Semua Bab I’m Back, Mr. CEO : Bab 151 - Bab 160

I’m sobbing into his chest, and he’s holding me like he used to, when we were young and in love and thought nothing could touch us. And for a moment, just a moment, I let myself pretend we could go back. That we could erase the years between then and now. That love could be simple again.But it can’t.“This is why I can’t do this,” I manage through tears, pulling back. “This right here. Because being in your arms feels like home and it shouldn’t. It should feel like the place I barely escaped with my life. But it doesn’t.”“Because we were real once.” He’s still holding my shoulders, his face inches from mine. “What we had before I destroyed it, that was real, Serena. And I think, I think part of you still feels that.”“Of course I do.” I wipe my face, trying to compose myself. “But feeling something and acting on it are different things. I could love you and still choose not to be with you. I could forgive you and still walk away.”“Could you?” His eyes search mine. “Could you really

“Just do it. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.”I do.“Now imagine your life five years from now. You’re happy, successful, at peace. Ethan’s thriving. Your company is flourishing. You’re genuinely content.” Her voice is soothing. “Who’s standing next to you in that vision? Who’s making you coffee in the morning? Who’s there when you come home? Who makes you laugh?”I see it immediately. The beach house. Morning sun. Someone’s arms around me from behind, kissing my neck while I laugh. The smell of coffee and ocean air and safety.“Lucas,” I whisper, eyes still closed. “I see Lucas.”“Now imagine that same life, but with Adrian.”I try. I really try. But the image won’t come. All I see is anxiety. Walking on eggshells. Wondering when the other shoe will drop. Waiting for him to become the man he was before. Never fully relaxing. Never fully trusting.I open my eyes, and Clara is watching me with knowing sympathy.“That’s your answer,” she says softly. “Your brain knows what your

I nearly drop the plate I’m holding. “Ethan!”“What? That’s what they always ask in movies when someone’s dating their mom.” He looks genuinely confused.Lucas is trying not to laugh, I can tell. He sets down his own plate and gives Ethan his full attention. “That’s a very fair question. My intentions are to make your mom happy. To be there for her when she needs me. To never take her for granted. And to beat you at video games, which I’m told is happening after dinner.”“You won’t beat me. I’m really good.”“Then I intend to lose graciously.”“Acceptable.” Ethan nods seriously, then grins. “I like you, Lucas. You’re good for her.”“Ethan—” I’m mortified, but Lucas is smiling.“I like you too, buddy. And for the record, I think you’re pretty good for her as well.”Ethan beams, and I feel tears threatening. Because of this. This is what I want. This easy love, this comfortable family feeling, this sense that we’re building something real.After dinner, Lucas does indeed let Ethan destr

The question is out before I can stop it. She stares at me, and I watch her expression shift from tired to angry.“That’s none of your business.”“Serena, please—”“No.” She steps forward, and there’s something in her eyes I’ve never seen before. Pure, cold fury. “You don’t get to do this. You don’t get to show up at my house demanding explanations about my sex life. We’re divorced, Adrian. What I do and who I do it with is no longer your concern.”“But I love you—”“Stop.” Her voice cracks like a whip. “Stop saying that like it means something. Like it gives you rights you don’t have. You love me? Great. I’m thrilled for you. But I didn’t ask for your love, and I certainly don’t owe you anything because of it.”“I’m not saying you owe me—”“Then what are you saying?” She’s advancing on me now, and I’m actually backing up. “Should I feel guilty for moving on? That I should put my life on hold while you work through your issues? That I should choose you because you finally decided to g

Clara: **“OMG I just saw a video. Are you okay? Do I need to kill him?”**Diana: **“Boss, Twitter is exploding. Call me.”**Lucas: **“Serena, I saw. I’m coming over.”**Lucas.Oh God, Lucas saw.Lucas saw his girlfriend get kissed by her ex-husband in front of her building. I saw it probably from some grainy video posted by a stranger. Saw me in Adrian’s arms, even if it was forced, even if I didn’t want it.I dial his number with shaking fingers.He answers on the first ring. “Are you okay?”“No. Yes. I don’t know.” I’m crying now. “Lucas, I didn’t, he just grabbed me and I didn’t want—”“I know.” His voice is firm, calm. “I know you didn’t want it. I could see you pushing him away. Serena, this isn’t your fault.”“But everyone saw. And they’re going to say I was cheating or playing you both or—”“I don’t care what they say.” He cuts me off. “I care about you. Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?”“No. I slapped him.”A pause, then something that might be a chuckle. “Good. He deserved it.