Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 6

As Serena carefully placed the last item into her suitcase, she glanced up and noticed a tall figure standing in the doorway. Despite the weariness etched on his face, Aaron's handsome features were highlighted perfectly under the soft glow of the hallway lights, as if he were a work of art.

Serena held her breath for a moment.

"What are you doing?" Aaron's gaze was intense, as if he could see right through her.

Standing protectively in front of her suitcase, Serena replied, “Just looking for something."

Aaron didn't question her further and stepped inside the room.

"I've been swamped these past few days. I just confirmed with Victor that we're free on the 19th. Let's go get our marriage certificate then!" he announced, as if it were just another item on his to-do list.

Serena tilted her head slightly, "The 19th is my birthday."

She caught a flicker of surprise in Aaron's eyes.

"I have plans that day."

"Since when do you celebrate your birthday?” he asked.

not with you, she thought, but

Aaron said, adjusting his tie

later, he emerged from the steamy bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets trailed down his chest and over

in her phone. His brows furrowed slightly. In

bed," Aaron said, switching off the

up, "I should be getting

as the

was once again engulfed in

unease flickered inside him, but

Nothing's going to happen.

It'll be fine.

...

hadn't been able to reach Aaron either, which once would have been troubling news for Serena. But now, it was

Aaron away, she could finally go to Rosewood Gardens and gather her things. Most of her possessions were gifts she had bought for Aaron-watches, clothes,

packed everything into her suitcase and left Rosewood Gardens, with the household staff

19th had arrived. Serena had wrapped up all her

small bakery downtown, buying a tiny cake.

sweet, and for once, she didn't have to worry about Aaron leaving

at the dark sky, a faint smile playing on her