Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 213

When Serena opened her eyes, the faint scent of flowers greeted her.

She turned her head and saw a vibrant bouquet of lilies on the bedside table. "You're awake?" A gentle yet steady voice cut through the quiet.

Serena slowly shifted her gaze until she saw William in his wheelchair by the window.

Sunlight spilled across his face, softening his features. His eyes were as warm and bright as always, but this morning they seemed shadowed by weariness-a subtle, grayish fatigue beneath the kindness.

Serena blinked. "Weren't you supposed to be in Alderburg?"

William's smile was reassuring. "I finished up business there and came right back."

She tried to push herself upright, but William gently stopped her.

His hand was broad and warm-so different from Aaron's, whose touch was always cold and distant.

"The doctor said you need to rest," William said, watching her with concern flickering in his eyes.

The doctor had also mentioned that Serena must've been under a lot of stress lately for her to collapse so suddenly. William didn't want to imagine what she'd gone through while he was away in Alderburg.

head and murmured an acknowledgment, but Bella's words echoed in

words stung like needles, setting her

"It wasn't you."

broke the

at him, confusion and

it," he said, firm and certain, as if he'd been there himself. "You had nothing to do with your father's

surprised. "How... how did

I fainted?"

me,"

now-just before she lost consciousness, she'd heard

asked, glancing around

stayed with you all night. I convinced

of gratitude

lowered her gaze. "Sorry for causing so much

and brushed a hand gently through her hair. "Don't be silly." Serena

yesterday," he said gently. "Don't let it weigh on you. I truly don't believe you had anything to

mention of her father seemed to drain the warmth from Serena's cheeks. She lowered her lashes, her voice thick with sorrow.

father was