Inside the bathroom, Serena splashed her face with cold water, attempting to wash away the irritation that had built up. She couldn't believe how a simple celebration had taken such an unexpected turn. She felt frustrated at herself for not managing the situation better. Her thoughts were a whirlwind as she stood there, trying to regain her composure.After a few moments, Hadley's gentle knock on the bathroom door brought her back to reality. Serena dried her face and hands before opening the door. Her best friend gave her a comforting smile."Hey, you okay?" Hadley asked, concern in her eyes.Serena nodded, still feeling a mix of emotions. "Yeah, I'm okay. I just didn't expect them to argue like high school boys."Hadley hugged her, and they both laughed, "can you even believe Arthur? He can be so annoying, if he didn't push Jaxon, I'm sure Jaxon wouldn't have said so much like that."Serena sighed, "I just wish they didn't turn it into some kind of competition. I'm not some prize t
The private dinner with Jaxon turned out to be a magical evening. The dimly lit restaurant exuded an ambiance of intimacy and elegance, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of connection and shared laughter.Serena and Jaxon sat at their table, it was set with different types of food, some of which Serena didn't even know their names.The waiter came and poured wine into their glasses. Jaxon coughed for him to excuse them. "How lovely, Jaxon. You always order a buffet for us. How do we finish all this food?" Serena said, delighted by the sight of exquisite delicious meals in front of her."We don't need to finish it, toast?" Jaxon raised his wineglass and Serena clicked hers with his. "Cheers to your work at Skymount, baby.""Baby," Serena's insides swelled with joy as she whispered it to herself. She smiled at Jaxon as she took a sip from her glass, still keeping her eyes on Jaxon."You know," Jaxon began, his eyes fixed on Serena, "I really don't want to bring up what happened
Their lips met in a sweet and tender kiss, igniting a spark of passion between them. It was a kiss filled with longing, a reflection of the feelings they had for each other. Serena felt herself drawn deeper into the warmth of Jaxon's embrace, and she responded with equal ardor.The soft notes of the piano continued to fill the air, serving as a backdrop to their intimate moment. Time seemed to stand still as they held each other on the dance floor, their bodies swaying in perfect harmony.Jaxon wanted to take all of her in. His hand moved in her hair slowly as he massaged the roots of her hair. Serena loved how his hands moved. Their tongues moved roughly and they realized what could happen if they stood there for another moment.When they finally pulled away, their eyes met, and a shared understanding passed between them. There was no need for elaborate words; their connection spoke for itself.Jaxon led Serena back to their table, and they finished their meal, savoring the flavors a
Serena continued with her work, counting down the minutes until she could meet Melvin. The thought of catching up with him brought a sense of excitement, and it was a welcome break from her hectic day at Skymount.When the clock finally struck the hour for her to leave, Serena couldn't help but feel a rush of anticipation. She gathered her things, exchanged a few words with her colleagues, and headed out of the office.The tone in their phone conversation was very calm and she loved that they'd settled for a platonic relationship. She couldn't conclude for him yet, since she knew he was such a softie. It made her wonder if she was too excited to see him and it would send the wrong message to him.Melvin had suggested a nearby café for their meeting, and Serena quickly made her way there. As she entered the cozy café, she spotted Melvin at a corner table, sipping on a cappuccino.Serena approached him with a warm smile. "Melvin!"He looked up, his face lighting up with a grin. "Serena!
As Serena enjoyed the warm water cascading over her, she couldn't help but think about the conversation with Melvin earlier. It had been a bit unexpected, and she was pleased with how they'd reconnected.Stepping out of the shower, Serena wrapped herself in a towel and padded back into her closet. Her phone buzzed with a message notification. It was Sarah. She didn't want to bother herself with anything about work at the moment.Serena couldn't help but wonder how she would cope with the upcoming weeks without her frequent interactions with Jaxon. He had become an integral part of her life, and the connection between them was undeniable.As the evening wore on, Serena got dressed in comfortable nightwear, ready to unwind after a long day at work. She entered the room, where Hadley was engrossed in a movie on a laptop."Hey, mind if I join you?" Serena asked, collapsing on the couch next to Hadley.Hadley glanced at her, then scooted over to make room. "Not at all. What's on your mind?
