Chapter 140

Serena's POV

It was already 10:30 PM when I brought Milo and Stella home.

We'd ordered takeout on the way, and started eating as soon as we got in. Stella, ever so thoughtful, volunteered to help clean up the dishes and even carefully wiped her brother's mouth. Watching her take care of Milo made my heart warm in an inexplicable way.

Remembering Rachel's earlier request about having dinner with the kids before leaving, I picked up my phone and texted her:

"It's getting too late tonight. You can pick up the kids tomorrow."

A moment later, Rachel replied: "Okay, thank you for taking care of them."

After a short rest, I took them for their baths. Stella insisted on bathing herself, but still let me blow-dry her hair. As I stood there drying her blond locks, I caught our reflection in the mirror. Those deep gray eyes of hers, so similar to Lucas's, made my heart sank.

While Milo was already fast asleep, I heard soft footsteps in the hallway. Stella stood in the doorway of her room, clutching her sketchbook.

"Can't sleep?" I asked quietly, careful not to wake her brother.

She shook her head, her long dark hair swaying. "I want to finish my drawing first."

"Just a few minutes then," I smiled, following her to guest room. I sat on the edge of her bed while she settled at her small desk, the lamp casting a warm glow over her workspace.

"What are you drawing tonight?"

"It's us," she said softly, her pencil moving confidently across the paper. "The picnic. See?" She held up the sketch - a remarkably detailed drawing of our impromptu picnic, complete with Milo chasing butterflies and Lucas spreading out the blanket.

"That's beautiful, sweetheart." I moved closer to examine the drawing. "You captured everyone perfectly."

Stella beamed at the praise, then hesitated. "I drew you sitting next to Daddy," she explained, pointing to the figure. "Is that okay?"

My heart melted at her uncertain expression. I gently squeezed her shoulder. "I love being in your drawings."

"Good." She carefully added final touches to the sketch. "Because I want to hang this one on the wall too."

After she finished, I helped her get ready for bed, brushing her hair as she told me about her dance class and how she'd helped her teacher organize the costumes for their upcoming recital.

"Will you come watch me dance?" she asked as I tucked her in, her voice carrying that vulnerable note that reminded me she was still just a little girl despite her mature demeanor.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything," I promised, smoothing her covers.

"Pinky swear?" She held out her small finger, suddenly looking very much like her twin brother.

"Pinky swear." I linked my finger with hers, then leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Sweet dreams, princess."

"Goodnight, Mommy," she whispered, already drifting off.

Despite my exhaustion, sleep eluded me. I found myself watching the two children beside me. Milo slept soundly, his cheeks flushed pink, lips slightly pursed in that adorable way of his. Stella lay on her side, one small hand protectively stretched toward her brother, her long lashes casting faint shadows in the moonlight. She looked like a little angel at rest.

I felt my eyes growing misty. These children... when had they snuck their way so deeply into my heart?

My phone vibrated in my pocket, breaking the spell. I quickly stepped out onto the balcony, sliding the door closed behind me to avoid disturbing them. When I saw the name, my stomach clenched. Beatrice Sinclair.

For a moment, I considered letting it go to voicemail. But some masochistic part of me, or perhaps that last stubborn thread of hope, made me answer.

"Hello, Grandmother."

"Have you heard about Lucas and Rachel Thorne?" Her voice crackled through the speaker, sharp with barely concealed glee. "They're getting married. What do you have to say about that?"

I kept my voice carefully neutral. "What would you like me to say?"

"Don't play coy with me, girl." She scoffed. "I warned you Lucas Harrington was out of your league. Now look at yourself - playing nanny to his child while he proposes to Rachel. How embarrassing."

My fingers tightened around the phone. "Is there anything else?"

"That attitude! This is exactly why you'll never measure up to the Sinclair name. Lawrence allowed you to take over StarRiver was a mistake. You're just like your mother - "

"Don't you dare speak of my mother, you're not worthy," I cut her off.