Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 43

Serena followed Aaron back to Rosewood Gardens and made her way up to the second floor. She moved like a hollow shell, devoid of any spark or life.

Aaron watched her retreating figure, his brow furrowing deeply. The Serena he once knew was vibrant and full of life, much like a sunflower basking under the sun. Every time her laughter echoed, it filled him with warmth. But somewhere along the line, that sunflower had wilted.

"Serena..." Aaron struggled to find his voice, finally managing a quiet, "I'm sorry."

Serena paused momentarily on the stairs, then continued her ascent with a calm, steady demeanor.

Aaron let out a bitter laugh. "It won't be long before the Mitchell family goes bankrupt," he said coldly. "Then no one will dare to act so arrogantly in front of you again."

Serena turned slowly, looking down at him from above like a deity surveying the world below, her eyes filled with irony. "And what does the Mitchell family's bankruptcy have to do with me?" she asked, her sarcasm cutting. "Or does Mr. Vance want me to believe you're doing this for my sake, hoping I'll foolishly crawl back to you?"

Aaron's frown deepened. "That's not what I meant. I just wanted you to know that I'm not with Cynthia Lynwood. You're not the other woman."

"Ever heard the saying, Mr. Vance, that the one who's not loved is the third wheel? I didn't realize it before, but now I see how true it is. Titles are just for show. The one who's truly loved is the one who's happy. Oh, and by the way—"

Serena's eyebrows arched with confidence, "The Mitchell family won't go bankrupt."

With that, she turned and disappeared into her room.

Aaron stood there, troubled by Serena's self-deprecating tone yet intrigued by her confidence in making such a bold statement.