Chapter7 " She wouldn't mind . It's not like she doesn't already know about us . " Logan stood , plucked a napkin from the table , and gently wiped the corner of Sloane's mouth where soup clung . " You little glutton . Look at you , making a mess like a child . " A wave of nausea rose in Serena's chest . She couldn't bear to watch them another second . " I don't feel well . I'm leaving . " " What's wrong ? " Logan's brow furrowed with concern . " Is the baby acting up again ? Our little troublemaker , never gives you a break . ' For one fleeting moment she thought he might escort her home . Instead , his next words cut deep . " If you're not feeling well , go on ahead . I'll finish here with Sloane , then come find you . " Serena's lips curved in a bitter smile . Even while carrying his child , I still mattered less than Sloane's empty stomach . Suddenly the smoke alarm shrieked . Someone shouted , " Fire ! Everybody out ! " Before Serena could even process what was happening , chaos erupted , people shoved and rushed toward the exits . She froze , not sure where to go . Instinctively , her eyes darted to Logan . But he had already scooped Sloane into his arms and sprinted for the door . He didn't spare Serena a single glance . Luckily , it was only a false alarm . Someone had lit a cigarette too close to the detector . No fire . No danger . Soon , the diners filed back inside . Including Logan and Sloane . " Logan , I was so scared. Thank God you were here , " Sloane said breathlessly , leaning against him as though she might collapse . He gently ran his hand through her hair , tenderness softening every feature . " I told you , little one . I'll always protect you . " The words were like ice water , chilling Serena from throat to stomach . t Three years ago , on the day Sloane left the country , Logan had taken them hiking . Sloane had deliberately picked a fight with Serena , staged a tumble down the slope , and when Logan arrived , he had torn into Serena without hesitation . Later that same day , monkeys had tried to snatch their bags . Serena had been cornered , but Logan's arms had locked tightly around Sloane , shielding her from the harmless animals , as though Serena weren't even there . And now , Serena finally saw it clearly . Logan had never truly loved her . Not then , not now . His heart had always belonged to Sloane , his untouchable , perfect " first love . " " Oh , Serena , I completely forgot about you ! " Sloane pressed her fingers to her lips , feigning surprise . " Are you all right ? Why didn't you run ? " Only then did Logan seem to remember Serena's existence . Guilt flickered across his face as he hurried to her , catching her hand . " Serena , I'm sorry . I wasn't thinking . Sloane's a public figure , she can't afford to get hurt ... " " I know . " Serena cut him off . She'd heard the excuse too many times to stomach another repetition . " You're not mad at me , are you ? " She slipped her hand free and smiled faintly . " Of course not . " Logan blinked , stunned . In the past , she would have argued , maybe even cried . Today , nothing . Just a soft smile . " You're amazing . I swear , Serena , I'll never neglect you again . " She lowered her eyes . Swear ? Even oaths can be lies . Chapter7 25.93 % ReelShort " Cough , cough ... " Sloane suddenly broke into a fit of coughing . Logan immediately let go of Serena and turned . " What's wrong , Sloane ? Where does it hurt ? " " Must've been the lamb . My throat feels awful . Logan , I don't feel well ... " Logan's gaze swung back , still full of worry , but not for Serena . " Serena , Sloane's not feeling well . I'll take her home first . " Serena nodded calmly . " Go . " " Good girl . " He kissed her forehead , then slipped an arm around Sloane and walked away . Chester7