Chapter 0076
Serena’s POV
Calvin lifts the lid of the small velvet box. Inside, a sleek silver cufflink gleams under the light. It is understated yet elegant. His initials, CJL, are engraved along the polished surface.
He turns it over in his fingers, his brows lifting slightly,
“A cufflink with my initials?” He glances at me, his voice a mix of surprise and something softer. “You didn’t have to, Serena.”
I smile, brushing off his concern. “I wanted to,” I say simply. “It’s just a small thank–you for everything you’ve done for me.”
Calvin exhales, still staring at the piece like it holds more weight than I intended. “No one’s ever done something like this for me before.” His voice is quiet.
I tilt my head. “You deserve it. You’ve been there for me, Calvin. I just wanted you to know I see that.”
His expression shifts, something unreadable flickering across his face. “There’s only one woman I want to be seen by.”
My heart tightens.
“Calvin-
>>
He shakes his head, forcing a small smile. “I know. You’re not ready. I get it.”
The guilt twists deep. “I just need more time.‘
He watches me, his eyes searching for something. “Are you sure that’s all it is?” His voice is steady, but there’s an edge to it. “Because it feels like you’re saying goodbye.”
I shake my head quickly. “I’m not. I just… have a lot on my mind.”
I hold his gaze. “You mean a lot to me, Calvin. More than you probably realize.”
Something flickers in his expression–vulnerability, maybe even hope. He places a hand over his chest with a small chuckle. “I feel like my heart’s gonna explode right now.” He exhales. “Just… promise me you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”
I nod, my throat tight. “I promise.”
The moment lingers, heavy but unspoken. Calvin rolls up his sleeve and slides the cufflink into place, smoothly fastening it.
“Fits perfectly,” he says with a small smile. “This one’s officially my favorite now.”
I chuckle softly. “I’m glad.”
For a while, we sit in silence, both aware of the things left unsaid. Then Calvin clears his throat.
“Serena, would you want to grab dinner sometime?” He pauses, then adds, “Just as friends.”
I hesitate. I want to say yes, but I also know what happens when lines blur.
“Calvin… what are we even doing?” I say, exhaling a soft laugh. “I’m on TikTok enough to know this feels like a ‘ situationship.“”
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0076
Calvin raises a brow. “A what?”
I grin despite myself. “A situationship. It’s like a relationship but without a clear label.”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “My age is showing, isn’t it?”
“A little,” I reply.
We both laugh. “I just don’t want you to think I’m stringing you along.”
His expression softens. “Serena, I don’t feel taken advantage of. I just like spending time with you. Whatever we call it.”
I nod, but deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that this won’t last forever.
Before I can dwell on it, the door swings open.
Stevie walks in, arms full of takeout bags and a bottle of wine tucked under her elbow.
“Hey, girl! I brought dinner to celebrate. The fashion show contract is signed!”
She stops short when she sees Calvin still in the room. There’s a flicker of something in her expression
before she quickly recovers. surprise? Embarrassment?
–
“Oh… I didn’t know you had company.”
Calvin chuckles, stepping back from the table. “Hey, Stevie. No worries, I was just heading out.”
Stevie glances down at the food in her hands and winces. “Damn. I only brought dinner for two.”
Calvin waves it off. “That’s okay. I wasn’t gonna third–wheel your celebration.”
I open my mouth to say something, but he gives me a lingering glance before I can.
Something unspoken passes between us.
Then, with one final nod, he heads toward the door.
Just as he reaches for the handle, it swings open again.
Bill walks in.
The room shifts.
Calvin stops mid–step, his jaw tightening for just a fraction of a second before he smooths it over. Bill’s gaze flicks from Calvin to me, something sharp and assessing in his eyes..
Stevie freezes beside me, glancing between them like she’s watching a slow–motion car crash.
Calvin exhales through his nose, adjusting his sleeve absently before stepping aside.
Bill lifts a brow. “Going somewhere?”
“Yeah,” Calvin replies evenly. “Figured I’d let you have your turn.”
–
It’s subtle. Barely there. But I catch it your turn.
Bill’s jaw flexes, but he doesn’t bite. Instead, he claps Calvin’s shoulder, almost like a silent challenge. Calvin holds his gaze for a second longer before giving me one last glance. His expression is unreadable now.
2/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0076
Then he’s gone, the door clicking shut behind him.
The silence stretches, thick and heavy.
Bill exhales, shaking his head slightly before turning his full attention to me.
“Didn’t expect to see him here.”
I fold my arms. “Why are you here, Bill?“!
He studies me for a moment, then shrugs. “Needed to talk to you.”
Ever the escape artist, Stevie grabs the wine bottle and takeout bags. “Welp. I’ll just–take these to the kitchen.” She disappears before I can stop her.
Bill watches her go before looking back at me. His voice is lower when he speaks again.
“So… are you going to tell me what’s going on between you and Calvin?”
I keep my face steady, even as my stomach tightens. Whatever Bill thinks he knows, I’m done dodging it. I take a slow breath, then lift my chin. “Alright, Bill,” I say. “Let’s talk.”
