Chapter 2

5 YEARS LATER Serena’s POV I walked into my bright, sunny workplace at Rocky’s Designs. The walls were painted a light yellow, and the shelves were filled with sketches and small flower pots. My large desk was at the centre, with a window behind it showing the city skyline. This was my firm. I developed it from the ground up, using only a few ideas and a lot of hard labour. "Good morning, Miss Serena!" Emma, my assistant, said with a wide smile as she entered behind me. She held a cup of coffee for me. “Good morning, Emma,” I said, taking the cup. “Thank you. Do we have a busy day today?" "Oh, yes," she replied, gazing at her tab. “You have a meeting at 10 with the marketing team, a call with a client at 11, and a lunch meeting with Mr. Hayes." “Mr. Hayes?" I enquired, lifting an eyebrow. Emma nodded. "He wants to discuss the new project." I sighed, yet smiled. “Alright, let's get to it." As I sat down, I looked at the photograph on my desk. It was a picture of my four-year-old daughter, Amy. Her sparkling blue eyes and curling brown hair would always make me grin. She was my entire universe. “Mommy's working hard for you," I said to the photo before turning on the computer. The meeting began at ten o'clock. I sat at the head of the table, with the marketing team assembled around. “Okay, let's hear your ideas for the new campaign," I said, tapping my pen on my notebook. Jason, a young team member, spoke up. "We were thinking about using bright colours and fun patterns to complement the new designs. It's clean and modern, just like Rocky's designs!" I nodded, enjoying his exuberance. “That sounds fantastic, Jason. Let's make sure the message is clear and easy to understand. Our designs aim to make homes happy and beautiful." “Yes, ma'am!" Jason replied, scribbling notes. The meeting lasted an hour, and at the end, I felt proud of my team. They were as inventive and passionate as I thought they would be. I met Mr. Hayes for lunch at the cafeteria in my company. He was a tall man with grey hair and a pleasant smile. “Ms. Serena, it's always a pleasure," he added as we exchanged handshakes. “Good to see you, too, Mr. Hayes," I said. We sat at a table near the window. The server handed us menus, and we ordered sandwiches and ice tea. It wasn't long before the meeting was wrapped up. We shook hands, and I walked towards the lift to return to my office. My heels clicked against the tiled floor. I was deep in contemplation, going over the concepts from the day, when I got a weird sensation. It was as if someone was observing me. I looked over my shoulder and saw nothing peculiar. I dismissed the feeling and entered the lift, pressing the button for my floor. The doors started to close, and as they did, I heard a voice say, "Wait!" The voice caused my breath to catch. It sounded too familiar… the voice. But before I could respond, the lift doors closed and I was on my way up. I shook my head, convincing myself it was nothing. Ryan's POV. I arrived at Rocky's Designs, with my assistant, Jefferson, close behind. The structure looked sleek and modern, with a lot of bustle. I had come here to discuss a possible collaboration, and while I was unfamiliar with the organisation, I had heard about their remarkable work. As we approached the foyer, my gaze searched the surroundings. It was bright and friendly, with stylish furniture and artwork that reflected the company's creative side. “This way, Mr Winters," Jefferson remarked, motioning towards the lifts. As we waited, my attention was drawn to a woman walking in front of us. She wore a fitted navy dress and heels that clicked softly against the ground. Her hair flowed down her back in waves, and something about her strides, the way she carried herself, tugged at my memory. I narrowed my eyes, trying to place her. “No,” I muttered beneath my breath. It couldn’t be. The lift doors opened, I was stunned for a second, unsure whether my eyes were playing tricks on me. But she turned slightly, allowing me to catch a glimpse of her profile. My heart has stopped. “Serena?" I spoke softly at first. "Wait!" I called again, louder this time, and moved quickly towards the lift. She did not hear me—or perhaps she disregarded me. By the time I arrived, the doors had already closed. “Sir?" Jefferson enquired, looking at me with worry. I stood there, staring at the closing lift doors, my thoughts racing. Was it actually her? After so many years? “Is something wrong, Mr. Winters?" Jefferson asked again. I shook my head, but my chest felt tighter. “No. Let us take the next lift.” My thoughts were anything but peaceful. What was Serena doing here? And why did meeting her again rekindle sentiments I thought I had buried years ago? Jefferson was still trying to figure out what was going on with me when he pressed the lift button. He walked in right away, and I was going to follow suit when I heard a small voice from a distance. “Wait for me, please!" yelled a tiny girl with haste. I turned and saw a little girl with wavy brown hair bouncing as she rushed towards the lift. She was holding a teddy bunny in one hand and waving her other arm in the air to get our attention. Her brilliant blue eyes gleamed, and I couldn't help but smile at her innocence. "Hold the door for me!" she exclaimed again, her small legs straining to close the gap. I reflexively held the lift door open and glanced at Jefferson, who gave me a puzzled expression. “It's just a kid," I said with a shrug, motioning for the small girl to enter. "Thank you so much, sir!" she exclaimed, gathering her breath as she entered the lift. Her speech was pleasant, friendly, and very mature for someone so young. She held her bunny teddy and smiled up at me. “You're welcome," I said, still amused. "What are you doing here alone? Shouldn't someone be with you?" “Oh, I'm not alone," she replied confidently. "I'm here to see my mummy, she works here." Her mum? My curiosity piqued. "Does your mum work at Rocky's Designs? What does she do?" "She's the boss," the little girl said proudly, standing a little taller. "She's the CEO!" I raised an eyebrow. "The CEO?" The child nodded enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. “Yup! Mommy is really busy, yet she always finds time for me." The lift dinged, indicating that we had reached the top floor. As the doors swung open, the little girl dashed out with the zest that only a child possessed. “Thanks again, mister!" she murmured as she ran towards the reception counter. I took a slower stride out, following her out of curiosity. She dashed up to the woman sitting behind the desk, who smiled pleasantly at her. "Hi, Amy!" said the receptionist, who identified herself as Emma on her nameplate. “Here to see your mum?" “Yes, please!" Amy chirped. Emma chuckled. "Alright, let me take you to her office." She stood up and extended her hand for Amy to accept. Amy looked back at me. "You can come too, mister!" Before I could react, Emma turned to me with a pleasant but strong smile. “I apologise, sir. Strangers are not allowed in the CEO's office.” I nodded, understanding, but as Emma and Amy walked away, something caught my attention just as the office door opened and closed. A nameplate on the large desk inside the room gleamed in the light. Serena Winthrop, CEO My breath hitched. It is her!