CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Chapter 86 His apology

Ryan’s POV

I heard the doctor’s diagnosis and my mind went blank.

I couldn’t believe Grandmother was actually sick, and seriously ill at that.

Just yesterday we’d been plotting to use the "sick grandmother" trick to lure Serena back to the mansion, and now Grandmother had actually collapsed. Talk about coincidences.

Especially when the doctor mentioned her emotional distress, it made me suspicious that Grandmother might be faking it. She’d been constantly worrying about her youngest son—my uncle.

I questioned the doctor sharply, "Are you certain you’re not exaggerating?"

The doctor looked taken aback. "Mr. Blackwood, what are you suggesting? Would I dare lie about something this serious?"

"If you don’t believe me, feel free to consult other physicians. If their conclusions differ, I’ll never set foot in your home again."

To confirm Grandmother wasn’t putting on an act, I called two doctors I completely trusted to examine her. The results were the same—Grandmother was genuinely ill.

While I was considering what to do next, Serena suddenly spoke up: "I want to see Grandmother."

"Of course, I’ll take you." I reached out to support her, considering her pregnancy.

But she coldly avoided my hand. "I can walk by myself," she said, striding forward without even glancing my way.

The faint scent of her perfume drifted toward me as she moved, making me momentarily dizzy. Even pregnant, she walked with such grace and poise.

Entering Grandmother’s bedroom, the subtle smell of medicine greeted us. The elderly woman lay in bed with half-closed eyes, her breathing labored.

Grandmother had always been meticulous about her appearance, but now her face looked haggard, her hair noticeably grayer.

I frowned almost imperceptibly. For the elderly, illness could be devastating.

"Grandmother, it’s Serena. I’m here," Serena said, sitting beside the bed and leaning close to Grandmother’s ear, hoping she could hear better.

As she bent forward, the perfect curve of her neck came into view, causing me to swallow hard.

Grandmother turned her cloudy eyes and shakily extended her hand. Serena immediately understood, offering her own hand and holding Grandmother’s tightly.

"I’m here, Grandmother. If you have anything to tell me, I’m listening."

Grandmother took a labored breath and began speaking haltingly. I expected her to mention my uncle, but instead, she started talking about the argument between Serena and me.

"Serena, Ryan isn’t... good with words... whatever misunderstanding... you have... talk it through... don’t let it... slip away."

"It’s not easy... to find each other. You two... don’t give up so easily."

Grandmother spoke with such sincerity that I could see Serena’s expression soften.

I sighed deeply. Grandmother looked as if she was giving her final wishes.

The scene was difficult to bear—I had so few family members left, and Grandmother was one of the most important people in my life. I couldn’t lose her.

"Grandmother, focus on getting better. Serena and I will work things out, don’t worry," I quickly reassured her, inadvertently meeting Serena’s gaze. The concern in her eyes struck me deeply.

"Good... good..." Grandmother repeated the word several times before her hand slowly released its grip. She looked as if she had used up all her energy, falling back into a deep sleep.

"Serena, can we talk? Even if you don’t want to deal with me, please listen for the sake of our baby." I lowered my voice, adopting a pleading tone, forcing myself not to touch her again.

Serena raised an eyebrow, seemingly unable to believe what she was hearing.

"Follow me," I said, this time not reaching for her as I headed straight to the backyard.

After hesitating briefly, she followed. We stopped in a secluded corner of the backyard.

I turned to face her, controlling myself not to stand too close, yet desperately wanting to close the distance between us.

"Serena, I did have feelings for Sophie before, but that’s all in the past. It’s true that after marrying you, I thought about her for a few years, but since I started pursuing you again, I haven’t thought about anyone else."

My gaze unconsciously fell on her lips, remembering their feel, almost losing my self-control.

I paused, worried she wouldn’t believe me, and added something incredibly sappy: "You and our baby are everything in my life now."

As soon as I said it, my ears burned with embarrassment and I couldn’t help coughing awkwardly. If outsiders saw me like this, they’d be shocked.

But at that moment, I only wanted her to understand my feelings, even if it meant setting aside all my pride.

Serena stared at me for two seconds before suddenly laughing. Seeing her laugh lightened the atmosphere considerably, and I felt relieved. When she smiled, it was like magic—I almost forgot to breathe.

Looks like the advice Eliza gave me actually worked, though I’d never had the courage to try it before. Sometimes you really have to push yourself.

"Serena, do you believe me now?" I asked, anxiously waiting for her answer, my heart in my throat.