Chapter 0052
Serena’s POV
I’m standing there, mouth slightly open, just staring at Calvin, completely taken by surprise. I can’t find the words; they’re lost in the shock and the quick beats of my heart. I blink a few times, trying to make sense of what he’s just said.
Deep down, part of me guessed he might confess. There were signs, little moments that hinted at it. But knowing it could happen and facing it are two different things. Now that he’s actually said it, I’m frozen, not sure how to respond.
“Why now, Calvin?” I finally managed to get the words out “You once said you saw me only as your nephew’s wife.”
Calvin pauses, a frown creasing his forehead, clearly not the reaction he was hoping for from me. “I used to tell myself I was only fond of you because you’re family, Serena,” he says. “But I realized I was in denial about my true feelings for you.”
Now it’s clear that both Calvin and I were just holding back, scared to let ourselves fall completely. He’s opened up about his feelings, and I thought I’d be happy. Yet, here I am, feeling more stuck than ever.
“This is… complicated. And you know it. Bill will never forgive us if we end up together,” I say.
I turn away from Calvin, needing a moment to gather my thoughts. However, he gently places his hands on my shoulders, turning me back to face him. “Hey, look at me,” he urges softly. “I thought I wanted to keep things simple, not complicate them by pursuing you. But I can’t ignore it anymore- my feelings for you keep growing. You mean more to me than anything else, Serena.”
If Bill had said something like this to me before, I might have dropped the whole divorce idea and welcomed him back with open arms. I had been waiting to hear words like that from him. But what am I thinking? It’s Calvin standing here in front of me, opening his heart. Not Bill. Why do I keep thinking about my ex–husband?
“Listen to yourself, Calvin,” I say, my brow furrowed with concern. “I shouldn’t come before your family. You’ve already been away from them for so long. I don’t want to be the reason you drift even further apart.”
32
“Why do you think I’m still here in LA, Serena?” Calvin asks, his tone earnest. “I want to be as close to you as possible. Please let me take care of you, as your man.”
If Calvin had asked me to be his girlfriend at the restaurant, I might have said yes. But everything’s changed since Bill told me he still loves me. This could ruin their family, and I don’t want to be at the center of it all.
“No, Calvin. I–I can’t,” I stammer, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. “We can’t be together right now.” “Why not?” Calvin asks, his voice calm, searching my face for an answer.
“Because I’m still in the middle of making a name for myself, Calvin,” I explain. “Plus, I have my baby on the way. It’s all too much. The last thing I want is to get caught up in your family drama.”
Calvin nods. “I understand,” he says softly as he closes the jewelry box. “I’ll give you more time to think about us, Serena. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Calvin,” I say. “I hope we can still be friends.
Calvin gives me a smile, but I can tell he’s just hiding his hurt. “Of course. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”
Chapter 0052
+20 BO
Calvin offers to drive me home, but I refuse. “I think I need to stay here a bit longer, just to think,” I tell him.
“Okay, if that’s what you need. Just call me if you change your mind or need anything,” Calvin says.
Calvin leaves, and I find myself alone, gazing out at the sprawling expanse of LA below. The city lights twinkle like a sea of stars. Buildings glow with life, streets stretch out in veins of light, and the distant hum of the city.
Did I make the right decision by turning Calvin down? Don’t get me wrong, he’s amazing. He’s always been so patient and caring with me. He might even be the most gentlemanly person I know.
But then there’s Bill, his nephew and my ex–husband. Right now, our only connection is the baby he doesn’t know about. I know I can’t start a relationship with Calvin if Bill still in the picture. Unless Bill has completely accepted that we can no longer be together, I don’t want to deal with the complications involving their family.
My thoughts are interrupted by a detestable voice. “Brava, Serena,” taunts a woman from the darkness, her slow clap echoing around me.
I know that voice anywhere, and she’s the last person I want to deal with right now. Doris steps into the light, and yep, it’s her alright.
I let out a sigh. “What do you want, Doris?” I ask, feeling done with her already.
“Oh, I just came to congratulate you,” she says, smirking. You finally got knocked up by your new sugar daddy!”
She must have been eavesdropping for a while. “You heard everything?” I ask, my voice tight. “And who says Calvin is the father of my child?”
Doris’s smirk fades as she comes to a sudden realization – Bill is the father of the baby I’m having. “Oh no! Bill can’t find out about this,” she says, looking genuinely nervous.
Seeing Doris scared and helpless gives me a twisted sense of satisfaction. “And why shouldn’t I tell Bill?” I reply mockingly. “Oh, I guess I’ll have all his attention again once the baby’s born.” I give a casual shrug.
Doris fixes me with a piercing stare, anger flashing in her eyes. “Bitch! Why do you have to ruin everything?!” she explodes, sounding completely unhinged.
Chapter 1053
