Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 18

Serena arrived at the city hall, but William was nowhere to be seen.

She quickly sent him a text message.

"When will you arrive? It's Serena. This is my new number."

William responded swiftly.

"On my way, stuck in traffic."

Trusting his words, Serena waited patiently at the bustling entrance of the city hall, unaware that William was quietly watching her from his car parked on a nearby street.

Meanwhile, at the hotel, Aaron reached under the pillow and retrieved Serena’s spare phone. His fingers clenched tightly, causing the device to warp. A hotel staff member witnessing this scene stood frozen in fear.

“Where is she?” Aaron demanded.

The hotel manager, unable to feign ignorance any longer, reluctantly replied, “The guest left early this morning.”

Since the hotel had only two presidential suites, the manager remembered Serena clearly.

The veins on Aaron's forehead were pulsing with anger. “Well played, Serena! You dare to trick me?”

Just then, Victor arrived upstairs. Surprised to see Aaron in Serena's room, he nonetheless dutifully reported, “Mr. Vance, Mr. Grayson’s assistant is here to take you to the wedding reception.”

Aaron had no interest in attending the celebration but reassured himself that Serena was still in Northspire and wouldn’t cause any trouble. Stifling his irritation, he exited the room. After a few steps, he turned to Victor and instructed, “Call Serena. I want her to meet me within the hour.”

Victor hesitated slightly. “Understood.”

Back at the city hall entrance, Serena had been waiting for half an hour but showed no signs of impatience. William watched her slender figure, murmuring softly, “She’s quite patient.”

The driver, unable to hear him clearly, turned his head, “Mr. Grayson, did you say something?”

William hadn’t personally witnessed Serena’s relentless pursuit of Aaron, but before his accident, Bella often complained about her sister’s unrequited devotion.

Initially, William suspected Bella might have been exaggerating, but some stories were too outrageous to be fabricated. So, ever since Serena announced her intention to marry him, he doubted her sincerity about leaving Aaron.

Serena sighed, realizing her reputation as a lovesick fool was widely known. “Yes, Mr. Grayson, you can rest assured that after we get married, I won’t make a fool of you.”

William was momentarily speechless.

Just then, a sleek black Audi pulled up at the city hall entrance. The car door swung open, and Aaron emerged, exuding a chill demeanor. His striking features stood out against the noisy urban backdrop.

Serena’s expression shifted instantly.

Aaron’s eyes locked onto Serena’s in a heartbeat. He glanced at his watch, noting her promptness in arriving within the hour. Smart move, he thought.