Chapter 44

  Richard's POV.

  I cleared my throat, trying to break the tension.

  Serena and Ross turned to me, their eyes expectant. But I didn't know what to say. I felt like I was losing Serena, like Ross had somehow become the center of her universe.

  "Serena," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Reject me."

  Serena's eyes snapped towards me, her voice trembling. "Wh...what did you just say?"

  But before I could respond, Ross spoke up, his voice calm and collected.

  "You both don't need to go through that deal. Whatever I did, it wasn't because of our agreement."

  I felt a surge of confusion.

  "What deal?" I asked, my eyes darting between Serena and Ross.

  Serena looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "Never mind, Richard."

  But I wouldn't let it go. I shook my head, my voice firm.

  "Answer my question. What deal?"

  Serena let out a deep breath, her eyes locking onto mine.