Everyone was up and about, getting ready for the shoot. Mark also spoke to the other editors. Serena watched Noah as he spoke to the other photographer while they tested the lighting for their cameras.The team worked relentlessly at the fountain site, setting up equipment, preparing cameras, and ensuring all was in order for the photo and video shoots. Serena, now immersed in the world of models and fashion, found herself learning quickly from the experienced team members.Mark had assigned her to check up different samples and style of interview, so they could pick the one theyd apply to the magazine. She worked with another editor as they chose and dropped some samples until they finally arrived at two they could take from. She noticed how different her opinions were from the other editor but they somehow managed to work together. Serena felt relief when they had to finally had something to report to Mark.She took a drink and sat down to take a break on her phone. "I need some
Serena didn't need to look at the manager to be able to feel how disappointed she was. A few attendants had scurried with Rylee to clean the mess.The manager called Serena and Phoebe aside to a corner of the room. “Look, this wasn't my fault in any way, I…” Phoebe began but the manager held up her hand, making her stop immediately.“I don't want to hear a word of it, you were clearly in her way ..and,” the manager clenched her fists, released them and threw them in the air before dropping them down with a sigh.“Who's supposed to begin the interview?” She asked both of them.Phoebe moved her head towards Serena’s direction indicating that she was the one. Serena had found a spot to focus on on the manager’s blouse. Her chest heaved rapidly, then slowly and she fought the emotions building up in her at that moment.She was supposed to enjoy her work, she wouldn't let Phoebe ruin her day for her.“That would be me,” her lips barely moved, but the manager seemed to care less.“I don't
Rylee knew how to do her thing, Serena had to admit; she slayed. She knew how to grab eyes, her presence brought attention. The attendants passed the hall more times than they were supposed to until Noah shut the door when someone almost tripped over a cable wire.Phoebe had conducted the rest of the interview. They had laughed a lot of times and Serena hoped it was a sign that they were getting good stuff to put in the magazine. The credit would go to Phoebe of course, but it was teamwork and Serena was part of the team.The other models were graceful as well, but it was evident that Rylee had stolen the show, they'd focused on her more. They had to go on a break earlier than usual, thanks to Rykee who had complained that she was exhausted. She asked for her escorts to be brought into the room and then she made phone calls here and there. Serena watched from where she sat as she opened her phone to text Hadley and then eventually scroll away on Instagram. Not long after her escort
Serena managed to get through the event without feeling intimidated. Jaxon made sure he didn't leave her side for too long. He introduced her to his parents as his girlfriend, he was so proud of it.They had received her warmly, contrary to what she had expected. She was surprised to see his brother, he was calm, handsome and soft spoken. She had imagined him to be a viscous, stubborn, shorter man.He smiled at her when she put her hand forward for a handshake. It wasn't the best of smiles, but for someone who was in some sort of rivalry with his brother who happened to be her boyfriend, he gave her a warm reception.Jaxon's father was just as she imagined, like the clips from the news, he was funny, but he still had that wall around him, like he was a small god and unapproachable. He had complimented her dress and told her he'd heard of her wonders and he was happy to see her.His mother on the hand was the sweetest soul, she hugged her and was surprised to hear the college she gradu
He had seen her on the dress before but it didn't look as elegant as this, he wiped his face with a handkerchief to be sure he wasn't getting teary. She had curled her hair into magnificent waves that dropped to her shoulders.Her shoulders gleamed under the bright chandelier that hung on the ceilings of the stairs. She flashed her radiant smile at him, his heart melted again. She was wearing the emerald green version of the blue heart necklace which was paired with complementary earrings.It seemed like she was taking forever to come down the stairs. He resisted the urge to meet her where she was and lift her in his arms down the stairs.It felt like prom night again, but with someone he actually loved. She finally met him at the foot of the stairs and placed her manicured hands on his jacket and straightened the collar. They heard a gentle cough from behind and separated. Uncle Jeff came from the living room and handed her her coat. “I expect that you won't catch a cold with him,
“I'd like for us to have an official date, not just reconciling in the middle of a launch like this, it's so busy around here, but first I'd like to invite you to my inauguration party this weekend” Jaxon leaned in to whisper to Serena.Serena's eyes darted from left to right and she looked up at him. She didn't expect him to say that. “Inauguration party?” “Yes, you know, corporate stuff, I'm sorry it's going to be a lot bigger than this and all of that formal shit, but I'll be by your side. I want you by my side.”“I…I don't know, I'd love to…but,” she began but he hushed her before she made any excuse.“I'm desperate right now to be honest and I can go on my knees for you not to refuse me. Did I forget to tell you or has Hadley told you?”“Told me what?” Serena asked confused.Jaxon’s mood shifted to a more solemn one, “I heard you found out who your…real mum is.” Serena nodded and kept on paying attention to him, the information wasn't something to bother her again. “And she happ
