Days passed and their relationship kept improving. Gerald found out he looked forward to their evening walks when they talked about everything and nothing. The empty mansion didn't feel so empty anymore with someone beside him. Besides she was doing a good job running the households and the workers in it so Gerald could focus on other things. Dinner was a special time for the two. Then, he saw Serena the way in a more different light as she told him about her activities of the day and plans for the next one. And for some reasons neither could explain, they began spending the night in the same room. Hands wrapped around each other, they fell asleep cuddling.
This particular day seemed like it would play out like the last ones. They were out in the balcony and as usual Serena was talking while Gerald listened with rapt attention, a glass of whiskey in hand. " So, you fell asleepThe day for the party arrived and everywhere was bubbling with activity. It was to be held at the mansion and since morning the maids have been busy with the decorations. Serena was in her room, watching as Sarah and the maids fussed over her, picking out her dress and jeweleries. She let out a sigh, frustrated. She'd never seen Mother Wilson this frantic before. " What do you think of this one, my Lady?" Lana asked, twirling a cream colored dress in front of her. Serena managed a smile, her eyes revealing her tiredness. " I think it's beautiful. Just like the others you've shown me. " She replied gently. " Really? I think you should try it on!" " I've tried on so many dresses, Lana. Can't I pick one of them?" " Your grace doesn't think they're good enough." Lana muttered, glancing at Sarah's way. Serena stood up, walking up to her. Successfully getting her atte
Gerald wasn't lying when he said they'll be busy in the coming days. Worked filled her to the brim she thought she'd pass out from it. There were do many things to do, so many places to visit. But it was what she signed up for so she was determined to pull through. One good thing about this though, was she got to see more of Gerald and understand him. That's what kept her in a good mood the past few days. " Are this the last batches?" She asked the butler, pointing at the arranged files on her table. He nodded. " Okay then, could you put them back in their shelves?" " Will do, my lady." He replied and proceeded to pick them up. "And, oh... One more thing. Could I get the list of the workers in the palace? " " Yes, of course. My lady." He replied before taking files away from her office. Serena let out a breath, palming her forehead. She straightene
Serena stared at her reflection in the mirror, checking her appearance. A small smile played on her lips as she touched her hair, Lana really went all out for this one, she thought happily. Her brown curly hair had been delicately arranged over head, pinned into place. Although a few tendrils had stuck out, framing her oval face. She and Gerald would be visiting the Duke of Wellington today, where they would be staying for two days before coming back to the mansion. She smoothed her dress, clicking her shoes on the oak floor. Wearing her gloves, she picked up her handkerchief and hat before walking out fo the room. Gerald was waiting for her downstairs. Walking in slow unhurried steps, she took in deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. She's prepared a lot for this visit and she wasn't about to go mess it up. She soon reached the stairs and stopped, her eyes searching for and finding Gerald.
Serena ran out of the room, gasping for air. Only then did the realization of what she just did hit her and she gasped, mortified. She turned around and placed a hand on the doorknob but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't open it. What would she say to Gerald? How would she explain herself to him? Worst of all, they're not even at home. She tried again but didn't get any luck. Scared, she ran away.Making sure not walk to far away, she glanced at the door, tears pricking her eyes. She needed to go back but was terrified of how Gerald would react. Biting her lips, she tried to stop the tears from falling." Serena, is that you?" A voice asked and she flinched, a bit startled. Turning to the direction of the voice, she found out it was from Jessica. She let out a sigh of relief." Yes, it's me." She replied, her voice hoarse. Jessica walked closer, her eyes scrutinizing her." What are you doing here?" She asked. " I thought you wanted to sleep
" I need to talk to you." She forced out, scared to bits. Gerald scoffed, glaring at her. " About what? I thought we said all that needed to be said last night." He muttered. Serena shook her head, forcing air down her lungs. " Not at all. It's why I need to talk to you. You've been avoiding me all day. But you can't avoid me if we're in the same room." She replied, her voice as calm as ever. Gerald was getting irritated just listening to her. " Well, I choose to avoid you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and use the bathroom." He said, his calm voice hiding the raging emotions he felt inside. The last thing he wanted was to attack this woman in a state of anger. " I'm sorry Gerald…" she said anyway. " I'm sorry about how I ran away from you last night. I didn't mean to. I couldn't help it." She muttered, tears clouding her eyes. Gritting his teeth, Gerald closed his eyes. God help him but this woman was threatening to drive him crazy.
Gerald arrived home, feeling more tense than necessary. He'd expected to feel lighter now that he had cut ties with Scarlett but couldn't help the bad feeling I his gut. Like something terrible was going to happen afterwards. He'd tried to shake it off on his way home but it only got stronger. Of course, Serena was waiting for him when he arrived. A smile on her face, she welcomed him with a kiss, wrapping her hands around him afterwards. He took in a deep breath, some of his worries dropping away. " I didn't expect you to be out so late." She whispered against his neck. " Sorry, I didn't know I would take so long." He muttered, his voice gruff. She pulled away, the smile still on her face. She had already dressed for the night and from where he stood, he could see all her beautiful features but now wasn't the time for carnal desires. &n
Serena woke up with a sick feeling in her gut. Rubbing her aching muscles, she stifled a yawn. She barely got any sleep last night as she kept thinking of how to tell Gerald everything. Shaking her head as if to dislodge the thoughts, she slipped out of a bed. A knock came on her door, interrupting her. It creaked open and Lana peeked in. She relaxed. " Good morning, my lady." She greeted as she walked in. Serena murmured a reply. " Where's Gerald?" She asked as she ran her through her hair. " He's downstairs ma'am. It's almost time for breakfast." She informed Serena. Serena sighed, glancing at the large clock in the room. " I must've woken up late." She muttered to herself. " I need to hurry." She told the younger lady, who nodded in approval. " I'll help you run your bath." Lana said as she walked to the bathroom.
Days passed and Serena managed just fine. It wasn't easy, seeing her abuser everyday and having to act like she was unaffected but she did it. She made sure she was never alone and spent a lot of time with Gerald who seemed not to mind. She was eagerly waiting for the time Thomas would pack his things and leave because the week he had proposed was slowly coming to an end. She'd told herself she would survive as long as Gerald was by her side and that looked like the case. It looked like everything will turn out fine and Thomas would leave without making any contact with Serena. Until that day came. Gerald had received a letter from the Royal family asking for a meeting and all dukes had to be in attendance. Gerald was no exception. It would last for a week before they could be able to return home. Serena heart dropped to the ground when she heard it, her body breaking into goosebumps. " You really have to go?" Sh