Chapter 305

Serena’s POV I was officially back on my feet after two grueling weeks of recovery. The bullet wound still twinged occasionally when I moved too quickly, but the constant pain had subsided to a manageable ache. I could finally breathe without feeling like someone was stabbing my side. "Are you absolutely certain you're ready to travel?" Mom fussed over me in my childhood bedroom at the Quinn estate, watching me pack with worried eyes. "The doctor said—" "The doctor cleared me three days ago," I reminded her gently, folding another silk blouse into my suitcase. "I'm healing perfectly. No complications." She sighed, smoothing down the bedspread for the fifth time. "New York is so far away." I paused my packing and took her hands in mine. "I know. I'll miss you too. But I have responsibilities there, and Ryan..." "Ryan hasn't left your side for more than an hour since the shooting," Mom said, a reluctant smile touching her lips. "That man loves you fiercely." I couldn't help the warmth sp