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.

thought, but didn't say

day," Aaron said, adjusting

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

in her phone. His brows furrowed slightly. In the past, just flashing his muscles would have Serena running over to

bed," Aaron said, switching off the

the darkness, Serena stood up, "I should

frowned, watching as the door opened and

room was once again engulfed

sense of unease flickered inside him, but he quickly brushed

Nothing's going to happen.

It'll be fine.

...

passed without Serena seeing Aaron. Samuel mentioned something about a business trip. He hadn't been able to reach Aaron either, which once would have been troubling news for Serena. But now, it was

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, stuffed bears-all deemed too childish by him and shoved into the far corners of the

Gardens, with the household staff assuming she was just going on

had wrapped up all her affairs and just needed to wait for the 20th to

tiny cake. She

was sweet, and for once, she didn't have to worry

the dark sky, a faint smile