Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 293

William tilted his head back ever so slightly, as if invisible hands were strumming the strings of his heart, coaxing out a chaotic, tangled melody.

“So... you’re saying you don’t love me now?”

Serena let out a bitter laugh. Her striking features, half-hidden behind the rim of her glass, seemed even more beautiful in their sadness. Her eyes shimmered with resignation. “Didn’t you once say I’d never make the same mistake twice?”

She paused, her lips tugged into a wry smile. “The truth is, I’ve already fallen into the same trap twice.”

“That’s why I’ve sworn off love for the rest of my life.”

William’s hands tightened on the armrests. “Are you saying you’ve fallen for someone other than Aaron?”

Serena took a sip of her wine, the sweet flavor lingering on her tongue, warming her from the inside out.

“If only I had,” she murmured. “Maybe then, I could finally let go of the pain from my last relationship.”

William sighed in relief.

He watched Serena, her cheeks flushed, somewhere between tipsy and sober. His lips parted, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he held back.

Now wasn’t the time to lay his feelings bare.

And as for the marriage license... he still wasn’t sure how to bring it up.

“William...” Suddenly, Serena peered at him over the rim of her glass, her gaze sharp and searching.

William’s heart skipped a beat, though he kept his expression neutral.

A moment later, Serena set her glass down and leaned in, closing the distance between them. A faint, fresh scent clung to her, making William freeze, unable to tear his eyes away.

Serena furrowed her brow, a soft, troubled sound escaping her lips. “Can I ask you something?”

William felt his heart leap into his throat. “What is it?”

...

Back at home, Penelope collapsed onto the couch, her face ashen and drained of all color.

Tyler Brooks, seeing her like that, poured a glass of water and offered it to her with concern. “What happened?”

Penelope closed her eyes, too weary to answer.

Tyler looked helplessly at Bella.

Bella’s expression was thunderous. She kicked at the sofa in frustration. “Mom, if I’d known William would treat Serena so well, I would’ve listened to you and let Serena have the chance to marry into the Grayson family. Is that what you wanted all along? For Serena to marry William and live a life of luxury, so you made sure I missed my shot?”

Penelope snapped to attention, her eyes flying open as she glared at Bella. “What did you just say?”

She had never raised her voice at Bella before.