The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 91: Chapter 91

Serena set down her knife and fork, the clink of silverware sounding distant as her mind replayed the doctor's phone call from that morning.
Tiana's condition had taken a turn for the worse. Serena had planned to wrap things up before heading back, but now, that wasn't an option.
Tiana was the only family she had left in this world. No matter what, she had to be there.
She quickly dialed Keith's number.
He picked up almost immediately. "Hey, Seri?"
Alyssa, hearing Serena's name, came bounding over, grabbing Keith's arm and rising on tiptoe, trying to get closer to the phone.
"Mr. Brannon." Serena's voice was soft. "How's your wound? Have you been changing the dressing like the doctor said?"
Keith chuckled. "Yeah, don't worry. Healing nicely. The doctor said it's nothing serious."
Serena let out a small breath. His calm tone reassured her, if only slightly. "That's good. Just... make sure you do exactly as he says."
"I will," Keith promised gently. He paused, then added, "Is everything okay? You don't usually call out of the blue."
"I've made up my mind," she said quietly. "I'll take the job at your company."
There was a beat of silence. Then came Keith's surprised voice. "You're serious?"
"Yeah." Serena hesitated for a second before continuing, "When are you guys flying back?"
Keith blinked. "Funny timing. We actually wrapped things up here and were planning to head home today."
"Perfect," Serena said. "Let's go together then."
He raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Together? I like the sound of that. How about an 8 p.m. flight? I'll book yours with ours."
Hearing Serena would be flying with them, Alyssa lit up. She clapped her little hands, spinning in a circle before throwing herself into Keith's lap.
From the phone, Serena heard the commotion. "Is that Alyssa with you? I thought I heard her."
"Yeah, she's right here," Keith said with a laugh. "She just found out you're coming with us. She's over the moon."
Serena pictured the little girl's excited face and couldn't help smiling herself.
"Seri," Keith said, "since we're leaving tonight anyway, why don't we grab dinner together before the flight?"
She thought about it for a second, then nodded. "Sounds good. Thanks, Mr. Brannon."
Keith smiled, "You're welcome. I'll pick you up at six?"
"Six it is," she agreed.
After hanging up, Keith looked down at Alyssa, who was still wrapped around his leg. "We're having dinner with Serena tonight. Excited?"
Alyssa squealed, let go, twirled in place again, and dove into Keith's arms, nuzzling into his chest like a happy little kitten.
Keith smiled and stroked her soft hair.
These past few weeks had brought a noticeable change in Alyssa's health and her mood. Meeting Serena in Glonia had been completely unexpected. But it had also been, without a doubt, one of the best things that could've happened.
At six o'clock in the evening, Serena descended the stairs right on time.
The soft glow of the setting sun cast a golden halo over the old building, warming its timeworn facade.
A black sedan waited quietly by the curb. Beside it stood Keith, holding Alyssa's tiny hand. She wore a pink dress, her hair tied into two playful pigtails.
Keith, in a tailored charcoal-gray suit, stood tall and composed.
The moment Serena appeared at the stairwell, Alyssa broke free from Keith's hand and ran toward her with delight, throwing her arms around Serena's legs.
Serena bent down and scooped her up.
"Did you miss me, Alyssa?" she asked gently, giving the child's chubby cheek a soft squeeze.
Alyssa nodded and wrapped her arms tightly around Serena's neck, planting a kiss on her cheek.
Keith stepped forward. "Here, let me," he said, reaching for the suitcase beside her.
Without waiting for a reply, he carried it to the trunk and stowed it away.
Serena gave him a warm smile. "Thank you." Then she settled into the back seat with Alyssa in her arms.
Keith rounded the car, got into the driver's seat, and started the engine. The sedan eased into the evening traffic, heading toward the restaurant.
After a while, they arrived at a quietly elegant establishment.
A courteous attendant opened the car door. Keith got out first, taking Alyssa from Serena, who followed shortly after.
With the waiter leading the way, they were shown to a window-side table.
Keith handed her a menu. "See anything you'd like?"
Serena skimmed through it and selected a few simple dishes. Beside her, Alyssa played with her fingers, content and quiet.
After dinner, they continued on to the airport. At exactly 8 p.m., the plane departed. Over a dozen hours later, it landed at 8 a.m. local time.
Once off the plane, Keith carried Alyssa while Serena walked behind them.
The child's head rested on Keith's shoulder, bobbing softly with each step.
Her small hands clung to his collar, her face nestled into his chest. Her breathing was slow and even. She had clearly fallen into deep sleep.
Keith glanced down at her, then gently patted her back, slowing his pace to avoid waking her.
He looked over at Serena. "Breakfast?"
Serena shook her head lightly. "I can't. I've got something to take care of."
He studied her for a moment but said nothing, simply nodding.
She gave a quick goodbye and turned to leave. Her mind was elsewhere on Tiana. The worry tugged at her. She needed to see Tiana, to know she was all right.
Serena flagged down a taxi, gave the driver the hospital's address, and they sped off. When they arrived, Serena paid the fare and headed straight inside.
In the hospital room, Tiana lay asleep.
Her face was pale, her features drawn, her breathing faint.
Serena's heart tightened at the sight. She walked to the bedside and gently took Tiana's hand.
"Tiana..." she murmured.
A doctor entered quietly. "Ms. Gray, you're back?"
He sighed, then said with calm gravity, "Her condition has worsened. She may not have more than a year."