Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 5

As Serena carefully placed the last item into her suitcase, she glanced up and noticed a tall figure standing in the doorway. Despite the weariness etched on his face, Aaron's handsome features were highlighted perfectly under the soft glow of the hallway lights, as if he were a work of art.

Serena held her breath for a moment.

“What are you doing?” Aaron's gaze was intense, as if he could see right through her.

Standing protectively in front of her suitcase, Serena replied, “Just looking for something.”

Aaron didn't question her further and stepped inside the room.

“I’ve been swamped these past few days. I just confirmed with Victor that we’re free on the 19th. Let’s go get our marriage certificate then!” he announced, as if it were just another item on his to-do list.

Serena tilted her head slightly, “The 19th is my birthday.”

She caught a flicker of surprise in Aaron’s eyes.

“I have plans that day.”

“Since when do you celebrate your birthday?” he asked.

Just not with you, she thought, but didn’t say it out loud.

“Then let’s pick another day,” Aaron said, adjusting his tie as he headed into the bathroom.

Half an hour later, he emerged from the steamy bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist. Water droplets trailed down his chest and over his perfectly chiseled abs. The sight that once made Serena’s heart race now left her indifferent.

Aaron glanced at Serena, who was engrossed in her phone. His brows furrowed slightly. In the past, just flashing his muscles would have Serena running over to him.

“Time for bed,” Aaron said, switching off the light.

In the darkness, Serena stood up, “I should be getting back.”

Aaron frowned, watching as the door opened and closed.

The room was once again engulfed in darkness.

A strange sense of unease flickered inside him, but he quickly brushed it aside.

Serena lost track of time, her neck growing stiff as the fireworks display finally came to an end.

Her phone buzzed. It was a message from Aaron.

“Did you enjoy the fireworks? Happy Birthday!”

Serena’s eyes blurred with tears. Aaron had never wished her a happy birthday before. She couldn’t believe that on her last day, she finally received one.

She started typing a thank-you when another message popped up.

It was a photo from Cynthia Lynwood.

Serena opened it to find a bowl of noodles.

“Aaron made me this,” the message read. “I heard it’s your birthday today, so I asked him to make me Birthday Spaghetti, haha! I have Birthday Spaghetti, and you don’t! Poor birthday girl!”

The tears in Serena’s eyes dried up instantly. She stared at Aaron’s profile picture on her screen and typed a message: “I want some of your homemade Birthday Spaghetti.”