CHAPTER 236: CHAPTER 236 THE TEST OF LOVE

Serena’s POV

I was exhausted but oddly happy as we headed toward London’s largest shopping center. The moment we stepped out of the car, Eleanor grabbed my arm and practically dragged me toward the most prestigious boutique in the district.

"This place does exclusive custom designs," she announced proudly. "Every seasonal piece is limited edition—no chance of seeing someone else wearing your outfit."

"I used to visit their shops back home all the time," she added with a hint of nostalgia.

I nodded, genuinely excited despite my fatigue. Today was the first time I’d felt normal in weeks—just shopping with family, no life-threatening situations or memory flashbacks to deal with.

Ryan, meanwhile, had been relegated to the role of bodyguard and designated bag-carrier. The moment we entered the boutique, he settled himself onto a plush waiting chair with surprising grace for a man of his stature. The resigned look on his face made me bite back a smile.

The staff immediately recognized the Quinn sisters, swooping in with attentive service. Before I knew it, they’d assembled a mountain of clothes and thrust them into my arms.

"This many?" I blinked at the towering pile. "You want me to try all these?"

"What’s a shopping trip if not buy, buy, buy?" Eleanor threw me a playful wink. "We’re here specifically for your service today, darling."

Though somewhat overwhelmed, I carried the clothes into the fitting room. One outfit after another, I felt like a life-sized Barbie doll being dressed and redressed for their amusement.

"That one’s perfect—we’ll take it."

"This one too—add it to the pile."

Soon enough, I’d accumulated an entire new wardrobe. Collapsing onto the boutique’s velvet sofa, I waved my hand in surrender.

"This is way too much," I protested, patting my barely-visible bump. "I won’t even be able to wear these for very long."

"Seems unnecessary to waste so much," I added, though part of me was enjoying the extravagance.

Zoe shot a mischievous look toward Ryan. "It is quite a lot. I wonder if Mr. Blackwood can even carry it all?"

I turned to Ryan with a teasing smile. "We’re really putting you through your paces today, aren’t we, Mr. Blackwood?"

Ryan’s lips curved upward as he met my gaze. "Whatever you like, just get it. That’s what today is for."

He pulled out a black card and handed it directly to the wide-eyed staff member, whose demeanor instantly became even more accommodating.

"I’m actually getting tired," I admitted, sinking deeper into the sofa. "Maybe we should call it a day."

Eleanor clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "A few outfits and you’re done? We haven’t even gotten to the limited editions yet—that’s the main event!"

As if on cue, a staff member wheeled out a mannequin wearing what could only be described as wearable art. The champagne-colored gown featured clean, sophisticated lines and a skirt embellished with real diamonds that caught the light with every movement. It was breathtaking.

"Ladies, this is our top limited-edition luxury gown of the season," the associate announced with practiced reverence. "Would any of you like to try it? Our designer can adjust the measurements as needed."

Eleanor raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Well, well. Flash a black card and the treasures appear without even asking. Go on, Serena, try it."

I hesitated, but then Ryan spoke, his voice low and thoughtful.

"Serena, that would suit you perfectly."

Something in his tone made my cheeks warm. With both sisters and Ryan encouraging me, I reluctantly took the gown into the fitting room.

When I emerged minutes later, the sudden silence told me everything. All three of them stared, their eyes widening in appreciation. Despite my pregnancy softening my features and rounding my face slightly, the gown transformed me—making me look elegant, regal even.

"Magnificent," Eleanor declared. "There’s a reason these pieces are limited edition."

"What do you think, Serena?" Zoe asked.

I took a deep breath, my hands smoothing down the fabric. "It feels a bit tight, actually."

The staff member jumped in immediately. "We can adjust everything to your specifications, ma’am. You can purchase with complete confidence."

Nodding, I returned to the fitting room, feeling strangely emotional. What occasion would I even have for such a gown? Yet something about Ryan’s expression when he saw me wearing it made me want to keep it.

With our business concluded at this boutique, the staff approached Ryan with countless shopping bags hanging from their arms.

"Sir, shall we have these delivered to your residence?"

Ryan had just begun to nod when Eleanor cleared her throat loudly.

"If I remember correctly, Mr. Blackwood volunteered to accompany Serena shopping today. Surely a few bags aren’t beyond your capabilities?"

I watched Ryan suppress a sigh as he accepted the mountain of shopping bags. Though they weren’t heavy individually, there were so many that both his hands were completely full. Bags dangled from his forearms, wrists, and fingers.

The sight of powerful, commanding Ryan Blackwood laden with designer shopping bags was too much—I burst out laughing.

Eleanor and Zoe were barely containing their own giggles while Ryan stood there looking utterly resigned to his fate.

"Come on, stop torturing him," I said, still laughing. "This is just one store. If we hit a few more, he only has two hands, no matter how strong he is."

The sisters exchanged glances. They’d clearly made their point about testing Ryan’s commitment.

"Fine, for Serena’s sake, we’ll spare Mr. Blackwood from bag-carrying duty," Eleanor conceded with a dramatic sigh. "Please deliver everything to 29 Quinn Manor on Mishan Road."

The staff eagerly took back the bags from Ryan’s burdened arms. "Of course. Everything will be delivered by this afternoon, and the limited edition gown will arrive within two days."

Eleanor nodded with satisfaction before linking her arm through mine. "Onward to the next store!"

The entire morning continued in similar fashion—clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories. I lost count of how many things we purchased, all with casual swipes of Ryan’s black card. The wealth didn’t seem to faze him at all; he simply watched me with an intensity that made me both nervous and exhilarated.

After hours of shopping, exhaustion hit me like a wave. My feet ached, my head felt light, and my stomach growled angrily.

"Can we find somewhere to eat?" I pleaded. "I honestly can’t walk another step."

Zoe quickly agreed. "Same here. Food break, please."

Only Eleanor still bounced with endless energy, looking disappointed at our stamina. "You two have such weak constitutions! Can’t even handle a proper shopping spree. Fine, fine—there’s a good Western restaurant nearby. Let’s go."

Relief washed over me, but as we turned toward the exit, the boutique suddenly tilted sideways. My vision narrowed to a pinpoint, darkness creeping in from the edges.

"I don’t feel—" I started to say, but the words died on my lips.

The last thing I registered was Ryan’s alarmed expression as my knees buckled and the world went black.