Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 172

Today, Serena was a vision transformed. She had put on makeup with particular care, and the result was enchanting, like a fairy stepping out of a woodland realm.

Her long, carefully curled hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her exquisite and alluring makeup rendered her as radiant and regal as a blooming flower.

Samuel was momentarily struck speechless, staring at her in awe until he finally gathered his wits. "Let me get the car door for you."

"No need, I can manage," Serena said, opening the door herself and sliding into the seat.

Samuel was still lingering in the afterglow of her beauty, his heart pounding wildly. He knew Serena was beautiful, but today she was breathtakingly so.

The thrill of seeing her like this was quickly followed by a stark reminder of reality. Though he'd made a decent living since graduation, his achievements paled in comparison to Aaron's.

"Samuel?" Serena's puzzled voice drew him out of his reverie. "Why aren't we moving?"

Snapping back to the present, Samuel replied, "Oh, right. Let's pick up Joy from school first."

"Okay."

They soon arrived at the school, and Joy, who had dressed up rather nicely herself, joined them. But beside Serena, her efforts seemed to fade into the background.

Despite a twinge of jealousy, Joy maintained a sweet smile. "Serena, I have a gift for you. You must accept it."

It was a lipstick. Serena glanced at Samuel, noting the hopeful look in his eyes, and then put it away with a nod.

The three of them then headed to a restaurant.

The restaurant was located near the city center, where the average meal cost a little over a hundred dollars—a significant expense for Joy.

As Samuel settled into his seat, his mind drifted back to college, to the day Serena first introduced Aaron to everyone. He recalled the disdainful look in Aaron’s eyes.

"You usually eat here?"