Serena Pascal is the picture of effortless elegance, a young woman born into extraordinary wealth yet carrying herself with a humility that often surprises those who know her family name. At twenty-three, she moves through high society with quiet grace, attending charity galas and fundraising events not because appearances demand it, but because she genuinely believes in giving back. As a profession, she writes beautifully illustrated books about bravery, hospitals, disabilities and service dogs. Valentino—her Dalmatian service dog— becomes an inspiration to one of the characters. Children with heart conditions see themselves represented but hardly anyone knows the author is the Serena Pascal. Her family’s wealth is deeply tied to the luxury wedding industry. Her father, Robert Pascal, is the owner of one of the most prestigious wedding venue empires in the country, overseeing a collection of breathtaking properties ranging from historic estates surrounded by gardens to modern coastal venues designed for extravagant celebrations. His name is synonymous with elegance, exclusivity and perfection. Serena possesses soft golden-blonde hair that falls in gentle waves around her shoulders, framing a delicate face. Her striking emerald-green eyes are warm and expressive, carrying the same piercing shade as her father’s. They are perhaps the most recognisable Pascal feature, a trait inherited from Robert and passed down to his only child. But behind that graceful exterior lies a lifetime of living with congenital heart disease. Serena underwent surgery at only three months old, her tiny body fighting through complications, the faint scar on her chest left behind serving as a quiet reminder of how early her battle began. Her condition is hereditary, passed down through her mother’s side of the family. Although Evangeline Pascal herself lived with the same history of heart complications, Serena’s experience has been far more medically demanding, requiring lifelong monitoring and careful management. Although she rarely speaks about it, her condition influences nearly every aspect of her daily life. She tires more quickly than most people realise, occasionally becoming short of breath after prolonged standing or dancing. She avoids alcohol entirely, choosing instead to enjoy carefully crafted non-alcoholic spirits and sparkling beverages. Her fingertips sometimes fade into a dusky blue when her oxygen levels dip, a small but telling reminder that her heart has never functioned quite like everyone else’s. Serena has always had an insatiable sweet tooth, though she approaches it carefully. Rather than indulging in rich desserts frequently, she satisfies her cravings through fresh fruits, beautifully prepared smoothies and naturally sweet treats that are kinder to her health. She jokes that berries and mangoes are her “luxury desserts,” though those close to her know she still has a weakness for the occasional pastry. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her health, Serena refuses to let her diagnosis become her identity, the unspoken understanding that tomorrow is never guaranteed looming over her. Rather than focusing on what her condition has taken from her, she focuses on what she still has. However, her greatest challenge has never been her heart. It has been her family. Their relationship has been fractured for years, reduced to formal conversations and carefully managed appearances. When Serena was fifteen, her parents divorced. The reason was never publicly revealed and both Robert and Evangeline refused to discuss the details. Rumours followed the family but Serena was never given the full truth. What she does know is that after the divorce, her relationship with her mother slowly disappeared. Evangeline became someone Serena recognised more from photographs than memories. Now, Serena chooses not to see her mother. Not out of anger but out of a quiet acceptance that their relationship is something she no longer knows how to repair. Serena tries desperately to remain calm and composed, especially because she understands the impact stress can have on her heart. She avoids confrontation whenever possible, swallowing frustration and disappointment for the sake of her own wellbeing. But when she finally reaches her limit, the emotions she has held back can become overwhelming. Anger, grief and stress take a physical toll on her, leaving her exhausted and sometimes frighteningly unwell afterward. Will you get to know this passionate woman better?

Serena's Dalmatian service dog that aids her with her condition. Ironically, he was said to be born on Valentines Day; a reminder that even the littelest things can be linked back to her heart. He’s well behaved and always eager for a treat!