CHAPTER 218: CHAPTER 218 SECRETS BETWEEN LOVERS

Serena’s POV

The peaceful silence in my office didn’t last long before a knock interrupted my thoughts. I opened my eyes to see Maya already walking in, her face full of questions.

"So he’s gone?" she asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

I nodded, forcing myself to look more present than I felt. My head was still spinning from everything Ethan had just revealed.

Maya’s shoulders slumped as she flopped dramatically onto my office sofa. "He just left like that..." She grabbed a cushion, squeezing it like it was Ethan’s face, pinching and twisting it repeatedly.

"Well? Did he say anything about me? What does he think about us?" Her eyes were practically begging for good news.

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. How could I explain the situation without betraying either of them?

"Maya, I think relationships need time to develop naturally," I finally said. "You two haven’t known each other very long. Expecting concrete answers so quickly might be rushing things, don’t you think?"

Maya turned toward me, confusion written all over her face. She wasn’t buying my diplomatic approach.

"Don’t sugarcoat it, Serena. Just tell me straight—does Ethan want to be with me or not? If he doesn’t like me, why did he keep asking me out in London? Why would he spend so much time alone with me?"

Her voice rose with each question, growing more agitated. I mentally winced for Ethan, knowing he’d dug himself into quite a hole.

"Maya, please calm down," I said soothingly. "Why not give this some time? Take a step back, let him have some space. Maybe after getting to know him better, you might realize he’s not even right for you."

Maya’s lower lip trembled slightly. "I’d love to spend more time with him and build something real, but how can I when he’s clearly avoiding me?" She hugged the cushion tighter. "I bet he thinks I’m too old for him. That’s the real reason, isn’t it? He’s just making excuses!"

I sighed and moved closer, taking her hands in mine. "Maya, you need to trust your own appeal. Stop looking so defeated—it doesn’t suit you at all."

That finally cracked a reluctant smile from her.

"You’re right," she said, straightening her posture. "He’s just one man! I’ve got guys lining up from here to England! Who does Ethan Quinn think he is anyway?"

Maya stood up, dramatically flipping her hair and letting out a cold snort. "I don’t need him!" she declared before storming out of my office.

I watched her leave, shaking my head. This situation was getting messier by the minute.

After gathering my things, I headed straight for Ryan’s office. I needed answers. If he’d already spoken with Ethan about my potential identity, why hadn’t he told me directly? Why make me figure it out on my own?

When I arrived, Ryan was deep in conversation with Simon about personnel changes. From the snippets I overheard, they were discussing removing executives who’d been loyal to Kane.

"With these people gone, Kane won’t be able to interfere with company operations anymore. Brilliant strategy, Mr. Blackwood," Simon was saying with an approving smile.

I didn’t wait for an invitation, barging in with determination written all over my face. Simon, ever perceptive, quickly excused himself and slipped out.

Ryan’s brow furrowed as he took in my expression. He knew immediately something was wrong.

"Serena, what—" he began, but I cut him off.

"You already talked to Ethan Quinn about me. Why didn’t you tell me directly?" My voice was steady but sharp.

Ryan sighed. "I was worried you wouldn’t be ready to handle it all at once," he explained. "I thought it would be better if you discovered the truth yourself, at your own pace."

"Are you angry with me?" he added, studying my face carefully.

I turned away with a huff. Ryan let out a soft chuckle and stepped toward me, gently turning me back to face him.

"Serena, I was wrong. I should have told you," he admitted, his voice sincere.

"What did you and Ethan discuss? Do you believe what he’s saying is true?" His hands rested on my shoulders, warm and steady.

I pouted slightly. "I can’t judge if it’s true yet. I need to remember first."

"Even if remembering is painful, I don’t want to give up. I need those memories to be whole again, to be the complete Serena. Can you understand that?" I searched his eyes, needing him to get it.

Ryan nodded, pulling me into his embrace. I could feel his heartbeat against my cheek.

"I understand. Do whatever you need to do," he said softly. "Actually, there’s another option we could consider."

"You mean going to London to meet the Quinn family?" I asked, anticipating his suggestion.

"Exactly. I could go with you, if you’d like."

I pulled away from him and sat down on the nearby sofa, suddenly feeling the weight of everything.

"I want to go to London too, but now isn’t the right time," I explained. "Kane is still watching your every move, ready to pounce. Plus, I’m due to give birth soon. What if the baby comes while we’re in London? It would be too complicated."

Ryan sat beside me, taking my hand in his. His touch instantly calmed my racing thoughts.

"Serena, don’t worry so much. Even if you did give birth in London, their medical facilities are excellent," he reassured me. "As for the company, I’ve already removed most of Kane’s allies. He can’t interfere with business operations anymore."

My eyes lit up. "Really? Then why not take this opportunity to deal with him once and for all?"

Ryan shook his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "There’s no rush."

I looked at him in surprise. After everything Kane had done, Ryan wasn’t in a hurry to retaliate?

"Why not?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"If I don’t make a move, Lucian will. Don’t forget, he and Kane have their own unfinished business."

I couldn’t help but smile at that. Kane would get what was coming to him one way or another.

"That works too," I agreed, then jabbed my finger into Ryan’s chest twice. "But Ryan, no more keeping important things from me. Promise?"

"I promise," he said, catching my hand and bringing it to his lips. "I was wrong to hide anything from you."

His eyes held mine as he kissed my fingers gently. "Serena, I’d do anything to make you happy. Anything at all."