Chapter 302

without being told Ethan could tell Serenity was still doubtful.

He caught the faint shift in her tone, the way her shoulders seemed to slump ever so slightly. For all her strength and independence, there was something vulnerable about her in that moment. He couldn't ignore it.

"You won't have to," Ethan said after a beat, his tone firm and resolute. "I'll come. I'll find a way to make it work."

Serenity's eyes widened, her surprise evident. For a moment, she just stared at him, as though trying to gauge whether he was serious. "You don't have to do that," she said quickly, though there was a flicker of hope in her voice.

"I mean, I'd love for you to come, but don't feel like you have to—"

"I want to," Ethan interrupted, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"If it's important to you, then it's worth it. I'll figure it out."