Serena’s POV

“Congratulations, Mrs. Ryan,” the doctor said with a bright smile. “You’re pregnant!”

I froze, her words taking a moment to sink in. “I’m… pregnant?” I stammered, staring at her.

“Yes,” she confirmed, nodding enthusiastically. “About a month along. Your test results are very clear.”

My hands instinctively rested on my flat stomach. “A baby,” I whispered, a small smile creeping onto my lips. A rush of excitement and nerves filled me.

This was the best news I had ever received. Finally, something to bring Ryan and me closer. Maybe this would change things between us. Maybe he’d finally see me as more than just his contract wife.

“Thank you, doctor,” I said, standing up and shaking her hand.

As I left the clinic, I couldn’t stop grinning. I was going to be a mother. And Ryan was going to be a father. He deserved to know right away.

I headed straight to his office, clutching my purse tightly. I imagined how he would react. Would he be shocked? Happy? Maybe even… excited?

When I arrived at the company, I walked through the familiar halls, my heels clicking against the polished floor. I smiled at the receptionist, who gave me a polite nod.

His office door was slightly ajar when I approached. I was about to knock when a sound from inside made me stop.

A low chuckle. A woman’s voice.

“Ryan, stop it,” the voice teased, playful and sultry.

I frowned and peeked through the gap. My heart stopped at what I saw. “She’s back?”

Ryan stood between Kate’s legs, his hands on her waist. She was perched on his desk, leaning back slightly, her arms wrapped around his neck. Their lips were locked in a passionate kiss, his hand sliding up her thigh.

I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. My hand flew to my mouth to muffle a gasp as tears blurred my vision.

“No,” I whispered under my breath, stepping back. This couldn’t be real. It couldn’t be happening.

Kate’s voice broke through my disbelief. “You missed me, didn’t you?”

“You know I did,” Ryan replied, his tone soft and intimate. “You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted.”

The words sliced through me like a knife. I couldn’t bear to watch any longer. I turned to leave, my legs shaking beneath me.

But my heels betrayed me. The sharp sound of one striking the floor made Ryan’s head snap toward the door.

“Who’s there?” he called out, his voice sharp.

I didn’t wait to be seen. I bolted down the hallway, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Serena?” I heard him call, but I didn’t stop. I ran out of the building, ignoring the curious stares from the staff, and hailed the first cab I saw.

When I got home, I slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing in the empty flat.

“Damn it!” I screamed, throwing my purse across the room. My body shook as I collapsed onto the couch, burying my face in my hands.

The image of Ryan and Kate together was burned into my mind. The way he touched her, kissed her… like she was the only person in the world.

He had never treated me that way.

The only day we made out was because he returned home drunk!

“How could he do this to me?” I choked out, my voice breaking. “Why now? Why, when I—”

I placed a trembling hand over my stomach. “How am I supposed to tell him now?”

The door opened behind me. I froze, wiping my tears quickly as Ryan stepped in.

“Serena,” he said, his voice cold and distant.

I didn’t turn to face him. “What do you want, Ryan?”

“We need to talk.” His footsteps grew closer, and I could feel his presence looming behind me.

“About what?” I asked, my voice flat.

He moved to stand in front of me, adjusting his tie. His expression was unreadable, but his tone was sharp. “I want a divorce.”

The words hit me like a blow. I stared at him, my chest tightening. “A… divorce?”

“Yes.”

“Why?” My voice cracked, but I refused to let him see how much this hurt. “What did I do wrong, Ryan?”

“This isn’t about you,” he said, avoiding my gaze. “This marriage isn’t working. It’s better if we both move on.”

“Move on?” I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. “You mean you want to move on. With Kate, right?”

His jaw tightened, but he didn’t deny it.

“Say it,” I demanded, standing up. “Say her name!”

“Kate,” he said after a pause. “I love her, Serena. I’ve always loved her.”

