Chapter 300

Serena’s POV

Ryan studied the proposal, his expression thoughtful. "Smart move. LUXE has the distribution network Dreamland needs, and your designs will elevate their portfolio."

I nodded, feeling a surge of pride at what we’d accomplished. "Maya’s staying in London to oversee the transition while Ethan recovers. She’ll be dividing her time between the studio and his rehabilitation."

Ryan pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. "Good. They deserve some happiness after all this."

The following afternoon, I visited my mother at her London apartment.

"Silas Parker was formally charged this morning," she informed me as she poured tea into delicate porcelain cups. "His assets have been frozen pending investigation."

I accepted the tea, noting how steady her hands remained despite everything. "And Edward? Has there been any sign of him?"

Hazel Quinn’s lips tightened into a thin line. "Gone. Disappeared the moment his father was taken into custody. His passport was used at Heathrow, but after that..." She made a dismissive gesture. "He always was a coward."

"I’ve been thinking," I said carefully, setting down my cup. "About the future of LUXE now that Ethan will need time to recover. The design division has always been the heart of the company, and with Dreamland joining forces..."

"You want to take a more active role," Eleanor finished, her perceptive gaze meeting mine. "Beyond just your designs."

I nodded, surprised by how easily she’d read my intention.

"It’s about time," she said simply. "Serena. Your father may have been its face, but I shaped its vision for thirty years." She reached across the table to cover my hand with hers. "LUXE is as much your birthright as it is Ethan’s."

As the weeks passed, Ethan’s recovery progressed remarkably well. Between the best medical care money could buy and Maya’s unwavering support, my brother was regaining his strength faster than even Dr. Thompson had predicted.

"I need your help with something," Ethan told me one afternoon as we sat in the garden of the Quinn family estate, the London sun making a rare appearance.

"Anything," I replied, setting aside my sketchbook.

Ethan glanced around to ensure Maya wasn’t within earshot. "I’m going to ask her to marry me. When I’m discharged next week."

Joy bloomed in my chest. "Ethan! That’s wonderful!"

"I want it to be perfect," he continued, a nervous energy animating his movements. "After everything she’s done, everything we’ve been through... she deserves something extraordinary."

I squeezed his hand. "Leave it to me. I have just the thing."

The next morning, I called Zara Percy.

"A bespoke engagement ring?" she repeated, excitement evident in her voice. "For your brother and Maya? Oh, Serena, I’d be honored!"

For the next five days, Zara and I worked tirelessly in her London studio, bringing to life the design I’d been secretly sketching for months.

"It’s perfect," Zara whispered as we gazed at the finished piece nestled in black velvet – a cushion-cut emerald surrounded by a halo of diamonds, set in platinum with delicate filigree work reminiscent of Maya’s favorite art nouveau designs.

"She’ll absolutely love it," I agreed, carefully placing it in a custom box. "Thank you for making this happen so quickly."

The day of Ethan’s discharge arrived with bright sunshine streaming through London’s typically overcast sky. My mother and I had transformed the conservatory of the Quinn estate into an intimate paradise – white roses and greenery cascaded from the ceiling, fairy lights twinkled among the foliage, and a small string quartet waited in the corner.

"Everything’s ready," I whispered to Ethan as the nurse helped him from the wheelchair to stand on his own feet for the first time in weeks. "Are you nervous?"

His eyes shone with certainty. "Not even a little."

Maya entered the conservatory, her eyes widening as she took in the transformed space. "What’s all this?" she asked, confusion giving way to understanding as Ethan walked slowly toward her – steps he’d been practicing in physical therapy without her knowledge.

"Ethan! You’re walking!" she gasped, tears springing to her eyes.

He reached her, taking both her hands in his. "With you by my side, I feel like I could fly."

I stood beside my mother, both of us discreetly wiping away tears as Ethan lowered himself carefully to one knee.

"Maya Carter," he said, his voice strong and clear, "you’ve been my strength when I had none. My light in darkness. My partner in every sense of the word." He reached into his pocket and produced the box I’d given him earlier. "Will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?"

Maya’s hand flew to her mouth as he opened the box, revealing the ring Zara and I had created. "Oh my God," she whispered, tears flowing freely now. "Ethan..."

"Say yes, darling," my mother called out, causing everyone to laugh through their tears.

"Yes!" Maya exclaimed, pulling Ethan to his feet and into her arms. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

As they embraced, the quartet began to play, and champagne was brought in. I watched as Ethan slipped the ring onto Maya’s finger, her face illuminated with joy as she examined the intricate design.

"This is breathtaking," she said, finding me in the small crowd. "You designed this, didn’t you?"

I nodded, accepting her tight hug. "I’ve had the design waiting for the right moment. Seems like I didn’t have to wait long."

The evening passed in a blur of celebration, laughter, and plans for the future. By the time I returned to my London apartment, emotional exhaustion had set in alongside the physical. Kicking off my heels, I collapsed onto the sofa, too tired to even make it to the bedroom.

My thoughts drifted to Ryan, back in New York with Vivian. I missed them both terribly – my husband with his quiet strength, and our beautiful daughter with her infectious giggle. Video calls weren’t enough anymore; I needed to hold them, to breathe in Vivian’s baby-sweet scent and feel Ryan’s arms around me.

As if summoned by my thoughts, my phone rang. Ryan’s name flashed on the screen.

"Hey," I answered, not bothering to hide the weariness in my voice. "You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had."

"Tell me in person," came his deep voice, oddly close and clear.

I sat up straight. "What do you mean?"

A knock sounded at my door, sending my heart racing. Cautiously, I approached the peephole, then flung the door open.

There stood Ryan, phone still at his ear, travel-rumpled and gorgeous. His eyes – those piercing gray-blue eyes I’d missed so desperately – crinkled at the corners as he smiled.

"Surprise," he said simply.

I launched myself into his arms, breathing in his familiar scent of sandalwood. His strong arms wrapped around me, lifting me slightly as he stepped into the apartment and kicked the door closed behind him.

"How?" I managed to ask between kisses. "You were in meetings all week. "

"As for the meetings," he assured me, setting me down but not letting go. "Some things are more important." His fingers traced my cheekbone, eyes drinking me in as though memorizing every detail. "I missed you too damn much, Serena."

The raw honesty in his voice undid me. I pulled his face down to mine, pouring weeks of longing into a kiss that quickly ignited into something more urgent, more primal. His hands slid down my back, lifting me easily as I wrapped my legs around his waist.

"Bedroom?" he murmured against my neck.

"Too far," I gasped as his lips found that sensitive spot below my ear.

For once, exhaustion was the furthest thing from my mind.