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.

with you, she thought, but didn't say it out

let's pick another day," Aaron said, adjusting his tie as he

the steamy bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets trailed down his chest and

was engrossed in her phone. His brows furrowed slightly. In the

bed," Aaron said, switching

stood up, "I

the door opened and

was once again engulfed in

strange sense of unease flickered inside him, but he quickly brushed

Nothing's going to happen.

It'll be fine.

...

without Serena seeing Aaron. Samuel mentioned something about a business trip. He hadn't been able to

gifts she had bought for Aaron-watches, clothes, stuffed bears-all deemed too

carefully packed everything into her suitcase and left Rosewood Gardens, with the household staff assuming she was just going on a

it, the 19th had arrived. Serena had wrapped up all her affairs and just needed to wait for the 20th to leave the

buying a tiny cake. She took it to a quiet spot in the park and slowly

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

sky, a faint smile playing on her