My knees felt weak, but I forced myself to stay upright. “So that’s it? You’re throwing me away for her? After everything—”

He cut me off. “This was a contract, Serena. You knew that from the start.”

“I didn’t know it would feel like this!” I shouted, my voice cracking. “I didn’t know you’d break me like this, Ryan!”

He sighed, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase. “I had these prepared,” he said, placing them on the table. “You can read them at your own pace. I’m willing to offer financial support if you need it.”

I stared at the divorce papers, my hands shaking. “Support?” I laughed hollowly. “You think money will fix this? Fix me?”

“I’m trying to be fair,” he said defensively.

“Fair?” I repeated, my voice rising. “You cheated on me, Ryan. And now, you’re talking about fairness?”

He didn’t respond, only adjusted his tie again. “I’ll give you some space,” he muttered, turning toward the door.

“Ryan,” I called after him, my voice shaking.

He paused but didn’t turn around. “What?”

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. “I hope she’s worth it.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then he nodded and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.

I sank back onto the couch, tears spilling down my face. The man I had loved with all my heart had chosen someone else.

I looked at the divorce papers on the table, their presence mocking me. Slowly, I picked up the pen and signed my name.

With that, it was over.

I placed a hand on my stomach, a bittersweet smile forming on my lips. “It’s just us now,” I whispered. “And we’re going to be okay.”

5 YEARS LATER

Serena’s POV

I walked into my bright, sunny workplace at Rocky’s Designs. The walls were painted a light yellow, and the shelves were filled with sketches and small flower pots.

My large desk was at the centre, with a window behind it showing the city skyline.

This was my firm.

I developed it from the ground up, using only a few ideas and a lot of hard labour.

"Good morning, Miss Serena!" Emma, my assistant, said with a wide smile as she entered behind me.

She held a cup of coffee for me.

“Good morning, Emma,” I said, taking the cup. “Thank you. Do we have a busy day today?"

"Oh, yes," she replied, gazing at her tab.

“You have a meeting at 10 with the marketing team, a call with a client at 11, and a lunch meeting with Mr. Hayes."

“Mr. Hayes?" I enquired, lifting an eyebrow.

Emma nodded. "He wants to discuss the new project." I sighed, yet smiled.

“Alright, let's get to it."

As I sat down, I looked at the photograph on my desk. It was a picture of my four-year-old daughter, Amy.

Her sparkling blue eyes and curling brown hair would always make me grin. She was my entire universe.

“Mommy's working hard for you," I said to the photo before turning on the computer.

The meeting began at ten o'clock. I sat at the head of the table, with the marketing team assembled around.

“Okay, let's hear your ideas for the new campaign," I said, tapping my pen on my notebook.

Jason, a young team member, spoke up. "We were thinking about using bright colours and fun patterns to complement the new designs. It's clean and modern, just like Rocky's designs!"

I nodded, enjoying his exuberance.

“That sounds fantastic, Jason. Let's make sure the message is clear and easy to understand. Our designs aim to make homes happy and beautiful."

“Yes, ma'am!" Jason replied, scribbling notes.

The meeting lasted an hour, and at the end, I felt proud of my team.

They were as inventive and passionate as I thought they would be.

I met Mr. Hayes for lunch at the cafeteria in my company. He was a tall man with grey hair and a pleasant smile.

“Ms. Serena, it's always a pleasure," he added as we exchanged handshakes.

“Good to see you, too, Mr. Hayes," I said.

We sat at a table near the window. The server handed us menus, and we ordered sandwiches and ice tea.

It wasn't long before the meeting was wrapped up. We shook hands, and I walked towards the lift to return to my office.

My heels clicked against the tiled floor. I was deep in contemplation, going over the concepts from the day, when I got a weird sensation.

It was as if someone was observing me. I looked over my shoulder and saw nothing peculiar.

I dismissed the feeling and entered the lift, pressing the button for my floor.

The doors started to close, and as they did, I heard a voice say, "Wait!" The voice caused my breath to catch.

