Becomes

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.”

Calvin sighs a weary but warm smile 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.”

Calvin reaches out, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’ve 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.

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.

19 079

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 can show my gratitude in another way. I watch him, hoping he’ll like what I’ve put together.

Chapter 0076

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0076

Serena’s POV

Calvin lifts the lid of the box. Inside, a small, elegant piece of jewelry. It’s shaped to fit perfectly around a shirt cuff, gleaming subtly under the light. Engraved on its smooth, polished surface are the initials “CJL.”

He looks both shocked and confused as he picks up the piece, turning it over in his hand. “A cufflink with my initials on it?” he says. “You shouldn’t have, Serena.”

I smile, brushing off his concern. “I wanted to,” I reassure him. Consider it a thank you. It’s just a little thing compared to everything you’ve done for me.”

“Thank you,” he says sincerely. “No one has ever done something so nice for me.”

I lean forward and say, “I just want to show I appreciate you, Calvin, for who you are. Any woman would be lucky to have you.”

He looks away. “There’s only one woman I want… You. But I know you’re not ready yet, so I’ll respect that.”

I feel a pang of disappointment at his words, but I know he’s right. ” Thank you, Calvin,” I say quietly. “I just need a little more time.”

11

Calvin’s gaze intensifies as he studies my face, searching for clues.‘ Are you going somewhere? Why do I feel like you’re saying goodbye?”

I shake my head quickly, wanting to dispel his worries. “No, I’m not going anywhere. I just have a lot on my mind right now.”

I pause, making sure to meet his gaze. “I want you to know how much ! appreciate you, Calvin. You mean a lot to me and you hold a special place in my heart,” I admit.