CHAPTER 137: CHAPTER 137 AN INVITATION CELEBRATION GALA FROM CELESTIAL GEMS

Serena’s POV

I felt the velvet box snap shut between my fingers, the satisfying "click" cutting off that blinding diamond sparkle. No way was I falling for this grand gesture crap. Not again. Not in front of all these people with their cameras and hungry eyes waiting to capture my reaction like vultures.

I shoved the box back into Ryan’s pocket and yanked him up from his ridiculous kneeling position. My smile never faltered—professionally pleasant and completely disconnected from the absolute hurricane raging inside me.

"I believe the reporters have all heard what needed to be clarified today," I announced smoothly, ignoring Ryan’s bewildered expression beside me. "I trust everyone will report the facts accurately going forward."

I swept my gaze across the room, making deliberate eye contact with several journalists whose pens had frozen mid-air.

"The reputation of Dreamland Studio and my personal character are in your hands. As for the private matters between Mr. Blackwood and myself—" I paused, letting my words sink in, "—we won’t be taking up any more public resources to discuss them."

I turned slightly toward Ryan, keeping my voice steady despite the hammering of my heart. "I have another commitment. Excuse me."

Before anyone could react, I pushed my way through the crowd of stunned reporters. The shock of my rejection had created a momentary paralysis in the room—perfect for my escape. I heard the commotion start up again behind me, questions being shouted, camera shutters clicking frantically.

I made it halfway down the hallway before hearing Ryan’s hurried footsteps catching up. Damn him and his long legs. I quickened my pace, heading straight for the elevator.

"Serena, wait!" His voice echoed down the corridor, tinged with an unfamiliar desperation that almost—almost—made me turn around.

I jabbed the elevator button repeatedly, as if that would make it arrive faster. The doors opened just as Ryan caught up, and we both stepped inside, the tension between us thick enough to cut with a knife.

"What the hell was that?" I hissed once the doors closed, my carefully maintained composure finally cracking.

Ryan ran his hand through his hair, messing up his perfectly styled locks. "I thought—"

"You thought what? That you could ambush me with a proposal during a press conference? That I’d just swoon and say yes with fifty cameras pointed at my face?"

"I wanted to make a statement," he said, his jaw tightening. "To show everyone how serious I am about us."

"There is no ’us,’ Ryan!" I snapped, feeling my cheeks flush with anger. "You can’t just decide we’re getting back together because it suits you now. That’s not how relationships work!"

The elevator doors opened to the parking garage, and I strode toward my car with Ryan following closely behind.

"Serena, I’m sorry. I should have discussed it with you first," he admitted, grabbing my wrist gently to stop me. "But I’m not sorry about wanting you back."

I yanked my arm away. "Do you have any idea how humiliating that was? You’ve turned our relationship into tabloid fodder—again! As if I haven’t been through enough public scrutiny these past few days."

His eyes softened. "I was trying to fix that—"

"By creating an even bigger spectacle? Great plan," I scoffed, fumbling for my car keys.

Ryan sighed, leaning against my car. "Let me drive you back. You’re upset."

"I’m perfectly capable of driving myself," I said, finally locating my keys. "And I don’t need you following me to my office. "

"At least let me explain—"

"Not today, Ryan," I cut him off, sliding into the driver’s seat. "I need space."

I slammed the door shut, refusing to look at him again. But as I started the engine and pulled away, I couldn’t help it—I glanced in the rearview mirror.

He hadn’t moved.

Just stood there, his tall frame silhouetted against the afternoon light, shoulders tense, eyes full of something between regret and helplessness.

I clenched the steering wheel tighter, jaw locked.

God, why did he always have to look like that?

I told myself I had every right to be angry. And I did. But that didn’t stop the ache in my chest or the way my breath caught for just a second too long.

Stupid heart. Always one step behind my head.

When I arrived back at Dreamland Studio, my staff descended like vultures to carrion, their eyes glittering with unrestrained curiosity.

"Ms. Quinn, are you and Mr. Blackwood getting remarried?" Lucy asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

I stared at her, momentarily confused. "How do you—"

"We saw the videos online! It was incredible!" Celeste gushed, completely abandoning her usually reserved demeanor.

"Videos?" My stomach dropped. "Already?"

"They’re everywhere!" another designer explained, showing me her phone.

Sure enough, the screen displayed multiple news sites already running the story, complete with video clips of Ryan on one knee and me shutting the ring box. Good lord, the internet moved fast. And so did the commentary.

"This is a homewrecker?" read one popular comment beneath a clip where Ryan looked at me with undisguised adoration. "The man’s eyes are practically overflowing with love!"

"She doesn’t seem interested in getting back together," another person wrote. "Why else would she turn down such a perfect opportunity?"

"How could anyone think she’s the other woman? Are we all blind?" a third comment declared, quickly gaining thousands of likes.

Thank God. The tide was turning—just as Ryan had promised.

It was the only thing that brought me any comfort at the moment.

Before I could fully process the relief, someone from the back of the office let out a whistle.

"That was some real alpha male energy! You have to invite us to the wedding, boss!"

I sighed deeply, thankful I hadn’t let Ryan follow me inside. Hearing these comments would only have inflated his already massive ego.

"It was just to clear up the false rumors," I said firmly. "There are absolutely no plans for remarriage."

Their faces fell in collective disappointment, but thankfully Maya swooped in like an avenging angel.

"Don’t you all have deadlines to meet? Back to work, now!" she barked, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Once safely in my office with Maya, I expected a reprieve. Instead, her businesslike demeanor instantly transformed, her eyes sparkling with the same gossip-hungry gleam I’d just escaped.

"So, are you really getting back together with him?" she demanded, dropping into the chair across from my desk.

I rolled my eyes so hard it almost hurt. "Seriously? Not you too."

"He obviously staged that whole thing," I continued, slamming my water glass down harder than intended.

"The marriage certificate, the divorce papers, the ring—all of it calculated for maximum effect. Thank God I got out of there before he could corner me into saying yes."

Maya made a skeptical sound in her throat. "I don’t know... you didn’t look entirely displeased to me. More like you were playing hard to get."

"Don’t be ridiculous," I snapped, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "This isn’t some simple misunderstanding. I bet Sophie’s behind this whole scandal somehow."

"Actually, I’ve already started investigating," Maya said, suddenly serious. "The photographer who leaked those photos said it was a man who contacted him, not Sophie."

I frowned, confused. "Not Sophie? Then who would do this?"

Other than Sophie, who else would have any interest in destroying my reputation and business? The list of people who might benefit from my downfall wasn’t exactly long.

"We don’t have enough evidence yet," Maya said, patting my hand reassuringly. "I’ll keep digging. In the meantime, you need to focus on your health and the business."

She reached into her bag and pulled out an elegant cream-colored envelope. "This just arrived from Celestial Gems. It’s an invitation to their celebration gala. Our collaborative collection has been incredibly well-received, and they’ve specifically requested your attendance."

I took the invitation, running my fingers over the embossed lettering as I considered my options.

"If you don’t want to go, I can send your regrets," Maya offered. "Someone else from the studio could represent us."

I shook my head. "No, Celestial Gems gave us this opportunity when we needed it most. It would be rude not to attend myself."

"Alright then," Maya nodded. "I’ll have Celeste accompany you, just in case you need backup."

"Good idea," I agreed, already dreading the social minefield I’d have to navigate at the gala. After today’s public spectacle, I’d be the center of attention whether I wanted it or not.