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!

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.

Ryan's POV

The drive to the hospital was tense. Serena sat stiffly in the passenger seat, clutching her phone like a lifeline.

She kept looking at it, her lips pulled together. I wanted to reassure her, but I wasn't sure how.

“What hospital?" I enquired, breaking the stillness.

“Private Children's Hospital," she answered, her voice clipped.

I nodded and sped up. We got to the hospital in record time.

Serena got out of the car before I could turn off the engine, her heels clicking rapidly against the sidewalk as she rushed inside.

I followed closely, unable to stop the sinking feeling in my chest.

At the front desk, she enquired about her daughter with a mix of worry and authority.

“Amy Winthrop. "Where is she?"

“Room 208," the receptionist replied.

Serena did not wait for any additional information. She turned and ran down the corridor, her urgency drawing me along.

When we arrived at the front of the room, she came to a sudden halt and turned to me.

Her eyes were full of contradictory feelings. "You don't have to come in," she said.

I paused, not wanting to interrupt such a private time.

“I'll wait here," I suggested. She offered a brief nod and disappeared into the room, the door closing behind her.

I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms. My thoughts raced.

I was almost positive that Amy was Serena's daughter. But was she mine, too?

Serena's POV

My heart broke when I walked into the room and saw Amy lying on the hospital bed.

Her petite frame appeared delicate, her wavy hair tangled, and her blue eyes sad.

“Mommy!" she wailed, extending her arms. I ran to her side and carefully scooped her up.

“Oh, my baby. I'm here. Mommy is here." Her arms clung to my neck, and I could feel her tiny body trembling against mine.

“She's fine," the nurse reassured me while changing Amy's IV. "A little shaken, but nothing serious. "The doctor will be in shortly to confirm."

"Thank you," I said softly, touching Amy's hair.

Amy sniffled and drew back slightly, her bright blue eyes staring up at me. "Mommy, isn't that the man from the lift outside the door?"

I froze, my heart missing a beat. "What man?"

“The one from yesterday. He held the lift for me," she added, her interest piqued.

“I think I saw him through the door's little glass window earlier."

I forced a serene grin. "It's probably just someone who resembles him, honey. Don't worry about it right now."

Amy bent her head and studied me. "Mommy, he was polite. Very nice."

“I'm sure he was, baby," I replied, kissing her forehead. "But let's not think about that now, okay?"

She nodded, her energy diminishing as the nurse returned to take her vital signs.

As I sat with Amy, my thoughts kept turning to Ryan. I knew he was outside waiting.

It was exactly like him—stubborn and relentless.

Ryan's POV

I paced outside the hospital room in serious concentration.

If Amy turns out to be my daughter, everything will change.

I couldn't stop thinking about how Serena had stared at me earlier, her defences raised like a castle.

I was sure she was hiding something.

Finally, the door opened, and Serena emerged. Her face was pallid, and her shoulders drooped from fatigue.

“How is she?" I enquired.

"She's okay," she murmured softly. "Only a few bruises. The doctor says she'll be able to go home soon." Relief flooded over me.

“That's good."

We remained there in awkward silence for a while before I revealed what had been bothering me.

“Serena, is Amy my daughter?" Her eyes widened, and she looked back at the door, as if she was afraid someone would hear.

“Ryan, this isn't the time—"

“It is," I interrupted her.

“I need to know. Five years ago, I made the biggest mistake in my life. I allowed someone else to come between us, and I served you with divorce papers because I was too blind to recognise what I already had. I thought I was pursuing love, but I had no idea I was leaving it behind."

Serena's expression darkened. "You're oversimplifying things, Ryan. You didn't just leave me… you broke me."

Her remarks hit me like a blow to the chest, but I refused to back down.

“Yes, I did. I will never forgive myself for that. But if Amy is mine, I want to be present in her life. I have to be."

Serena looked down, her hands trembling.

For a second, I believed she was going to tell me the truth. But before she could speak, the nurse appeared at the doorway.

“She's asking for you," the nurse informed Serena.

Serena nodded and returned her attention to me.

“We'll talk another time, Ryan," she remarked before entering the room.

I exhaled softly, frustration and hope battling within me.

~~~

I lingered outside the hospital because I couldn't force myself to leave.

Amy was still asleep in Serena's arms when she eventually stepped out.

Her small head lay on Serena's shoulder, and her hair framed her calm expression.

Serena seems shocked to find me still there.

“You didn't have to wait," she explained quietly.

“I was going to drop you off at home," I said. My eyes were locked on Amy, and my heart felt like it was about to burst.

"You don't need to worry about it. Someone brought my automobile here.” Serena said as she walked towards her car.

I followed, offering to help. "Let me carry her."

She looked unsure, but eventually nodded and delicately moved Amy into my arms.

Holding her seemed weird. She was so little and lovely. My heart ached from emotions I didn't understand.

We arrived at Serena's car, and I gently placed Amy in her car seat.

I stepped back and turned to face Serena. "We need to continue our previous discussion," I reiterated.

She glanced at me with cautious eyes. "Oh, please. "Not now, Ryan."

I wasn't ready to back down, but seeing how fatigued she appeared, I hesitantly spoke. "Soon, Serena. You owe me an explanation."

She did not answer, but I noticed the conflicted glances in her eyes as she got into her car and drove away.

I hurried to my car, got in, and began following her.