The night he came back

Chapter 5

Serena stared at Aidan, stunned.

“You ended the partnership? That’s a billion-dollar deal.”

“It was losing value,” he said calmly.

“You did that because of what they showed?”

“No.” His gaze locked with hers. “I did it because Ethan and his mistress thought hurting you would have no consequences.”

Her lips parted. “Aidan… you can’t do things like that because of me.”

“Yes,” he said simply, “I can.”

Her heart thumped painfully.

---

AT AIDAN’S MANSION

The car rolled into the long driveway of Aidan’s estate — a modern palace of glass and stone glowing under the night sky.

Serena stared, breath stolen.

“You’re staying here tonight,” Aidan said, stepping out.

Serena blinked. “What? No — I shouldn’t—”

“This isn’t a request.”

His voice was firm, but not forceful. Protective.

“You’ve been attacked publicly,” he continued. “The media will swarm your apartment by morning. Here, you’ll be safe.”

When she hesitated, he added softly:

“Serena, I won’t let the world tear you apart again.”

Something inside her broke — something fragile she’d been holding together with trembling fingers.

She nodded.

Inside, warm lights filled the vast foyer. A housekeeper approached and bowed slightly.

“Prepare the guest suite beside mine,” Aidan instructed.

Serena flushed. “Beside yours?”

“So I can hear if you need anything,” he said quietly.

Her breath caught.

He was dangerous.

Not because he ever threatened her.

But because he saw her in a way no one ever had.

---

LATER THAT NIGHT

Serena sat on the balcony of the guest suite, wrapped in a soft blanket. She was alone — but she didn’t feel lonely.

The door behind her opened softly.

Aidan stepped out, holding two cups of hot chocolate.

She stared. “You drink hot chocolate?”

“Only when I need a reminder that the world isn’t completely terrible.”

He handed her one. She smiled despite herself.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For… everything.” Her voice cracked. “I don’t know why you’re helping me.”

Aidan leaned against the railing beside her, looking out at the city lights.

“Because someone should,” he murmured. “Because you’ve been fighting alone for too long.”

Her chest tightened painfully.

He turned his head, eyes lingering on her face.

“And because,” he added quietly, “I don’t like seeing you hurt.”

Serena looked at him — really looked.

The man who had lifted her from humiliation. The man who wasn’t afraid of scandals, photos, or lies. The man who had stood in front of the entire city and made a statement without even mentioning her name.

Someone powerful.

Someone dangerous.

Someone unpredictable.

Someone she should run from…

but couldn’t.

Aidan stepped closer — slow, careful, deliberate.

“Serena,” he said quietly, “you’re not alone anymore.”

Something warm blossomed deep inside her, unfamiliar and terrifying.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear before walking away.

Serena’s heart didn’t stop racing for a long, long time.