It sounded too familiar… the voice. But before I could respond, the lift doors closed and I was on my way up.

I shook my head, convincing myself it was nothing.

Ryan's POV.

I arrived at Rocky's Designs, with my assistant, Jefferson, close behind.

The structure looked sleek and modern, with a lot of bustle.

I had come here to discuss a possible collaboration, and while I was unfamiliar with the organisation, I had heard about their remarkable work.

As we approached the foyer, my gaze searched the surroundings. It was bright and friendly, with stylish furniture and artwork that reflected the company's creative side.

“This way, Mr Winters," Jefferson remarked, motioning towards the lifts.

As we waited, my attention was drawn to a woman walking in front of us. She wore a fitted navy dress and heels that clicked softly against the ground.

Her hair flowed down her back in waves, and something about her strides, the way she carried herself, tugged at my memory.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to place her.

“No,” I muttered beneath my breath. It couldn’t be.

The lift doors opened, I was stunned for a second, unsure whether my eyes were playing tricks on me.

But she turned slightly, allowing me to catch a glimpse of her profile. My heart has stopped.

“Serena?" I spoke softly at first.

"Wait!" I called again, louder this time, and moved quickly towards the lift.

She did not hear me—or perhaps she disregarded me.

By the time I arrived, the doors had already closed.

“Sir?" Jefferson enquired, looking at me with worry. I stood there, staring at the closing lift doors, my thoughts racing.

Was it actually her? After so many years?

“Is something wrong, Mr. Winters?" Jefferson asked again. I shook my head, but my chest felt tighter.

“No. Let us take the next lift.” My thoughts were anything but peaceful.

What was Serena doing here? And why did meeting her again rekindle sentiments I thought I had buried years ago?

Jefferson was still trying to figure out what was going on with me when he pressed the lift button.

He walked in right away, and I was going to follow suit when I heard a small voice from a distance.

“Wait for me, please!" yelled a tiny girl with haste.

I turned and saw a little girl with wavy brown hair bouncing as she rushed towards the lift.

She was holding a teddy bunny in one hand and waving her other arm in the air to get our attention.

Her brilliant blue eyes gleamed, and I couldn't help but smile at her innocence.

"Hold the door for me!" she exclaimed again, her small legs straining to close the gap.

I reflexively held the lift door open and glanced at Jefferson, who gave me a puzzled expression.

“It's just a kid," I said with a shrug, motioning for the small girl to enter.

"Thank you so much, sir!" she exclaimed, gathering her breath as she entered the lift.

Her speech was pleasant, friendly, and very mature for someone so young. She held her bunny teddy and smiled up at me.

“You're welcome," I said, still amused. "What are you doing here alone? Shouldn't someone be with you?"

“Oh, I'm not alone," she replied confidently. "I'm here to see my mummy, she works here."

Her mum? My curiosity piqued. "Does your mum work at Rocky's Designs? What does she do?"

"She's the boss," the little girl said proudly, standing a little taller. "She's the CEO!"

I raised an eyebrow. "The CEO?"

The child nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing.

“Yup! Mommy is really busy, yet she always finds time for me."

The lift dinged, indicating that we had reached the top floor. As the doors swung open, the little girl dashed out with the zest that only a child possessed.

“Thanks again, mister!" she murmured as she ran towards the reception counter.

I took a slower stride out, following her out of curiosity. She dashed up to the woman sitting behind the desk, who smiled pleasantly at her.

"Hi, Amy!" said the receptionist, who identified herself as Emma on her nameplate.

“Here to see your mum?"

“Yes, please!" Amy chirped.

Emma chuckled. "Alright, let me take you to her office." She stood up and extended her hand for Amy to accept.

Amy looked back at me. "You can come too, mister!" Before I could react, Emma turned to me with a pleasant but strong smile.

“I apologise, sir. Strangers are not allowed in the CEO's office.” I nodded, understanding, but as Emma and Amy walked away, something caught my attention just as the office door opened and closed.

