Adrian's Second Choice

Serena's POV 

“I will forfeit the employment immediately!” Karen suggested. 

I held her hand from the mouse.

“I can't accept it, Serena. They're mean people and after what they did to you, I don't want to have anything to do with them.”

I stood up and took the laptop, shutting it and placing it on the center table.

“We will do the job.”

Karen rose from the couch. “Serena!”

“It's two million dollars for just a few hours, Karen. We must not join our emotions with work.”

“Serena, accepting the job means we'll be right there from start to finish to ensure everything goes well. Are you sure you can handle that?”

I chuckled. “After what I experienced back at the Whitmore mansion, I can handle anything, Karen.”

She sighed. “Fine. Let's get to work.”

We spent the day deciding on the best plan for Adrian and Camille's engagement ceremony. It was cruel how fate turned me from Adrian's wife to the event planner responsible for his engagement ceremony.

I did not let it bother me. I must do what I must to earn money for myself and my child. 

I fell asleep half way through the work and when I woke up, night had fallen and Karen had already completed it. 

“Don't worry, Serena. You can go to bed. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day.”

…..

True to her words, the next day was pretty hectic. I didn't get to involve myself directly in some of the work as Karen won't let me, but I still helped out in little ways.

The hall chosen for the engagement ceremony was huge. I was not surprised. My wedding to Adrian was double the size, considering the relatives and friends the Whitmore family have. 

We had only set up the design for the entrance when we took a short break and had lunch. 

A few minutes later, some guards arrived carrying a huge portrait. It was a beautiful and enticing picture of Adrian and Camille.

She was not pregnant here and Adrian had worn the suit I'd gifted him on his birthday last year.

It was obvious that he'd already discarded me long before I even realized it. I was in that marriage alone, struggling, desperate and depressed.

Seeing my expression, Karen said, “I still think you should go home, Serena. In a few hours, guests will begin to arrive.”

“Why should I hide away from them? I did nothing wrong.” I refused.

Karen said nothing more and we walked inside to continue the set up. We had lodged in a nearby hotel where we moved to once the designs were done.

We took a quick shower, put on make-up, and our dress was impeccable. Attached to the breast part was our interior designer tag. It was imperative so the family could recognize us and the work we did. 

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, encouraging myself. Stress of the past three days must have made me lose some weight.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I walked out of the hotel in my black, satin dress and back to the engagement hall.

Guests had begun to arrive and I and Karen hung upstairs where we could see everyone clearly.

Soon, Adrian and his fiáncee arrived. She was dressed in an exquisite, red, ball gown, while Adrian was in a white suit with red flowers embroidered on it. 

He held Camille like an egg, as he introduced her to every guests. He never treated me this way. 

I couldn't even remember the last time we'd attended a party yet attending social events was necessary to continue in their social standing as the Whitmore family. 

I wouldn't be surprised if he'd attended with her instead of me.

“I wish I could pluck out all of her hair!” Karen seethed.

Suddenly, there were hurried footsteps behind us. As we turned to look, we came in contact with Helen Whitmore.

Her eyes fell on Karen's tag, not immediately noticing me.

“Great! I've been searching for you since I arrived. My secretary had selected your team and you did a very good job!”

“I'm glad.” Karen forced a smile. 

Just then Helen's gaze fell on me. “You. What do you think you're doing here?”

“She's on my team. Is there a problem?” Karen quickly came to my defense.

Helen then forced a laugh, “Of course not. Well, as long as she doesn't cause any trouble.”

“We won't be staying till the end, madam.” Karen informed her. “We just wanted to ensure everything was okay and then we'll take our leave.”

A hint of terror appeared on Helen's face just then. 

“I might have to hire you for the waitering services, dear. The one we hired found a job more suitable and stood us up at the last minute.”

“Ma'am.”

“I'll add three million dollars.” She immediately cut Karen off.

Karen turned to me. Even though there was a heavy feeling in my heart seeing Adrian and Camille, I nodded at Karen.

She then agreed. 

Helen's joy knew no bound. It could have been a scandal for there to be no waitering services in the Whitmore's engagement party!

I had to leave the upper part of the hall and help out in serving drinks. Adrian and Camille were exchanging rings just then and I relocated to the back of the hall so my heart does jump out of my chest.

When I returned, Camille walked up to me.

“You can't stay away from my Adrian, can you?” She hissed. “Even had to disguise as a waitress just to be close to him.”

“You should stay close to your fiánce, Camille.” I replied. “It's your engagement. Don't make this about me.”

People were already glancing towards us.

“How dare you show up here!” She shrieked. “After wasting eight years of Adrian's life, you ought to rot in jail!” 

I held the tray of wine carefully and replied, “Didn't he waste mine? I wonder how much confidence you have seeing that you got engaged to my leftover husband.”

“What?”

“There's nothing to be proud of, Camille.” I smirked. “You are Adrian's second choice. And always will be.”

I imagined her face go red with anger and before I could detect her next move, she had grabbed my dress in preparation to yank it off.