A Love Buried by Secrets novel Chapter 18

During Serena's recovery, Julian behaved no differently than usual, yet something unspoken between them had shifted.

He took her to a dinner in a private room on the 99th floor, where the view was breathtakingly romantic. The height made the clouds and moon seem almost within reach, and a scatter of starlight glimmered in her eyes.

"I had no idea that this restaurant existed. It's really beautiful," Serena said sincerely as she gazed out the window.

She had recovered well enough to move around without assistance.

Julian smiled and pressed the table's call button. A waiter entered immediately, pushing a cart with a cake. Serena's gaze softened further.

"This is for you, Rena," Julian said, drawing her attention to the message on the cake.

It was a wish for her to return to the stage soon.

They also went whitewater rafting, their raft surging forward through the rushing currents as waves of water sprayed up around them.

Julian had initially opposed the idea due to the risks, but Serena slyly asked, "Would you protect me if there's danger?"

Exasperated, Julian knew without a doubt that he would protect her without hesitation if danger arose. Never again would he let her experience heartbreak.

Serena was having a blast. The icy water soaked her clothes, but she didn't feel the cold. All she felt was exhilaration.

As they reached a sharp bend in the current, she lost her balance and tumbled into Julian's arms, pressing against his firm chest while he steadied her.

"Be careful. The current's strong here."

Serena laughed at his urgent warning and wrapped her arms around his waist without hesitation, sheltering in his embrace to avoid the splashing water.

She burst into giggles when she saw his usually immaculate hair thoroughly drenched and disheveled. He paused, then smiled back at her tenderly.

In the final phase of her rehabilitation, Julian took Serena to the biggest dance theater in Nekkerland.

She had nearly recovered by then, though she still couldn't overexert herself without risking a relapse in her legs. Even so, performing a short piece was manageable.

Serena had once been an elite dancer, and now, dressed in her performance outfit again after so long, she felt a rush of excitement. She danced across the empty stage, her movements as light as a butterfly sensing sunlight.

Her mentor watched with admiration. "That's wonderful! Ms. Lorne is full of potential. Mr. Simmond, you've brought me an exceptional talent. She's destined to become one of our theater's most beloved dancers!"