Chapter 5

Serena’s POV

I barely noticed a quiet knock on my hospital room door. The events from last night—Ian's confrontation, Lucas's steady presence—still swirled in my mind.

"Excuse me, Miss Sinclair?" a refined voice called, pulling me from my thoughts. "I’m Walter, Lucas’s butler. He asked me to make sure you're well taken care of during your stay."

I looked up to find an impeccably dressed older man standing in the doorway, flanked by two younger women in neat uniforms. His bearing suggested both authority and discretion - exactly what you'd expect from someone managing a wealthy household.

"That's... very thoughtful," I managed, thrown off balance by this display of consideration. "But really, it's not necessary-"

"I assure you, it is." Walter's tone brooked no argument as he supervised the setup of what appeared to be a gourmet lunch. "Mr. Harrington was quite specific about your care requirements."

The rich aroma of the food made my stomach growl traitorously. As I watched the careful arrangement of dishes, I noticed Walter placing a small box on the bedside table.

"What else would you like for dessert?" Walter inquired as he made final adjustments to the place settings.

I had intended to decline, but seeing Walter's consummate professionalism, I found myself curious to sample a private chef's culinary skills. Dropping my hesitation, I asked, "Would it be possible to have the Lemon Tart garnished with mint leaves?"

Walter immediately produced a small notebook and jotted down the request. "Of course, I'll have it delivered tomorrow," he replied without missing a beat.

I nodded gratefully in response.

"Your personal effects, Miss Sinclair. Mr. Harrington took the liberty of having your phone replaced - same model and number as before."

I stared at the box, a complicated mix of emotions rising in my chest. The gesture was thoughtful - overwhelmingly so - and yet...

"Why is he doing all this?" I asked quietly.

Walter's expression remained professionally neutral. "Mr. Harrington believes in taking care of those he considers important, Miss Sinclair." With a slight bow, he added, "The nurses will remain to assist you. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything you need."

After he left, I found myself picking at the admittedly delicious food, my thoughts drifting to the two children in the next room. Despite my confused feelings about their father, Milo and Stella had worked their way into my heart with surprising speed.

"I'd like to see them," I told one of the nurses - Julie, according to her name tag. "Could you help me to their room?"

The short journey next door revealed Milo propped up in bed, a book open on his lap. His face lit up the moment he saw me. "Mommy!"

That single word shot straight through my defenses. I moved closer as he reached for me, his small arms wrapping around my waist with complete trust. In the corner, I noticed Stella, sitting quietly with a stuffed rabbit clutched to her chest.

"Hi," I said softly, meeting her eyes. She ducked her head shyly, but I caught the hint of a smile.

"I... I like you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The simple honesty of her words made my throat tight.

I spent the next hour with them, listening to Milo's animated chatter and watching Stella gradually edge closer until she was leaning against my chair. The peace of the moment was broken by Lucas's arrival.

He filled the doorway, tall and imposing in his dark suit. My breath caught at the sight of the bandages on his wrist - evidence of his rescue attempt that I hadn't noticed during last night's confrontation with Ian.

"They should be sleeping," he said, but there was no real reproach in his tone.

"We wanted to wait for Mommy," Milo protested, tightening his grip on my hand. Stella nodded in silent agreement.

I felt a flash of panic. "I should go-"

"Stay." Lucas's voice was quiet but firm. "Unless you want to leave?"

"I..." I looked down at Milo's pleading face, then at Stella's hopeful expression.

"Would you mind watching them until they fall asleep? I need to take a call," Lucas said, his phone already in hand. There was a gentle consideration in his voice as he added, "Only if you're comfortable with it."

"Fine, I'll stay until they fall asleep," I replied softly, watching as Milo's eyes began to droop.

Lucas gave a slight nod, then quietly stepped out into the hallway to take his call.

It didn't take long. Milo drifted off mid-sentence, his hand still clasped in mine. Stella curled up like a cat, her breathing evening out as I stroked her hair. Kids really have enviable sleep. I have no idea how much melatonin I've been taking over the years. Seeing they asleep, I reached out to leave, but as soon as I did, Milo's chubby little arm held my tighter, murmuring, "Mommy, don't leave us..."

I felt a wave of sadness, thinking they were so unfortunate. Looking at Milo and Stella's adorable little faces, I couldn't imagine what kind of heartless mother would be willing to leave them behind. Unable to resist, I bent down and kissed Milo and Stella.

As I straightened up, I froze - Lucas stood in the doorway, his grey eyes fixed on me, expression unreadable.

I didn't expect such a coincidence, which left me feeling quite embarrassed. "This doesn't mean anything," I immediately felt the urge to explain myself. "I'm not-"

"Milo and Stella waited up an extra hour just to see you," he interrupted, diffusing the awkward moment.

I pressed my lips together, choosing my next words carefully. "Mr. Harrington, you should make it clear to Milo and Stella that I'm not his mother."

His grey eyes held mine steadily, saying nothing. The sudden silence made me wonder if I'd overstepped.

Taking a deep breath, I continued, "The gunshot was just an accident. You don't need to send meals or hire nurses for me, and I'll transfer you the money for the phone."

"I thought you were more perceptive, Miss Sinclair."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"They need a mother," he stated matter-of-factly, his deep voice resonating in the quiet hallway.

"And?" I raised an eyebrow, already dreading his response.

His intense gaze studied me for a long moment before he spoke again, his voice dropping slightly. "And They like you. So you should understand that I'm pursuing you."