Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 50

In her room, Serena closed the door and let out a long, weary sigh. The idea of a future with Aaron? Completely out of the question.

Her phone buzzed in her bag. Surprised to see a message from William, she opened it, half-wondering what it could be about. It was just a casual check-in, asking how she was doing and if she was still in Alderburg. This struck Serena as odd. Nevertheless, she replied.

"Yeah, I'm doing well. I am in Alderburg. Is there something you need?"

There was no immediate response. Serena shrugged it off, placing the phone down as she headed into the bathroom.

Unbeknownst to her, on the other end, William was staring at his phone, his usually composed demeanor replaced by a rare look of hesitation.

"Mr. Grayson," his assistant said, entering with a coffee. Noticing William's unchanged position since he'd left, the assistant grew curious. "Have you told Miss Sullivan about the marriage yet?"

William glanced up, answering informally, "No."

The assistant had been with him for over a decade, their relationship far exceeding a mere professional bond.

The assistant set down the coffee. "Should I reach out to Miss Sullivan for you then?" He had just returned from city hall, where he'd discovered the cumbersome divorce procedures that required both parties' presence.

Perhaps he could use the celebration as an excuse to visit Alderburg, discuss their marriage certificate with Serena.

With this thought, William smiled, carefully tucking the certificate into the bottom drawer.

Meanwhile, back in Alderburg, Serena saw that William hadn’t replied. She exited the chat, her mind shifting to tomorrow's task of coordinating with the logistics company for the antique deliveries. After drying her hair, she slipped into bed.

Later that night, Aaron, unable to sleep, quietly opened Serena's door. Seeing her peacefully asleep, he was struck by the realization—Serena truly meant it when she said she was done with him.