Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 132

"Serena, you still haven't told me what on earth is going on here, have you?" Rock inquired.

Serena sighed, "Since you've already discovered my little secret, I suppose it's time I fill you in."

She briefly recounted the events of recent days, then looked at Rock with a hopeful expression. "You won't tell Aaron about me being here, will you?"

"Of course not," Rock replied without any hesitation.

Serena, feeling relieved, joked, "Well, if you did spill the beans to Aaron, you might snag a handsome reward."

Rock chuckled, "I'd consider it, but unfortunately, I don't have Mr. Vance's contact info."

Serena met Rock's gaze, and they both shared a knowing smile.

Just then, Joy appeared at the doorway, witnessing the exchange. It felt as if a knife twisted in her heart. In all the time she'd known Rock, she'd never seen him so genuinely happy.

Her eyes drifted to Serena, and a veil of mist seemed to cloud her vision.

a few more words with Rock,

now quiet, with only Shirley present.

"Where's Joy?" Serena asked.

she was tired and

at the clock; it was barely past eight. Perhaps Joy was just overwhelmed with her studies, she thought. Serena settled in beside Shirley

her profile. In the soft glow of the lamp, her features seemed flawless, and each glance made his heart skip a beat. Yet,

crawled by, fraught with this exquisite

next morning, Serena woke to find that Rock and Joy had gone

explained. "They mentioned they might be back late, so

nodded, acknowledging

night, there was still no sign of them. Shirley grew anxious. "What's going on? It's so late, and

Shirley. "Don't worry, Shirley. Let's go out and look

set out, each taking

headed toward the beach and spotted

rushed over. "Rock,

aback. "I thought she