SERENA’S POVI let out a deep breath as I stepped through the courthouse doors. It had been a difficult trial but we had won. Justice was served. Flashes from cameras went off all around me as reporters shouted questions. "Serena Santos, over here! What does this victory mean for your career?" "How does it feel to take down Big Tobacco?" I smiled politely but kept walking. "No comment for now, thank you." The last thing I needed was another headline plastering my face. I just wanted to go home and celebrate with Mom and Katy. My eyes scanned the parking lot, searching for my car. That's when I noticed the black sedan idling at the far end. It was nondescript but something about it gave me pause. Hadn't I seen it tailing me earlier that day? I tried to shrug it off as a coincidence but my unease only grew. Since the case started I had been having the feeling of being watched.Finally spotting my Toyota, I hurried over and clicked the locks. As I started the engine, I glanced in the
SERENA’S POVJust then, a black Mercedes came squealing into the station. My heart leapt as I recognized Kaden leaping out, face like a thundercloud as he took in the scene. He roared at the men, "Take your filthy paws off her right now before I break every bone in your pathetic bodies!" Despite how chilly his tone sounded, I was completely relieved.Wisely backing down, Lyle dropped my wrist and he and his buddy put up their hands in mock surrender. "Whoa there big guy, no need to get violent. We were just chatting with the little lady here.”But Kaden wasn't fooled. He stepped protectively in front of me, pushing me behind his broad shoulders. "Chatting, my ass. Now I’m gonna be giving you two choices; leave here with your already unattractive faces intact or leave with broken bones and not being able to tell people that your faces weren’t as worse as it would be when I’m done with you.Your own fucking choice." Jake whispered something to his companion, his eyes widening in rec
SERENA’S POV"Calm down, Serena. It was just a nightmare," he said, his voice soothing.I went silent, feeling my hands tremble as I placed them over my racing heart. "I'm sorry," I managed to say, my voice quivering. "I must have been triggered because of what happened earlier tonight."Kaden's gaze softened, and he sat down on the edge of the bed. "It's okay, Serena. Nightmares can be overwhelming, especially after a traumatic experience. You don't have to apologize."I nodded, feeling a mix of both relief and a little bit of embarrassment. "I just hope I didn't wake up the whole mansion."Kaden shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nah, just me. And actually, I wasn't really sleeping anyway. It’s a good thing I just went to grab a bottle of juice from the kitchen and was on my way back before I heard you. If I was already in my room,I definitely wouldn’t.”“And why is that?”“Ya know? Soundproof?”“Oh…” I trailed off. “Well thank God our parents room are on the other
SERENA’S POV“Are you for real?” I flushed and he chuckled.“Just kidding. Of course I would stay with you,scaredy cat.”I didn’t mind if he was inside me though but right at that moment I just wanted him beside me,holding me till I fell asleep.****As the morning light filtered through the curtains, the next morning,I slowly opened my eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. I stretched my limbs, expecting to find Kaden's strong arms still wrapped around me, but to my surprise, they weren't there.Of course he had left already,he had to prepare for work. It was then that I noticed the small note on the nightstand.I picked it up, recognizing Kaden's font-like handwriting. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I read his words: "Good morning, sleepy head. I hope you feel better. Get your ass ready for work. See you later tonight."My heart swelled with warmth at his thoughtfulness and for him agreeing to stay with me when I asked him to. Just as I was folding the note a
SERENA’S POVI mustered up the courage to ask Kaden to teach me self-defense. After all, he had an intimidating presence that made men cower, and I couldn't help but wonder if he possessed some hidden fighting skills. As we sat together on the couch, I took a deep breath and posed my request."Kaden, I was wondering if you could teach me self-defense," I requested simply.He snorted with laughter, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You think I can fight? You've got to be kidding me."I frowned,"Well, those men who crossed you that day seemed pretty scared. You must be a great fighter."He sighed, his gaze shifting away momentarily. "Yeah, I guess I'm a decent fighter. But teaching someone is a whole different ballgame. I don't think I can teach you anything."I pleaded with him, my eyes filled with an earnest desire to learn. "Please, Kaden. I just want to be able to defend myself if the need arises. I don't want to feel helpless like I felt the other day. It sucked."He studied me f
SERENA’S POVHe was leaning halfway over me as he brought his hand up to my face, running his fingertips over my cheek to cup my jaw, bringing his face down to mine. He brushed his lips over mine, once, twice, then diving into a kiss that sent the world spinning. Then he grabbed my neck and kissed me senseless and there I was melting into his arms.His lips. Christ, his lips! They were so soft and it felt like kissing silk . Then he pulled away just as quickly as he had leaned in for the kiss and just watched me before getting on to his feet. As I lay there, trying to catch my breath, I suddenly felt a drop of rain on my shoulder. I glanced up, the droplets beginning to fall more steadily. Panic surged through me as I jumped to my feet."Kaden, it's about to rain! We need to start leaving!" I exclaimed, not wanting to get soaked.He looked up at the darkening sky, realization dawning on his face. "You're right. Let's go."We hurriedly made our way out of the training area, the rain
