The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 94: Chapter 94

Serena returned to the apartment with Kristy.
Kristy retrieved her key, unlocked the door, and stepped aside, gesturing for Serena to enter first. "Go on in, Seri," she said gently.
Serena nodded and entered, taking in the space. It was a modest studio, around 860 square feet. The living area was small, centered around a cream-colored fabric sofa scattered with vibrant throw pillows.
A few lively, colorful prints adorned the walls, giving the place an inviting energy. Though compact, the apartment was thoughtfully arranged, every detail carefully considered.
Kristy appeared with a pair of pink silk pajamas in her hand. "These are super comfy. Try them on."
"Thanks," Serena said, accepting them.
Kristy smiled. "No need for thanks between us. We're best friends, remember?"
She nodded toward the bathroom. "Go ahead and freshen up. You've had a long day. Get some rest."
Serena agreed quietly, already thinking that once things settled down, she'd need to find her own place. She couldn't impose on Kristy forever.
When she emerged from the bathroom, Kristy was sprawled on the sofa with a sheet mask on, casually scrolling through her phone.
"Seri, come join me! Mask time," Kristy called.
Serena walked over and sat beside her, applying a mask of her own. The two chatted idly, the kind of effortless conversation that came easily between old friends.
"So," Kristy said, voice light but curious, "what's the deal with you and Keith?"
Serena blinked, then laughed. "There's no deal. We're just friends."
"Just friends?" Kristy raised a skeptical brow. "Doesn't really seem that way. He treats you... differently."
Serena gave a small, exasperated smile. "You're reading too much into it. He's just being polite. Gentlemanly."
"Mm, gentlemanly," Kristy echoed, unconvinced. "And since I left Glonia, nothing happened between you two?"
Serena gave a soft laugh. "Nothing at all. Seriously. Where's your imagination taking you?"
That said, Keith had helped her more than she could say. Without him, she wouldn't have known where to begin with half the challenges she'd faced.
"Shame," Kristy sighed. "He's gorgeous, rich, kind, considerate... honestly, he's the whole package."
Serena nodded. "He really is. Mr. Brannon is exceptional."
Kristy perked up. "Wait, so you've noticed? You've definitely thought about it."
Serena paused, caught slightly off guard by Kristy's sudden energy. Then she smiled and shook her head. "No, I haven't. You're overthinking it."
Kristy squinted at her, unconvinced. "You sure? He seems pretty into you. Wouldn't want you missing out on a guy like that."
Serena laughed softly, nudging Kristy back against the cushions. "You're imagining things. We're just friends. Honestly."
She fell quiet for a moment, then added in a lower voice, "He and I... we're from different worlds."
Kristy caught the seriousness in her tone and didn't push further. Instead, she gave a small shake of her head and smiled. "Alright, alright. I'll drop it. Oh, speaking of big things, I'm getting married and you still haven't met my fiancé!"
Serena froze for a moment, realization dawning.
Caught up in her own life, she hadn't spared a thought for Kristy's. Kristy was getting married, and she hadn't even asked about him.
"I'll introduce you tomorrow," Kristy said. "You'll love him."
"I'd like that," Serena replied with a genuine smile. She was happy for her friend.
After the masks came off, the conversation drifted into quieter territory, and soon, they each retired to their rooms for the night.
At dawn, Serena rose with a stretch, washed up, and changed into a light, fresh outfit. She and Kristy then headed out to meet Kristy's fiancé, Callum Wilson.
They arrived at an elegant restaurant, where soft music drifted through the air, mingling with the rich scent of coffee.
Kristy immediately spotted Callum seated by the window.
He wore a light grey shirt, sleeves casually rolled up to the elbows. His head was bowed over his phone, but at the sound of approaching footsteps, he looked up and smiled warmly.
"Kristy, over here!" he called, rising to greet them.
Kristy walked over, beaming. "Callum, this is my best friend, Serena Gray."
"And Seri," she added, turning to Serena, "this is my fiancé, Callum Wilson."
"Nice to meet you," Serena said with a polite smile, extending her hand.
Callum took it gently. "I've heard a lot about you. Glad we finally meet."
With a courteous gesture, he pulled out their chairs. "Please, have a seat."
Once they were seated, Callum resumed his place.
Serena observed him quietly. There was an easy confidence to him, and a certain quiet attentiveness that didn't feel rehearsed.
He adjusted Kristy's napkin with care, topped off her water without needing to be asked, and checked in with her preferences in a quiet, unobtrusive way.
Serena watched the two with a subtle nod of approval.
After a while, Kristy excused herself to the restroom.
"Want me to come with you?" Serena offered.
Kristy shook her head with a smile. "No need. I'll be quick."
With Kristy gone, silence briefly settled between Serena and Callum, comfortable, if a touch unfamiliar.
Just then, the restaurant doors opened. A woman in a striking red dress, Regina, entered, her arm hooked through Victor's.
Victor looked distracted, his brow faintly furrowed, one hand idly patting the inside pocket of his suit as if checking for his phone.
His gaze swept across the room, then stopped on Serena.
Regina followed his line of sight. Tugging lightly at his sleeve, she asked, "What is it? Why did you stop?"
But Victor had already stepped away from her, heading straight toward the table. "Serena," he said, tone clipped. "When did you get back?"
The familiar voice cut through Serena's quiet moment. Without looking up, she took a sip of her lemon water, trying to will away the irritation rising in her chest.
'Of all people, at all times,' she thought.
She looked up, calm but cold. "Does it matter?"
Victor's brows drew together. "What's that supposed to mean?"
She met his gaze evenly. "Take it literally."
Regina approached behind him, arms folded, clearly intrigued. Victor, meanwhile, glanced at Callum, seated across from Serena.
"And who's this?" he demanded.
Serena didn't flinch or even glance his way. "Not your concern."
With that, she raised her glass again, sipping with effortless poise, eyes fixed on the window beyond him.