CEO's Regret After I Divorced

Chapter 390 EPILOGUE PART3

Author’s POV

Not a gorgeous cage built on lies, not a carefully packaged stable life, but a place where, no matter how long she left or how lost she was, there would always be someone waiting for her when she turned back.

Zoe stepped forward, hugged her tightly, and said mockingly, "Finally remembered, huh? One more day, and I would’ve considered hiring a private jet to kidnap you home from all over the world."

Serena laughed through her tears, wiping her eyes. "Still so harsh."

"This is my unique way of caring," Zoe raised an eyebrow, then her gaze fell on Rancy beside her, and her expression softened at once. "Come here, let Auntie hug you."

Maya couldn’t wait any longer. She knelt down and pulled Rancy into her arms, crying and laughing at the same time. "I told you! The first time I saw you, I knew you had to be part of our family. Look at those eyebrows, those eyes, that stubbornness—just like your mom when she was little."

Rancy was confused by the praise, but she smiled softly, making everyone laugh.

Not far away, Ryan stood in place, still wearing a thin brace on his shoulder, and Vivian held his hand. The two stood quietly, watching the scene.

Until Serena turned around and looked at him through the crowd.

There was so much in that look.

Apology, tenderness, the calm certainty of finding something lost and never letting go again, and this time, the unwavering resolve to never back down.

Ryan met her gaze and held out his hand slowly.

No rush, no pressure—just a quiet wait.

Just like many years ago, when he’d waited for her at the end of the church aisle, watching her walk toward him step by step.

Serena looked at him for a few seconds, then smiled, took Rancy’s hand, and walked toward him step by step.

The wind lifted the strands of hair by her ears, and the sun fell into her eyes—like a long-overdue sunny day after a prolonged storm.

When she placed her hand in Ryan’s, the man’s fingers closed at once, holding her tightly.

"This time," Serena looked up at him, whispering, "I won’t let go of you again."

Ryan stared at her, a gentle, almost burning smile slowly spreading in his eyes.

"Funny," he leaned down, pressing his forehead gently against hers, "I wasn’t planning on giving you a second chance to try."

Serena laughed at his half-teasing words, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears.

Vivian stood on tiptoes beside them, raised her hand seriously, and said, "Can we go home to celebrate now? I’m hungry, and Rancy promised me we’d have double ice cream today."

"Only a small portion," Ryan immediately regained his fatherly authority.

"A small portion and a half," Rancy bargained in her soft voice.

"See," Zoe stood beside them, smiling meaningfully, "that bargaining streak is pure Blackwood."

Everyone laughed.

A few months later, spring truly arrived.

The Quinn family held a low-key but warm family dinner for Serena, officially celebrating her and Rancy’s return. The cooperation between LUXE and Elegant Realm also progressed smoothly. The difference was that this time, she wasn’t fighting alone—behind her were the Quinn family, Ryan, and two little troublemakers who would sneak crayons onto her design drafts while she drew.

In the evening, the wind in the garden was gentle, and the white swing swayed softly in the tree shadows.

Rancy and Vivian chased each other on the lawn, their laughter as clear as bells. Ryan stood not far away, watching the two children play, occasionally calling out to remind them not to run too fast. The setting sun stretched his figure long, highlighting his calm, gentle demeanor even more.

Serena brought two cups of tea out of the house and stood on the steps, watching him quietly.

Ryan seemed to sense her gaze and turned to look at her.

In the moment their eyes met, the wind blew through the flower branches, and the air was filled with the faint scent of roses.

He held out his hand to her.

Serena walked over, handed him a cup of tea, and then let him pull her into his arms. The man leaned down and kissed the faint scar on her forehead, his voice low, filled with the contentment of a life finally settled.

"What are you thinking about?"

Serena leaned against his chest, watching the two little girls laughing and playing on the lawn, and smiled slowly.

"I’m thinking," she whispered, "I’m so glad I finally came back."

Ryan tightened his arms, holding her closer.

"No," he looked down at her, his eyes filled with the deep love she knew so well, "it’s not luck."

"You were always meant to be here."

Serena was stunned for a moment, then laughed, her eyes growing warm. She looked up at the man she’d once forgotten, the man fate had brought back to her, and finally understood something.

True love is never about possession or control, nor is it a stable illusion woven with lies. True love is, even in the darkest despair, still willing to give you back your choices; it’s refusing to give up searching even after losing everything; it’s, in the process of fate tearing you apart and putting you back together, still being willing to hold out your hand and say—let’s start over.

Not far away, Rancy suddenly turned around and shouted at them, "Mommy! Daddy! Vivi stole my flower!"

"I didn’t steal it!" Vivian retorted immediately, "It fell into my hand first!"

Serena and Ryan looked at each other and laughed at the same time.

"Come on," Ryan took her hand, "our two little troublemakers are at it again."

Serena let him lead her toward the lawn.

The setting sun gently covered the entire garden, stretching the shadows of the family of four long and far. Ahead were the clear laughter of the two children, beside her was the love she’d found again and the finally complete family, and she knew that the rest of her life was long. But no matter what the future held, she would never be afraid again.

Because this time, she’d finally found herself—and everything she’d ever wanted to hold onto.

And their story didn’t end here.

It was just beginning.