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.

you, she thought, but didn't

said, adjusting

wrapped around his waist. Water droplets trailed down his chest and over his perfectly chiseled abs. The sight that once made Serena's heart race

brows furrowed slightly. In the past,

for bed," Aaron said, switching off

up, "I should

frowned, watching as the door opened and

room was once again engulfed in

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

Nothing's going to happen.

It'll be fine.

...

about a business trip. He hadn't been able

her things. Most of her possessions were gifts she had bought for Aaron-watches, clothes, stuffed bears-all deemed too childish by him and

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

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

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

for once, she didn't have to worry about Aaron leaving midway through her

at the dark sky, a faint smile playing on