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.

before it was snatched

his sharply defined features, was flushed unnaturally red.

not to

sound patient, as though dealing with a child, hoping to rid herself of this drunken

you promise..." Aaron's stance wavered as he gazed into her eyes with a pleading

Serena frowned.

any of this once he sobered up, she couldn't bring herself to make such a

me

proud head gradually lowered, he seemed like a wounded beast, desperate and forlorn.

though her

Breathing became difficult.

all the years she loved Aaron deeply, he

called him, he answered

when Serena was right

during her most vulnerable

when she put aside her pride and

and opened them again. "You should

her keys and opened

Aaron would

soon as she stepped inside, a shadow darted past her faster than she