A nameplate on the large desk inside the room gleamed in the light.

Serena Winthrop, CEO

My breath hitched.

It is her!

Ryan's POV

I left Rocky's Designs that day with my head racing.

It had to be her.

The name on the desk; Serena Winthrop. It was not a coincidence.

Could the little girl be Serena's daughter? I could not quit thinking about her.

We shared a past. How things ended drastically. And now, five years later, she is running a profitable business and maybe raising a child.

I shook my head as I considered the child who could be—

No, I needed answers and would get them.

The following day, I arrived at the company early, determined to see her.

I had a meeting with her staff to discuss a potential collaboration, but I wasn't going to finalise anything until I saw Serena.

I wanted to know if she was the CEO and, more crucially, if the little girl was her daughter.

The meeting started in a huge conference room. Her employees seemed eager to impress me, pitching ideas and tactics for how our companies could collaborate.

But my attention was elsewhere.

“Mr. Winters," one of them said, nervously smiling. "As you can see, we've put together a detailed proposal for the collaboration. Do you have any questions so far?"

I sat back in my chair and crossed my arms. “Yes, I do."

My tone was gentle yet firm. "I need the CEO present at this meeting. If she's not here, I'm afraid I won't be able to proceed with this partnership."

The room went silent. The workers exchanged nervous glances, apparently taken aback by my demand.

“Sir," one of them gently stated, "Ms. Winthrop is a very busy woman. She doesn't generally attend these meetings.”

"Well, she'll need to make an exception," I said. "I never sign deals without first meeting with the person in charge. If the CEO is not present, I will take my business elsewhere."

Panic washed over their faces. They understood how crucial this relationship was to their organisation.

After a brief, hushed talk between them, one of them stood up. "Excuse us for a moment, Mr. Winters," he said, exiting the room with another coworker.

Serena's POV

I was in my office studying some reports when I heard a knock on the door.

“Come in," I said without looking up.

Emma entered, looking apprehensive. "Ms. Serena, we have a situation."

I looked at her with a frown. "What kind of situation?"

“It’s the client from yesterday, Mr. Winters. He refuses to proceed with the collaboration unless you attend the meeting."

My heart skips a beat.

Mr Winters? Isn't that Ryan? I knew I’d heard a voice identical to his yesterday, and he was most likely seeking to confirm his concerns.

“Can't someone else handle it?" I asked, attempting to calm my anxiety.

Emma shakes her head. "He insisted on meeting you. If you don't go, we may lose the transaction."

I sighed, seeing I had little alternative. "Alright. Let us get this over with.”

I straightened my blazer and followed Emma to the conference room.

As the door opened, all eyes shifted to me.

And there he was. Ryan.

He stood up as I entered, his gaze fixed on mine. For a little period, I was unable to breathe.

He looked the same but different. Ryan had grown older and more mature, but he remains undeniably Ryan.

“Ms. Winthrop," one of my employees announced, shattering the stillness.

"This is Mr. Winters."

“I know who he is," I responded sternly, cutting him off.

Ryan's lips curved into a small smirk. "Hello, Serena."

I forced a pleasant smile. "Mr. Winters."

The anxiety in the room was evident, but I got through it. I couldn't let my feelings show, especially in front of my workers.

"Shall we proceed?" I enquired, taking a seat at the head of the table.

Ryan's gaze remained fixed on me throughout the meeting.

I maintained a professional demeanour, focussing on the specifics of the partnership while avoiding any personal engagement with him.

Ryan's POV

Serena strolled into the room, and I recognised her right away.

She hadn't changed much over the course of five years. She still exuded the same confidence and presence that lured me to become her friend in school.

However, there was something else now. A wall. She kept her responses brief and professional, not meeting my gaze for more than a few seconds.

I listened to the remainder of the talk, paying little attention to the contents.

I couldn't stop thinking about her and the little kid I saw yesterday.

When the meeting concluded, I stood up and met Serena's eyes.

