Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 216

Just like that watch.

“Given everything that’s happened between Aaron and me, what kind of relationship do you think we could possibly have now?”

Gabrielle fell silent in an instant.

She already knew most of the story between Serena and Aaron—she’d heard it through mutual friends. When she found out, her heart ached for Serena.

Now, hearing Serena talk about it herself, Gabrielle’s chest tightened even more. She wrapped Serena in a hug.

“Serena, I know all about what happened with you and Aaron. None of it was your fault—it was all on him! So listen to me: you absolutely should keep dating. In fact, you should dive into it headfirst! Go live your best life and let that blind jerk regret ever letting you go!”

Serena couldn’t help but laugh.

Seeing Gabrielle so fired up, she decided not to tell her the truth.

Her heart was already locked away.

She had no intention of falling in love again in this lifetime.

There had been two times she’d truly let herself care.

Once, she’d dreamed of marrying the man she loved and starting a family.

The other time, she’d wanted to settle down and live a simple life with someone who truly loved her.

But both times, fate had other plans.

She wasn’t going to try a third time.

Serena decided to pour all her energy into her work. Love might betray her, but her career never would.

—

That afternoon, after finishing her medical check-up and making sure everything was fine, Serena left the hospital and headed back to work at the restoration center.

She was currently working in the studio, restoring old paintings.

Serena glanced at Director Thomas in confusion.

He quickly jumped in to introduce them, but Abby didn’t wait for him to finish. She grabbed Serena’s hand.

“Miss Sullivan, you have to come on our show! You’re exactly the expert we need!”

Serena stared at Director Thomas, stunned, before she finally caught up with what was happening.

She gave an awkward little smile. “Director… I—I don’t think I have the right look for TV.”

“What? You’re perfect for it! Trust me, once you’re on the show, you’ll be the most sought-after restoration expert in Northspire—no, in all of Valeria!”

Seeing Serena hesitate, Director Thomas leaned in and lowered his voice. “Serena, just say yes. Do it as a favor for my cousin—she’s been searching for days and still hasn’t found the right person.”

That was true, but Thomas’s real motivation was a bit more personal.

He wanted Serena to step onto a bigger stage—so that the man who failed to cherish her would finally regret it.