CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 348

Chapter 348: Chapter 348 Midnight Search

Serena’s POV

I held Rancy close, gently swaying back and forth as her sobs gradually quieted. How could I possibly explain any of this to a child? Some things were just too complicated for her little mind to comprehend.

Her crying had turned to hiccups now, but my own thoughts were spiraling. Ryan’s face kept flashing through my mind with disturbing clarity. Beyond the obvious anger and fear I felt, there was something else—something unexpectedly painful that made my chest tighten.

Before I could process this feeling, I felt a tiny finger brush against my cheek. I hadn’t even realized I was crying until Rancy was wiping away my tears with her small hand.

"Mommy, Rancy sorry," she whispered, her eyes wide with concern. "Rancy was bad. Please don’t cry anymore, okay?" Her bottom lip trembled. "When Mommy cries, I get scared."

God, what was I doing? She was just a child. My child. This wasn’t her burden to carry.

I pulled her closer, walking slowly around the room while trying to find the right words.

"Rancy, sweetheart," I said softly, stroking her hair. "There are some things happening right now that are very grown-up and complicated. I can’t explain everything just yet."

She looked up at me, eyes still glistening with tears.

"When you’re older, you’ll understand more." I kissed her forehead gently. "For now, I need you to trust that Mommy is doing what’s best for you. That’s why we need to change schools, okay? Can you be my brave girl and not make a fuss about it anymore?"

Her little face scrunched up in thought before she finally nodded, though I could see she wasn’t happy about it.

"Okay, Mommy. I’ll be good." She reached up to touch my face again. "Don’t be sad anymore. Rancy won’t be bad again."

I pressed my forehead against hers, savoring this peaceful moment between us. These were the moments that mattered—just my daughter and me, wrapped in our own little bubble of love.

The bubble burst when I heard the commotion downstairs. The housekeeper’s exaggerated gasp followed by hurried footsteps had me instantly on alert.

"Stay here and play with your dolls, sweetheart," I told Rancy, setting her down on the carpet. "Mommy needs to go check something."

I rushed downstairs, my heart hammering against my ribs. When I saw Cedric standing in the foyer with a swollen jaw and split lip, my stomach dropped.

"Cedric, what happened? Were you attacked?" I asked, already knowing the answer. The sick feeling in my gut grew stronger. "Was it him? Was it Ryan Blackwood?"

Cedric just sighed. "Serena, I’m fine. How’s Rancy doing? She was discharged today, right? Is she feeling better?"

His gentle concern for my daughter only made me more insistent. "Rancy’s fine, but you’re clearly not. Tell me what happened. Was it Ryan Blackwood?"

After dismissing the housekeeper with a flick of his wrist, Cedric turned to me with those earnest eyes that had always made me feel safe.

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