Becomes

Chapter 0065

Serena’s POV

After two days in the hospital, I’m finally getting discharged. I’m waiting by the entrance, a small bag of personal items by my feet, when I see Stevie’s car pull up.

Stevie jumps out of the driver’s side, her energy like a burst of fresh air. Freedom at last!” she exclaims, her smile wide as she rushes over to

give me a gentle hug.

“I was starting to think they’d keep me forever,” I joke back.

“Over my dead body. I’d have stormed in there, nurses be damned,” Stevie retorts with mock seriousness. She grabs my bag before I can. protest and heads to the open trunk of her car.

As we settle into the car, the comfort of the seat feels like a luxury after the hospital bed. “So, how’s the patient feeling?” Stevie asks. The engine hums gently as she starts the car.

“Better, now that I’m out of there,” I reply. “I can rest properly in my bed. Thank goodness.”

“How’s the bitch doing? I mean… The one who attacked you,” Stevie asks. It’s been a while since anyone brought up Doris. Just the thought. of her sends shivers down my spine.

But Stevie’s my best friend. With her, I feel safe enough to talk about anything, even the things that unsettle me the most.

“Oh, she’s rotting in prison,” I say, a bit of relief in my voice. “Guess I’ll never see her again.”

“Good riddance, then,” she says. “No one should mess with my bestie.”

I see Stevie turn a different way. “Wait, this isn’t the way home. Where

are you taking me?” I ask, confused.

“I was thinking ice cream. Like, a lot of ice cream,” she says, a grin evident in her voice. “Doctor’s orders, right?”

I can’t help but laugh, the sound mingling with the sense of relief at being back in the real world. “The best prescription I’ve heard all week,”

I agree.

Once I get home, I spend a week mostly sleeping and making TikTok videos to distract myself. At first, it’s entertaining and helps take my mind off things. But it doesn’t take long before I start feeling bored and begin to miss being at the shop.

So, I message Stevie, asking if it’s okay for me to come back to the shop. She texts back quickly, telling me to take it easy and that she’s got everything under control there.

But this makes me feel guilty. I know managing the shop means. Stevie’s putting her own passion – photography – on hold. She loves her photography career, and it bothers me that I’m the reason she’s stepping away from it, even if it’s just temporary.

Calvin and Bill both check in on me now and then. Despite being busy with their businesses, they find time to send messages, asking if I’m okay. I’m not sure what to think. It’s nice to see people care, but at the same time, the attention is suffocating.

When Stevie finally says I can come back to the shop, my excitement is through the roof. I end up arriving early, eager to jump back into the routine. To my surprise, I find Stevie already there, busy with preparations before we officially open for the day.

Seeing me, Stevie breaks into a smile and says, “Welcome back, bestie.”

I can’t help but return her smile. “It’s good to be back,” I say, my voice

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Chapter 0065

full of genuine happiness.

Stevie and I get to work, getting the shop ready for the day. I start by cleaning the display cases until the glass sparkles, making sure every piece of jewelry looks its best under the morning light. Their gemstones catch the light and glitter invitingly.

Stevie, meanwhile, checks our inventory list against the stock in the back room, ensuring everything is accounted for. She’s meticulous, making sure each piece of jewelry is in its rightful place and ready for the day’s customers. After the inventory check, she moves on to arranging the window display, switching out pieces for a fresh look.

After we finish setting up, Stevie turns to me and says, “As much as I wanted you to rest, I can’t lie I’m really glad to have your help with the prep today.” She gives a small chuckle before adding, “I didn’t realize you were doing this much every day.”

“I love the work,” I admit. “It’s part of what makes this place so special

to me.”

Stevie’s expression shifts to a frown. “You should really consider getting an assistant,” she suggests earnestly. “You can’t afford to get stressed out and tired, especially since you’re still pregnant.”

I pause, letting Stevie’s suggestion sink in. The more I think about it, the more it seems like a great idea. Getting an assistant could really help. out, making my life easier and keeping the shop running well without me having to push myself too hard.

“Okay, I’ll find someone to help me out,” I say.

Just a few minutes before opening, a woman arrives at the shop. She’s dressed in elegant clothing a sleek, tailored coat that falls just above her knees, paired with a simple yet chic dress underneath.

“Marjorie, it’s great to see you,” I say, smiling as I go over to her.

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“Likewise, dear,” she responds with a warm smile. “How are you doing? I’ve heard the news.” Her tone is caring and concerned.

She must have seen the video of Doris getting arrested and her accusing me of being a gold–digger. “I’m fine. Thanks for asking. How about you?”

Marjorie dismisses the concern with a smooth gesture of her hand. “Oh, I’m doing well,” she answers. “Let’s get right to the point… I’m here because I’ve thought of a way for us to collaborate. Would you like to hear more about it?”

My surprise must be written all over my face. The thought that a famous designer like Marjorie would even think about working with a small business owner like me leaves me almost speechless.

“Really?” I manage to say. “I mean, yes, of course, I’d love to hear more.”