Semua Bab The Billionaire Married Me, Then Forgot How to Love Me: Bab 161 - Bab 164

(Serena)Ronan and I are both dried and in fresh clothes.We’ve called in take out.We take a walk around the property while waiting for delivery. He’s showing me the huge blocks I could buy and build on.“He doesn’t know any of that?” Ronan asks gently.“No. James has never known any of that.”“I’m not judging you,” he says. “But if James doesn’t know that part of you, the part that had to make that choice, carry it, and survive it… then he doesn’t really know you. Not all of you.”My stomach flips. Because it’s true. James knows the curated version.The woman with the big laugh and quick answers. He knows I get anxious in elevators and I eat chocolate frosting out of the tub at midnight when I can’t sleep—but he doesn’t know this.The part of me I’ve never let surface.“I didn’t think he needed to know,” I say. “I wanted to believe he and I could make it.”“That’s a lot of pressure you put on yourself and then the added pressure from the Hale faction. Did you ever stand a chance?”“

(Serena)The law office is quiet.Neutral-toned furniture. Tempered glass doors.Everything meant to soothe you into forgetting you’re here to take apart something that once meant everything.I sit at the long conference table with my hands folded in my lap, trying to ignore the slow clench of anxiety in my stomach.Timothy, my lawyer, has papers spread neatly before him. His assistant pours water into glass tumblers. The seat across from me remains empty.“James isn’t coming?” I ask.“No,” Timothy says, adjusting his glasses. “He’s still in Geneva. But he’s sent his lead counsel, Eva Collins, to handle this preliminary meeting.”I nod once. Of course. Efficient. Distant. Predictable.The door opens, and Eva walks in and smiles at me. Tall. Crisp navy suit.Blonde hair pinned into a sleek chignon. She nods politely to Timothy, then takes her seat.“Thank you for coming, Ms. Langley,” she says. “Mr. Hale regrets not being here in person, but he wanted to begin the process as soon as po