Serena’s POV

I walked into Dreamland Studio Monday morning feeling like a completely different person than the one who’d left for Vegas. The glass doors slid open, revealing the sleek, open-concept workspace I’d poured my heart into creating. Light poured through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating design stations where my team was already buzzing with activity.

"She’s back!" Lucy called out, her brown bob swinging as she rushed over to hug me. "How was Vegas with Mr. CEO? Did you actually see anything besides your hotel room?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. "We actually spent most of our time at the International Jewelry Expo."

"Well, whatever happened there, you’re practically glowing," she said, stepping back to assess me.

The rest of the team gathered around, peppering me with questions about Vegas, the expo, and yes, my time with Ryan. I found myself describing the displays with animated gestures, my words tumbling out faster than I could control them.

"I need everyone in the conference room in fifteen," I announced suddenly, my mind racing with ideas. "We’re about to shake things up."

Lucy appeared at my side as if materialized from thin air, tablet in hand. "I’ve already pulled the quarterly projections and our current client roster. What else do you need ready?"

God, I loved her efficiency. "Pull our supplier contracts and the partnership proposals we’ve shelved in the last six months. All of them."

Thirty minutes later, I stood at the head of our glass conference table, feeling a surge of confidence I hadn’t experienced in years.

"Vegas wasn’t just a trip—it was an awakening," I began, pacing slowly. "We’ve been thinking too small. Playing it safe. Creating beautiful pieces, yes, but staying in our comfort zone."

I projected images from the expo onto the wall screen. "The market is evolving. Luxury consumers don’t just want pretty jewelry anymore—they want stories, sustainability, innovation. And we’re going to give it to them."

For the next hour, I outlined my vision: restructured design teams working in specialized pods rather than individually, direct partnerships with ethical mining operations, a completely revamped client consultation process, and an aggressive expansion into digital custom design experiences.

"This is... ambitious," Celeste said carefully when I finished. She adjusted her glasses, studying the workflow chart I’d sketched. "We’d need to completely overhaul our production timeline."

"And triple our marketing budget," Lucy added.

"I know it’s a lot," I acknowledged. "But we have the talent in this room to make it happen."

"You seem different, Serena," Celeste observed. "Like you’ve been fighting a war we didn’t even know was happening."

I smiled. "Maybe I have been. But I’m done fighting myself. The question is, are you all in?"

The room erupted in excited chatter.

That energy carried me through the week as we began implementing changes. I was deep in discussion with our website developers when Lucy appeared at my office door.

"Mr. Lancaster is here to see you," she announced, a curious look in her eyes.

"Send him in," I said, quickly clearing sketches from my desk.

Cedric walked in with the same confident stride I remembered. "Serena," he said warmly. "Still the most talented designer I know."

"Cedric," I stood to hug him. "What brings you to New York?"

"Business expansion," he replied, settling into the chair across from me. "Lancaster Design is opening a New York office."

We fell into easy conversation about design philosophies and industry trends. Unlike my explanations to Ryan, which required translating my passion into terms he could appreciate, talking with Cedric was like speaking in our native tongue. When he mentioned specific cutting techniques or design challenges, I didn’t have to stop and explain the basics.

"I’d love to discuss potential collaboration," he said finally. "Our aesthetics have always been complementary rather than competitive."

"I’d like that," I replied honestly. "Though we’re in the middle of some major restructuring."

"Even better timing, then. Can I schedule something through your assistant?"

I nodded, and he left with a promise to be in touch. True to his word, Lucy informed me he’d scheduled a meeting for the following week.

That evening, I rushed home to my daughter. The moment I walked through the door, Vivian’s delighted squeal made every stress of the day evaporate. Her tiny arms reached for me as the nanny handed her over.

"There’s my beautiful girl," I cooed, breathing in her baby-powder scent.

For the next hour, I lost myself in her world—her babbling attempts at conversation, her determination to show me every toy she owned, the way her little fingers wrapped around mine.

I was so absorbed with Vivian that I barely heard Ryan come home. His footsteps sounded behind me as I was tucking her in for the night.

"Hey," he whispered, sliding an arm around my waist and pressing a kiss to my temple. "I missed you today."

"Mmm," I leaned back against him briefly, enjoying his warmth. "How was your day?"

"Endless meetings," he said, gently pulling me toward our bedroom once Vivian was settled. "But I kept thinking about coming home to you."

In our room, Ryan turned me to face him, his hands trailing down to my hips. "Vegas feels so far away already," he murmured, leaning in to kiss me.

I returned the kiss softly but pulled back after a moment, exhaustion suddenly hitting me like a wave. "Ryan, I’m sorry... I’m just completely drained tonight."

Disappointment flickered across his face, but he nodded. "You’ve been working non-stop since we got back."

"I have so many new ideas for Dreamland," I said, changing into my nightclothes. "This could be our breakthrough moment, Ryan. I need to strike while the inspiration is fresh."

"I understand," he said, sitting on the edge of our bed. "But I miss you."

I sat beside him, taking his hand. "It’s only been a few days."

"It feels longer," he admitted. "I got used to having your full attention in Vegas."

I smiled, squeezing his fingers. "I’m still here. I’m just... stretched thin right now between Vivian and work."

"And where do I fit in that equation?" His voice was gentle, not accusatory.

"You’re always part of me," I said, resting my head against his shoulder. "But can you understand that I need this time to focus on Dreamland? It’s important to me."

Ryan was quiet for a moment. "I want to support your dreams, Serena. I do. I just don’t want us to lose what we found in Vegas."

"We won’t," I promised, looking up at him. "But this is my chance to build something truly mine. Something that matters."

He nodded slowly. "Just don’t forget that we matter too."

"Never," I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "Just be patient with me. This intense phase won’t last forever."