Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 188

Serena stood firm, her voice steady. "This is my business, and it has nothing to do with Mr. Vance."

Aaron's brows furrowed instantly. "Serena, do you really trust Samuel that much?"

"Do you have anything else to say? If not, let them in," Serena replied coldly, her gaze dropping to the floor to avoid meeting Aaron's eyes.

Aaron narrowed his eyes at her. "Fine, this is your choice!"

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the backstage area, slamming the door behind him with a loud bang.

The sound echoed through Serena's heart like a hammer blow. She snapped her head up to see the mirror reflecting an empty room, no trace of Aaron left.

She let out a bitter laugh, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she stared at her reflection.

Seven years. It had taken her seven long years to finally understand what she meant to Aaron.

She tilted her head back slightly, willing the tears to dissipate before rising and looking towards the door.

Outside, there was no one waiting.

The backstage was eerily quiet.

walked to the door and opened it, only to

hear the playful chatter of students, making her feel like a

she finally heard the

she saw Samuel jogging back with a group of students. "Serena, it's all sorted out now,"

"Cleared up?"

Joy's roommate, chimed in. "Yvonne's other earring was found in the car. The one in your bag wasn't even hers. You have an

Serena blinked in confusion.

own

"What exactly happened here?"

eagerly, "while Mr. Vance was talking to you, Joy's brother spoke with Miss Frost. During their conversation, Miss Frost agreed to let him check the car... and

the parking lot," Samuel continued, a hint of disdain in

a growing sense

set this up to frame

earring had to be

did she back out at

be another layer to

earring, I made sure Yvonne explained everything to the principal and the other

though her

the group heading towards the

center was