Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Serena watched as the blue Porsche pulled up, and her heart skipped a beat when she noticed the license plate. It was unmistakably from New York.

William.

Anger simmered beneath Aaron's dark eyes as he clenched his fists, watching the scene unfold from a distance.

Once they reached downtown, Serena stepped out of the car.

"You don't have anywhere to go right now. Why not stay at my place for a while? My house is spacious, and I'm leaving for Northspire tomorrow anyway. The lease is up next month, so it would just sit empty," William suggested one last time as Serena prepared to leave.

Serena shook her head with a small smile. "Thanks, but no. You've done enough already. I'll sort out my own accommodation."

"Alright," William replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Serena turned to go, but William called after her. "Serena."

She turned back, curious. "Yes?"

He hesitated, then broke into a warm smile. "It's nothing. I'll talk to you when I get back from Northspire."

"Okay, goodbye then," Serena waved and headed towards a nearby hotel, her heart feeling lighter.

Without a phone but with a credit card in hand, she planned to find a hotel to spend the night and buy a new phone the next day. It was time to start afresh, without Aaron.

Just the thought filled Serena with hope.

However―

"Miss, this credit card isn't working," the hotel receptionist said apologetically, holding out her card.

Serena frowned. "That can't be right. I've used it plenty of times."

"Would you like me to try again?" the receptionist offered.

"Please do," Serena nodded.

But the result was the same. The card was declined.

Panic set in as the realization hit her. The card was issued in Alderburg, and only Aaron had the authority to freeze it.

No wonder Aaron warned her she'd regret it.

This was the man she'd loved for seven years.noveldrama

Serena blinked back tears and forced a polite smile. "Thank you for trying."

She took back her card and stepped out onto the bustling street, feeling like a lone sailor adrift at sea.

Serena wandered aimlessly, unsure of where to go. She had no friends in this city, except for Samuel, but she didn't want to burden him.

After what felt like hours, Serena spotted a KFC. Exhausted from the night's events, she headed inside.

She found an empty corner and leaned against the window. The chatter around her faded, and she drifted into a restless sleep.

In her half-awake state, she felt strong arms gently wrap around her, and the soothing scent of cedar filled her senses. She tried to open her eyes, but they felt glued shut. Overwhelmed by fatigue and warmth, she surrendered to sleep.

When Serena finally awoke, she found herself in a plush hotel bed. The room's elegant decor confirmed she was indeed in a hotel.

So it wasn't a dream!

She sat up abruptly, relieved to find her clothes intact and her body unharmed.

But another question gnawed at her mind.

Who was the person from last night?