“Ms. Winthrop," I said with a formal tone. "I'd like to have a word with you in private."

She paused, staring at her team. They gazed at her with anticipation, evidently expecting she would accept.

“Of course," she replied regretfully. "This way." She escorted me to her office, keeping the door open so I could enter.

The room looked as bright and immaculate as I remembered from yesterday.

“Please, have a seat," she added, her voice clipped.

I sat down and watched her closely as she took her seat behind the desk.

"What do you want, Ryan?" she enquired, folding her hands on the desk.

I leaned forwards. "You, Serena. I want answers."

“Answers about what?" she enquired, pretending ignorance.

“Don't play games with me, Serena," I added with a harder tone. "The little girl I saw yesterday—Is she your daughter?"

Her countenance froze, and for a brief minute, I believed she was about to tell me. But as she opened her mouth to speak, her phone rang, interrupting her response.

She looked at the caller ID, as she responded. "Hello?"

I couldn't hear the voice on the other end, but her pale face and panicked eyes were clear.

“What happened?" she enquired, her voice quivering. "Is she okay?"

There was a moment before she rose up abruptly, grabbing her bag.

“I'll be there right away," she replied before hanging up.

“What's going on?" I enquired while standing as well.

Serena barely noticed me as she ran towards the door. "My daughter." She was injured at school and rushed to the hospital."

"Hold on, I'd drive you there." I replied, praying she wouldn't answer no.

I could tell she was apprehensive, but she eventually nodded.

Ryan's POV

The drive to the hospital was tense. Serena sat stiffly in the passenger seat, clutching her phone like a lifeline.

She kept looking at it, her lips pulled together. I wanted to reassure her, but I wasn't sure how.

“What hospital?" I enquired, breaking the stillness.

“Private Children's Hospital," she answered, her voice clipped.

I nodded and sped up. We got to the hospital in record time.

Serena got out of the car before I could turn off the engine, her heels clicking rapidly against the sidewalk as she rushed inside.

I followed closely, unable to stop the sinking feeling in my chest.

At the front desk, she enquired about her daughter with a mix of worry and authority.

“Amy Winthrop. "Where is she?"

“Room 208," the receptionist replied.

Serena did not wait for any additional information. She turned and ran down the corridor, her urgency drawing me along.

When we arrived at the front of the room, she came to a sudden halt and turned to me.

Her eyes were full of contradictory feelings. "You don't have to come in," she said.

I paused, not wanting to interrupt such a private time.

“I'll wait here," I suggested. She offered a brief nod and disappeared into the room, the door closing behind her.

I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms. My thoughts raced.

I was almost positive that Amy was Serena's daughter. But was she mine, too?

Serena's POV

My heart broke when I walked into the room and saw Amy lying on the hospital bed.

Her petite frame appeared delicate, her wavy hair tangled, and her blue eyes sad.

“Mommy!" she wailed, extending her arms. I ran to her side and carefully scooped her up.

“Oh, my baby. I'm here. Mommy is here." Her arms clung to my neck, and I could feel her tiny body trembling against mine.

“She's fine," the nurse reassured me while changing Amy's IV. "A little shaken, but nothing serious. "The doctor will be in shortly to confirm."

"Thank you," I said softly, touching Amy's hair.

Amy sniffled and drew back slightly, her bright blue eyes staring up at me. "Mommy, isn't that the man from the lift outside the door?"

I froze, my heart missing a beat. "What man?"

“The one from yesterday. He held the lift for me," she added, her interest piqued.

“I think I saw him through the door's little glass window earlier."

I forced a serene grin. "It's probably just someone who resembles him, honey. Don't worry about it right now."

Amy bent her head and studied me. "Mommy, he was polite. Very nice."

“I'm sure he was, baby," I replied, kissing her forehead. "But let's not think about that now, okay?"

She nodded, her energy diminishing as the nurse returned to take her vital signs.

