Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

When Serena got home, she mulled over her decision and finally sent Director Thomas her resignation letter.

She had decided to stay in Alderburg for good, which meant she couldn't return to the restoration center. Better to cut ties quickly than to drag things out.

The instant Director Thomas received news of her resignation, he quickly dialed her number.

"Serena, why on earth are you resigning?"

"I'm sorry, Director. I've let you down. I won't be going back to Northspire," Serena replied.

"This is about that man again, isn't it?" Director Thomas frowned disapprovingly. "Serena, don't be foolish. No man is worth this."

Serena struggled to explain her situation to Director Thomas and ended up just apologizing again. "I'm really sorry, Director."noveldrama

After a moment of contemplation, Director Thomas spoke again, "Serena, how about this: I'll give you a month's time. If you still want to resign after that, I won't say another word. How does that sound?"

A wave of emotion washed over Serena. She truly did want to return to the restoration center. Restoring antiques had always been her dream.

"Since you're not saying anything, I'll take it as a yes. It's settled then," Director Thomas said, hastily hanging up, likely worried she'd change her mind.

Serena couldn't help but laugh, feeling a mix of emotions. It didn't seem right to call him back, so she let it be.

She opened the documents Director Thomas had sent her. She knew them by heart, but still, she couldn't resist diving into them once more. Before she knew it, it was already eleven o'clock.

Getting up, she headed to the kitchen to warm up a glass of milk. Serena had developed a taste for warm milk, a habit she picked up from Aaron. He had a sensitive stomach and couldn't handle anything cold, so he always warmed his milk. Initially, Serena thought he was being fussy, but over time, she grew to love warm milk too.

Catching herself wandering off in thought, Serena shook her head to clear her mind and turned on the stove. No matter how she tried, the gas stove just wouldn't light. After checking, she realized the batteries must have run out from lack of use.

She put on her coat and went downstairs to buy batteries. There was a 24-hour convenience store at the end of her street. She bought the batteries, along with a few bags of chips and spicy snacks, and headed back home.

As she stepped out of the elevator, Serena was startled to find Aaron standing at her door like a sentry.

"Aaron, what are you doing here?!" Serena clenched her fists, trying to suppress her anger, though her trembling voice betrayed her emotions.

Aaron seemed surprised to see her, raising his eyebrows. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? What are you doing here? Have you already regretted it and come to spy on me?"

Serena's expression shifted as she noticed the key Aaron held in his hand. The key was labeled 2802-her neighbor's apartment across the hall.

"You... live here?"

She didn't remember Aaron owning a property here.

"A partner gifted me the apartment. I came to check it out. Is there a problem?" Aaron leaned in closer, a teasing glint in his deep-set eyes. "So, did you think I showed up here just for you?"