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

sharply defined features, was flushed unnaturally red. His deep-set

was hard not to

to sound patient, as though dealing with a child, hoping to rid

Aaron's stance wavered as he gazed into her eyes with a

Serena frowned.

Aaron wouldn't remember any of this once he sobered up,

give me the

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

her heart was being

Breathing became difficult.

years she loved Aaron deeply,

time Cynthia Lynwood called him, he answered without

Serena was right there beside

during her most

put aside her pride and begged him

took a deep breath and opened them again. "You should clear

her keys and opened

for the phone, Aaron would

shadow darted