Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

"Did I wake you?" Aaron asked as he sat up and switched on the bedside lamp, only to find Serena's icy, piercing gaze fixed on him. If looks could kill, he felt sure he'd have been shredded to pieces.

His heart skipped a beat, and a wave of panic washed over him, engulfing him completely.

Serena continued to glare at him, her fists clenched under the covers, trembling slightly.

Every time she saw Aaron's face, she couldn't help but remember how he had called her filthy!

She could endure Aaron not loving her, but she couldn't bear the thought of being so worthless in his eyes.noveldrama

"What's wrong?" Aaron asked, seeing that Serena remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together. The spreading fear was now visible on his face. "Can't you just talk about it?"

"Get out!" All of Serena's anger condensed into that single trembling word.

Aaron furrowed his brows. "What on earth happened?"

"I said get out!" Serena picked up the lamp from the table, ready to hurl it at him. Aaron quickly grabbed her wrist. "Serena! Calm down!"

Serena slowly lifted her eyes, bloodshot and burning with hatred. "Since you think I'm dirty, why did you bring me back? Why are you with me? Does playing with me make you feel accomplished, Aaron?"

Aaron's brows knitted into a straight line. "What are you talking about? When did I ever say "

"Just leave, or let me leave, alright?!" Serena's voice, though pleading, was chillingly cold. Her hand shook violently under his grip. "I'm begging you, okay?"

Frustrated, Aaron tightened his grip on Serena's hand. "It's too late. Get some sleep."

With that, he released her and walked out.

Serena's hand fell silently to her side. She closed her long lashes briefly, and a tear slipped down her cheek. After a moment, she opened her eyes, looking at the warm, yellow light of the lamp on the table. The thought of leaving Alderburg grew stronger.

The next morning, Serena only descended the stairs after she heard the sound of Aaron's car pulling away.

In the kitchen, breakfast was ready. It seemed more thoughtfully prepared than usual.

Olivia, the housekeeper, served her with a nervous glance, aware of Serena's expressionless demeanor. She had witnessed the entire scene when Cynthia Lynwood visited yesterday. Aaron had surprisingly stood up for Serena, something Olivia hadn't expected. Though unsure why Aaron did so, Olivia, as a cautious employee, didn't want to become the next cautionary example.

Serena ignored Olivia's furtive glances and, after finishing her meal, stepped out.

Once she left Alderburg, the authorities could track her location via her ID. Plus, after Maggie's public apology, an estimated seventy to eighty percent of Alderburg's residents likely recognized her. Aaron didn't need to put a tracker on her.

Sure enough, as Serena reached the meeting spot with the private investigator, many people glanced her way, their expressions varied. Yet, none dared to approach.

"I thought you weren't coming," said the private investigator, a young man in his early twenties with a student-like appearance. He was handsome in a clean-cut way, though his ill-fitting suit suggested it was either rented or borrowed.

Serena shifted her gaze away without a hint of emotion. "I'm Serena," she introduced herself.