Chapter 375

Serena’s POV I watched Ryan's broad shoulders disappear through the doorway, something sharp and unexpected twisting in my chest. The urge to call after him clawed at my throat—wait, come back, let me explain—but the words crumbled to ash before they could escape. What would I even say? That hurting him felt like self-mutilation? The silence he left behind felt heavier than his presence ever had. Sally burst through my door like a hurricane the moment his footsteps faded, her face flushed with barely contained panic. "Serena, are you okay?" "I'm fine," I whispered, the lie scraping against my damaged vocal cords. I collapsed back into my chair, every bone in my body suddenly made of lead. The righteous anger that had sustained me through our confrontation drained away, leaving behind an ache I couldn't name. Why does hurting him hurt me? The question lodged itself in my chest like a splinter. "Thank God you're alright," Sally continued, her relief palpable. "I have news about the arson