SERENA’S POVI was sitting in my room going over some files on my laptop when the door suddenly flung open.I gave an eye roll knowing who exactly it was.“You can come in Cameron,” I said sarcastically turning to face him with a sigh.He entered with a gleaming white box tucked under his arm. “I have a surprise for you,” he said with a charming smile. He set the box gently in my hands.Oh Cameron was a real charmer wasn’t he? He always had his way with gifts. “What is it?” I asked, feeling the soft material within. “Why don’t you open it and see?” He asked calmly digging his hands into his trouser pockets.Slowly, I lifted the lid, gasping as I revealed the treasure inside. Nestled in tissue paper was the most exquisite gown I had ever seen!It was a midnight blue chiffon dress practically glittering right back at me.“It’s gorgeous,” I breathed in disbelief. “Do you like it? I had it custom made for you,” Cameron said proudly. I ran my hands over the smooth fabric in awe. This
SERENA’S POV“Morning Mr Alex,” I greeted my boss the following morning watching him lean back into his chair carefully."Good morning," he replied politely, gesturing for me to sit. "I've got a new case for you, Serena, and it's a big one." He slid a file across his desk toward me. “Hit me,”My fingers briskly flipped open the folder as he continued,"The D.A. just charged a celebrity with murder one - they’re saying he stabbed his girlfriend to death in a jealous rage. The press is going to have a field day with this. I'm putting you as lead on the defense.”Looking up, I nodded. "I'll get started preparing right away. When's arraignment?""Next Monday, in San Francisco. I'm assigning you an assistant for this one, given the scope." He stood and motioned to the doorway. "Serena, I'd like you to meet your new partner, Evan Cooper."Evan stepped forward with an easy smile, extending his hand in greeting. Tall and fit, he radiated calm competence. Dark hair fell messily across his str
FINAL CHAPTER.Author’s note: (Thank you for sticking with me till the end of the journey bestie. I love you so much! Plus, pardon me as this chapter would be told in Cameron’s POV and then Serena’s wrapping it up. Let’s say our goodbyes shall we?)CAMERON’S POVI slammed the trunk shut on my overstuffed suitcase, sighing in relief that it had finally closed. After so much preparation, the day was finally here - I was moving to Spain for treatment. A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called, straightening up. The door opened to reveal Serena, arms wrapped tightly as if warding off cold. "Last chance to back out," she tried to joke, but it came out hollow. I moved to her, taking her hands gently in my own. "This is something I need to do, Serena. The best chance I have is with that specialist in Barcelona." Her bottom lip quivered, and I squeezed softly. "Hey, none of that now. I'm going to be just fine."“I’m sorry,” she sniffled. “I’m just getting sup
SERENA’S POVTime seemed to slow as I tried to understand what was happening. Richard's eyes were bloodshot and angry. "You did this to me, Serena! Now it's your turn to lose everything you cunning little bitch !" My heart stopped in my chest, body frozen in fear. This couldn't be real.But it was all too real as two more simultaneous bangs rang out, snapping me from my trance. I choked on a scream at the sight before me - Kaden and Cameron had leapt in front of me and were now collapsing to the floor in a pool of blood."No!" I shrieked, dropping to my knees in between them.Suddenly a final shot blasted, then silence. I slowly glanced up to find Richard's empty eyes staring blankly at the ceiling, a pool of blood blossoming under him. The police had finally arrived and taken him out. But the damage was done. I choked back a sobbing wail as I surveyed the whole room. Mom and Mr Lodge had hurried over to us in panic. I could hear them yelling but couldn’t make out what they were say
NOVEMBER.(PRESENT DAY..)SERENA’S POVI fussed anxiously with my hair and makeup, wanting everything to be perfect for Cameron. He had been so caring and patient as I struggled to sort through my tangled feelings for the last three months. I owed him an answer tonight.I had moved into my own apartment finally. I wanted a fresh start, something new. And I knew I was not going to move on if I remained in that house. I remembered Kaden all too much. He was still in my heart and a tiny piece of my heart still believed he was somewhere out there… safe and alive maybe. Katy breezed into my house just then, arms loaded with bags from our shopping spree. “When Cam sees you, he’s going to melt!” she declared. Smiling weakly, I prayed she was right. I cared for Cam with all my heart but letting Kaden go and opening myself fully again still terrified me. Nevertheless, I was ready to try.Oh and Katy and I were best friends again. I wasn’t going to throw away all our solid years of friendsh
