Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 222

Cynthia Lynwood’s cheeks flushed pink. “No, it’s not like that! We’re getting married soon!”

A chorus of awed gasps rippled through the group.

“Wait, don’t tell me it’s Aaron—the richest man in Alderburg?” someone blurted out. “But wasn’t his last girlfriend all over the tabloids for being ‘the other woman’? Only, I remember her last name wasn’t Lynwood, it was…” The speaker suddenly trailed off, glancing nervously at Serena and falling silent.

With that reminder, others in the room started to put two and two together. Their eyes flickered uncertainly toward Serena, not quite sure what to believe.

Oblivious to the tension, Cynthia beamed. “Yes, it’s Aaron, Alderburg’s wealthiest bachelor. But you’ve all got it wrong—Serena was never the other woman. When I was sick and had to leave the country for treatment, Serena took care of Aaron. I’ll always be grateful for that. I couldn’t have focused on my recovery otherwise.”

Cynthia’s words sounded like a defense, but her tone was anything but innocent. She was a master at twisting the narrative—making it seem like she was standing up for Serena, while slyly painting her as the homewrecker.

This wasn’t the first time Cynthia had hinted at Serena being the “other woman” in public. Since that’s how she wanted to play it—

“Miss Lynwood,” Serena said softly, lowering her gaze and feigning vulnerability, “you really are the most gracious fiancée I’ve ever met. Every time people accuse me of being the other woman, you always jump in to explain things for me. I’m so sorry—I never meant to come between you two. Aaron told me he was single. I had no idea he had someone abroad. I guess I just trusted him too much. I’m sorry.”

A heavy, awkward silence fell. Several people exchanged uncertain glances.