CHAPTER 179: CHAPTER 179 ONE DAY AT A TIME

Serena’s POV

"Weren’t you the one constantly pushing me to go home and rest?" I teased Maya.

"Of course I was! But you never listened to me," Maya replied, then paused midsentence. Her eyes widened with sudden realization. "Ohhh, I get it now."

She dragged out that "oh" with exaggerated inflection, wiggling her eyebrows at me suggestively.

"Seems like Mr. Blackwood’s words carry more weight than mine, am I right?"

I laughed softly, feeling heat rise to my ears. No point denying the obvious.

"I’ve been thinking about it," I admitted. "After this collaboration with LUXE Jewelry wraps up, I’ll focus properly on taking care of myself. For now, I’m heading back to the Blackwood estate to rest."

Absentmindedly, I stroked my belly with a gentle touch. "I’ve been pushing too hard. Time to give myself a break."

Maya studied me with curious eyes, making a clicking sound with her tongue.

"Serena, I swear I can already see this maternal glow radiating from you."

"Really?"

"You probably don’t notice it yourself, but trust me, it’s incredibly obvious," Maya sighed contentedly, looking genuinely relieved. "This is good. Ryan’s treating you so well now. After the baby’s born, you could even consider getting back together properly."

She leaned forward, her voice softening. "I’m your best friend, Serena. I know you’re still struggling to get past that mental barrier. But with the baby coming soon... it’s not such a big deal anymore, is it?"

"Didn’t you always say we need to look forward, not back? I just want you to be happy."

I nodded, contemplating her words. "I will be. I’m working on it."

We discussed a few more work matters before I headed back to my office to pack up some things. Even though I was going home to rest, I couldn’t imagine myself just eating and sleeping all day. I needed to keep my mind active.

Ryan arrived earlier than expected that afternoon, while I was still having a final handover conversation with Celeste.

Despite her occasional lack of confidence, Celeste seemed determined to step up since I’d placed my trust in her.

"Don’t worry, Serena. I’ll do my absolute best," she promised earnestly. "I’ll take good care of Dreamland Studio until you return after having your baby."

"I know you will," I assured her.

Ryan appeared at the doorway just as we were wrapping up. Celeste immediately straightened when she saw him.

"Ms. Quinn, Mr. Blackwood, I’ll get back to work now," she said politely before slipping out.

"You were discussing...?" Ryan questioned, his gaze following Celeste’s departure.

"I’ve handed over most of my responsibilities," I explained, feeling oddly proud of myself. "Apart from attending next week’s exhibition, there’s really not much else that requires my personal attention."

I shot him a smug look. "Pretty efficient of me, wouldn’t you say?"

Ryan’s lips curved into a smile, clearly surprised by my compliance. He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Let’s go home."

The way he said "home" felt so natural, as if the Blackwood estate had never stopped being our shared space.

Once we got into the car, I suddenly remembered I’d need to stop by my apartment.

"Ryan, I should grab some clothes from—"

"Already taken care of," he interrupted smoothly. "I’ve had everything prepared for you. You won’t be missing anything, I promise."

I blinked in surprise. "You’ve been spending money unnecessarily again, haven’t you?"

"How is preparing things for you ever unnecessary?" he countered, his tone soft but leaving no room for argument.

I decided to let it go. After all, it did save me considerable trouble.

"Fine," I conceded.

"When we get to the estate, you can check if there’s anything missing, and I’ll have it arranged immediately," he said, then added more seriously, "You’re quite far along now. Have you scheduled your next prenatal check-up yet?"

The question caught me off guard. It was these little moments of attentiveness that were slowly chipping away at my resistance. The Ryan who’d ignored me for years would never have bothered with such details.

"Not yet," I admitted. "I was planning to do that tomorrow."

"I’ve already spoken with Dr. Morrison," Ryan revealed. "She’s available tomorrow afternoon if that works for you. I’ve cleared my schedule to accompany you."

I felt a strange flutter in my chest that had nothing to do with the baby. "You don’t have to—"

"I want to," he said firmly. "This is our child, Serena. I want to be involved in every step."

The car fell silent as we continued toward the Blackwood estate. I stared out the window, lost in thought. It was frightening how easily I could slip back into this—into us. Into believing that everything could be different this time.

"What are you thinking about?" Ryan asked quietly, breaking into my thoughts.

I turned to look at him. "Maya thinks I should consider remarrying you after the baby comes."

I hadn’t planned to say it so bluntly. Ryan’s eyes widened slightly, but he maintained his composure.

"And what do you think?" he asked cautiously.

I shrugged. "I think we have a lot more healing to do before we discuss anything like that."

Ryan nodded slowly. "Fair enough."

He reached across the seat and took my hand, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my skin.

"One day at a time, Serena. That’s all I’m asking for."

For now, that was something I could give him. One day at a time.