Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 222

Cynthia Lynwood's cheeks flushed pink. "No, it's not like that! We're getting married soon!"

A chorus of awed gasps rippled through the group.

"Wait, don't tell me it's Aaron-the richest man in Alderburg?" someone blurted out. "But wasn't his last girlfriend all over the tabloids for being 'the other woman'? Only, I remember her last name wasn't Lynwood, it was..." The speaker suddenly trailed off, glancing nervously at Serena and falling silent.

With that reminder, others in the room started to put two and two together. Their eyes flickered uncertainly toward Serena, not quite sure what to believe.

Oblivious to the tension, Cynthia beamed. "Yes, it's Aaron, Alderburg's wealthiest bachelor. But you've all got it wrong-Serena was never the other woman. When I was sick and had to leave the country for treatment, Serena took care of Aaron. I'll always be grateful for that. I couldn't have focused on my recovery otherwise."

master at twisting the narrative-making it

Cynthia had hinted at Serena being the "other woman" in public. Since that's how

gracious fiancée I've ever met. Every time people accuse me of being the other woman, you always jump in to explain things for me. I'm so sorry I never meant to come between you two. Aaron told me he was single. I had no

heavy, awkward silence fell.

so Serena was the one who'd been lied to?

Desperation crept into her voice. “Serena, you must be mistaken. Aaron and I...

gentle expression vanished, replaced by a razor-sharp stare. "Then maybe, Miss Lynwood, you should be more careful with your words. Don't

"I'm sorry, Serena. I... I've been overseas for years getting treatment, so maybe my English isn't what it used to be. If I

suddenly leaned in, her voice dropping to a threatening whisper, a wicked smile on her lips. "From now on, if I hear you telling people how grateful you are that I 'took care of Aaron,' I'll publish every message you ever sent me. Let's see what everyone thinks about

turned paper