Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 257

Aaron paused at the doorway, his footsteps halting and his breath growing quieter as he overheard the conversation inside.

Without missing a beat, Serena's voice drifted out from the room. "No. I wouldn't."

Aaron's heart dropped like a stone.

Inside, William's lips curled into a smile. "Now that filming's wrapped, do you have any plans?"

Sometimes, Serena found it hard to keep up with William's train of thought. But she still took a moment to think it over seriously before answering, "Hmm... I don't have any real plans at the moment. I just want to focus on my work at the rehab center."

"So... you haven't thought about taking a trip somewhere? Maybe go on vacation?" William asked.

Serena realized she'd never really considered it. Ever since she'd met Aaron, her days had revolved around him—she'd spent all her time chasing after him, never even thinking about traveling or getting away.

Once they'd started dating, Serena valued every moment she got to spend with Aaron even more. Since he didn't like crowds, he was never one for outings or adventures, so traveling just never became part of her life.

"If I had to choose," she said thoughtfully, "I think I'd really love to visit Scandinavia sometime."

with genuine interest. "Is

Serena replied, her voice brightening as she opened up. For the first time in a while, she sounded carefree and

outside the door, Aaron listened to Serena's cheerful chatter, and his heart sank lower and lower. How long had it been since

couldn't bring himself to enter. Instead,

tired and drifted off to sleep did Aaron step into the

immediately spotted William sitting at Serena's bedside, and a wave of

behind him, turned slowly and offered

Serena's peaceful sleeping face, he forced himself to stay calm. Brow furrowed,

then rolled his wheelchair after

far end of

the hospital was so quiet that even the wind rattling the

at the leafless trees silhouetted against the winter night, his gaze as cold

I have no wish to

was faint but

from Serena," Aaron shot back, spinning around There was no mistaking the hostility in his eyes-it was razor sharp, cutting straight through William's

very well, Mr.