Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 36

Frederick knew he couldn't stop Aaron, so he reluctantly helped him with his discharge paperwork.

However, when Frederick returned to the hospital room, Aaron was already gone.

It was probably Cynthia Lynwood who had called him away. Only Cynthia could make Aaron disregard his health like this.

Frederick shook his head with a resigned sigh before leaving the hospital.

At Rosewood Gardens, Serena was surprised to see the car parked at the entrance.

Last night, Aaron had been rushed to the hospital with a severe stomachache, a fact Serena had overheard clearly from her bedroom. Based on past experiences, Aaron usually needed at least three days in the hospital to recover. She assumed he would miss their plans once again tonight.

Yet, here he was, discharged earlier than expected.

Seeing Aaron's pale face, Serena felt no inclination to question him.

When Victor opened the car door, she simply nodded at him and got into the passenger seat without a word.

Victor was momentarily taken aback.

From the back seat, Aaron's expression grew cold.

"Drive," Serena instructed Victor, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the car.

Victor glanced at Aaron for confirmation. Seeing no objection, he started the engine.

Upon arriving at their destination, both Serena and Aaron got out. Serena walked a few steps behind Aaron, maintaining a noticeable distance.

To any onlooker, they would appear as strangers.

Aaron's brow furrowed tightly, a clear sign of his irritation.

The restaurant was on the eighty-eighth floor, a stylish Western establishment. Its biggest draw, aside from the internationally renowned chefs, was the enormous floor-to-ceiling window offering breathtaking views of Alderburg. A perfect spot for a romantic date, and a favorite among the city's affluent couples.

Serena had once imagined having a date with Aaron here, but not under these circumstances. It was post-breakup, the irony not lost on her.

Led by the waiter to a window-side table, Serena noticed the other diners—all couples, each seemingly lost in their own world of affection. In stark contrast, she and Aaron sat like statues, an odd pair amidst the romance.

After ordering, silence enveloped them.

Just then, Aaron's phone buzzed on the table. It was a call from Cynthia Lynwood.

Aaron glanced up, catching Serena's faint smile. It was the same smile she wore last night, teasing and mocking, when she commented about missing a candlelit dinner.

"Here we go again," Serena remarked, casually lifting her glass, her tone relaxed. "Mr. Vance, it looks like you're about to lose."