Chapter 281

Serena's POV The moment I stepped off the plane onto New York soil, exhaustion melted away as anticipation took its place. After the whirlwind in London, I couldn't wait to surprise Maya with my early return and see my daughter's precious face again. I'd missed Vivian terribly during my time away. As I navigated through the terminal, wheeling my carry-on behind me, I spotted them—not just Maya, but Ryan too, standing side by side near the arrival gate. My steps faltered momentarily, surprise washing over me. I hadn't told either of them my exact arrival time. "What's with that face?" Maya called out, already rushing toward me with arms wide open. "Aren't you happy to see your best friend and your dashingly handsome husband waiting for you?" Before I could respond, she enveloped me in a fierce hug that nearly knocked the wind from my lungs. The familiar scent of her signature perfume—something citrusy with hints of jasmine—filled my senses, and I couldn't help but smile against her shou