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 it

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

heart sank lower and lower. How long had it been since he'd heard her sound so

but couldn't bring himself to enter. Instead, he stood silently

drifted off to sleep did Aaron step into the

spotted William sitting at Serena's bedside, and a wave of bitter resentment crashed over

behind him, turned slowly and offered Aaron a polite, indifferent

smile made Aaron's anger flare, but when he glanced at Serena's peaceful sleeping face, he forced himself to stay calm. Brow furrowed, he said coldly,

an eyebrow, paused, and then

far end of

the hospital was so quiet

out at the leafless trees silhouetted against the winter

have no wish to

but

no mistaking

remained unruffled. "I think you know very well, Mr. Vance, who should be keeping their