Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

"I'm exhausted." Serena's voice was icy as she spoke. "Please, leave."

With that, she wrapped her blanket tightly around herself, turning away from Aaron, leaving only her back visible. It was clear she had no desire to continue the conversation.

Aaron rubbed his temples in frustration. He could avoid seeing Cynthia Lynwood from now on, but he couldn't break his promise. He needed to figure out how to ensure Cynthia was taken care of properly.

"Alright, I'm leaving then."

Aaron stepped out of the hospital room, gently closing the door behind him. Once the sound of footsteps faded completely, Serena turned her gaze towards the door.

Just then, there was a knock.

Serena frowned, irritated. "Didn't I say I wanted to sleep?"

The door swung open, and William, seated in a wheelchair, rolled into the room. "For someone who's supposedly ready to sleep, you sound quite energetic. It seems like you've been doing well while Miss Sullivan was missing."

Serena was surprised to see William. "Mr. Grayson, you're still in Alderburg?"

"I couldn't just leave without meeting Miss Sullivan as promised."

William tactfully avoided mentioning the extensive search he had initiated after losing contact with Serena, which led him to finally discover she was in this hospital.

"I'm sorry, there were some unexpected events."

"No need to apologize," William said, handing Serena a thermal container from beside his wheelchair. "Not everything is within your control."

Serena smiled, relieved, her gaze falling on the container in William's hand. "What's this?"

"Chicken soup. I heard you were hospitalized and thought it might help, though I'm not sure why you're here. I hope Miss Sullivan doesn't mind."

Serena's stomach was still empty, and she certainly didn't mind. She opened the container, and the savory aroma wafted up to greet her.

"Smells wonderful," Serena said, her eyes lighting up.

"Take your time, there's no rush," William replied warmly, watching her eagerly tuck into the soup. His gentle smile reached his eyes, even though it was subtle.

After a few sips, Serena felt her hunger subside a bit and looked up at William. "Mr. Grayson, thank you for the soup, but about our collaboration... I want to end it."

"Why?" William's eyes flickered, masking his disappointment.

"I have other plans."

She intended to stay and make sure Cynthia Lynwood faced consequences.

William didn't press further. Instead, he smiled and said, "Have you thought it through?"

"Yes."

"Alright then, but Serena, if you ever want to work with me again, just let me know."

"You don't have to keep calling me Miss Sullivan. Just Serena is fine."

"Okay, Serena," William said, slowly savoring each syllable. His voice was deep and resonant, like the strum of a guitar string.

Hearing it, Serena's heart skipped a beat.

"And you can call me William."

"Alright." Serena smiled brightly.

Unbeknownst to them, Aaron was watching from outside the door, a takeout bag Olivia had bought in his hand. His eyes stung with the scene before him. It took him a while to unclench his fist, and he eventually turned and walked away with determined strides.noveldrama

After Serena finished the soup, William wheeled himself out of the room. Spotting a lonely takeout container on a nearby chair, he picked it up and tossed it into the trash.

Meanwhile, in another brightly lit room, Cynthia Lynwood was gasping for breath, pleading, "I need to see Aaron, please, let me see him..."

Frederick, who was keeping watch, was growing increasingly impatient.