Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 163

As Serena approached her front door, she was startled by the tall figure leaning against it.

"Aaron?!"

Even before she got closer, the strong scent of alcohol hit her like a wave.

But hadn't Aaron stayed mostly sober when they were at the lounge earlier? Could it be that he was drowning his sorrows because he hadn't managed to soothe Cynthia Lynwood?

"Could you step aside? I need to get in," Serena said, stopping a mere three feet from him.

Aaron lifted his gaze, his eyes unfocused. In the next moment, he pulled Serena into a tight embrace, his voice hoarse with a barely noticeable tremor. "Don't leave..."

Serena's heart skipped a beat.

"Aaron, you're drunk!"

"I'm not drunk," Aaron insisted, holding her tighter. He lowered his head, almost whispering like a chant, "Don't leave me... don't leave me..."

His warm breath tickled Serena's ear, sending shivers down her spine.

With significant effort, she finally managed to push him away.

"Aaron, stop this. I'm calling Cynthia Lynwood to come get you!" Serena announced, pulling out her phone.

it before it was snatched from her

with his sharply defined features, was flushed unnaturally red. His deep-set eyes, usually so piercing, now seemed lost, like a vulnerable, bewildered

not to feel a pang

though dealing with

not unless you promise..." Aaron's stance wavered as he gazed into her eyes

Serena frowned.

knowing that Aaron wouldn't remember any of this once he sobered up, she couldn't bring

give me the

proud head gradually lowered, he seemed like a wounded beast, desperate and forlorn. "You won't

as though her heart was

Breathing became difficult.

deeply, he

Cynthia Lynwood called him, he answered

when Serena was right there

during her most

put aside her pride and begged

a deep breath and opened them again. "You should clear your head out

retrieved her keys and

Aaron would return it once he sobered

stepped inside, a shadow darted past her faster than she could