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 seem like she was standing up for

the "other woman" in

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

silence fell. Several people exchanged uncertain

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

voice. “Serena, you must be mistaken.

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

been overseas for years getting treatment, so

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

face turned