Chapter 92

Serena's POV

I'm surprised we ended up talking about Lucas. "It's amazing how much Stella takes after Lucas," I said, keeping my tone casual. "The way she holds herself, even her expressions..."

Eleanor's lips curved into a fond smile. "Right? They're practically carbon copies. Milo too. If they didn't look so much like Lucas, we might have wondered if he'd picked them up somewhere." She laughed, but there was something guarded in her eyes.

I took a breath, venturing carefully into more delicate territory. "Have you... have you ever met their mother?"

The change in Eleanor's demeanor was subtle but immediate. She shook her head slowly. "No one has. Not even in the family. And Lucas?" She gave a small shrug. "He never talks about her. At all."

My fingers absently traced patterns on the bedspread as I processed this. "Never?"

"Never." Eleanor shifted, tucking her legs under her. "The twins were brought home by my grandfather when Lucas was twenty-one. He was studying abroad at the time." She paused, seeming to weigh her next words carefully. "I heard... I heard my grandfather on the phone once. He said their mother abandoned them at the hospital right after they were born."

The words hit me like a physical blow. Suddenly, I was back in that sterile hospital room, the weight of loss crushing my chest. I thought of my kids from years ago. I wanted it so desperately, but in the end, it still was a stillborn. Before I could stop them, tears were sliding down my cheeks.

"Serena?" Eleanor's voice was startled, concerned. "Oh god, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-"

I quickly wiped at my eyes, but it was too late to hide my reaction. "It's fine," I managed, though my voice betrayed me. "I just... I can't imagine anyone doing that. Leaving their own children..."

"I still can't believe that woman," Eleanor said, shaking her head. "Walking away from Lucas and those adorable kids? She must have been completely blind." She rolled onto her side, propping her head up with one hand. "Drew and I talked about it once - we think she probably had no idea who Lucas really was."

I found myself leaning forward slightly, curiosity getting the better of me. The woman who had left Lucas and the twins was something of a mystery, one I hadn't dared to ask about directly.

"Speaking of current problems," I redirected gently, "we should really focus on handling this rumor situation."

Eleanor waved her hand dismissively. "Please, scandals are like breakfast in this industry - they happen every day." But I noticed the slight tension in her shoulders that betrayed her casual attitude.

"True, but most rumors don't come with actual photos," I pointed out. "This situation with Jace needs careful handling."

"Actually, if you revealed your identity, this scandal would resolve itself," I pointed out.

"Didn't Lucas tell you?" Eleanor sighed. "My whole family opposed me entering the entertainment industry. They wanted me to help with the family business, just like how my parents are helping with Harrington International now. But I have zero interest in business - I just want to act."

She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. "My grandfather and parents finally agreed to a compromise: I could pursue acting, but only if I made it completely on my own, without any connection to the family. Otherwise, I'd have to come back and take over the family business. If I publicly announce my identity now, it would count as using the family connection, and grandfather would definitely drag me back home!"

"That does make things complicated," I said frankly. "Especially since you were photographed with Jace right outside your door. That's going to be hard to explain away."

"Jace said he'd figure something out," Eleanor mumbled, clearly too exhausted to think about it anymore. "We'll just have to wait and see what he does."

The weariness in her voice was becoming more pronounced. I watched as she unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.

"Why don't you get some rest?" I suggested, standing up. "I'll take a quick shower and come back to keep you company."

Eleanor looked up at me, her expression suddenly serious. "Serena, you really are something special. Lucas is so lucky to have found you."

"Thanks to his ex's poor judgment," she added with a hint of mischief, "or I wouldn't have such an amazing sister-in-law."

As I headed toward the bathroom, I couldn't help but smile. She wasn't wrong - meeting Lucas had been one of the best things to happen to me. Though I had to wonder, as Eleanor's words echoed in my mind, about the woman who had walked away from it all. What kind of person could leave behind not only Lucas but those precious children?

Eleanor's voice drifted from the bedroom, barely audible: "Maybe women need to date a few jerks before they can recognize their soulmate..."