Chapter 16

Serena's POV The dinner dragged on forever. Every bite stuck in my throat as I forced polite smiles, pretending to be the happy daughter-in-law Evelyn wanted to see. Ryan played his part perfectly—the attentive husband, occasionally touching my hand or shoulder like we were still madly in love. What a joke. When dessert finally arrived, I thought salvation was near. Just a little longer and I'd be free from this charade. Then Evelyn dropped her bombshell. "It's getting quite late. You two should stay the night," she announced, not a question but a statement. "Your old room is prepared—just as you left it." My mind raced for excuses. Work deadline? Early meeting? Sick pet? Before I could open my mouth, Ryan squeezed my hand under the table. "Thank you, Grandmother. That would be lovely." I shot him a murderous glare. The audacity! He had no right to answer for me. "Wonderful!" Evelyn beamed, clapping her hands together. "I've missed having you both here." The guilt hit me again. She gen