Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 132

"Serena, you still haven't told me what on earth is going on here, have you?" Rock inquired.

Serena sighed, "Since you've already discovered my little secret, I suppose it's time I fill you in."

She briefly recounted the events of recent days, then looked at Rock with a hopeful expression. "You won't tell Aaron about me being here, will you?"

"Of course not," Rock replied without any hesitation.

Serena, feeling relieved, joked, "Well, if you did spill the beans to Aaron, you might snag a handsome reward."

Rock chuckled, "I'd consider it, but unfortunately, I don't have Mr. Vance's contact info."

Serena met Rock's gaze, and they both shared a knowing smile.

Just then, Joy appeared at the doorway, witnessing the exchange. It felt as if a knife twisted in her heart. In all the time she'd known Rock, she'd never seen him so genuinely happy.

Her eyes drifted to Serena, and a veil of mist seemed to cloud her vision.

After exchanging a few more words with Rock, Serena returned to her room.

The living area was now quiet, with only Shirley present. Joy was nowhere in sight.

"Where's Joy?" Serena asked.

"She said she was tired and went to bed early," Shirley replied.

Serena glanced at the clock; it was barely past eight. Perhaps Joy was just overwhelmed with her studies, she thought. Serena settled in beside Shirley to watch some TV.

Rock remained in the living room, sitting beside Serena, stealing glances at her profile. In the soft glow of the lamp, her features seemed flawless, and each glance made his heart skip a beat. Yet, resisting the urge to look was simply impossible.

The night crawled by, fraught with this exquisite torment.

The next morning, Serena woke to find that Rock and Joy had gone out.