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."

a master at twisting the

at Serena being the "other woman" in public. Since that's

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 idea he had someone abroad.

heavy, awkward silence fell.

Serena was the one who'd been lied to? That would mean

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

by a razor-sharp stare. "Then maybe, Miss Lynwood, you should be more careful with your

overseas for years getting treatment, so

threatening whisper, a wicked smile on her lips. "From now on, if I hear you telling people how grateful you are that

turned