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."

at twisting the narrative-making it seem like she was

at Serena being the "other woman" in public.

her gaze and feigning vulnerability, "you really are the most 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

awkward silence fell. Several people exchanged uncertain

to? That

the room, replaced by suspicion, Cynthia's composure wavered. Desperation crept into her voice. “Serena, you must be mistaken. Aaron and I... we weren't together before. We only got together recently, so you're definitely not the other woman. And Aaron

be more careful with your words. Don't make it sound so ambiguous-unless

been overseas for years getting treatment, so maybe my English isn't what it used to be. If I said anything misleading, I really

now on, if I hear you telling people how grateful you are that I 'took care of Aaron,' I'll publish

turned paper