CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 302

Chapter 302: Chapter 302 Wedding Dress Shopping

Serena’s POV

I woke up with a delicious ache spreading through every muscle in my body. Sunlight streamed through the half-drawn curtains as I stretched carefully, wincing at the pleasant soreness.

"Morning, beautiful," Ryan murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. He propped himself up on one elbow, looking unfairly gorgeous with his tousled hair and sleepy eyes.

"Morning," I replied, unable to suppress my smile. "I think you broke me."

His lips curved into that smug smile I both loved and hated. "Complaints?"

"Not a single one." I leaned over to kiss him, but before things could escalate again, my phone started buzzing frantically on the nightstand.

Maya’s name flashed across the screen. I groaned but reached for it anyway.

"Your timing is terrible," I answered without preamble.

"SERENA!" Maya’s voice practically exploded through the speaker, so loud that Ryan raised an eyebrow beside me. "I need you NOW. Wedding dress shopping. This is NOT a drill!"

I sat up, clutching the sheet to my chest. "Today? But I thought—"

"I found this AMAZING boutique that specializes in custom bridal wear, but they had a cancellation so they can fit us in TODAY. Like, in two hours! You HAVE to come with me. I can’t make these decisions alone!"

Ryan was now trailing kisses along my shoulder, making it difficult to concentrate. I swatted at him half-heartedly.

"Of course I’ll come," I said, trying to sound normal while Ryan’s hand slid beneath the sheets. "Text me the address." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"And bring Ryan!" Maya added excitedly. "Ethan will be there too. I’ve been thinking... what if we had the wedding here in London? It would be so romantic, and since you guys are already here..."

I felt a sudden rush of emotion. "You want to have your wedding here? Because of us?"

"You’re my best friend, Serena. I want you there, fully present, not distracted by work or travel. Plus, London is gorgeous! So, what do you say? Will you help me find the perfect dress AND be my maid of honor for a London wedding?"

My eyes welled up unexpectedly. "Yes to everything. I’ll be there in two hours."

After hanging up, I turned to Ryan, who was watching me with curious eyes. "Maya wants to have her wedding in London. She wants me to be her maid of honor."

Ryan smiled, wiping away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. "That’s wonderful. She’s important to you."

"She’s the only real friend I had when everything fell apart," I admitted quietly. "When I left you, started over... she was there through all of it."

He pulled me close, kissing the top of my head. "Then I owe her a debt I can never repay. Now, much as I’d love to keep you in bed all day, it sounds like we have a bridal appointment to get to."

Two hours later, we walked into one of London’s most exclusive bridal boutiques, where Maya was already bouncing on her toes with excitement. The place was a vision of white and cream, with plush seating and champagne on ice.

"Finally!" Maya grabbed my hands. "They’ve pulled some dresses already, but I need your expert eye. You know I trust your design instincts more than anyone’s."

I squeezed her hands. "Let’s find you something spectacular."

While the men were ushered to a waiting area with drinks, Maya and I disappeared into a sea of tulle, lace, and silk. The boutique manager, a slender woman named Claudia, started bringing out options.

"This is a Vera Wang," she said, presenting the first gown.

Maya slipped it on and stepped onto the viewing platform. I circled her slowly, my designer’s eye automatically cataloging every detail.

"The neckline is competing with the beadwork," I said, pinching the fabric between my fingers. "And the silhouette doesn’t emphasize your waist enough."

Claudia blinked, clearly not used to such detailed critique.

"Try the next one," I suggested.

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