Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 67

Serena stepped out of the bathroom, expecting to find an empty room. Instead, Aaron was still sitting on the bed, his presence catching her by surprise after she'd been in there for over an hour.

Without a word, Aaron rose and swept her up into his arms, carrying her back to the bed. As soon as she tried to sit up, he held her down, his grip firm yet gentle.

"Let me go!" Serena protested, her back pressed against his chest. Her struggles were like sparks to a flame, eliciting a low grunt from behind her.

"Don't move," Aaron warned, his voice a husky whisper. "I can't promise what might happen if you do."

Serena froze at his words, feeling the tension in his body behind her. Resigned, she lay still, exhaustion from the past few days catching up with her. Her eyelids grew heavy, and before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep.

When she awoke, it was already the next morning. The first thing she noticed was Aaron's arm draped over her like a vine. He was still asleep, his face softened and serene, a stark contrast to his usual hard-edged demeanor. Dark circles marked his eyes, suggesting he hadn't been sleeping well.

was unyielding even in slumber. "How is it possible for someone to be so strong even when they're asleep?"

from above her. "You're quite lively this morning." Serena looked up to see Aaron smirking at her. "Let go of me!" she snapped. He released her with a chuckle. "You seemed to sleep well enough last night." Serena sat up, smoothing

widened. "Oh, what? You don't like being compared to a pig? You're the one who always acts like

did I ever say

over the years, but how much of it was true? Her heart tightened

pale, Aaron's concern deepened. "Are you

truth was, Cynthia Lynwood's influence was undeniable, and Aaron's repeated choices had

call a

need," Serena interrupted coldly, retreating to the