As I sat with Amy, my thoughts kept turning to Ryan. I knew he was outside waiting.

It was exactly like him—stubborn and relentless.

Ryan's POV

I paced outside the hospital room in serious concentration.

If Amy turns out to be my daughter, everything will change.

I couldn't stop thinking about how Serena had stared at me earlier, her defences raised like a castle.

I was sure she was hiding something.

Finally, the door opened, and Serena emerged. Her face was pallid, and her shoulders drooped from fatigue.

“How is she?" I enquired.

"She's okay," she murmured softly. "Only a few bruises. The doctor says she'll be able to go home soon." Relief flooded over me.

“That's good."

We remained there in awkward silence for a while before I revealed what had been bothering me.

“Serena, is Amy my daughter?" Her eyes widened, and she looked back at the door, as if she was afraid someone would hear.

“Ryan, this isn't the time—"

“It is," I interrupted her.

“I need to know. Five years ago, I made the biggest mistake in my life. I allowed someone else to come between us, and I served you with divorce papers because I was too blind to recognise what I already had. I thought I was pursuing love, but I had no idea I was leaving it behind."

Serena's expression darkened. "You're oversimplifying things, Ryan. You didn't just leave me… you broke me."

Her remarks hit me like a blow to the chest, but I refused to back down.

“Yes, I did. I will never forgive myself for that. But if Amy is mine, I want to be present in her life. I have to be."

Serena looked down, her hands trembling.

For a second, I believed she was going to tell me the truth. But before she could speak, the nurse appeared at the doorway.

“She's asking for you," the nurse informed Serena.

Serena nodded and returned her attention to me.

“We'll talk another time, Ryan," she remarked before entering the room.

