Chapter One Hundred And Twenty Five

Chapter One Hundred And Twenty Five
Serena’s Pov

I placed my phone on the bed and just stood there for a moment, breathing deeply. My mind kept replaying everything that had happened today, the projector stunt, the boxes of gifts, the online chaos. Killian had really gone all out, but he didn’t realize that everything he was doing was only helping me achieve exactly what I wanted.

I exhaled slowly, pulled off my clothes, and walked straight into the bathroom. The warm water hit my skin and I closed my eyes, letting it relax me. My thoughts drifted to the press conference scheduled for tomorrow. That was going to be my chance, not only to clear the air but to make sure everyone knew where I stood.

People needed to hear the truth from me, not from rumors or emotional displays from a desperate ex.

As the water ran down my body, I smirked to myself. He must think he’s being clever. But little did Killian know that every move he made only exposed his weakness more. He was desperate. And desperate men always lost in the end.

When I stepped out of the shower, I wrapped a towel around myself and opened the door, only to find Adrien sitting on the bed, completely naked, leaning back casually with that look in his eyes that always made my pulse race.

I paused for a second and then laughed softly. 

“You’re not even trying to be subtle, are you?”

He grinned lazily. “Why should I be? You’ve been ignoring me.”

“I wasn’t ignoring you,” I said, walking towards the dresser to grab my lotion. “I was thinking.”

“About him?” His tone expressed a hint of jealousy.

I turned slightly and met his gaze in the mirror. 

“About the conference, not about Killian. Don’t twist it.”

Adrien got up and came closer, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “Are you sure?” he murmured against my neck, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. “Because the way he’s been showing off, anyone would think he still has a chance with you.”

I rolled my eyes. “He doesn't . You know that.”

He chuckled softly. “Then prove it.”

Before I could even reply, he turned me around and kissed me deeply. His lips were warm and firm, his hands tracing my waist, pulling me closer until the towel dropped. I gasped against his mouth, my protest fading the moment he kissed me again.

“Adrien…” I whispered, but it came out softer than I intended.

“Shh,” he murmured, his lips moving down my neck.

And that was it; the moment reason disappeared. My fingers tangled in his hair as we tumbled onto the bed. His touch was firm, his movements deliberate, and he knew exactly how to make me forget everything else. Every thought about the press conference, Killian, or work melted into the background as Adrien’s body moved against mine.

It wasn’t just sex, it was passion, reassurance, and love all in one. When it was over, I laid beside him, breathing heavily, staring at the ceiling with a faint smile.

Then he turned his head towards me. 

“Feel better?”

I chuckled quietly. “Maybe a little.”

“Good,” he said, brushing a strand of hair off my face. “Because whatever that man does, I don’t want you to let it get to you. You have me, and that’s all that matters.”

I looked at him for a moment, then nodded. 

“I know. And I need you to trust me, Adrien. Tomorrow will be the start of something good. I just need to make sure people hear the truth.”

He studied me quietly, then leaned over and kissed my forehead. “Alright. I trust you.”

I smiled softly and snuggled against him. “Thank you.”

That night, I slept peacefully, and I felt completely in control over everything that had been going on.

~

The next morning came quickly. The sun peeked through the curtains, and I woke up to the sound of Adrien’s faint humming as he got ready for work. He looked so effortlessly handsome in his suit that I found myself smiling without even realizing it.

“Why are you smiling like that?” he teased, straightening his tie in front of the mirror.

“Just admiring my fiancé,” I said, standing and stretching.

He laughed softly. “You should do that more often.”

I rolled my eyes and threw a pillow at him. “Go to work, Adrien.”

He dodged it easily. “Good luck at the conference,” he said as he came over to kiss me lightly on the lips. “I’ll be watching online.”

“Don’t worry,” I replied confidently. “I’ll make it worth watching.”

When he left, I got ready quickly with a fitted cream-colored suit, simple gold earrings, and nude heels. I tied my hair into a sleek bun and applied light makeup. Professional, calm, and confident, the perfect image for today.

At the office, I went through some pending documents to distract myself until it was time to leave. But deep down, I could feel the adrenaline building. The conference was all anyone was talking about online. Reporters were already guessing what I might say, fans were divided, and of course, Killian’s supporters were waiting for me to embarrass myself.

Not today.

When the clock struck noon, I picked up my purse and headed out. My driver was already waiting. The ride was quiet, the city buzzing with its usual afternoon chaos. My mind was focused, rehearsing my words, making sure every sentence would be clear and powerful.

When we arrived at the conference hall, cameras were flashing outside, and reporters were already stationed everywhere. As I stepped out of the car, several photographers rushed forward, shouting my name.

“Ma’am! Ma’am, over here!”

“Is it true you’re going to confront Killian Blackwood publicly?”

“Are you still with Adrien Volkov?”

“Do you plan to forgive your ex?”

I ignored them all, keeping my expression neutral as security guided me through the entrance.

Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The hall was large, with a stage set at the front and several rows of seats filled with reporters, journalists, and camera crew. The Grey Media banner was displayed behind the podium, and the air buzzed with the sound of murmurs and camera clicks.

I scanned the room, taking it all in, the flashing lights, the cameras, the expectant faces. My heartbeat was steady. I had been preparing for this moment since the day Killian tried to break me.

Ryan was already waiting near the front, giving final instructions to the media team. When he spotted me, he walked over quickly. 

“Everything is set, ma’am,” he said quietly. “Just remember, you can take questions afterward if you want, but you don’t have to.”

“Thanks, Ryan,” I replied, giving him a reassuring nod. “I know what to do.”

He smiled nervously. “You always do.”

I took a deep breath, smoothing my suit jacket as the host announced my name.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Miss Serena Calloway.”

The room went silent for a moment as I walked up the steps to the stage. The bright lights hit my face, and I looked out at the sea of cameras and curious eyes.

My hands rested on the podium. The microphones were positioned perfectly.

I leaned in slightly and looked straight ahead, calm and composed.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” I began softly. “I know you’ve all been waiting to hear my side of the story. Well, it's time I spoke.”