Chapter 196

When Serena came to, her throat was dry like sandpaper and her head was pounding. She gingerly touched the sore spot on her head, trying to piece things together. Last she remembered, that masked kidnapper was taking her to see a doctor when out of nowhere, another group rammed right into their car. She’d hit her head on the window and blacked out instantly. But then... how did she end up here? Eyes wide, Serena looked around. The room's decor screamed countryside. Rustic wooden furniture, heavy curtains—it all felt like someone’s rural home. She tried to sit up, but a jolt of pain shot through her calf. Right, she’d gotten hurt there too. “Hello? Anyone here?” Her voice was weak and barely carried. “You’re awake?” A man’s voice responded from outside the doorway—tinged with surprise and relief. The footsteps that followed grew louder, closer. Serena felt like she knew that voice, but her brain was too foggy to place it right now. She stared at the door blankly, waiting to see who woul