SERENA’S POVI took a deep breath as I entered the courtroom, the heavy wooden doors creaking behind me. All eyes turned in my direction but I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead, focusing on the podium in front of the judge's bench. I had rehearsed what I needed to say dozens of times but it still felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. After all these years, the truth was finally coming to light. Today was the final court hearing for Richard Miller.Richard Miller sat at the defendant's table, his hands cuffed in front of him, looking as smug and arrogant as ever. Just being in his presence again made my skin crawl but I calmed myself, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me shaken. I nodded respectfully to the judge and took my seat in the front row, arranged to have a clear view of the proceedings.Judge Wilson cleared his throat and began. "This court has reconvened to address new evidence presented in the cases of People vs. Richard Miller and the histor

SERENA’S POV I was carrying new life inside me, a little baby that would be here in just over six months' time. A sudden influx of emotions overwhelmed me as I sat processing this life changing news. "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate you taking the time to clarify things for me. It's...a lot to take in." She handed me some information pamphlets. "I know this was unexpected, but you have support. Feel free to call or come in if any other questions or concerns arise in the meantime.And, please take plenty of rest. You need to stay healthy for you and your baby too, I noticed you’ve been under a lot of stress and pressure lately so take it easy okay?"I smiled gratefully and thanked her, my mind still spinning as I left the office.I floated through the clinic doors in a daze, doctor's words on repeat in my mind. Pregnant. Three whole months along already and I'd had no clue. It was all too much to process.I had mixed emotions and the first person I could think about calling was my b

SERENA’S POVIn that moment, my carefully constructed composure fell away. One single tear I didn’t realize I was holding slipped down my cheek. Did I just imagine the words or….Kaden loved me ?It was what I'd longed to hear, and yet the worst possible timing. Goddamit!I really wanted to pull him to myself and tell him every single emotion I felt but the tender moment was abruptly shattered by my mother's distinct voice calling upstairs. "Serena? Kaden? Why aren't you all at the church yet?" Her figure appeared in the doorway, glancing between us expectantly. I collected myself, dropping Kaden's hands. "We were just heading there now, Mom."Kaden nodded solemnly. "I'll see you at the altar." With one last lingering look at me, he slipped past my mother and out of sight. As we reached the church, I sat there a little nervous as though it was my own wedding. Everyone was exquisitely dressed like royalty. My eyes darted towards Bianca, the picture of happiness in her shimmering b

SERENA’S POVAs I drove toward Kaden's loft, my mind replayed his confession over and over. I knew we had to discuss what happened and where we stood, for both our sakes. Pulling up outside the building, my heart sank as I spotted a car pulling away in the distance that looked very much like Kaden's. I hoped he wasn’t the one and I wasn’t too late. I raced inside and up the stairs, out of breath when I reached his door. Inhaling deeply, I could catch a whiff of his scent still lingering there."He was just here," I said aloud to the empty hallway, feeling certain. I knocked loudly but there was no answer. Trying the handle, I wasn't surprised to find it locked. Pulling out my phone with slightly shaking hands, I selected Kaden's number and held it to my ear. It went straight to voicemail. “Hey you missed Kaden, please leave a message at the beep…”"Kaden, it's Serena. Please call me back, I need to know you're okay. I have so much I want to say..." My voice shook a bit and I too

SERENA’S POVAs soon as the words left the newscaster's mouth, the world seemed to grind to a halt. I felt myself go numb, deaf and blind to everything except the loud beating of my heart in my chest. This couldn't possibly be real. Mom crumpled to the floor in shock as she broke down crying. "No, Kaden has to be alright, he just has to!" she cried desperately. That's when Cameron walked in, his smile fading at the sight of our tears. "What's wrong?" he asked, dropping to his knees beside Mom. Between gasps she choked out, "It's Kaden - there was a plane crash. They are saying he was onboard going to Denver." Cameron went sheet white in shock. His eyes fixed unseeingly on the report flashing on screen, replaying the devastating details over and over. Finally he pulled Mom tightly to his chest, rocking her gently as his sad and confused face fell. "Oh my God" he kept whispering brokenly.All the while, I remained frozen, as if in a waking nightmare. Some detached part of my brain