Chapter 0075
Chapter 0075
Serena’s POV
“You think flattering me will get you off the hook?” I say though Calvin’s words have left me a bit flustered. I folded my arms, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. “So, where have you been hiding? You’ve practically vanished.
11
Calvin sighs a weary but warm sinile spreading across his face. “I know, I’m really sorry, Serena. Work’s been a whirlwind. I had to fly out to Berlin to get our new office up and running. It’s been non–stop.”
Despite my attempts to seem nonchalant, I realize how much I have actually missed him. More than I’m willing to admit, even to myself.
“Berlin?” I repeat, curious. “That sounds pretty intense.”
“Yeah, it was a lot,” Calvin admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “The city never sleeps, you know? We were setting up the office, dealing with a ton of paperwork, and I had calls at all hours trying to keep up with things back here. But we pulled it off, and it’s looking good.”
“Is that it?” I ask, a cheeky grin playing on my lips. “Just work, work, work? No fun at all in Berlin?”
“Honestly? I barely saw anything beyond the hotel and office. It was pretty grueling, actually,” Calvin says. “I haven’t had much fun at all, well, since… the jewelry exhibit.”
“Oh,” I murmur, feeling my cheeks warm with a sudden blush. Memories of that day at the jewelry exhibit flood back how the light caught on the glass cases, making everything inside sparkle just a bit brighter.
And then there was the rooftop, the way the sunset painted the sky in strokes of orange and pink as Calvin stood there, looking hopeful, vulnerable. I had said no then, unsure of what I wanted. Now, seeing his hopeful look again, I’m not sure what to say.
Calvin breaks the silence as he notices my hesitation. “How about you? Are you feeling okay now since coming out of the hospital?”
“Yeah, I’m doing much better, thanks for asking,” I reply, my smile widening. “I’ve been busy managing my shop too… Oh, and by the way, I have some good news to share with you.”
“That’s great to hear! So, what’s the good news?” Calvin says as he leans in closer.
“Guess what? Marjorie referred me to provide the jewelry for her fashion show It’s in three weeks,” I say, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice.
“Wow, that’s huge!” Calvin responds. “You’re going to do an amazing job. I’m sure you’re going to do an amazing job.”
Calvin nods, his expression thoughtful. “It’s good that the Doris video didn’t affect you,” he adds, touching on the
recent scandal.
I wave a hand dismissively. “The video of her getting arrested? Please, that just exposed her even more,” I say. Besides, I don’t care if some people believed her. She’s in jail now, and honestly, I feel safer.”
11
Calvin reaches out, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Ive always trusted you, Serena. I know you’re not the kind of person she tried to make you out to be. You’ve got nothing to worry about with people who really know you.”
He and I lock eyes, neither of us willing to look away first. It feels like there’s an invisible thread pulling us closer, making the space around us fade.
1/2
Chapter 0075
+25 BONUS
Choosing between Bill and Calvin should be simple. Calvin is supportive and understands me well, unlike Bill. However, there’s a major complication – he’s my ex–husband’s uncle.
Yet, now isn’t the right time to be in a relationship with him. I need to focus on proving to myself that I can make my business successful.
“I have something for you,” I say, catching the curiosity flickering in Calvin’s eyes.
Oh? What is it?” Calvin asks.
“Just a sec,” I reply, turning to my cluttered work desk. I start rummaging through the mess–scraps of metal, strings of beads, various pliers, and small boxes filled with unfinished pieces. “It’s in here somewhere…” I mutter.
“Oh, found it!” I exclaim, a small brown box finally emerging from the clutter. I dust it off slightly and hold it out to Calvin. “Here you go,” I say.
Calvin takes the box, his eyebrows drawn together as he examines it.
“What are you waiting for? Open it,” I encourage him, smiling.
If I’m not ready for a relationship with Calvin right now, at least I c