Serena loved her experience in Florida, the person she had stayed with was the most hospitable person ever. She showed her around herself, she made sure she always had something to eat. She even waited for her at the airport during her arrival in Florida.She took her to the most exciting places, met new sane people. She fell in love with the most mundane things and she had a lot of fun.It was quite sad that everything had to come to an end but she was excited for what was coming. Hadley was going to launch her restaurant in the coming week so she left Florida during the weekend.Uncle Jeff and Aunt Mabel were so happy to see her. They had celebrated New Year without her. She immediately went to Hadley's house to see her, her brother and mum had come to Rhode Island for the launch too.Serena remembered when she used to crush on Hadley's brother. Hadley had been so against it, that they almost fought. He had more tattoos now and Serena already heard he had a girlfriend, so there was
“Serena, Hadley is here!” Mabel called Serena from the front door. Serena screamed with joy like she'd been for her since forever. She wore her indoor slippers and ran down the stairs.“Oh my God, Hadley,” she hugged her until they both fell on their knees and were lying on the floor of the front door. Mabel looked at the hilarious sight, it felt good to see them like this again. It was like they were sixteen and about to resume high school again.“Come on girls, you're making fools of yourselves in front of the neighbors.”“Hey, the neighbors,” Hadley jumped to her feet and gave Serena a helping hand, “is Gavin still around?” She grinned.Serena tapped he arm lightly, “all you know how to do is ask after your men, you wouldn't ask how I'm doing before you move into your men.” She joked.Serena carried Hadley's small travel bag inside the house. Hadley came behind her and shut the door. She took off her shoes at the small passageway just before she entered the living room. Mabel gave
Jaxon wondered why she demanded to meet him in person. She'd been trying to contact him for days and the assistant he assigned to her had been bugging him.He finally decided to spare some time for her. He arranged a meeting with her at a cafe close to his office. He made sure it was during busy hours when people would be around in case she wanted to try something funny.She had the effrontery to be late, he kept on checking his wristwatch for the time. He ordered coffee and sipped it bit by bit as he watched the people walking into the cafe through his shades.A few people still managed to recognize him, some of them pointed at him discreetly. It was amusing how he had turned from nobody to somebody and everyone wanted to identify with him. He didn't like having bodyguards around him, so he still had to deal with pushing some people off by himself.Anybody would rush at him, for business proposals, for food, money, assistance. He didn't know how to explain to them that he wasn't a wa
Serena chose to ignore her presence and sat down beside her Uncle who was seated alone at the breadth of the rectangular table. Aunt Mabel sat opposite her, next to him while Amora sat beside her sister. They were having fried turkey with rice and salad. Serena allowed Aunt Mabel to dish her food and she began eating. She expected them to say something about why this woman was with them. They didn't say anything until they finished eating.The normal tradition was to watch sitcoms together anytime they had a meal at the dinning room. Aunt Mabel would be the first to sit in the sitting room, Serena would join her while Uncle Jeff would come in last.Aunt Mabel always slept halfway into movies, Serena and Jeff would binge watch movies together until Uncle Jeff was tired he'd take her aunt into the room while she either continued watching more shows or she'd retired to her room.That was when they ate together, but on other nights when she had her meal in her room, she'd just watch stu
Serena began speaking after the waiter left. She had given the restaurant a four star review for both of them.“I know my place, Jaxon. Our worlds are totally different and you have a lot going on. I should be the least of your worries. Whatever you have going on with your brother, you should resolve it. Family is more important, focus on that. You might regret it so much if you lose any of them. It can happen at anytime, any minute, so please, take care of yourself. I'll always remain grateful to you for getting my uncle out and giving us our house back, but you see, it makes us even more indebted to you. I don't think any further affiliation with you would be good.”Jaxon sighed, “I'm not asking you for anything. It's just..”“My uncle still has to work for your company to make sure everything is returned, doesn't he?” Serena asked him, he sighed, they both knew the answer.“It's not like he's working for the replacement of the funds, I'll figure it out, but it's not like you're s
She wore a teardrop pearl necklace that sitted well on her chest suiting the V-neck blouse she'd chosen to wear her black mini skirt with. It was nothing grand, she reminded herself.She had picked the venue and made sure to come twenty minutes late. She walked into the cafe and didn't have to look around too much to find him. He was punctual, all these things he was doing to repent.He had shades on, but she could tell him apart even if there were several men wearing the same suit he wore. He looked nice in a suit. She laughed in her head, he still became the corporate guy he dreaded so much - because of her, she was reminded by another of her thoughts. Shut Up- she told it back.Lemons - he had started using that bath wash again or he intentionally used it to remind her of the first time she met him. She maintained her stoic expression. He wasn't exactly smiling at her as well, but he looked good, seductive as always in whatever he wore. He would be the center of attraction in his