Serena Sterling stayed by Ethan Ford's side for five years as both his lover and secretary, as he bore a strong resemblance to her late savior Jasper Cole. The two used each other as romantic stand-ins for their unattainable ideal beloveds. Ethan Ford mistook Gia Lane, who was impersonating his first love, for the real person, and repeatedly allowed her to harm Serena Sterling. When Serena's heart was completely broken, she left, and met Milo Sloan, who had secretly loved her for ten years. With his companionship, she let go of past obsessions and found her true self. After Ethan Ford uncovered the deception, he was overcome with regret. He traveled overseas to beg for reconciliation, was rejected, and spent the rest of his life living in remorse.
