Serena’s POV
I slumped into the lounge chair on the balcony, letting the sunlight wash over while boredom slowly ate away at my sanity. Even after a nap, exhaustion still clung to like a second skin. Probably because I’ve been cooped up in this mansion for what feels like forever with zero physical activity.
When I heard the soft knock on the door, I perked up at the prospect of any distraction.
"Co in," I called, trying not to sound too eager.
The butler stepped in with his perpetually perfect posture. "Madam, Dr. Lay is here to see you."
I acknowledged him with a lazy "Mmm" and slipped my feet into my slippers before heading downstairs. Ryan had been insistent about these dical checkups every three days—all for the wellbeing of and our little one, he’d say.
I yawned dramatically as I settled onto the sofa, submitting to the now-familiar routine of prodding and asurents.
After finishing her examination, Dr. Lay smiled warmly at . "Mrs. Blackwood, you’re perfectly healthy. Your complexion is a bit dull, though. That’s likely from being confined indoors all day."
Her next words made my ears perk up like a cat’s.
"You should get out occasionally, see so friends. It would be much better for you, actually."
My eyes lit up before I rembered Ryan’s countless warnings. My excitent deflated instantly.
"Ryan says I’m in a critical period and should stay ho, not moving around too much," I recited his words like a well-trained parrot.
Dr. Lay’s brows furrowed. "Mr. Blackwood’s intentions are good, but he’s mistaken on this point. Moderate activity and fresh air benefit both you and the baby." She leaned in slightly. "Constantly being shut in isn’t healthy for anyone, especially not an expectant mother."
As she emphasized this point repeatedly, a rebellious plan began forming in my mind. What if I just... went out while Ryan was at work? I’d only visit my studio, not climb a mountain or go skydiving. What harm could possibly co from that?
"I understand. Thank you, Dr. Lay," I said, newfound determination creeping into my voice.
After she left, I rembered that Ethan was having his branch opening ceremony today. As his sister, I absolutely had to be there to congratulate him.
When I ca downstairs dressed in a chic maternity outfit, the butler’s eyes widened.
"Madam, are we expecting guests?"
"No," I replied breezily. "I’m going out for a bit."
The poor man looked like he might faint. "Madam, Mr. Blackwood specifically instructed—"
"I know what he said," I cut him off with a wave of my hand. "But you heard Dr. Lay yesterday, didn’t you? She recomnded I get so fresh air. I’m not made of glass, for heaven’s sake!"
When my determination didn’t waver, he tried a different approach. "Let call Mr. Blackwood and ask—"
"Absolutely not!" I snapped, perhaps too quickly. If Ryan knew, my little adventure would be over before it began. "I won’t be going alone. What are you so worried about?"
I narrowed my eyes. "Or am I actually a bird in a gilded cage? Do I have no rights at all?"
The butler sighed in defeat. "Please be careful, madam. At least take the bodyguards with you. For safety’s sake."
"Fine," I agreed, knowing this was the best compromise I’d get. "And not a word to Ryan!"
He pressed his lips together but nodded reluctantly. "Please return early, madam."
"I will," I promised, already halfway out the door.
Sitting in the car with the window down, feeling the breeze on my face, my mood instantly lifted. Dr. Lay was right—I needed this escape more than I’d realized.
When I arrived at LUXE’s new branch, Maya’s eyes nearly popped out of her head seeing there.
"Serena! What on earth are you doing here?" Her gaze shifted to the two stone-faced bodyguards flanking . "Wow, Mr. Blackwood really does treat you like fine china, doesn’t he?" she teased.
I laughed it off. "Better safe than sorry, I suppose. Where’s Ethan?"
"He’s tied up at the mont. Let’s go upstairs where it’s quieter—the crowd should thin out soon."
I nodded and turned to my shadows. "You two can wait in the car."
The bodyguards exchanged troubled glances. "Mrs. Blackwood, we should at least remain by the door. We won’t intrude, but—"
"What are you so worried about?" I insisted. "This is Quinn territory, and Maya here is a Quinn herself. Plus, the place is crawling with people. I’m hardly going to be in danger sitting with my friend."
Maya gave a sympathetic look before addressing them. "She’ll be perfectly safe with , I promise."
With visible reluctance, they retreated, and Maya linked her arm through mine as we headed upstairs.
Once settled in the private lounge, we dove into girl talk like we hadn’t seen each other in years. Maya’s face glowed with happiness—her relationship with Ethan had clearly progressed significantly.
"I’ve heard all about how you helped Ethan with this branch," I said, pouring us both so tea. "You two seem inseparable these days. I’m guessing a Quinn family wedding might be on the horizon?"
Maya blushed adorably. "If I do marry him, what does that make you? Family from my side or his?"
I burst out laughing. "Officially, I’d be your in-law. But between us?" I squeezed her hand. "I’m definitely your ally. Don’t worry—he wouldn’t dare mistreat you."
We exchanged knowing looks and dissolved into giggles, enjoying this rare mont of freedom and friendship that felt so precious to now.
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