Chapter 3

Ryan's POV I left Rocky's Designs that day with my head racing. It had to be her. The name on the desk; Serena Winthrop. It was not a coincidence. Could the little girl be Serena's daughter? I could not quit thinking about her. We shared a past. How things ended drastically. And now, five years later, she is running a profitable business and maybe raising a child. I shook my head as I considered the child who could be— No, I needed answers and would get them. The following day, I arrived at the company early, determined to see her. I had a meeting with her staff to discuss a potential collaboration, but I wasn't going to finalise anything until I saw Serena. I wanted to know if she was the CEO and, more crucially, if the little girl was her daughter. The meeting started in a huge conference room. Her employees seemed eager to impress me, pitching ideas and tactics for how our companies could collaborate. But my attention was elsewhere. “Mr. Winters," one of them said, nervously smiling. "As you can see, we've put together a detailed proposal for the collaboration. Do you have any questions so far?" I sat back in my chair and crossed my arms. “Yes, I do." My tone was gentle yet firm. "I need the CEO present at this meeting. If she's not here, I'm afraid I won't be able to proceed with this partnership." The room went silent. The workers exchanged nervous glances, apparently taken aback by my demand. “Sir," one of them gently stated, "Ms. Winthrop is a very busy woman. She doesn't generally attend these meetings.” "Well, she'll need to make an exception," I said. "I never sign deals without first meeting with the person in charge. If the CEO is not present, I will take my business elsewhere." Panic washed over their faces. They understood how crucial this relationship was to their organisation. After a brief, hushed talk between them, one of them stood up. "Excuse us for a moment, Mr. Winters," he said, exiting the room with another coworker. Serena's POV I was in my office studying some reports when I heard a knock on the door. “Come in," I said without looking up. Emma entered, looking apprehensive. "Ms. Serena, we have a situation." I looked at her with a frown. "What kind of situation?" “It’s the client from yesterday, Mr. Winters. He refuses to proceed with the collaboration unless you attend the meeting." My heart skips a beat. Mr Winters? Isn't that Ryan? I knew I’d heard a voice identical to his yesterday, and he was most likely seeking to confirm his concerns. “Can't someone else handle it?" I asked, attempting to calm my anxiety. Emma shakes her head. "He insisted on meeting you. If you don't go, we may lose the transaction." I sighed, seeing I had little alternative. "Alright. Let us get this over with.” I straightened my blazer and followed Emma to the conference room. As the door opened, all eyes shifted to me. And there he was. Ryan. He stood up as I entered, his gaze fixed on mine. For a little period, I was unable to breathe. He looked the same but different. Ryan had grown older and more mature, but he remains undeniably Ryan. “Ms. Winthrop," one of my employees announced, shattering the stillness. "This is Mr. Winters." “I know who he is," I responded sternly, cutting him off. Ryan's lips curved into a small smirk. "Hello, Serena." I forced a pleasant smile. "Mr. Winters." The anxiety in the room was evident, but I got through it. I couldn't let my feelings show, especially in front of my workers. "Shall we proceed?" I enquired, taking a seat at the head of the table. Ryan's gaze remained fixed on me throughout the meeting. I maintained a professional demeanour, focussing on the specifics of the partnership while avoiding any personal engagement with him. Ryan's POV Serena strolled into the room, and I recognised her right away. She hadn't changed much over the course of five years. She still exuded the same confidence and presence that lured me to become her friend in school. However, there was something else now. A wall. She kept her responses brief and professional, not meeting my gaze for more than a few seconds. I listened to the remainder of the talk, paying little attention to the contents. I couldn't stop thinking about her and the little kid I saw yesterday. When the meeting concluded, I stood up and met Serena's eyes. “Ms. Winthrop," I said with a formal tone. "I'd like to have a word with you in private." She paused, staring at her team. They gazed at her with anticipation, evidently expecting she would accept. “Of course," she replied regretfully. "This way." She escorted me to her office, keeping the door open so I could enter. The room looked as bright and immaculate as I remembered from yesterday. “Please, have a seat," she added, her voice clipped. I sat down and watched her closely as she took her seat behind the desk. "What do you want, Ryan?" she enquired, folding her hands on the desk. I leaned forwards. "You, Serena. I want answers." “Answers about what?" she enquired, pretending ignorance. “Don't play games with me, Serena," I added with a harder tone. "The little girl I saw yesterday—Is she your daughter?" Her countenance froze, and for a brief minute, I believed she was about to tell me. But as she opened her mouth to speak, her phone rang, interrupting her response. She looked at the caller ID, as she responded. "Hello?" I couldn't hear the voice on the other end, but her pale face and panicked eyes were clear. “What happened?" she enquired, her voice quivering. "Is she okay?" There was a moment before she rose up abruptly, grabbing her bag. “I'll be there right away," she replied before hanging up. “What's going on?" I enquired while standing as well. Serena barely noticed me as she ran towards the door. "My daughter." She was injured at school and rushed to the hospital." "Hold on, I'd drive you there." I replied, praying she wouldn't answer no. I could tell she was apprehensive, but she eventually nodded.