" 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.
Serena was caught off guard by the kiss. She didn't expect it at all. But there was Gerald devouring her lips like his life depended on it. Maybe his did. Angling his mouth, he slipped deeper into her mouth, tasting her. She smelled so good. The vanilla and cinnamon scent he had come to love. His hands grabbed her tiny waist, pushing her to him. Her head tilted back, she let him kiss her, her head feeling light. He sucked her lower lip before pulling apart, breathing heavily. The fire didn't abate at all. It only got worse. He wanted this woman… way too much. But he feared rejection, he couldn't stand another rejection from her. He glanced at the stairs and wondered why the hell is room was so far away. Taking her lips again, he took with the same fervor, only slower this time. Serena had her arms around his neck and he picked her up like she weighed next to nothing, walking all the way to her room while he kissed her.
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 asleep
The 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