KADEN’S POVI didn’t leave alright. Even though I really wanted to. But it would have been really foolish because I had no idea where I was gonna go anyway. Until I had my entire memories back I had to stay put. Which sucked. But it wasn’t all bad. Some time had passed and I was starting to develop a soft spot for Vivian. Setting down my pen that evening, I sighed and rubbed my temples.Vivian found me there, holding a mug of steaming tea. "How are you feeling tonight,Kade?" she inquired softly. I glanced up at her and took the mug in my hands."I remembered Bianca, my ex," I admitted heavily. “And why we broke up. But I haven’t remembered what else happened after that,”Vivian nodded in understanding, gingerly taking a seat beside me. "I never told you why I left, did I? The truth is, I was young and foolish - blinded by dreams of fame and fortune. Your father wanted us to work closely together and build his company together. But allI craved was being a model.I was never cut out f
THREE MONTHS AGO….. KADEN’S POV My eyes slowly opened, but everything was a blur. My head ached with a dull throbbing pain. As my vision came into focus, I realized I was lying in an elegant four poster bed, dressed in soft cotton pajamas. I turned my head, noticing a woman sitting beside the bed. She was lovely, with wavy brown hair and striking green eyes. But I didn't recognize her. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was...nothing. My mind was a blank slate. I tried to speak but my throat was parched and cracked. A straw was pressed to my lips and cool water trickled down. After several swallows, I lost consciousness again. My eyes opened again slowly, adjusting to the bright light. I wasn’t sure how long I had passed out for. Every muscle in my body ached as I tried to move. "Kaden, can you hear me?" The woman’s soft voice asked. My muddled mind scrambled for answers. "What...happened?" I croaked. "Kaden, you're finally awake!" she exclaimed in a happy v
SERENA’S POVI took Mom’s hand in mine. "I'm sorry, it wasn't meant to go on so long. But you two seemed so happy, I didn't want to upset things. Mr Lodge was the first man to make you happy after Dad and I didn’t want to ruin everything just because of our relationship that wasn’t even defined.""We're not upset about your relationship," Mr Lodge cut in firmly. "We're upset that our own children felt they had to deceive us for God knows how long.""I know, and I apologize," Cameron replied sincerely. "It was wrong of us. But my feelings for Serena are real, and there's a chance her baby could have been mine." Mr Lodge sighed heavily. "We trusted you both, and you continued lying to our faces every day. I'm very disappointed.""Pops, I know it was selfish of us. If only I had come clean when Serena lost the baby, this all could've been avoided." Mom's expression softened a fraction, though Mr Lodge still shook his head sadly. Cameron stepped forward, tentatively taking my hand in
SERENA’S POVA month later….AUGUST.I inhaled Kaden's familiar cologne as I buried my face deeper into one of his favorite hoodies in his closet. I always came into his room anytime I felt the need to be near him. Every of his belonging was kept in place, untouched. It still seemed like he was there. He always loved to keep things in order. I was still mourning him though and probably would still continue till it was time to finally let go. But I wasn’t just mourning Kaden, I was mourning my baby too. That particular night I had learnt of Karen’s death, I had slipped in my bathroom and it was a terrible fall.My baby died even before I was being rushed to the hospital and I had to use crutches around the house and to work for moving. The cast had been removed from my leg only few days ago and I was walking properly now without the aid of the crutches. The excruciating pain I was feeling this whole time was both physical and emotional. I needed a break, I needed to unwind. But as
CAMERON’S POVPausing outside the closed door, I took a deep breath and balanced the steaming mug of cinnamon tea in my hand before pushing Serena’s door open.As always, I didn’t bother to knock . Serena sat blankly by the window, eyes red and empty. One hand idly sat on her belly. "Serena," I said softly, crossing over to sit beside her. "I brought you something to drink. You need to keep your strength up, for the baby." She didn't move or acknowledge the mug beside her. I sighed, running an anxious hand through my hair. "Please, Serena. You need to at least drink something, even if you don't feel like it."Finally, she whispered in a broken rasp, "There's no point, Cam. What am I eating and drinking for? Is there a party? We’re all mourning,." It seemed as though she was going to cry fresh tears soon.“You know,you cried more than me even if though Kaden is my twin.” I refused to use “was”. Somehow, I still felt like I hadn’t lost him yet. Even though we constantly had misund
SERENA’S POVTwo long months had passed with still no sign of Kaden, and it was still hard as hell. I woke up every morning thinking I was gonna get at least some positive news about his whereabouts but still nothing.Did he just vanish? Because if he didn’t why was it taking so damn long to find him?My baby was growing inside my belly but inside I was feeling hollow. It wasn’t fair at all for him to confess his feelings and then disappear just like that!That afternoon, we were sharing lunch together. Mom had specially invited Evan to join us and she made sure to stuff his plate with everything he wanted.I kinda felt guilty knowing I was lying to both her and Mr Lodge. I had to come clean. Perhaps maybe when my baby was born and I found out who the actual father was.Cameron kept shooting hard glares at Evan which he wasn’t even paying any attention to.Mom filled my plate with more pasta. sympathetically. "Eat, my darling. You need as much strength as you can get for your baby h