His Domineering Lover
Chapter 937

Looking at those big words, Serena's feelings were very complicated.

She had had an inkling that Kieran felt something for her.

But since he had all along acted like a reliable friend, she'd thought she was mistaken.

It was not until now that Serena understood his scruples.

Carefree as he seemed, the innermost part of him was battered.

His smile had been so warm and bright when he was with her.

"Serena, I brought you the best kiwis. Have a taste."

"No."

"Serena, I bought these earrings for you when I went shopping with my mom. You must look beautiful in them."

"Keep them to yourself."

"Serena, you like flowers? I've brought the orchids from my grandpa's garden for you. Look."

"I don't want it."

Every time he'd tried to please her with something she liked, she'd rebuffed him coldly.

Now she wondered whether he'd been beaten up for digging his grandpa's orchids.

And had he spent all his allowance on the earrings?

Turning him down had always been easy for her, but now words eluded her.

His usually smiling eyes were now full of disconcertion and dejection.

He looked too brittle to meet another rebuff.

Ten years he had spent protecting her.

But the cruel thing was that she'd never felt anything beyond friendship for him, even before she'd figured out her feelings for Avery.

She loved Avery not because of that promise or anything else.

She loved Avery for who he was and telling Kieran it herself was cruel.

"Kieran, I'm sorry. I..." She stammered, "I love Avery. It's always been him."

Kieran's lips broke into a dry smile. "It's time to quit, isn't it?" His voice was almost inaudible.

His smile was as perfect as before but his dimmed eyes betrayed his agony.

"I'm so sorry. I don't want to hurt you." Serena said. It was distressing for her to see him like this.

"It doesn't matter. I feel better to have said it. Serena, can I ask one thing from you?"

"Yeah, what's it?"

"Can you give me a hug?" He said serenely.

Serena stretched out her arms and wrapped them around him.

Feeling her breath on his neck, he tightened his trembling arms.

The thought that it was the closest they could ever be made him feel happy and sad at the same time.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry." Serena's voice was breaking.

"Don't be," he said gently, "Serena, I'm really leaving you this time."

"What do you mean?"

"Since Avery and you are engaged now, there is no reason for me to stick around anymore."

"What about Cambridge?"

"I'm not going to study there. I wanted to learn finance only because you like it, but now it's time to pursue the life I really want." "That's...good," Serena muttered, failing to force a smile. Under the splendid firework, Avery stood by the door, quieting watching them.

His fingers clenching the glass were taut, but he just stayed put.

"Serena, goodbye." Kieran drew back.

"I'll miss you, Kieran."

When Serena turned around, she saw Avery standing behind them, his face brooding.

"Avery..."

"Avery, don't get us wrong. I'm finally going to give up on Serena." Kieran recovered his easygoing charm.

Avery was aware that Kieran loved Serena but he'd turned a blind eye to it with the knowledge that he stood no chance.

"Good. Serena is mine." Avery yanked her into his arms.

"Bossy as usual," Kieran chuckled, "Treat her well after I leave or I'll come at you."

"Where are you going?" Avery asked surprisedly.

"Somewhere. Bye." Kieran waved his hand.

After Kieran left, Serena quickly said in a tense voice, "Avery, I can explain. I..." "Dummy, you have to explain nothing. I believe you." Avery interrupted her.

"I know he loves you, but I also know you just see him as a friend. That's why I allow him to stay by your side."

"You know he loves me?" Serena's eyes widened.

"I'm not blind," Avery rested his forehead against hers, "He protected you when I was away. I'm grateful to it." "Thank you, Avery."

"But that doesn't mean I'm fine with his arms around your waist. You don't do it again," he commanded.

"Okay," Serena smiled, "Go in. I want to stay here for a while."

"Mm, I'm busy tonight. Don't feel ignored."

"I won't," Serena laughed, "Go."

"Good girl." Avery dropped a kiss on her cheek.

Standing in the breeze, Serena felt some part of her left with Kieran. He was an important friend who had been there for her for so many years. The pain of losing him wasn't intense but it lingered for a long time.

"Be happy, Kieran," she said, looking up into the sky.

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