Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 13

Serena's eyes, though smiling, held a weary look, like leaves touched by frost.

But it was only for a fleeting moment.

So quick that Serena almost dismissed it as her imagination.

"Well, I'm off," Serena said, turning to head upstairs.

Watching her leave, William finally pulled out his phone.

A message from his assistant, sent just a minute ago, lit up the screen.

— [Aaron is off the plane, and he's had a flare-up with his stomach condition. He's been admitted to the hospital.]

Tonight had been a wasted effort.

He had hoped Aaron would witness a moment of affection between him and Serena. It would have been quite entertaining.

Not that William held any grudge against Aaron.

But after spending so much time with him, William found Aaron intimidatingly formidable.

Whether it was intelligence, resilience, or financial acumen—Aaron was top-notch.

His only flaw was a lack of emotional intelligence.

So William was genuinely curious whether Aaron was as indifferent to Serena as the rumors suggested or if he was simply unaware of his true feelings.

At two in the morning, Serena awoke from a nightmare.

In the dream, Aaron's tall frame was curled up, his eyes filled with cold anguish as he looked at her.

"Serena, my stomach... it hurts..."

In the darkness, Serena touched her stomach.

It didn't ache, but she was hungry.

And she craved spicy shrimp.

She remembered a place in Northspire that made them exceptionally well.

After checking the navigation and confirming the location, she eagerly headed downstairs.

No longer did she need to diet just because Aaron thought she was gaining weight.

However, as soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs, she froze at the sight of Aaron approaching.

His long fingers pressed against his stomach, and despite his sickly pale face, his eyes still held that familiar arrogance.

"Give me your phone."

Serena looked up at the man who seemed to take everything for granted, and smiled faintly, "Aaron, when I blocked you this time, I never intended to unblock you. Let go, I have things to do!"

Aaron stared at her struggling, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Besides hovering around me, what else do you have to do? Are you here because you heard about my hospital admission and came to bring me medicine?"

"Serena, I admit, bringing Cynthia back without discussing it with you was my mistake."

For the first time, the proud Mr. Vance lowered his head, his tone awkward, "But you should let it go."

Serena looked at Aaron, suddenly laughing. As she laughed, two crystalline tears slipped from the corners of her eyes. "So, you think I'm here because of you?"

She had left Alderburg almost a week ago.

Aaron hadn't even realized.

Ha.

Serena laughed wildly inside.

When the laughter faded, all that remained was endless sorrow.

The past seven years felt like they'd been wasted on a fool.