agreed."

The next morning...

News of Zachary's appearance at the charity banquet spread across Wiltspoon.

Headlines praised his generous donation.

However, one topic attracted even more attention.

"Who was the mysterious woman beside President York?"

Inside York Corporation...

Ben hurried into Zachary's office.

"Sir, the media is trying to identify Mrs. York."

"Several reporters are investigating her."

"Increase security around the bookstore," Zachary ordered immediately.

"No reporters are to bother Serenity."

"Yes, Mr. York."

Meanwhile...

Serenity arrived at the bookstore as usual.

She expected an ordinary workday.

Instead, she found several reporters waiting outside.

"Miss!"

"Are you the woman who attended the charity banquet with President York?"

"Are you dating him?"

"What's your relationship with the York family?"

Flashes from cameras filled the sidewalk.

Serenity instinctively stepped back.

Before anyone could reach her...

Several professional security guards appeared.

"Please step back," one guard announced firmly.

"You're blocking a private business."

The reporters reluctantly moved aside.

Jasmine rushed out of the bookstore.

"Serenity! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Serenity answered.

"Just... overwhelmed."

"You've got some explaining to do," Jasmine whispered with wide eyes.

"Your husband is the Zachary York?"

Serenity laughed awkwardly.

"I only found out last night."

"You're kidding!"

"I wish I were."

The two friends entered the bookstore.

After hearing the full story, Jasmine stared at Serenity in disbelief.

"You married the richest man in Wiltspoon... without knowing it?"

"Apparently."

"Only you could manage something like that."

Both women burst into laughter.

Across the city...

Inside a luxurious mansion...

A young woman angrily threw a magazine onto the floor.

Its front page displayed a photograph of Zachary standing beside Serenity at the charity banquet.

"Who is she?"

The woman clenched her fists.

"I've waited years for Zachary."

"No ordinary girl is taking him away from me."

Her mother calmly picked up the magazine.

"Relax, Victoria."

"If she truly comes from an ordinary family..."

"She won't survive high society for long."

Victoria smiled coldly.

"Then I'll make sure of it."

Far away...

Completely unaware of the storm that was approaching...

Serenity happily arranged books on a shelf.

She had no idea...

That being the billionaire's wife had just made her the target of Wiltspoon's most powerful socialites.