Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

"Aaron, do you... do you find me a burden?" Cynthia Lynwood's eyes brimmed with tears, threatening to spill over, making her appear all the more pitiable and deserving of sympathy.

Aaron remained unmoved. "No, it's just that the Federation of Faircrest..."

"Aaron, you don't need to explain. I know. Lately, because I've returned home, you've been having issues with Serena. I'm sorry, it's all my fault. Once my kidney transplant is done, I'll return to the Federation of Faircrest as quickly as possible. I won't linger here and be an eyesore."

Cynthia's understanding demeanor only made Aaron's heart heavier. No matter how you looked at it, Cynthia's current state was because of...

He shook off his thoughts. "Just focus on getting better. Don't overthink things." Cynthia nodded obediently.

Once Aaron left, her gaze turned steely and determined. "Matthew, it's all up to you now. You must execute your plan immediately!"

Matthew, well-accustomed to Cynthia's mercurial moods, nodded. "Alright, I'll go set things in motion now."

Cynthia watched Matthew's retreating figure, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. As long as Matthew's plan succeeded, Serena would be out of the picture.

With Serena gone, no obstacles would remain, and Cynthia wouldn't have to leave Alderburg. Instead, she could stay and be with Aaron forever.

At Rosewood Gardens.

"Ah-choo!"

Serena got up from her bed with a big sneeze. Who was talking about her behind her back?

She wandered into the bathroom, gazing at her reflection in the mirror, momentarily dazed.

Perhaps it was the good night's sleep or the absence of worries, but her skin was luminous and clear, untouched by makeup, yet more vibrant than the most blooming of roses.

She felt like a new person.

Serena patted her cheeks with satisfaction.

She just needed to make it to the celebration party, and then she'd be free.

The thought of returning to her work at the rehabilitation center filled her with energy.

Just then, a loud knocking echoed from downstairs.

"Where's Serena?! I've heard she's been acting all high and mighty with my brother!"

Serena's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

That voice was unmistakable, even if it turned to dust, she would recognize it. After all, the voice belonged to Aaron's younger sister-Vivian Vance. "Serena, I know you're upstairs! Stop hiding and come out! You've grown a backbone now, haven't you? Well, let's see you come down here and face me!" Serena ignored Vivian, waiting until she tired herself out with her ranting before gracefully appearing at the second-floor landing.

"Olivia, I'm hungry!"

She wasn't making an excuse to appear; she was genuinely hungry.

Vivian, spotting Serena, looked at her like a hunter spotting prey, her eyes fixed unblinkingly. "Serena, you finally showed up. I thought you'd hide upstairs forever!"

Serena continued to ignore Vivian. "Olivia, I'd like something light to eat. Oh, and make sure to add plenty of cilantro."noveldrama

Vivian, completely disregarded, let out a derisive laugh. "Serena, who do you think you are? In the Vance family, even a servant could trample over you. And yet, you dare order Olivia around? Do you really think she'll do as you say?"