Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 202

Every time she and Aaron had a falling out, Serena would secretly vow never to speak to him again.

But as soon as Aaron so much as acknowledged her—hardly even an olive branch, just a curt "Hey"—she’d be right back at his side, chattering away as if nothing had happened.

Back then, she didn’t even understand what heartbreak was.

All she knew was how to give, to pour out her warmth and affection without holding back.

It was as if, by doing so, she could warm a stone or melt the snow.

But reality always found new ways to slap her awake.

Maybe she’d been wrong from the start.

Love shouldn’t be about reaching outward, about seeking validation.

It should start within.

Only by loving herself could she be truly safe from hurt.

With that realization, the tight ache in her chest finally eased.

“We’re here.”

Aaron’s cold voice broke the silence.

Serena blinked, snapping back to the present. The confusion in her eyes faded, replaced by a surprising calm.

Aaron frowned, glancing at her in puzzlement before climbing out of the car. He looked up at the dingy motel, his face darkening in disgust.

“They’re staying in a place like this?”

Serena nodded. “Yeah.”

The moment they stepped into the lobby, a staff member came hurtling out of the elevator, his face drained of all color. “M-murder! Someone’s been murdered!”

Serena’s expression shifted instantly. She caught the man by the arm. “Which floor?”

“Second floor, room 208!” The man collapsed to the floor, legs trembling violently. “It’s horrible, just… so many people… all dead!”

Serena didn’t hesitate. She sprinted for the stairwell and bolted up to the second floor.

Aaron struggled to keep his anger in check, jaw clenched. “I was driving the entire time. I didn’t touch my phone.”

Serena gave a cold, mirthless laugh. “Maybe you didn’t. But your phone could still have a listening device installed.”

Aaron pressed his fingers to his brow, exasperated. “This is ridiculous.”

“I didn’t kill anyone.”

“Then it must’ve been Cynthia Lynwood—silencing the witnesses.”

Aaron shook his head, barely hesitating before replying with certainty, “Impossible.”

Serena’s smile widened, but her eyes were pure ice.

“And how can you be so sure it wasn’t Cynthia Lynwood?”

“She doesn’t even know these two exist,” Aaron shot back.

“And you know for a fact Cynthia Lynwood doesn’t know about them?” Serena challenged. “If she’s the mastermind behind the kidney deal, it’d make perfect sense for her to find them here.”