Serena sat cross-legged on the couch, flipping through something on her phone. Roman was nearby, loosening his tie, watching her from the corner of his eye.

She looked thoughtful.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked casually.

She hesitated. Just a second too long.

“Rebecca,” she said. “And Raya.”

He nodded. “She wore me out today.”

A small smile tugged at Serena’s lips. “She adores you.”

Roman shrugged. “She’s easy to love.”

Serena’s smile faded into something softer, more serious.

“She’s lucky,” she said quietly.

Roman glanced at her. “Lucky?”

“To have stability,” Serena continued. “Family. People who show up and stay.”

He didn’t interrupt.

She shifted, tucking her legs...