Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 95

Serena found herself wrapped in a dream so vivid it felt like a journey through time. She was eighteen again, sitting in a classroom filled with youthful anticipation. The teacher asked each student about their college aspirations.

Everyone aimed for universities in Northspire, the capital of the Republic of Valeria, where the best institutions awaited. But Serena dreamt of a different path and chose a southern city, much to her classmates' bewilderment. They thought she was out of her mind. Yet, none of them knew that this decision marked the happiest days of her life. The mere thought of escaping the clutches of Penelope and Bella filled her with hope.

In time, her wish came true, and she found herself in Alderburg. However, what started as a fresh beginning slowly turned into a desperate escape. Her life had taken a tragic turn when she lost her father, leaving her feeling like a wanderer without a home.

"Miss Sullivan... Miss Sullivan..." A voice softly nudged her back to reality. Serena blinked her eyes open, surprised to find Olivia by her side.

"Where's Aaron?" she murmured.

Olivia hesitated. "Mr. Vance, he... well..."

Serena instinctively touched her abdomen, relieved to find it smooth and unscarred. "My kidney... it's still here?"

"Yes," Olivia replied warmly, genuinely happy for Serena. "A patient who was near death had a matching kidney for Miss Lynwood, so he donated it. Miss Lynwood's surgery was successful, and you didn't have to go through with the donation. It's a happy ending for all."

Despite the good news, Serena couldn't bring herself to smile. Her gaze drifted to the sunlight streaming through the window. "How long was I asleep?"

"Seven full days," Olivia answered, pouring Serena a glass of water. "You were unconscious the whole time, and Mr. Vance was too... but it's all over now. Please, have some water."

Serena, parched, sipped the water and asked, "You mentioned Aaron earlier. What happened to him?"

Serena silently clutched the blanket, turning her attention to the window, away from Aaron.

He persisted, "I'll get the doctor."

Serena remained silent. The doctor came, conducted a check-up, and Serena responded robotically to each question, her demeanor chilly but cooperative.

As the doctor left, Aaron sat beside her. "Serena, let's get married."

Slowly, she turned her head to face him, her eyes icy and piercing. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her voice laced with sarcasm. "What did you just say?"