CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 361

Chapter 361: Chapter 361 Storm Warning

Serena’s POV

The storm woke me at dawn, slamming into the windows like nature had declared personal war on London. Rain lashed the glass in furious sheets while wind howled through the streets below, making our penthouse feel like a ship in a hurricane.

My bare feet hit the cold hardwood just as Rancy’s terrified wail pierced through the thunder.

"Mommy, I’m scared!"

I was across the hall in seconds, scooping my trembling daughter into my arms. Her small body shook against mine, hot tears soaking into my pajama shirt.

"Shhh, baby. It’s just noise. Mommy’s right here," I whispered, stroking her silky hair. "The storm can’t hurt us inside."

As her breathing gradually steadied, my mind was already spinning through today’s impossible to-do list. The Fashion Week sketches needed final approval, three prototypes required last-minute adjustments, and working from home would slow everything to a crawl. Plus, home meant security risks—fashion spies, leaked designs, corporate espionage disguised as friendly interest.

I decided to camp out in Rancy’s room until she felt safe enough to sleep again. Just as I was settling beside her on the narrow bed, the door creaked open.

My heart launched itself into my throat until a familiar voice cut through the darkness.

"Serena, it’s me."

Cedric’s tall silhouette filled the doorway, backlit by the hallway’s soft glow. Relief flooded through me so fast I felt dizzy.

"Jesus, you scared me," I breathed.

"Sorry. I heard Rancy crying through the walls." He approached the bed, genuine concern etched across his features as he studied my now-sleeping daughter. "Is she okay?"

"Just the storm. She’ll be fine once it passes." I kept my voice to a whisper, not wanting to wake her again.

"The weather service upgraded to hurricane warnings. Rancy won’t have school tomorrow, and you shouldn’t even think about leaving the house." His protective tone was both comforting and slightly suffocating. "Stay home where it’s safe."

I sighed, already calculating how many hours of work I’d lose. "Let’s see what tomorrow brings."

"You should rest too. I’ll leave you both alone."

But he didn’t move. Instead, he settled onto the edge of the bed, those warm brown eyes studying my face with an intensity that made me want to squirm.

"Cedric, you don’t need to—"

"Please." His voice was soft, almost vulnerable. "With weather like this, let me watch over you both. I wouldn’t sleep anyway, knowing you’re dealing with this storm alone."

Alone. Except I’m not alone—I have him. Why does that feel both reassuring and complicated?

I pressed my lips together, too exhausted to argue. "Fine. But I can’t sleep either. I’ll grab my laptop and work on some sketches."

The truth was, I couldn’t possibly relax with him watching me like that—like I was something precious he was afraid of losing. Work was my escape hatch, my emotional Switzerland.

When I returned with my laptop and a stack of design folders, Cedric had transformed the space into something surprisingly cozy. He’d claimed the armchair by the window, a steaming mug in his hands and another waiting on the side table. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Made you coffee. Don’t thank me," he said with that lopsided smile that had become so familiar over the past three years.

"You work fast." I accepted the mug gratefully, inhaling the rich aroma. "Were you gone long?"

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