Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 188

Serena stood firm, her voice steady. "This is my business, and it has nothing to do with Mr. Vance."

Aaron's brows furrowed instantly. "Serena, do you really trust Samuel that much?"

"Do you have anything else to say? If not, let them in," Serena replied coldly, her gaze dropping to the floor to avoid meeting Aaron's eyes.

Aaron narrowed his eyes at her. "Fine, this is your choice!"

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the backstage area, slamming the door behind him with a loud bang.

The sound echoed through Serena's heart like a hammer blow. She snapped her head up to see the mirror reflecting an empty room, no trace of Aaron left.

She let out a bitter laugh, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she stared at her reflection.

Seven years. It had taken her seven long years to finally understand what she meant to Aaron.

She tilted her head back slightly, willing the tears to dissipate before rising and looking towards the door.

Outside, there was no one waiting.

The backstage was eerily quiet.

Puzzled, she walked to the door and opened it, only to find the hallway deserted as well.

In the distance, she could hear the playful chatter of students, making her feel like a child left behind.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

Turning around, she saw Samuel jogging back with a group of students. "Serena, it's all sorted out now," he called out. "We've cleared everything up."

"Cleared up?"

"Yes," Lydia Lowell, Joy's roommate, chimed in. "Yvonne's other earring was found in the car. The one in your bag wasn't even hers. You have an identical pair, Serena, why didn't you say so?"

Serena blinked in confusion.

She didn’t own any pearl earrings.

"What exactly happened here?"