Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Six Years Ago

It was the first year after Evelyn Vance's death.

Aaron still couldn't find his way out of the shadow her passing had cast over him.

In that house, he didn't have anyone he felt close to.

His parents were both busy with their own lives and barely spared him a thought.

Vivian Vance, his other sister, did try to be closer to him, but she also had her own circle of friends.

Besides, Aaron never liked Vivian's so-called best friends. In his eyes, they were shallow, flashy, and dreadfully dull.

Among the Vance family, only Evelyn was different.

She always stayed quietly in her room, but whenever she saw him, she'd drift over and wrap herself around him—never in that noisy, incessant way Serena did, always chattering as if words would run out if she stopped.

Aaron genuinely enjoyed spending time with Evelyn.

In those moments, the house actually felt a little warmer, as if it was home after all.

Losing Evelyn had been a crushing blow.

Every night, he needed a drink just to fall asleep.

That night was no different. He'd had a few glasses, was just starting to drift off when his phone rang-Cynthia Lynwood's name flashed across the screen.

Her voice trembled, barely holding back panic.

"Aaron, I... I think I'm being followed by some bad people. Could you could you come help me?"

Aaron sobered up instantly.

Before she died, Evelyn had clung to his hand, making him promise over and over

to look after Cynthia Lynwood for her. That was her last wish.

He'd taken it to heart.

Snatching up his car keys, he rushed out the door.

Just as Cynthia described, he arrived to find a group of men trailing after her, lurking in the shadows.

He floored the gas and pulled up right beside her. The men, startled, scattered immediately.

Cynthia wasted no time climbing into the passenger seat.

The moment she got in, she caught the smell of alcohol on him. Worried something might go wrong, she quickly offered to drive.

Aaron didn't object and switched seats with her.noveldrama

But the next morning, when he woke up, the car was parked deep in a wooded grove.

His clothes were in disarray. Next to him lay Cynthia Lynwood, wrapped in a blanket, her bare arms mottled

bruises, silent witnesses to the chaos of the night before.

She looked at him with shy, pleading eyes.

"Aaron, why aren't you saying anything? Don't tell me... you don't want to marry me after all?" Cynthia's soft, wounded voice

Aaron out of his memories Pulled

He

lowered his gaze, looking at the fragile woman before him, and felt a wave of irritation unlike anything

he'd ever known.

"I said I'd marry you, and I keep my word," he replied flatly.

"Then why haven't you made it official?" Cynthia's eyes shone red with tears, her

voice thick with frustration.

Everyone in their social circle already

knew they were supposed to get married, but all Aaron had done was post a half-hearted announcement online-nothing more.

Lately, he'd even been meeting Serena more and more often, which only made Cynthia more anxious.

Aaron brushed past her, heading for the living room. "Things have been hectic. I'll announce it once things settle down."

Cynthia watched his cold back retreat, realizing he was at the end of his patience.

If she pressed any further, he'd really lose his temper.

Biting her lip, she forced herself to smile sweetly. "Alright... we'll talk about the wedding when you're less busy."

She glanced at him one more time.

But Aaron kept his back to her, not even bothering to look her way.

Cynthia bit down so hard on her lip that blood welled between her teeth. She didn't even notice.