Chapter 2
( Two Days later)" Oh... Yeah... Oh God..." Scarlett moaned as Gerald thrust in and out of her at an incredible pace. Her eyes clamped shut and sweat dripping from her forehead, it was obvious she was enjoying it. Way too much." Oh God... I'm coming... I'm cumm..." she didn't get to finish her sentence as she groaned aloud, her body spasming, jerking uncontrollably. Gerald continued for a few more moments and pulled out just in time to have his release on the bed. Scarlett lay slumped on the bed, unduly satisfied. Staring at Gerald with lazy eyes, her face broke in to a grin.
" I missed you so much." She muttered, her voice dripping with satisfaction.Gerald shrugged, breathing heavily as he arranged his clothes. He had come here to release all the pent up energy he had stored after Serena's rejection. So, he couldn't really say he missed her. He realized Scarlett was still talking and gave her his full attention.
" Can't believe you spent two weeks with that slut of a wife." Scarlett muttered, grimacing. A frown tugged at Gerald's lips. Even if Scarlett was right, he still didn't like the way he called her a slut. She was anything but.
" But I'm here for a week." He replied, sitting on the bed. Scarlett rose up, placing her head on bus shoulders as she stared up at him.
" A week I look forward to." She whispered, then giggled. Her face turning serious, she glanced at him. " When will you be getting rid of her?"" Soon." Was all the reply she got. Scarlett wasn't satisfied. She needed to exactly when Serena would be out of the picture.
" I cant wait. She doesn't belong to that house."
Gerald managed a smile before wrapping a towel round himself and proceeded to the bathroom.
" Want me to join you?" She called out." No thanks. I'm fine on my own." He replied. He heard her giggle before closing the door behind him, blocking any other noise.
...Back at home, Serena couldn't help but miss Gerald. Even if they barely talked, she found out that she enjoyed his presence. It rattled her up in a good way. Every other man eyes on her made her nervous, eager to bolt out of the room... Not Gerald's, his stares set her on fire, making her tingle in places she didn't know existed. Staring out the window, she couldn't help but think about the first day she met him.** Flashback**
She had just arrived at the outskirts of Berkshire. It was first time of leaving her quiet but busy farmhouse to somewhere exotic. Stepping into the building, Sarah was there to welcome her with open arms. She had told Serena there would be a party in the evening and the maids would be helping her prepare. It was her first time, so she was especially nervous.She's heard all about Gerald who was Sarah's Wilson son and this would be first time she would be seeing him. She wanted to know if he was as angry as he looked or if it was just a mask. When the evening rolled by, Serena could barely recognize herself. From a lowly farm girl, she had been transformed to an aristocrat lady. She stepped into the ball room and all eyes zeroed in on her. But the only one she was looking at was the Duke. And my, was he looking at her.
He was just like they said, all of it and more. A brow permanently arched, and a grim expression on his face. Sharp jawline and eyes that seemed to stare into your soul. She had ignored everyone else, walking up to him and asking for a dance. Though she barely knew the steps, suprisingly she didn't make a fool of herself. They barely talked but in such scenarios, speech wasn't necessary. Sarah later introduced to everyone that she was his wife.
She remembered the shock on their faces as the news was so unexpected. No one had told her she was going to a wife to anyone, much less to a Duke. Even Gerald seemed to be surprised by the news. But Sarah had assured her, saying it was all part of the plan. She had more than enough time to train to be the lady that suited the Duke but she also refuse if she wanted to.
Serena didn't think as a bad idea at that time. She was also willing to be good wife under all circumstances. Not because the power that came with being a duchess, but for the feeling she had when she first met him. She hoped that with time, she would get him to feel the same for her too.
**Flashback ends**
Now it doesn't seem to be the case right now. He's barely around and when he is, she's too terrified to talk to him. She doesn't know how long she can last with this stilted exchange between them. A knock came on her door, interrupting her thoughts. Lana peeked in before finally entering the room.
" The governess has arrived. " She announced, her voice mellow.
" Okay. Thanks." Serena replied as she stepped out from the bed. Lana bowed and exited the room, leaving Serena alone.Since she married, she's been training to be a proper lady. Having lived on the farm all her life, this is a totally new experience for her but she's doing her best and she's been been applauded by her teachers. If anyone saw her now, they'll think she was from the well off families. Mother Wilson has really invested in her and it wasn't in her to let anyone down.
