Chapter 362

Chapter 362
Serena’s POV
I bit my lip gently, the pressure a small distraction from the weight of Grandpa Joseph's unspoken accusations. All I could do was remain silent. So he had always sensed my distance from the Kennedy family, though he'd never mentioned it until now. Guilt tugged at my heart, but I didn't know how to bridge that gap.
"Don't feel burdened," Grandpa sighed, his weathered face softening. "I understand why you feel the way you do. If it hadn't been for me back then..." He paused, deliberately shifting the subject. "I didn't defend you too strongly in front of the Langston family tonight because they're upset right now. Saying too much would only make them resent you more. Once Hattie recovers, I'll speak with my sister and clear things up."
His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket. He truly was looking out for me, even if his methods differed from what I might have chosen.
"Thank you, Grandpa," I said with genuine gratitude.
"Go get some rest now. You must be tired."
"You should rest too, Grandpa."
As I walked out of Joseph Kennedy's room, I felt the complicated emotions swirling inside me. I could sense his love and concern, I truly could. But even after all these years, I still struggled to accept this family that felt so foreign to me. I remained an outsider in my heart.
When I returned to my bedroom, I was surprised to find Milo and Stella waiting for me. I'd assumed the children would be asleep by now.
"Mommy's back!" Stella jumped off the bed and ran toward me, her large eyes filled with concern.
I kept my expression calm despite my surprise. "Why aren't you two in bed yet? It's late."
"Did you get angry when Mateo spoke to you like that?" Milo asked directly.
Stella nodded beside him, adding softly, "I saw Mommy's face change. You were falsely accused. You must feel terrible, right?"
I looked at my children's concerned expressions and considered my answer carefully. "Yes, I was angry, but I can understand why he reacted that way."
In the heat of the moment, I had been furious. But now that I'd calmed down, the anger had mostly dissipated. In my heart, I knew anyone would react similarly if they believed someone had endangered their loved one. I even regretted arguing with him—it had been pointless.
Milo looked confused, and Stella tilted her head, both clearly trying to process my response.
I decided to explain with an example they would understand. "Imagine if I were in danger, and you thought Mateo had caused it. Wouldn't you get angry at him?"
"Yes," Milo answered without hesitation.
"I would too!" Stella raised her small fist, her expression serious. "I wouldn't let anyone hurt Mommy!"
Her protective stance made me smile despite myself.
"That's exactly it," I explained patiently. "When someone cares about someone else, that's how they react. Hattie is Mateo's girlfriend, someone he loves. When he thought I had caused her harm, he got angry with me. That's understandable. As for why I was angry—well, he accused me unjustly."
"Can't you explain it to him? I don't want him falsely accusing you!" Milo protested, clearly indignant on my behalf.
"That's right, Mommy," Stella chimed in, grabbing my hand, her small face earnest.
Warmth spread through my chest at their loyalty. "If the opportunity arises, I will clear things up," I said, ruffling Milo's hair gently.
Seeing this, Stella quickly moved closer. "I want Mommy to pat my head too!" she said cheerfully, pushing her small head under my hand.
My heart melted. Even though Milo and Stella believed Mateo was their father, they were still more attached to me. Their love was my greatest comfort.
With one hand on Milo's head and the other stroking Stella's hair, I said, "Adult matters shouldn't concern little ones. And you should trust your mommy—I'm not someone who gets pushed around easily. If I choose not to make an issue of something, it's because it doesn't matter enough to waste my precious time on."
The twins nodded, though I could tell they didn't fully understand.
Stella blinked up at me. "Mommy is the strongest. When I grow up, I want to be just like you—not bothering with small things." Her words warmed my heart as they always did.
"Off to bed now. You need to sleep to grow taller," I said softly.
"Are you worried I won't grow tall enough?" Milo asked with a hint of sadness.
I could tell he was thinking about what Mateo had said earlier—that no one would want him if he didn't grow taller. It broke my heart, though I didn't let it show.
"Don't worry, brother!" Stella immediately patted Milo's shoulder. "Daddy used to say boys grow later. You'll definitely become very tall!"
"I'm not worried because I know I'll grow tall," he said with confidence.
"Mm-hmm." Milo nodded firmly. "I'll definitely be taller than Mateo."
"Brother will be much, much taller than Uncle Mateo!" Stella stretched her arms wide to demonstrate. "I'll cheer you on!"
Their interaction made me feel both heartache and amusement. These two children always managed to brighten my mood.
"Alright, it really is bedtime now. Stella, go back to your own room," I urged gently.
"Goodnight, Mommy!" Stella rose on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek, then took Milo's hand. "Let's go, brother."
"Goodnight, Mommy," Milo said.
As I watched them leave, my heart felt full of warmth.
Once they were gone, I finally let my carefully maintained expression fall away.
Today had truly been... an unhappy day.