Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 134

Shirley pulled up a chair for her guest. "My husband promised he would be back today, and he always keeps his word. Don't worry," she reassured.

Serena managed a smile, masking the worry that lingered in her eyes. The longer she stayed in Alderburg, the more she felt a sense of impending danger.

By five in the evening, Zachary finally arrived. "You must be Serena," he said warmly, his eyes crinkling into a friendly smile. Years of working outdoors had weathered his face beyond his years, but his gaze was gentle and sincere.

"That's right. Samuel told you everything, didn't he?" Serena replied.

"Yes, he did. The weather is just right for sailing tonight. We can set off at eight," Zachary confirmed.

Hearing this, Serena felt a wave of relief wash over her.

After dinner, the three of them headed to the shore to make final preparations for the journey. Zachary busied himself checking the boat's equipment while Shirley and Serena watched, occasionally lending a hand.

"Everything's good to go," Zachary announced as he checked his watch. "We should get moving."

Shirley clung to Serena's hand, reluctant to let go. "I don't know when we'll see each other again, Serena. Take care of yourself out there."

"I will, Shirley," Serena promised. Though their time together had been brief, Shirley's tender care had touched Serena deeply, and she had grown to cherish her.

"You said it, so don't break your promise!" Shirley insisted with a tearful smile.

Her heart raced as she saw a procession of cars approaching the shore, their headlights casting beams like chains upon the boat. Though she couldn't make out the vehicles clearly, an instinct told her it was Aaron.

Panicked, she rushed to the front of the boat. "Uncle..."

Zachary was already aware of the commotion. He turned to Serena with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I've been navigating these waters for years. No one can catch us. Besides, they're all on land without a boat. Even if they had one, they couldn't match our speed."

With those words, the once-idle fishing boat surged forward, its bow cutting through the water with the speed and precision of an arrow.

Serena glanced back at the receding shoreline, a sense of calm finally settling over her as she allowed a smile to spread across her face.