Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 201

The Next Morning

Outside Rosewood Gardens.

Serena sat in her car, eyes fixed on Aaron Vance, who was already waiting by the gated entrance. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips—equal parts bitter and amused.

Aaron was nothing if not punctual. But the idea of making him wait? Impossible. The only person who could ever make Aaron set aside his pride was Cynthia Lynwood.

Aaron always insisted he didn’t love Cynthia. But Serena knew better—he was simply blind to his own feelings.

She pulled her car up in front of him. A moment later, Aaron slid into the passenger seat. The faint scent of mint that always clung to him swept through the car, instantly drowning out the perfume Serena wore.

Annoyed, Serena frowned and started the engine before Aaron even had his seatbelt on.

“Now,” Aaron said, his deep, velvety voice filling the space, “are you finally going to tell me where that doctor is?”

Serena kept her eyes on the road. “Not yet.”

Aaron’s brows drew together. “You’re just—”

His gaze landed on Serena’s reddened eyes, and for a split second, something sharp twisted in his chest.

“It’s about Sam, isn’t it—”

“I’m driving,” Serena snapped, cutting him off coldly. “Please, Mr. Vance, don’t talk to me right now. When it’s time for you to know, I’ll tell you.”

She focused on the street ahead, but her hands trembled faintly on the wheel.

Last night, after she’d left the thermos on the kitchen table, she’d walked out without looking back.

She was scared.

Scared that, in the end, Samuel Lewis would choose Joy Lewis. It wasn’t unreasonable—she knew that. But she couldn’t bear to be abandoned again.

Her whole life, she’d always been the one left behind. Penelope had done it. Aaron, too.

And now, after finally finding someone who seemed to care only for her, she’d dared to hope. Just this once, maybe she wouldn’t be cast aside.

But—she’d been too naïve.

Watching him stalk away, Serena was suddenly reminded that there was something even more important she needed to do today. She drew a shaky breath, about to jump out after him, when she saw Aaron standing by the driver’s side, waiting.

“Out,” he barked.

His jaw was set, his tone harsh and unyielding.

Serena pressed her lips together, but finally slid out of the driver’s seat and took her place beside him.

“The address,” Aaron demanded.

She could hear the anger simmering just below the surface.

Serena checked the time, hesitated a moment, and finally gave him the name of the motel where Dr. Owens was staying.

Without another word, Aaron started the car.

The rest of the drive passed in heavy silence, neither of them daring to speak. And for reasons she couldn’t quite explain, Serena found herself lost in memories of the past.