CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 273

Chapter 273: Chapter 273 Unexpected Reunion

Serena’s POV

"Ryan?" I practically jumped out of my chair, heart racing at the sight of him standing there. God, I’d missed that face so much. "You’re here? In London?"

My mind was racing with a thousand questions, but my body just wanted to rush into his arms. Several days apart had felt like an eternity, and seeing him suddenly appear in front of me sent waves of happiness coursing through me.

Cedric’s expression darkened beside me, his previously relaxed demeanor instantly vanishing. I could feel the tension radiating from him, but honestly, I barely registered it. My eyes were locked on Ryan.

Ryan’s jaw was tight, his eyes flickering between me and Cedric with barely contained displeasure. He took a controlled breath before speaking. "I came to take you for your medical follow-up."

I bit my lip, suddenly remembering Cedric’s presence. As much as I wanted to leave immediately with Ryan, I couldn’t just abandon Cedric mid-lunch. After all, this meal was meant to thank him for his help with Fashion Week arrangements.

"Did you just land?" I asked, trying to find a compromise. "Why don’t you join us for lunch first? We can go to the hospital afterward."

"Mr. Blackwood, please do join us," Cedric interjected smoothly, though his eyes betrayed his annoyance. "Serena and I were just commenting on how excellent the food is here. Consider it your welcome to London."

"How generous of you," Ryan replied with a thin smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "I’d be delighted to join."

The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable, but I was too happy seeing him to care about the obvious tension between the men. Ryan slid into the seat next to me, his thigh pressing against mine under the table.

"Ryan, how is Vivian? Is she okay? Who’s looking after her?" The questions tumbled out of me as soon as he sat down. "I didn’t expect you to come all this way."

"Everything’s fine," Ryan said, his voice softening considerably when addressing me. His hand found mine under the table, our fingers intertwining instantly. "Vivian is perfect. Mrs. Patterson has everything under control."

I couldn’t stop smiling, drinking in every detail of his face. God, I’d missed him more than I’d realized. It had only been a few days, but it felt like coming up for air after being underwater too long. The rest of the restaurant seemed to fade away—Cedric included.

Across the table, Cedric cleared his throat and lifted his cup. "Mr. Blackwood must be quite busy running Blackwood Group. When are you planning to return to New York?"

I hadn’t even thought about Ryan leaving again, but Cedric’s question brought me crashing back to reality. Ryan had just arrived, and already Cedric was asking about his departure.

"Are you that eager to see me leave, Mr. Lancaster?" Ryan asked, his voice deceptively casual but laced with ice.

Cedric took a slow sip of his tea. "Just making conversation."

The lunch that followed was nothing like the nostalgic trip down memory lane Cedric had probably envisioned. The conversation was strained, with Ryan’s arm possessively around my waist and Cedric’s increasingly forced smiles. I knew Cedric had planned to take me for a walk around our old university campus afterward, but those plans evaporated the moment Ryan mentioned the medical checkup.

I felt a twinge of guilt about leaving Cedric, but it was quickly overshadowed by my excitement to spend time with Ryan. My husband had flown across an ocean just to see me—the thought made my heart flutter ridiculously.

After lunch, Ryan whisked me away to the hospital for my checkup. In the taxi, my hand never left his.

"Have you been working too hard?" he asked, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "You look tired."

I shook my head, unable to stop smiling. "Not at all. Don’t worry—you heard the doctor, my recovery is right on track."

I pulled out the medical papers from my bag like a child bringing home a good report card. "See? Ryan was there too—he can confirm everything’s perfect."

"Thank goodness," Mom sighed, relief softening her features. "You’ve been through so much, sweetheart."

"Where’s my granddaughter?" Mom asked, peering around us as if Vivian might be hiding somewhere.

"I’m actually here for work," I admitted. "Opening the London branch of Dreamland. Ryan just flew in today to surprise me—he’s heading back tomorrow."

Mom gave me an exasperated look. "Already working? And you," she turned to Ryan, "why aren’t you making her rest?"

"Mom!" I protested, feeling like a teenager again. "This was my decision, not Ryan’s. Besides, didn’t you always say a woman should have her own career?"

She sighed in that way only mothers can, acknowledging defeat. "You Quinns are all the same—workaholics to the core. Sit down, both of you. I’ll call your father and sister and have dinner prepared."

We settled into the familiar living room sofa, my head naturally finding its place on Ryan’s shoulder. Being home felt right—safe and comfortable in a way nowhere else could match.

Eleanor arrived first, sweeping into the room with her usual energy. "Serena! I can’t believe you’re already launching the London branch!"

I laughed, suddenly realizing how much I’d missed my sister. "Well, you’ve been back in London for ages now. I’m just catching up."

"Always pushing yourself too hard," she said, shaking her head, but her proud smile told me she understood. "At least you look healthy—so I’ll spare you the lecture."