Sixty Days In The Billionaire's Arms

Chapter 12

Serena’s Pov

The lobby felt too bright, too loud, with people staring at their phones and whispering. Nate’s arm stayed locked around my waist like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. My heart hammered so hard I could barely breathe as the lab tech held out that thin envelope. Robert stood a few feet away, leaning on his cane, his face pale and confused. Diana watched from the side with that smug look that made me want to scream.

“Open it,” I whispered to Nate, my voice shaking. My fingers dug into his side. “Whatever it says, we face it together. Like you promised.”

Nate took the envelope with his free hand, his jaw tight. He looked at me first, those dark eyes full of love and worry. “No matter what, you’re mine. I love you, Serena. Remember that.”

He tore it open. The paper crinkled loud in the quiet lobby. I held my breath as his eyes scanned the page. His body went still, then he let out a long breath.

“What?” I asked, gripping his shirt. “Tell me.”

Nate pulled me closer, turning the paper so I could see. “You’re not Victor’s daughter,” he said softly, right next to my ear. “The test is negative. No match. Robert is your father. One hundred percent.”

Tears flooded my eyes. I sagged against him, relief crashing through me so hard my knees felt weak. “Oh God. He’s my dad. Really my dad.” I buried my face in Nate’s chest, breathing him in. His arms wrapped around me tight, one hand stroking my hair.

“I knew it,” he murmured. “But hearing it… I’m so glad for you. For both of you.”

Robert stepped closer, his voice rough. “Serena? What’s going on? I heard rumors about some letter, about Victor Calloway. Tell me the truth, honey.”

I pulled back from Nate just enough to face my dad, but I kept one hand laced with Nate’s. “Dad… there was a letter from Mom. It suggested maybe… but the test says no. You’re my real father. Always have been.”

Robert’s eyes filled with tears. He reached out and pulled me into a hug, his cane clattering against the floor. I hugged him back careful, feeling how thin he’d gotten.

“I’m sorry you had to hear any of that mess,” he whispered. “I loved your mother. Raised you as mine because you are mine. Blood or not, doesn’t matter.”

Nate stood close, his hand resting on my back, connecting us all. “Mr. Voss, I’m sorry for the pain my family caused. But I’m not sorry it brought Serena into my life.”

We stood there for a minute, the three of us in a small circle while strangers watched. It felt messy and real. Nate kissed the side of my head. “Let’s get out of here. Go somewhere quiet.”

Diana pushed forward before we could move. “Cute reunion. But the will clause still stands, Nate. The executor needs proof the engagement is legitimate. Stocks are tanking because of the scandal. Marry her fast or lose everything.”

Nate glared at her. “We’ll handle it our way. Not yours. Stay away from Serena and her father.”

I turned in Nate’s arms, facing her. “Why do you hate us so much? This isn’t just about money. What did Nate ever do to you?”

Diana’s smile faltered for a second. “He chose the company over me. Over everyone. Now he’s choosing you. I want to watch it burn.”

Nate pulled me back gently. “She’s not worth it. Come on.”

We helped Robert to the car. The ride to the penthouse was quiet at first. I sat between Nate and Dad, holding both their hands. Nate’s thumb kept rubbing mine, warm and steady. “You okay?” he asked me softly.

I nodded. “Better now. Knowing the truth… it feels like I can breathe again. But the will, the company, all the press. It’s still a lot.”

“You’re not alone in it,” he said. His voice was low, just for me. “I meant what I said earlier. I love you. Not because of any clause or debt or past. Because you’re strong and kind and you make me want to be better.”

My heart swelled. I leaned over and kissed him, soft and slow, not caring that Dad was right there. He kissed me back, his hand cupping my face like I was precious. When we pulled apart, Dad cleared his throat but he was smiling a little. “Guess this fake engagement isn’t so fake anymore.”

At the penthouse, we got Dad settled on the couch with some tea. Nate ordered food—simple things, soup for Dad, sandwiches for us. While Dad rested, Nate pulled me into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

“Today was hell,” he whispered against my hair. “But seeing you with Robert… and knowing you’re really his. I’m happy for you.”

I turned in his arms, looping mine around his neck. “You stood by me through all of it. The alley, the dinner, the secrets, the test. No one’s ever done that for me. I love you, Nate Calloway. Really love you.”

He smiled, that rare real one that made his eyes crinkle. “Say it again.”

“I love you.” I rose up on my toes and kissed him deeper. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me flush against him. The kiss grew heated, full of relief and all the fear we’d pushed through. His fingers tangled in my hair, mine gripped his shoulders. For those moments, the world outside disappeared. Just us, hearts beating together.

We broke apart breathing hard. Nate rested his forehead on mine. “Sixty days was never going to be enough. I want more. All of it. Marry me for real, Serena. Not for the will. For us.”

Tears pricked my eyes again. “Yes. God, yes.”

He kissed me once more, quick and happy. We went back to Dad, told him the news gentle. He looked proud, tired but peaceful. “You two deserve it. Take care of each other.”

Later, after Dad dozed off, Nate and I curled up on the balcony with blankets. The city lights sparkled below. His arm was around me, my head on his shoulder.

“We still have Diana and Victor out there,” I said quietly. “And the press.”

“We’ll face them,” Nate replied. “Together. No more running for either of us.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, expecting more bad news. Instead it was a message from an unknown number with a photo attached. I opened it.

The picture was old—my mom, young and smiling, standing close to Victor Calloway. Behind them, another woman watched with cold eyes. Eleanor Calloway. And below the photo, text: The test was wrong. Or fixed. Real proof coming soon. Your mother lied about more than one affair. — D

I showed Nate. His face hardened.

Before we could speak, the penthouse door burst open. Marcus rushed in, out of breath. “Nate! The lab just called. There’s been tampering with the samples. Victor’s demanding a new test. And the executor is on his way here with updated will documents.”

Serena gripped Nate tighter as the weight of it all crashed back down.