The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 132: Chapter 132

Alyssa was a clever child. Even at a very young age, she had already figured out how relationships worked. She didn't speak much, but she never got those things mixed up.
What she really wanted was for Keith and Serena to end up together. That way, she wouldn't have to be the kid without a mom anymore, and Serena would always stay by her side.
Still, with Serena right there, he didn't want to say too much. After a moment, he let out a sigh and pulled his hand away. "The two of us have already eaten. Let's make some pasta for Alyssa later."
Hearing that, Serena suddenly remembered she'd forgotten to bring food for Alyssa today, and a flash of guilt crossed her eyes.
Serena hurried toward the kitchen, but Keith stopped her. "Don't you still have a proposal to finish? Let me handle the pasta."
She did have a lot on her plate, but she also knew Keith wasn't exactly free and easy, not as the CEO of the entire company. So, she said, "I should do it—"
"If you say no again, I'm gonna get upset," Keith cut in.
The moment he said that, Serena hesitated a little.
Keith had finally figured out how to deal with her, so he gently tugged her back. "I really have nothing going on tonight. Let me take care of Alyssa. If I don't, she'll forget I'm her dad in a few days."
Serena couldn't help laughing, and this time, she didn't argue with him.
She added, "One more thing. My friend's wedding is this weekend, and I'll be a bridesmaid, so I probably won't be able to stay home with Alyssa."
"No problem. Go ahead and enjoy it," Keith replied.
He vaguely remembered that friend of Serena's. The two of them were close, and there was no way she could skip something like that.
Thanks again," Serena said.
When Serena thanked him so politely, Keith rubbed his brow. "It's only right for me to look after Alyssa. If anything, I should be thanking you for taking care of her, too."
She had already come to see Alyssa as her own daughter, so she didn't know how to respond at first.
Keith said, "Just focus on what you need to do. I've got everything covered on Alyssa's end."
Only then did Serena nod.
On Sunday, Serena arrived early at the wedding venue. At that time, Kristy was still getting her makeup done, and her eyes lit up the moment she saw her. "You're here nice and early."
She looked at Kristy, who was all dressed up and glowing, and felt a strange sense of disbelief. She hadn't expected her friend to be getting married so soon.
Kristy teased, "What's with that look? Sit down and let the makeup artist work on you. You're coming up on stage with me later, remember?"
Snapping out of it, Serena smiled and nodded.
Kristy turned to the makeup artist and said playfully, "Make her look amazing, okay? Don't worry about stealing the bride's spotlight."
The makeup artist, clearly amused by the rare request, chuckled, "You're both stunning in your own ways. There's no outshining going on here."
After the makeup was done, Kristy leaned in, unable to resist a little gossip. "One of the groomsmen on my husband's side is really handsome. He's got this clean and bookish vibe. Totally your type."
Serena looked puzzled. Kristy, seeing her confused expression, let out a sigh of exasperation.
Kristy helplessly said, "Come on, how dense can you be? Do I really have to spell it out? We're trying to set you two up. His name is Julian Cooper. He's got a great education and comes from a good family.
"The best part is, we know him well. If he ever dares mess with you, my husband and I won't let it slide."
That was when Serena finally caught on, her face showing a mix of resignation and amusement. "Come on, stop playing matchmaker already. There's no way he would be into me. Besides, it takes real feelings for two people to work out."
Kristy shot back, "You haven't even met him. How would you know if he's not into you? Get to know each other a bit, and the sparks might just fly."
Just then, the dressing room door swung open, and a man who looked a little shy stepped inside.
Kristy grinned and said cheerfully, "Speak of the devil! Let me introduce you two. This is Julian, the guy I just mentioned, and this is my best friend, Serena Gray."
Serena hadn't expected to meet Julian Cooper this quickly and instinctively looked over at him. He really was good-looking, with an honest air about him. No wonder Kristy was so eager to set them up.
Julian looked slightly awkward as he said, "I just came by to grab a bite. Sorry for interrupting."
Kristy gave Serena a little shove from behind. "Come on, it's no big deal. My best friend just so happens to want a little walk anyway. Julian, why don't you show her around?"
Serena had just opened her mouth to refuse when Julian, looking a bit shy, quietly agreed from across the room. He then stepped forward and politely held the door open. "Ms. Gray, after you."
Since he had already taken the initiative, Serena felt it would be rude to turn him down now. "Alright, let's take a walk then."
It was Kristy's big day, and Serena didn't want to go against her wishes. Still, deep down, she wasn't ready to start seeing someone new again—not so soon.
Walking side by side down the corridor, Julian seemed a little shy and kept sneaking glances at Serena from time to time.
He had already heard that Serena was beautiful and had a great personality, and he knew his friends were hoping to match them up.
But even with the heads-up, Julian hadn't expected her to be this stunning. She had a graceful and thoughtful presence like someone who carried herself with quiet elegance. She was exactly his type.
After they had walked for a while, Serena finally turned to him, her gaze gentle and sincere. "I'm sorry, Mr. Cooper. This must be kind of awkward for you, too, right?"
Julian hadn't thought that at all and quickly shook his head. "You're very beautiful, Ms. Gray. It's just a walk. Nothing awkward about it."
Seeing how genuinely kind he was, Serena decided to be upfront. "They're trying to set us up... Maybe you already knew that. But I don't think we're quite right for each other."
A flicker of disappointment passed through Julian's eyes, and noticing it, she quickly added, "It's not that there's anything wrong with you. It's just... I've been divorced, and I have a child.
"From the look of it, you've probably never been married. So, if we were to be together, I don't think it would really work."
Julian had already heard about that before, which was why he hadn't put much hope in the setup. But seeing Serena in person had made those so-called standards feel less important somehow.
Even after everything she had been through, Julian still wanted to believe that someone as gentle and beautiful as her was the real victim here.