Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 16

"What's the big deal about changing one day out of three hundred and sixty-five?" Aaron walked over to Serena, bent down, and effortlessly scooped her up.

Serena found herself suddenly airborne. Instinctively, she clasped Aaron's neck, but as soon as she regained her senses, she began to struggle fiercely. "Put me down! Aaron, let go of me!"

Aaron's body hadn't fully recovered. His stomach still throbbed with a dull ache. Yet, he endured it, carrying Serena to the bed. Once he laid her down, he collapsed onto her, exhausted.

His deep, resonant voice carried a hint of exasperation. "Stop it!"

Serena froze. Aaron's warm breath tickled her neck, causing an involuntary shiver. But gone were the secret thrills of the past. Only a wave of disgust remained. She turned her head, locking eyes with Aaron. "Aaron, don't you feel filthy? Aren't you afraid Cynthia Lynwood will be heartbroken if she finds out?"

Aaron's gaze grew colder, inch by inch. He sat up from Serena. "Cynthia isn't as petty as you."

looked out at the bright moon through the window and laughed silently. Of course, Cynthia Lynwood was Aaron's untarnished sweetheart, pure and perfect in his

her eyes, ignoring Aaron beside the bed,

find Aaron gone. Although her heart felt a touch empty, a sense of relief washed over her. After last night's events, she was certain

phone. It was Thursday. Tomorrow was the day she and William would

himself over to Aaron, extending his hand. "Looking

shook William's

William, in a casual tone,

Aaron's mind. This time, she was genuinely upset. Even in her sleep last night, tears had glistened at the corners of her eyes. Despite their long relationship, Aaron

time, he had to make amends. Fortunately, winning Serena back wouldn't be

a