Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Cynthia Lynwood's cheeks flushed pink. "No, it's not like that! We're getting married soon!"

A chorus of awed gasps rippled through the group.

"Wait, don't tell me it's Aaron-the richest man in Alderburg?" someone blurted out. "But wasn't his last girlfriend all over the tabloids for being 'the other woman'? Only, I remember her last name wasn't Lynwood, it was..." The speaker suddenly trailed off, glancing nervously at Serena and falling silent.

With that reminder, others in the room started to put two and two together. Their eyes flickered uncertainly toward Serena, not quite sure what to believe.

Oblivious to the tension, Cynthia beamed. "Yes, it's Aaron, Alderburg's wealthiest bachelor. But you've all got it wrong-Serena was never the other woman. When I was sick and had to leave the country for treatment, Serena took care of Aaron. I'll always be grateful for that. I couldn't have focused on my recovery otherwise."

Cynthia's words sounded like a defense, but her tone was anything but innocent. She was a master at twisting the narrative-making it seem like she was standing up for Serena, while slyly painting her as the homewrecker.

This wasn't the first time Cynthia had hinted at Serena being the "other woman" in public. Since that's how she wanted to play it—

"Miss Lynwood," Serena said softly, lowering her gaze and feigning vulnerability, "you really are the most gracious fiancée I've ever met. Every time people accuse me of being the other woman, you always jump in to explain things for me. I'm so sorry I never meant to come between you two. Aaron told me he was single. I had no idea he had someone abroad. I guess I just trusted him too much. I'm sorry."

A heavy, awkward silence fell. Several people exchanged uncertain glances.

Wait... so Serena was the one who'd been lied to? That would mean Aaron was the real problem here.

As admiration for Cynthia and Aaron drained from the room, replaced by suspicion, Cynthia's composure wavered. Desperation crept into her voice. “Serena, you must be mistaken. Aaron and I... we weren't together before. We only got together recently, so you're definitely not the other woman. And Aaron isn't a cheater!"

"Is that right?" Serena's gentle expression vanished, replaced by a razor-sharp stare. "Then maybe, Miss Lynwood, you should be more careful with your words. Don't make it sound so ambiguous-unless you want everyone to think Aaron's two-timing you."noveldrama

Cynthia's face went pale. She bit her lip, scrambling for an excuse. "I'm sorry, Serena. I... I've been overseas for years getting treatment, so maybe my English isn't what it used to be. If I said anything misleading, I really didn't mean to."

"Glad to hear it. I hope you'll remember this conversation." Serena suddenly leaned in, her voice dropping to a threatening whisper, a wicked smile on her lips. "From now on, if I hear you telling people how grateful you are that I 'took care of Aaron,' I'll publish every message you ever sent me. Let's see what everyone thinks about who the real homewrecker is."

Cynthia's face turned paper white.

But, determined not to let anyone else see her panic, she forced a shaky smile. "Of course, Serena. You have my word—if anyone calls you the other woman again, I'll be the first to speak up for you!"

Serena straightened, smiling pleasantly at Cynthia.

In reality, she'd deleted all of their private messages long ago. But it was amusing

to see how the mere threat of those messages was enough to keep Cynthia in check.

As Serena studied Cynthia's face, her mind drifted to that pregnancy test report she'd seen.