Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 15

"What's the big deal about changing one day out of three hundred and sixty-five?"

Aaron walked over to Serena, bent down, and effortlessly scooped her up.

Serena found herself suddenly airborne. Instinctively, she clasped Aaron's neck, but as soon as she regained her senses, she began to struggle fiercely. "Put me down! Aaron, let go of me!"

Aaron's body hadn't fully recovered. His stomach still throbbed with a dull ache. Yet, he endured it, carrying Serena to the bed. Once he laid her down, he collapsed onto her, exhausted.

His deep, resonant voice carried a hint of exasperation. "Stop it!"

Serena froze. Aaron's warm breath tickled her neck, causing an involuntary shiver. But gone were the secret thrills of the past. Only a wave of disgust remained. She turned her head, locking eyes with Aaron. "Aaron, don't you feel filthy? Aren't you afraid Cynthia Lynwood will be heartbroken if she finds out?"

Aaron's gaze grew colder, inch by inch. He sat up from Serena. "Cynthia isn't as petty as you."

Serena's heart skipped a beat. She looked out at the bright moon through the window and laughed silently. Of course, Cynthia Lynwood was Aaron's untarnished sweetheart, pure and perfect in his eyes—unlike her, who was petty and small-minded.

She closed her eyes, ignoring Aaron beside the bed, and soon drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, she awoke to find Aaron gone. Although her heart felt a touch empty, a sense of relief washed over her. After last night's events, she was certain Aaron wouldn't bother her again.

Serena glanced at the time on her phone. It was Thursday. Tomorrow was the day she and William would get their marriage license.

"The wedding and the license are on the same day?"

"Yes, since it's a family alliance, we're keeping it low-key—just a small gathering with a few friends."

The Grayson family was one of the most prominent in Northspire. The modest nature of the wedding piqued Aaron's curiosity about the bride. "Who's your fiancée?"

"Let's just say," William responded with a faint smile, "this alliance isn't exactly something to boast about. Initially, my future mother-in-law intended for her younger daughter to marry me, but seeing my condition, she pushed her less-favored elder daughter onto me. She's had a tough time. Mr. Vance, you'll understand when you meet her."

Aaron narrowed his eyes, sensing an underlying message in William's words. However, he wasn't interested in William's fiancée and, after exchanging a few more words, left the meeting room.