Chapter 263 I Missed You So Much

Serena Sinclair's POV:

I understood he was likely working on Laura's rescue.

"I see. Thank you," I replied, closing the door again.

I had no intention of going out. Being in an unfamiliar country—especially one that might not be entirely safe—made me hesitant to venture out alone. I didn't want to create any problems that would distract Phillip from his mission.

It was not that fun to go out alone, so I decided to stay in the hotel and wait for his return.

Being alone was certainly boring. I found a couple of decent movies to watch while snacking on fruit. When I felt tired, I napped briefly. During restless moments, I paced around the room or stood by the window, gazing out at the unfamiliar landscape.

Time seemed to crawl when I was by myself. I couldn't help checking the clock repeatedly, wondering when Phillip would return.

But I waited and waited, and even after darkness fell, he hadn't come back.

Waiting truly is one of life's most agonizing experiences.

The security team delivered Italian food for dinner—clearly arranged by Phillip. Despite the delicious spread, I had little appetite and barely touched it.

I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Eventually, I gave up and moved to the sofa.

I didn't feel like watching TV. After briefly checking my phone and finding nothing interesting, I noticed Phillip's shirt still draped over the chair from yesterday. I got up and took it to wash.

After laundering the shirt, I noticed the table was messy and tidied that too. With everything neat and nothing left to do, I sat idle again.

The TV was on, but I wasn't paying attention to whatever program was playing. My mind had drifted far away, unfocused on the screen.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

I rushed to answer it, my heart leaping with hope. When I saw Sarah's name on the display instead of Phillip's, the spark of excitement faded instantly. The disappointment matched the intensity of my initial hope.

I pressed the answer button.

"Calling me during your honeymoon? How unexpected," I said, absently fidgeting with the hem of my shirt.

Sarah ignored my comment completely, her voice dripping with mischievous glee. "Haven't you seen the news?"

"What news?" I asked.

"It's everywhere! How could you miss it? What have you been doing?" Sarah sounded shocked.

"I'm out of the country on business," I replied flatly.

"Really? Out of the country?" Her interest waned noticeably. "You're missing the biggest drama! It's a shame you're not here to witness it firsthand."

My curiosity was piqued despite myself.

"What happened exactly?" I asked.

"It's about your ex-husband's family." As soon as she mentioned Alex, I lost interest immediately.

"I don't want to hear anything about him," I said, preparing to end the call. "If that's all, I should go."

"Wait!" Sarah quickly interjected. "Alex and Emma are getting divorced. Emma's exposing all kinds of family scandals."

I remained silent, not asking for details about the scandals.

Sarah seemed disappointed by my reaction.

"You're really able to hold a grudge, aren't you? I thought you'd enjoy some schadenfreude, but you're surprisingly calm about it."

"Sarah, I've been divorced for two years," I explained. "Whatever happens with his family has nothing to do with me anymore. Whether they're doing well or poorly is irrelevant to my life, and I honestly don't care to know."

I truly hadn't been dwelling on it. I felt nothing for Alex anymore—no lingering bitterness, no satisfaction at his misfortune. Whether he thrived or suffered was his own fate to bear.

Sarah paused, seemingly surprised. She'd clearly called expecting to share some juicy gossip that would give me a sense of vindication, not realizing I'd genuinely moved on.

"Fine," she conceded, not pushing the issue.

"When are you coming back?" she asked.

"I'm not sure yet," I replied.

Sarah frowned audibly. "I thought you didn't take international cases? Are you traveling for pleasure or work?"

"It's complicated," I said, not wanting to explain further.

"Alright then," Sarah didn't press for details. "Call me when you get back."

"I will."

After hanging up, I returned to bed, my mind a jumble of thoughts as I tried to sleep.

Just as I was finally drifting off, I heard the door open.

I immediately jolted awake, jumping out of bed and rushing to the living area.

"Did I wake you?" Phillip asked as he quietly closed the door behind him.

I shook my head and, without hesitation, ran to him and wrapped my arms around his body in a tight embrace.

"You're finally back. I missed you so much," I said, wrapping my arms around Phillip's neck as he entered our hotel suite.

Phillip noticed immediately that I was barefoot. I had rushed to the door so quickly that I hadn't even bothered with slippers.

He grasped my waist with both hands and lifted me effortlessly. I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist, clinging to him like a koala to a tree.

Phillip carried me back to the bedroom, his steps steady and sure. "Where did you go today?" he asked, his deep voice rumbling through his chest against mine.

"Nowhere. I've been here waiting for you," I replied, unable to keep the hint of complaint from my voice.

Phillip studied my face, his blue eyes searching mine.

I drank in the sight of his handsome features, having missed him terribly. "I've been cooped up in this room all day. I was going stir-crazy."

"We're in a secure area here, and there are bodyguards. If you want to go out, you can," Phillip said, gently tapping the tip of my nose with his finger.

I pressed my lips together. "I didn't want to cause any trouble for you."

"Have you eaten?" I suddenly remembered to ask.

"I have," Phillip replied.

I nodded softly.

"I need to shower," he said.

I reluctantly unwound myself from him, letting him go with obvious reluctance.

When Phillip emerged from the bathroom, I immediately returned to his embrace. "The room finally feels alive now," I sighed contentedly.

When I'd been alone, the suite had felt lifeless and cold despite its luxury.

"Tomorrow, I'll take you with me," Phillip promised.