NovelEnglishChapter 228 Serena blinked in surprise. "Wait-you two know each other?" A flicker of embarrassment crossed Gabrielle's face. She glanced out the window, struggling to find the right words to tell Serena that she was, at this very moment, in Alderburg.
Ever since Gabrielle found out that Serena had been pining after Aaron for seven years, she'd always wondered just how much Serena had suffered. Sure, the intemade keeping in touch easier, but Northspire and Alderburg were two different cities, and not every piece of gossip traveled that far.
So, Gabrielle took matters into her own hands-she hopped on a train to Alderburg herself, determined to get answers. She tracked down Aaron's best friend, Frederick, and did her best to coax information out of him without raising suspicion.
But after hearing Frederick's side of the story, Gabrielle was so furious she ended up trashing his bar. That was how Frederick found out she was Serena's friend. For the sake of dealing with the damages, they exchanged contacts.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe next day, completely out of the blue, Frederick sent her a screenshot from Aaron's social media. No explanation, no greeting-just the image, dropped like a bomb.
Seriously, what was wrong with him? Left with no other choice, Gabrielle reached out to Serena to get the truth.
"Well... I suppose you could say we know each other," Gabrielle managed. "Serena, you've really been through a lot while I've been gone. Listen, when I get back, I'll make my mom introduce you to the most gorgeous guy she knows- someone who'll help you mend that broken heart." Serena couldn't help but rub her forehead. Gabrielle's approach to love was every bit as tic as Frederick's. But somehow, Serena never found herself annoyed by Gabrielle. Maybe that's just how friendship works-double standards and all.
Still, she wasn't sure how to convince Gabrielle that she'd truly moved on. So she simply replied, "Thanks. I've got something to take care of now, so I'll talk to you later." "Okay, okay." Serena hung up, walked to the front door, and picked up the notice slipped underneath. The brightness in her eyes faded a little.
Had she really lost all power to protect her father's antiques now that Aaron was out of the picture? Those heirlooms were more precious than life itself to her dad. Even when things were at their worst, he'd never once considered selling them.
No. She drew a deep breath, her eyes growing resolute.
If her father could keep them safe, so could she.
Nestor Leighton might be formidable, but there were lawyers out there who could match him-maybe even surpass him. Even if she had to give up a few antiques, that was still better than losing everything.
Determined, Serena opened her laptop and started researching attorneys.
Meanwhile, across town, Aaron stood by his floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the city lights, but his mind was elsewhere-fixated on his phone.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe unlocked it. New notifications poured in, dozens at a time, but not a single one from the person he was hoping for.
He gripped his phone tighter, hesitated a few seconds, then finally gave in and messaged Frederick.
Did you send that screenshot to Serena? Frederick replied almost instantly: Of course. You askedto, didn't you? I always get the job done.
Earlier that day, Aaron had posted a photo to his feed-a close-up of two hands entwined. It sent shockwaves through their difele. Everyone knew Serena had gone back to Northspire, so naturally, speculation exploded: whose hand was in the photo? The consensus was Cynthia Lynwood. Group chats went wild, but Aaron never responded to any of it.
Even Frederick was curious enough to call him directly, but Aaron dodged every question and just told him to send the screenshot to Serena.
Trouble was, Serena had already blocked Frederick ages ago. The only it option was to send to Gabrielle it d. instead. Not quite what Aaron had asked, but it would have to do.
Frederick typed out a hesitant message: So... that other hand in the picture-is it Cynthia Lynwood's? Is this you making it official? Are you really choosing her for good this time? No going back?
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