Chapter 24

Serena's POV

I hold onto Milo's and Stella's hands as we step out of the mall. I notice Ian Whitmore hurrying up behind us, his face flushed and a little out of breath. Then Ian steps right in our path, blocking us.

"Serena," he says, voice tense. "Can we talk?"

I let out a sharp exhale. "What's there to say, Ian? You already paid for the dress. Are you regretting the price tag now?"

He shakes his head, lips thinning. "I'm not broke, Serena. Don't insult me. You've been ignoring my messages for weeks. I thought we could still be friends despite everything." His gaze flickers toward Milo and Stella. "I didn't expect you to be playing nanny. Is he making you babysit his kids?"

My jaw clenches. "You're delusional. Since when do you think you can waltz in and give me life advice? You lost that privilege a long time ago."

Ian's eyes harden, frustration boiling beneath his calm facade. "You used to trust me," he mutters. Then he forces a crooked smile. "But hey, I see you got them fancy new outfits. You sure he isn't using you for your cash? I heard-"

"Stop." My voice is cold, a single word filled with anger. "Don't talk about he like you know him. You have no idea what he's capable of."

I turn to lead Milo and Stella away, but Ian catches my arm, grip tight enough to make my nerves spark with fury. Stella yelps, and Milo's eyes flare with protectiveness. My heart starts pounding, ready to lash out.

Suddenly, Milo and Stella jump between us, their small bodies shielding me. Stella tries to pry Ian's hand off my arm with all her might, and Milo-he bares his teeth and gives Ian a fierce little bite on the wrist.

"What the-!" Ian flinches back, cursing in pain. He snatches his hand away, staring at Milo in shock.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Milo says, his voice trembling with emotion.

Stella looks at Ian with her big, determined eyes. "We won't let you hurt Mommy! So back off!"

My chest tightens. I'm overwhelmed by how these two kids, still so small, are willing to fight for me. Despite everything, they stand tall like miniature warriors. Ian looks like he wants to spit more insults but he's clearly embarrassed to be attacked by a pair of six-year-olds in a public mall corridor.

A few people slow down, watching curiously. Ian glares at me, voice low and angry. "You'll regret this. One day you're gonna need me again, and I won't be there."

I manage a cool laugh. "I'd rather starve than beg you for help."

With that, I spin around, shoulders stiff, and gently usher Milo and Stella toward the exit. Ian shouts after us.

By the time we reach my car, the twins are still breathing fast from the confrontation. I check Milo's mouth-thank goodness-and give Stella a once-over to ensure Ian didn't bruise her. Both are fine, just rattled.

"You guys okay?" I ask softly, kneeling to their level.

Milo glances away, cheeks turning pink. "I'm sorry I bit him, Mommy. I just-he was grabbing you."

Stella nods fervently. "Yeah, we had to do something."

I pull them in for a quick hug, my voice coming out gentle. "I really appreciate you both looking out for me."

When we finally get back to my apartment, the sun is sinking low, painting the skyline with a dusky orange glow. I text Lucas, letting him know about we're home. He responds with a short message, telling me he's stuck at the office but wants me to keep Milo and Stella overnight.

I sigh, both relieved and irritated. "Looks like you're stuck with me tonight," I tell the twins, trying to sound upbeat.

"Yay!" Stella squeals, jumping a little. "We can watch TV and eat dinner together!"

Milo nods. "I'm hungry!"

I grin, feeling my exhaustion fade. "All right, let's order something good. You guys like pizza or do you want something fancy?"

They share a conspiratorial glance. "Pizza," they say in unison.

"Pizza it is," I laugh.

Within minutes, I've placed an order for a big, cheesy pie. The three of us spread out in my living room, rummaging through my streaming apps. Milo stares at the big screen in fascination, while Stella flips channels, from reality cooking shows to science documentaries.

"Oh! Look, that's Eleanor Yates," Stella exclaims when she lands on a flashy entertainment special. "She's so pretty!"

Milo nods in agreement. "Yeah, Dad likes her-he says she's a rising star."

The second I hear "Dad likes her," my stomach twists. The light, happy mood I had a moment ago vanishes. It's like someone poured ice water down my spine. Lucas doesn't usually talk about celebrities, so I never thought I'd have to worry about him crushing on someone else. But now, hearing about Eleanor Yates-kind, charitable, and apparently gorgeous-makes my heart sink. My chest feels tight, and this sudden wave of disappointment hits me, turning my thoughts dark.

"I guess your dad's got taste," I say, forcing a light tone. But inside, my mind spins. Is she prettier than me? More charming? More everything? I stare at her on the screen, trying to figure out what Lucas sees in her. My heart pounds with a weird mix of jealousy and insecurity, like I'm not good enough. I swallow hard, pasting on a half-smile, but I can't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at me.

The pizza arrives, and we eat on the living room floor, the twins giggling through mouthfuls of cheese and sauce. I should probably scold them for talking with their mouths full, but the moment feels too relaxed and warm. Once we're done, Milo and Stella eagerly help me carry boxes to the trash.

Afterward, we settle back down in front of the TV, channel surfing aimlessly. My phone buzzes again-Lucas checking in. He won't be back till late, maybe past midnight. I type out a short reply, telling him we're fine, though my heart tightens a little.

Tonight is about Milo and Stella, so I shove those thoughts aside and focus on them.

Time slips by, and soon Stella is yawning, leaning her head on Milo's shoulder. He's blinking tiredly, too.

"C'mon," I say, getting to my feet. "Bath time. Then maybe we'll read a story or watch one last cartoon."

They both look hesitant, cheeks flushing. "We can bathe ourselves," Milo mumbles.

"Oh, I know," I say lightly. "I'm just here in case you need help with shampoo. I do a mean scalp massage."

Stella giggles, and they follow me to the bathroom. The condo has a spacious tub, and while I set out fluffy towels, they shyly slip into the warm water.

"Everyone grows up eventually, right?" Stella asks after a moment, eyes curious. Water droplets cling to her lashes. "Dad says we'll be adults before we know it."

"Yeah," Milo chimes in. "It feels so far away though."

I smile, carefully rinsing shampoo out of Stella's hair. "Trust me, time flies when you're not paying attention. One day you'll wake up, and poof- you'll be grown."

Milo's voice is small. "Then... you and Dad?"

He doesn't finish, but I know what he's really asking. Will I still be around when they're older? Will Lucas still want me in his life?

My chest aches at the thought, but I keep my tone light. "Well, I'm not going anywhere for now. Let's just focus on the present, okay?"