Putting her appearance in order, she took in a deep breath and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.
...Gerald had met up with his friend that lived in London. Staring at the people as they went about their business, he took a sip of wine, hoping something would distract him." So... You're back in London again?" Frederick, Swirling the drink his hands. Gerald shrugged, not in the mood to answer.
" Why?" He asked, even if he clearly knew the answer." I hate the sight of her." He finally muttered, his eyes darkening. Fredrick emptied the content in his cup, standing up and walking towards Gerald who was staring out the verandah, his gaze unseeing.
" I don't share that sentiment." Frederick replied. " Your wife is quite beautiful. Any man would be lucky to have her."
Gerald scoffed, chuckling bitterly. Any man would be lucky to have her? Then he must be ready for a lot of rejection. Especially in the bedroom. If only his mother hadn't cornered him to marrying her. If he had known beforehand, he would've done something to stop the union." Be honest Gerald, why don't you like her?" Frederick asked, seeing the expressions on Gerald face."
" She's a fake." Gerald blurted out without thinking. " Pretending to be something she's not."
" That's all? I'm pretty sure your mom already made it clear she's not from an affluent family."
" If she's not, why did my mother insist on me marrying her? I thought men like us are paired with even more powerful women?!" He shot back, his voice a tad higher. Frederick shrugged.
" I'm sure your mother had her reasons. Come on, try to be nicer. Maybe she's not as bad. She's actually quite lovable."
" I just want her out of my life." He muttered through gritted teeth. Frederick stared at Gerald, surprised at the heavy emotions he was exhibiting. Gerald isn't someone to be rattled up by anything, no matter how serious. What did Serena do to have this much effect on him?
" If you kick her out, who would you then marry?"
Gerald features relaxed and he sighed, taking a sip from his drink. Frederick already put two and two together.
" Scarlett?" He asked.
Gerald shrugged. " At least, she's from an affluent family." He muttered.
This time, Frederick was surprised. " Do you know how many men Scarlett has been with before she finally decided to latch on to you even though she knew you were married? And she's the one you want to make your wife?"
" We understand each other." Was all Gerald could mutter. No love, No unduly commitment. Just sex.
Frederick shrugged, folding his hands. " Sometimes, I don't know if I should laugh or feel sorry for you."
Gerald glanced at frederick, to see if he meant it. The look on his face showed he did. He sighed, staring out again.
Sometimes, he doesn't know too.
Gerald stared at the approaching mansion, his mood getting worse by the second. The week he used to escape and done nothing to remove the anger from his heart and now he had to face it again. Taking in a deep breath, he tried to hide as much displeasure as he could possibly do.Serena spotted his carriage the moment it drove him and stood up from the garden she was tending. Hurriedly cleaning her hands, she hurried towards the chariot, the joy in her heart immeasurable. A smile had worked it's way on her face, making her look radiant. For a moment, she forgot she was supposed to look cool and collected.Gerald saw the look on Serena's face and all of a sudden began he struggling to remember why he was angry in the first place. Was she happy to see him? A man could hope. He descended from the carriage, and the butler bowed in greeting, taking the briefcase from him and walking into the house." Welcome back. How was your trip?" Serena asked, breathless. Ger
Silence was the order of the day as they settled to have their dinner. Thick, unbreaking silence. Serena had stopped crying a while ago and she looked calm and collected. Gerald on the other hand couldn't say that about himself. He couldn't shake off the previous guilt he felt, no matter how hard he tried. He glanced at her as she ate, noticing she barely ate anything, just picking on her food. Beyond her calm exterior, he could see how tense she was. She definitely didn't like being around him. " I'm sorry…" he mumbled, half wishing she didn't hear what he said. He glanced at her and she was staring at him, her eyes slightly widened. She caught herself in time, rapidly shaking her head. " It's okay. I shouldn't have bothered you." " No it's not. How can you say it's okay? I should not have have treated you like that." He continued, stil
" What!?" Serena muttered, her voice faint. She glanced at him but he just looked at her, the grim expression on his face. With blurry eyes, she turned to the papers. It's true, she thought as her heart kept breaking. Gerald does want to divorce her. " Why?" She asked, her voice barely a whisper. Swallowing, she tried again. " Did I do anything wrong?" Gerald shifted in his sit but he looked at her. " We both know this isn't working. We're both not ready for it." " But it's never something we can't work out." She stressed. " Well, I don't think we can." Gerald muttered with a note of finality. " It'll be much better if we divorce now before things get messy." Serena took in a shaky breath, cleaning off a stray tear. " Does your mother know about this?" She asked and Gerald stiffened. " What has she got do with this?" 
