Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 15

As Serena's eyes welled up with tears, Aaron felt an inexplicable irritation. More than that, there was a sense of panic, as if something precious was slipping away.

"If not for me, then for home? But haven't you already cut ties with that place?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

Serena was momentarily taken aback. "How do you know?"

She had moved to Alderburg to sever all connections with her past, especially with Penelope. It was a decision she had kept to herself. How could Aaron possibly know?

"For seven years, you've been in Alderburg and never once returned. Isn't that enough to figure it out?" Aaron pointed out, his tone matter-of-fact.

The flicker of hope in Serena's eyes was swiftly extinguished. Of course. She shouldn't have expected anything different from Aaron. Thankfully, she had distanced herself emotionally, no longer feeling the heart-wrenching pain of the past.

Her gaze drifted down to her wrist, which was still firmly held by Aaron. "Let go," she said quietly, but with unwavering determination.

He disliked this prickly version of Serena. He missed the gentle,

admit not getting the marriage license was a mistake, but don't you

she finally freed

to be filled with

out his phone and dialed Victor's number. "Find

equally surprised. "Serena is

...

instincts, Serena found a cozy little diner serving late-night snacks. After a delicious meal, she left feeling satisfied, even though it was already three in the morning. The thought of no longer having to tiptoe around Aaron

the door, she was met by Aaron's stern presence, sitting on the sofa, his expression unreadable in

to ensure she hadn't made a mistake,

devoid of warmth. "I'll come back whenever I please.

waited to sort things out, not to fight. I know skipping out

replied, her face chillingly beautiful under