apter 0022 Chapter 0022 Serenas POV I just stare at my phone for a couple of minutes wondering Why on earth is Bill calling me now ? Seeing the puzzled look on my face , Mom leans in with concern . Whats wrong , dear ? Whos calling you ? Oh , its just my friend , Stevie . Shes probably checking if got here safely , Ilie , hoping to avoid any further discussion about Bill . The last thing I need is for Dads anger to flare up again . Finishing my meal , I stand up and address my parents . Mom , Dad , Im pretty tired from the trip . Would it be okay if I go rest in my old room for a bit ? Of course , honey , Dad replies with a nod . I smile at them both . Thank you . And Mom , thanks again for cooking my favorites . It was delicious , I say . Heading up the stairs , my phone starts ringing again . I mutter under my breath , Seriously ? What does he want now ? Maybe its something about the divorce . Frustrated , I rub my temple . Bills starting to get on my nerves . I dont want to stress out , especially with the baby . But hes really giving me a headache now . As I step into my old room , I cant help but feel nostalgic . Its like nothings changed the same posters and photos from high school are still up on the walls . My beds made up perfectly , the old quilt from my teen years draped over it . The shelves are just as I left them , all my books and little collectibles neatly in place and dust free . Clearly , Mom has been keeping it clean since I left for college . I sit down on the bed , opening Bills message . It reads , Can you please answer your phone ? Its important . Thank you . I cant help but raise an eyebrow . Please and thank you in the same text from Bill ? Thats new . Looks like hes picked up some manners since the divorce . Choosing not to answer his call , I quickly type a reply to Bills message . What do you want ? Talking to him directly just feels too draining at the moment . His response comes swiftly . I cant find my watch . The gold one with my name engraved on it . Do you know where it is ? I sigh , wondering why he thinks Id know where his watch is now . I mean , how the fuck am I supposed to know where his stuff is ? He still thinks Im his maid or something I quickly delete the text , erasing it from both my inbox and my mind . Leaning back , I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths , trying to calm down . The doctors advice echoes in my head avoid stress at all costs . And right now , anything to do with Bill just spells stress . Startled , my phone buzzes with another text from Bill . I glance down and read , You left Uncle Calvins gift in my hospital room . I have it . Realizing that Calvins gift wasnt lost after all , I think about the situation . Bill can just hand it over to Calvin directly , I know hes likely using this as an excuse to get me to talk to him . 1 But Bill isnt giving up . My phone keeps ringing , one call after another . Hes about to drive me insane at this point . Just as Im about to block his number , my finger slips and hits the answer button . Frustrated , I quickly speak up , Look , Bill , I dont know where your watch is . Just stop bothering me , okay ? 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0022 His voice comes through , sounding annoyed , How could you not know where it is ? You saw me wearing it when we had dinner with my family . I cant believe what Im hearing . And you expect me to keep track of your stupid watch ? I snap back . Bills voice is laced with arrogance . That watch isnt stupid , Serena . It was from my late father . Its worth more than anything youve ever had . I cant help but snort . Youre still a dickhead , Bill , Goodbye And with that , I end the call . Even after hanging up , my phone keeps buzzing with calls from Bill . Its baffling why wont he drop this ? Hes a busy CEO ; surely he has more important things to do than obsess over a watch . My phone keeps on ringing , the sound almost echoing , in my ears . Fed up , I answer the phone again . Stop calling me ! Take a bint , I say firmly , hoping hell finally get the message . Surprised , I pause , realizing its not Bill . Woah there , says a different mans voice from the other end . Im just calling to check up on you . Stammering slightly , I quickly apologize , C Calvin , sorry , I thought it was someone else . Calvins voice comes through with a hint of concern , I understand . So , how are you , Serena ? 1 Im great , actually . Just spending some time at my parents house right now , I reply , trying to sound relaxed . Thats good to hear , he says . How long are you planning to stay there ? I was hoping we could go out for dinner sometime . I cant help but smile a little and decide to playfully respond . Only if youre treating me . Calvins reply is quick and light hearted , Deal , he says . Oh , I was just joking . I can cover my own meal , I say , not wanting Calvin to think Im taking advantage of him just because he has money . Come on , dont worry about it . I want to treat you , he insists . I think about what Id wear if Calvin and I were to go for dinner . Perhaps Ill choose my favorite dress a stunning knee length , midnight blue gown with an intricate lace overlay . It pairs perfectly with the necklace that Calvin gave me . However , theres a little issue . By the way , I mention , I accidentally left your gift in Bills hospital room . So now , Bill has it . Maybe you could pick it up from there and return it to the store . Calvin responds , No need to worry , Serena . Its your gift to keep . So , when are you planning to return to LA ? Ill be back in LA on Saturday , I reply . Are you busy on Sunday night ? Calvin asks . Uh , not really , I say . Great , can we have dinner then ? Ill pick you up , Calvin says with a cheerful tone . You know … So , we can catch up . Sounds lovely , Calvin . See you then . Cool , Sunday it is . Take care , Serena . 2/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 0022 I hung up , my heart beating rapidly against my chest . Did Calvin just ask me out on a date ? Bill had mentioned before that a lot of women were swooning over Calvin , but he hardly paid attention to them . Im starting to think that Calvin likes me more than his nephews wife . Its refreshing to consider the possibility of being with a good , respectful man for once ….. But , damn it , what am I thinking ? Hes Bills unclel Besides , I cant get involved with Bills family again.n I mean , why would I want to experience that hell again when Ive just managed to get out of it ? In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.