Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 128

Life was manageable, but it was nowhere near as grand as it was now. They had bought a house in the city and even built a charming little cottage in the town.

Serena smiled, linking her arm with Shirley's as they walked towards the Lewis family's home. In Shirley, she found a warmth akin to a mother's love—something she never felt with Penelope. There were times she doubted if Penelope was truly her mother.

At home, it was just Serena and Shirley. Joy was off at school, and Zachary Lewis, Samuel's father, was out at sea.

"He loved fishing since he was young," Shirley said with a fond smile as she spoke about her husband. "He always says that every fishing trip feels like a brand-new adventure."

As her words faded, Shirley's phone rang. "It's Samuel," she said, her face lighting up.

Serena felt a pang of anxiety. Shirley answered the call, and upon confirming it was only Samuel on the line, Serena slowly unclenched her fists.

After chatting for a bit, Shirley handed the phone to Serena. "Serena, Dad's coming back on Sunday. He plans to take you with him."

Serena's heart skipped a beat. "Is... is something wrong?"

Samuel sighed on the other end. "Mr. Vance returned today."

Later that night, a fierce storm rolled in. Thunder rumbled like an angry beast, and lightning streaked the sky. Serena jolted awake. Thunderstorms had always terrified her since childhood. Her father was often away on business, leaving her too scared to seek comfort from Penelope, who was more frightening than any storm.

When she moved to Alderburg, a city known for its rare rain, she encountered a thunderstorm only once. It was her first night at Rosewood Gardens when she learned about Cynthia Lynwood. After a heated argument with Aaron, she retreated to her room. That night, the storm was just as fierce as tonight's.

Terrified, she cowered under her blanket, the thunder seeming to crash right outside, and the lightning feeling like it was aimed straight at her. She trembled uncontrollably until she found herself enveloped in a strong embrace. It was Aaron, providing the warmth she desperately needed.

Now, as the storm outside mirrored that night, a deafening crash accompanied by thunder echoed through the house. Serena looked up to see the door flung open and a strikingly cold face illuminated by the lightning—a face she didn't recognize but that chilled her to the core. Her eyes widened in shock.