I exhaled softly, frustration and hope battling within me.

~~~

I lingered outside the hospital because I couldn't force myself to leave.

Amy was still asleep in Serena's arms when she eventually stepped out.

Her small head lay on Serena's shoulder, and her hair framed her calm expression.

Serena seems shocked to find me still there.

“You didn't have to wait," she explained quietly.

“I was going to drop you off at home," I said. My eyes were locked on Amy, and my heart felt like it was about to burst.

"You don't need to worry about it. Someone brought my automobile here.” Serena said as she walked towards her car.

I followed, offering to help. "Let me carry her."

She looked unsure, but eventually nodded and delicately moved Amy into my arms.

Holding her seemed weird. She was so little and lovely. My heart ached from emotions I didn't understand.

We arrived at Serena's car, and I gently placed Amy in her car seat.

I stepped back and turned to face Serena. "We need to continue our previous discussion," I reiterated.

She glanced at me with cautious eyes. "Oh, please. "Not now, Ryan."

I wasn't ready to back down, but seeing how fatigued she appeared, I hesitantly spoke. "Soon, Serena. You owe me an explanation."

She did not answer, but I noticed the conflicted glances in her eyes as she got into her car and drove away.

I hurried to my car, got in, and began following her.

Ryan sat in his car a few houses down from where Serena had parked, his hands firmly grasping the steering wheel.

The small home, with its well manicured plants and comforting lights lighting inside, told him one thing; Serena had made her life here without him.

He wasn't sure what to expect, but seeing the house triggered a peculiar combination of emotions; shame and longing.

He watched Serena gently carry a sleeping Amy into the house. The sight of his daughter caused his chest to hurt.

He had missed so much, years of her life that he couldn't reclaim.

But right now, he wasn't there for Amy. He needed to see Serena.

Ryan waited until the lights in the house darkened, then calculated how long it would take Serena to tuck Amy into bed.

His mind raced, and memories of their time together came flooding back.

When they were only pals, her laughter would lighten even his worst days. After they married, she gazed at him as if he were her entire universe.

But then, he had thrown everything away.

Not tonight.

Tonight, he refused to let her push him away.

When enough time had elapsed, he stepped out of his car, his resolve unwavering. He came up to her door and rang the bell.

Serena was startled by the sound of the doorbell, and her heart raced.

Who could be here at this hour? She hesitated for a bit before walking to the door.

She noticed him while looking through the peephole.

Ryan.

Her pulse sped, and a rush of emotions washed over her—anger, perplexity, and something else she didn't want to accept.

She opened the door slightly while holding the chain lock in place.

“What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?” she asked sternly.

Ryan's gaze was fierce, his eyes fixed on her.

“I could not leave things as they were, Serena. We need to talk."

“There's nothing to talk about," she said, beginning to close the door.

Ryan pressed his hand against the door, using his strength to keep it open.

“Let me in, Serena," he murmured quietly, but with a demanding tone.

She hesitated, sighed, and briefly closed the door to undo the chain.

Ryan did not wait when she reopened it. He walked inside and slammed the door behind him.

“Ryan, I—" Serena began, but before she could finish, he was on her.

His hands cupped her face, and his lips smashed down on hers with such force that she lost her breath.

She froze for a brief minute, taken aback by the ferocity of his kiss. But then her body failed her.

She melted into him, her hands grabbing his shirt as his lips pressed against hers, demanding and relentless.

It had been so long since she felt this, and her carefully constructed defences fell in an instant.

“Ryan," she muttered against his lips, but it came across more as a plea than a protest.

He did not stop. His hands slipped down to her waist, bringing her closer until there was no room between them.

“I've missed you," he said softly, his voice raspy and full of love.

Serena's determination weakened. She'd spent years convincing herself she was over him and had moved on.

But now, with his touch sparking every nerve in her body, all of the falsehoods she had told herself began to unravel.

"Stop," she said quietly, but her body betrayed her as she kissed him back just as hard.

Ryan picked her effortlessly and carried her to the couch. He lowered her carefully, his lips never leaving hers.

"Ryan, we shouldn't…" she started, but his kisses ran down her neck, leaving a trail of heat.

“Tell me to stop, Serena," he said, his voice heavy and desperate.

However, she didn't.

The night passed in a flurry of intensity and intense emotion.

Serena had forgotten what it was like to be touched by him and feel so loved.

She despised herself for giving in so quickly, but nothing else mattered in that moment.

When she eventually fell asleep, her head resting on Ryan's chest, she felt a peculiar sensation of calm that she hadn't felt in years.

~~~~

Ryan left Serena's house early the next morning, the fresh air doing little to quench the fire that remained in his veins.

As he approached his car and took his phone from his pocket, the screen lighted up with several missed calls from Kate, his girlfriend.

His jaw tightened as he looked at the notifications, wondering why she called without returning the call and drove away.

****

Serena awoke to an empty bed.

For a while, she believed it was all a dream. But when she saw the tousled blankets partly on the floor beside her, truth struck her like a tidal wave.

She sat up, holding the blanket to her chest, her cheeks flushed with humiliation.

“What have I done?" she said to herself. The recollections from the night before came flooding back.

She let Ryan back in, allowing him to touch and embrace her. She had allowed him to see a side of her that she had kept concealed for so long.

Serena hid her face in her palms. She felt weak and silly.

Ryan had left her once before, and she vowed never to let him hurt her again. But now she was unsure.

A quiet knock on her bedroom door interrupted her thoughts.

“Mommy?" Amy's tiny voice rang out.

Serena instantly controlled herself and put on a robe before opening the door.

“Good morning, darling. How are you feeling now?" she said, attempting a grin.

“Good morning, I'm feeling better mommy." Amy replied with a drowsy grin.

"Can we have pancakes?"

Serena nodded and rubbed Amy's hair softly, happy for the distraction. "Of sure, Baby. Go wash up, and I'll begin making them."

"You're the best Mommy ever…" Amy exclaimed.

Serena leaned on the doorframe while Amy rushed away.

Her mind was still racing, but she put those ideas aside. She needed to focus on Amy.

But deep inside, she knew it wasn't over. Ryan returned, and things were far from resolved.