Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 226

Serena blinked rapidly, waiting for the cloud of tears in her eyes to clear before forcing a smile and turning to William. “I’m fine,” she managed.

“You don’t have to pretend with me. If you want to cry, just let it out. I promise I won’t laugh at you.” William, ever the gentleman, pulled out a tissue and offered it to her.

Serena shook her head. She had stopped caring a long time ago.

This wasn’t her first day knowing Aaron. To put it nicely, Aaron was self-focused; to put it bluntly, he was selfish. Otherwise, the breakup wouldn’t have dragged on this long.

William looked at Serena with a mix of concern and lightheartedness. “Are you sure? My shoulder’s available if you need it. Let me tell you, it’s the kind of shoulder ninety million girls would love to lean on, you know…”

Serena couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s the lamest joke I’ve ever heard.”

“I’m just stating facts.”

“I don’t buy it. There’s no way ninety million girls like you.” Her eyes brightened, but a smile tugged at her lips.

“Ninety million is just the start. From grandmas in their eighties to preschoolers, they all adore me. So if you want to lean on this once-in-a-lifetime shoulder, you’d better hurry up—opportunities like this don’t come twice.”

Serena sniffed, her smile growing. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”

After chatting with William for a while, she felt a weight lift from her chest.

Seeing her finally relax, William’s own face warmed with an easy smile.

“Serena,” he said softly.

“Yeah?”

“You’re wonderful. Someday, you’ll meet someone who truly loves you.”

Serena turned, meeting his gentle gaze. She smiled, grateful, but inside she felt empty.

Maybe one day she’d meet someone who loved her. But she knew, with a certainty that hurt, that she’d never again meet someone who saw only her and nothing else.