Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

He immediately thought of Dr. Owens's death.

That was what sent him rushing back.

If...

Aaron narrowed his eyes, a shadow falling over his gaze.

If this man really had been after Dr. Owens all along, then didn't that mean-

A heavy weight pressed down on his heart.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Aaron scowled, ignoring it.

Instead, he kept rifling through the dossier on the man in question.

The file contained only the barest details.

The man's name was Eugene. He'd grown up poor, left home at sixteen to make his own way. Later, a distant uncle told him there was a fortune to be made in North America, so he followed him overseas.

After that, there was no further trace.

If his guess was right, Eugene had probably joined an organization over there.

The doorbell rang again, more insistent this time.

Annoyed, Aaron lowered his head, intent on the file.

But the bell kept ringing, relentless and unyielding, as if the visitor would keep pressing until the door was opened.

With an exasperated sigh, Aaron shoved the file into his suitcase, then strode to the door and yanked it open.

To his surprise, Cynthia Lynwood stood on the threshold. He bit back the words on his lips. "What is it?"

Cynthia's eyes were soft and pleading, her hands clutching the sheer fabric of her nightgown. "Aaron, the hot water isn't working in my room. Could I maybe use your shower?"

Aaron's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Seeing his hesitation, Cynthia's expression grew more pitiful. "Please, Aaron, just let me take a shower. I can't sleep if I don't."

Aaron pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine. Go ahead."

Cynthia brightened and slipped into

his room. She hadn't gone more than a few steps before she stumbled, her body collapsing toward Aaron in a practiced swoon.

He caught her arm with a steady hand.

That wasn't quite the reaction Cynthia had hoped for.

A flicker of frustration crossed her face, but she could only play along. "Thank you, Aaron..."

But before she could finish, tears spilled down her cheeks.

Aaron's face hardened. "Why are you crying?"noveldrama

"It's nothing..." Cynthia shook her head, tears streaming stubbornly.

Aaron's annoyance deepened. "If you have something to say, just say it. What's the use of crying?"

Cynthia looked up at him with red, watery eyes. I just... I was thinking about the past. Thinking about that night six years ago, when you were so gentle with me. But after that, you changed. You've been cold ever since. Aaron, do you really despise me that much?"

As she spoke, she threw herself at him.

Aaron's expression darkened instantly.

He snapped out of it to find Cynthia sobbing into his chest, soaking his shirt with

her tears.

"Aaron, I'm all better now. I can take care of you. Please, let me..."

She wept, her hands roaming restlessly around his waist.

Aaron's eyes flashed. He seized her wrist, his gaze sharp as a scalpel. "Cynthia, that's enough."

Pinned by his grip, Cynthia couldn't move. She looked up, her eyes red and pleading. “How am I out of line? Didn't you promise you'd marry me? Isn't this what married couples do? Besides... it's not our first time."

Aaron's face grew so dark it could have rained.