Chapter 42

  Serena's POV.

  "Ross's injuries are severe," the doctor began, his voice measured and serious. "He's lost a lot of blood, and his wounds are... complicated." The doctor paused, his eyes locked on mine, and I felt my heart sink, my breath catching in my throat.

  The doctor's pause felt like an eternity, and I couldn't bear the suspense any longer.

  "And?..." I pressed, my voice trembling.

  The doctor's eyes darted between me and Richard, and I sensed a hesitation in his voice. "Doctor, what?!" I screamed, my patience snapping.

  His words dropped like a bombshell: "We tried our best to save him, but we couldn't. We lost him."

  Richard gasped, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. My breath caught in my throat, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe.