SERENA’S POVI felt my heart racing and cheeks burning as I stammered, "Mom, how long were you standing there exactly?" She looked at me with concerned eyes, "Long enough to hear the raucous yelling but not make out what was being said. I am wondering what all the fuss was about between these two grown men." She shot a chiding look at Cameron and Kaden, who appeared to have calmed down a bit.I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. Quick, I needed to come up with an explanation. "It was just a, uh, legal case thing at the company. Work stuff, you know how messy disputes can get." Mom furrowed her brows, clearly not fully convinced. "A legal case? Between you, Cameron and Kaden? What on earth is this case about that has the three of you arguing like that?" she pried.I shuffled on my feet anxiously, mind working frantically to think of a very believable lie. "It's just a property development plan we're working on together that hit a disagreement. But like I said, it's being handled
SERENA’S POV"So I take it you all have heard the news," I said with a sigh, setting my bag down heavily. My mother rose from the couch, hands clenched together tightly. "Serena, is it true what we saw on the news? You're defending that man?"I sighed, nodding as I hung up my coat. "Mom please,do not look at me like that. You know as well as I do he has a right to legal representation, guilty or not." Dan snorted derisively. "Please. That monster doesn't deserve rights. Did you forget what he's accused of? How could you represent that monster, Serena?Do you have any idea the things he's done? The people he's hurt?""I'm well aware of the charges," I replied, keeping my tone even. "Murder one. But it's precisely because of allegations this serious that competent counsel is needed the most. I have an obligation to see that due process is followed."Dan looked more irritated by the second."You think you can defend a ruthless man like that? He'll destroy you if you try. Get yourself out
KADEN’S POVEver since that night with Bianca, things hadn’t been great with Serena and I. I didn’t know if she just avoided me or she was genuinely choked with the stress of representing Richard Miller. Till now, I still didn’t understand why she was taking up the bastard’s case. I hoped she would at least give me a chance to explain myself one of these days. It was fucking killing me inside. When I drove in from work that evening, I swiped at my phone to see Bianca’s text requesting an urgent meeting. What could be so important that it couldn't wait? "We need to talk. I'm coming over." Nothing good ever followed an ominous message like that and I felt quite uneasy.When the doorbell finally rang, I swung it open prepared for the apocalypse. "Kaden, there's something I need to tell you," Bianca said without preamble. Her expression gave nothing away as she brushed past into the living room. "Alright, you're worrying me now. Just spit it out," I replied quickly."Relax, I have s
SERENA’S POVMy chest felt tight as I watched Bianca and Kaden leave my bedroom, closing the door behind them."Damn it," I muttered, hitting the mattress in frustration. I had cried more tears over him than any other man, and it was getting pathetic. I must have looked like a fool, crying like that in front of them. In front of Bianca. What was even wrong with me? I couldn't put my finger on it, the tears just kept flowing of their own. I hated showing any sign of weakness. I walked over to my en suite bathroom and looked at my puffy, red eyes in the mirror. I splashed some cool water on my face, trying to wash away the evidence of my episode. As the water dripped down my cheeks, my heart still ached with a pain I didn't fully understand. Where was this coming from?Ughhhhhhhhh!I took a few deep breaths, drying my face with a towel. I had to pull myself together. I couldn't let this...whatever this was continue affecting me. There was work to be done. When morning came, I was sh
SERENA’S POV "Friends, family, thank you all for being here to celebrate Kaden's marriage. For those who don't know me, my name is Serena and I've had the pleasure of knowing Kaden for some time now," I began.Remembering our first meeting at the Lodge mansion all these time, I continued."At first I thought he was such a mysterious person and it got me intrigued.In the days and months that followed, I got to witness firsthand Kaden's kindness, work ethic, and passion for his talent. I admire how gentle, calm and collected you are,Kaden, and I’m publicly thanking you for your support so far. Thank you for always being there for me, for actually being my …friend and uh…making me happy,”I gulped. Inwardly I wished I could say what I was really there for and pour out my heart but I still wasn’t even sure if he was in love with me.A public confession was definitely gonna do more harm than good and no way in hell was I embarrassing myself. Besides,that snake Bianca was crazy.“That is
SERENA’S POVI took a deep breath as I entered the courtroom, the heavy wooden doors creaking behind me. All eyes turned in my direction but I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead, focusing on the podium in front of the judge's bench. I had rehearsed what I needed to say dozens of times but it still felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. After all these years, the truth was finally coming to light. Today was the final court hearing for Richard Miller.Richard Miller sat at the defendant's table, his hands cuffed in front of him, looking as smug and arrogant as ever. Just being in his presence again made my skin crawl but I calmed myself, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me shaken. I nodded respectfully to the judge and took my seat in the front row, arranged to have a clear view of the proceedings.Judge Wilson cleared his throat and began. "This court has reconvened to address new evidence presented in the cases of People vs. Richard Miller and the histor
SERENA’S POVLater that night after the celebration of the trial, I left my room in search of some warm milk I suddenly craved. And then I found Kaden lingering in the dining hall having a late snack. He spotted me and rose at once."Serena, wait - we need to talk," he insisted, closing the distance between us. I tensed, wishing to avoid just such a confrontation. "There's nothing to discuss, Kaden. Now if you'll excuse me-"But he blocked my path firmly. "No, we're not going to keep avoiding each other in this house. It's been months of this uneasy tension and I'm fucking sick of it."I sighed wearily. "What do you want from me? You're planning a wedding. Shouldn’t your focus be on that?” Frustration flared in his eyes. "I want the old Serena back, not this shadow you’ve become. We never even talk anymore because of this...this thing between us." "There is no 'thing,'" I retorted firmly, feeling a little uneasy at how close he was standing to me right now. "Please move aside."
SERENA’S POV I was carrying new life inside me, a little baby that would be here in just over six months' time. A sudden influx of emotions overwhelmed me as I sat processing this life changing news. "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate you taking the time to clarify things for me. It's...a lot to take in." She handed me some information pamphlets. "I know this was unexpected, but you have support. Feel free to call or come in if any other questions or concerns arise in the meantime.And, please take plenty of rest. You need to stay healthy for you and your baby too, I noticed you’ve been under a lot of stress and pressure lately so take it easy okay?"I smiled gratefully and thanked her, my mind still spinning as I left the office.I floated through the clinic doors in a daze, doctor's words on repeat in my mind. Pregnant. Three whole months along already and I'd had no clue. It was all too much to process.I had mixed emotions and the first person I could think about calling was my b
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