" You plan to seduce me?" Gerald asked, amused. Serena nerves were all over the place but she managed to keep her cool. Breathing out, she nodded. " Yes." " How?" He asked. Serena rubbed her arms then, avoiding his gaze. Mulling over it for a while, she looked up at him. " I don't know yet. But I promise to think of a way." Gerald chuckled despite of himself. He couldn't believe he was listening to this. " This is most absurd thing I've ever heard. I can't believe I'm listening to you." Serena smiled, her chin raised. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke the next words. " I know you're attracted to me, you deny it but it's there. I plan to use it to my advantage." " What if it doesn't work?" Gerald found himself asking. " Then, it'll be my loss. But I do
Chapter 7Serena stared at her, unable to say something for a while. Scarlett moved closer, the smile still on her face. " Remember me?" She asked and Serena pursed her lips, her hands clenching into fists. She took in a deep breath and let it out, calming herself." Should I not?" Serena replied coolly, her features relaxed but with her blood boiling." Well... Of course you do. I'm not someone to be forgotten so easily." Scarlett replied, fluttering her lashes. Serena resisted the urge to scoff." What are you doing here?"" Well, I came to have lunch when I saw the two of you walk in. I was really surprised. For one thing, you two really look the part." Leaning in, she muttered the last bit quietly " The question is though, do you feel the part?"Serena stiffened, remembering the first time she met Scarlett.**Flashback**It was at the party where Gerald's mother announced she would be getting married to him. After a
(Few days later) Serena stared at the mirror, watching as Lana dressed her up. It's been days since her last encounter with Gerald and she can't say she's forgiven for it. Her body still tingles when she remembers that night and sometimes she has the overwhelming urge to walk up to Gerald and ask him to finish what he started. If only it would end well. He's been leaving to London more frequently now, especially before she wakes up but she feels their relationship has improved because he no longer gives her cold shoulders anymore. Or once again, that's what she thinks. She really hopes so. She's not sure she likes this rollercoaster of a relationship. " I'm done, madam." Lana spoke out, pulling Serena from her train of thoughts. Serena gasped softly, surprised at the way she looked. From the mirror, she could see Lana grinning proudly and she smiled back. Lana did take c
Chapter 9Whimpering, Serena sniffed, tears slipping out of her eyes. She'd never been this hurt before... No, this wasn't hurting. It was killing her. She didn't know how she would face the world after this. She wanted to die." You monster..." She groaned, anger and pain mixed as one. A body hovered above her and she squirmed in fear. It placed a kiss on her cheeks and Serena would have swiped it off if she had strength left in her body." My name is not monster. It's Thomas. Remember that. Thomas." he whispered to her ears before turning her forcefully to face him." Let me go!..Let me go!! " She screamed but of course, he didn't listen...no one ever heard her...Serena opened her eyes, panting heavily, sweat dripping from her forehead. Sitting up on the bed, she looked around her. There's no one in her room. Closing her eyes, she palmed her forehead. She did not just have a nightmare about that night. That horrible night.." It's okay... i
Serena picked on her food, spaced out. She barely had any sleep last night as the thought about the possibility of that monster being Gerald's brother and the fact that he fell out of favor from the family makes everything worse. She thought about telling Gerald about that night but she has no idea how he'll take it. Sighing softly, she stared at the food on her fork, unable to eat. " Is everything okay?' Gerald's low rumbling voice brought her out of her train of thoughts. She glanced at him, her mind empty at first before slowly nodding. " Yes..." She mumbled, twirling her fork. " You've barely eaten anything." He muttered, pointing at her plate. She stared down at it, indeed she really hadn't eaten much. Forcing out a smile, she placed her fork gently on the table. " Guess I'm not so hungry." She replied, chuckling. It had no mirth.