Chapter 217

Serena woke up in the middle of the night, her throat dry and scratchy. She glanced around the hospital room, but Matthew was nowhere to be seen. She grabbed her phone—1:30 AM. She tried to sit up and pour herself a glass of water, but the pain from her wound made it hard to move. She reached out toward the cup on the bedside table, stretching slowly. Just when her fingers brushed the edge, the cup slipped off and shattered on the floor. Serena frowned at the mess, annoyed with herself. Lucas, standing guard outside, rushed in the moment he heard the crash. After a quick sweep to make sure the room was secure, he gently helped Serena lean back against the pillow. "Mrs. Quinn, if you need anything, just call out. We're right outside." Serena was surprised to see Lucas. This guy stuck to Matthew like glue, barely left his side unless it was to eat or sleep. Yet here he stood—and Matthew? Nowhere. Once her throat felt a bit better, she couldn’t help but ask, “Where’s Matthew?” She hadn't