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."

words sounded like a defense, but her tone was anything but innocent. She was a master at twisting the narrative-making it seem like she was standing up for Serena, while slyly painting her as the

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

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

heavy, awkward silence fell. Several people

been lied to? That would mean Aaron was the

voice. “Serena, you must be mistaken. Aaron and I... we weren't

that right?" Serena's gentle expression vanished, replaced by a razor-sharp stare. "Then maybe, Miss Lynwood, you should be more careful with

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

remember this conversation." Serena suddenly leaned in, her voice dropping to a threatening whisper, a wicked smile on her lips. "From now on, if I hear you telling

face turned