Is That Seraphina?

Seraphina's parents sit in their living room, engrossed in the evening news. Suddenly, a segment catches their attention, featuring footage from the Golden Gala.

"And now, onto our next story. Last night's Golden Gala was a star-studded affair, with celebrities and socialites gracing the red carpet in their finest outfits. But one particular pair turned heads for more than just their glamorous outfits. Here's reporter Sarah with the details."

The screen cuts to a reporter standing outside the gala venue, microphone in hand.

"Thanks, Lisa. The Golden Gala was abuzz with excitement last night as attendees eagerly awaited the arrival of billionaire businessman Damien and his stunning companion. Yes, you heard that right, folks. Damien, known for his reclusive nature, made a rare public appearance with a mystery woman on his arm. Who is she? Well, that's the million-dollar question on everyone's mind."

Seraphina's Mother gasps, "Isn't that... Seraphina?"

"Well, I'll be damned. It is her." Seraphina's Father squints at the screen.

"What on earth is she doing with that man? That’s the popular Damien, can’t you see?"

"I have no idea, but it certainly looks... extravagant."

"I can't believe she's attending such a high-profile event."

"And with that man of all people. Who would have thought?"

"It's unbelievable. Our daughter, with a billionaire."

"We need to find out more. This can't be ignored."

"Agreed. We have to reach her somehow."

"Let's figure out our next move. We need to know what she's gotten herself into."

“We need to find out. This can’t be ignored.”

“I’ll call her right now.”

“I’ve tried, remember? She hasn’t answered any of our calls since… since the wedding.” Seraphina’s Mother says while shaking her head.

“You’re right. She’s been avoiding us ever since the wedding incident and we didn’t even try to reach her. Let’s tell ourselves the truth..” Seraphina’s father said. 

Seraphina's parents exchanged worried glances as they turned their attention back to the news report. 

"You know, we haven't tried to reach her since... well, since the wedding incident," Seraphina's father repeated with a sigh, his voice tinged with regret.

"Seb, don't start with that nonsense," Seraphina's mother retorted, her tone dripping with disdain. "We've been through this before. We thought it was best to give her space, and that's exactly what we did."

Sebastian bristled at her dismissive tone, his frustration mounting. "But was it really the best thing to do? We're her parents, for goodness' sake. We should have been there for her, no matter what."

His wife's expression hardened, her features twisted with defiance. "We did what we thought was best at the time, Seb. We can't change the past, so stop dwelling on it."

"Stop dwelling on it?" Sebastian echoed, incredulous. "Our daughter is out there, making headlines with a billionaire, and you want me to stop dwelling on it?"

His wife's lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes flashing with malice. "Maybe if you had been a better father, none of this would have happened. Maybe if you had shown her some love and support, she wouldn't have gone looking for it elsewhere."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened at her cruel words, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Don't you dare try to pin this on me," he snapped, his voice laced with bitterness. "We both know that's not how it happened."

"Maybe not," his wife conceded, her tone dripping with insincerity. "But we can't change the past, Seb. All we can do is focus on the future."

“And you’re also a very bad mother!” Sebastian yelled.

"Stop it, Sebastian!" Seraphina's mother snapped, her voice rising in anger. "How dare you call me a bad mother? I've done everything I can to protect this family, even when you've failed to do your part."

Sebastian’s eyes blazed with fury, his patience wearing thin. "Protect this family? Is that what you call it? Trying to steal Seraphina's joy by asking her sister to take her place and marry Alex? And for what?"

His wife's face flushed with indignation, her lips pressed into a thin line. "You want to pin this on me? Like it wasn’t both our plan!? Listen.. I was just trying to do what's best for everyone," she insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. "We can't let Seraphina ruin her life by getting involved with that man."

"And was it not for our own selfish gain?" Seraphina's mother continued, her tone sharp and accusatory. "And what did it yield us at the end of the day? Nothing but disappointment and disgrace. Tch!!!"

Sebastian scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're the one who's trying to control her every move, just like you always have. You can't stand to see her happy unless it's on your terms."

Seraphina's mother bristled at his accusation, her hands trembling with rage. "How dare you speak to me like that?" she seethed, her voice laced with venom. "I am her mother, and I will do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means making difficult decisions."

Her words cut through the tense atmosphere, a stark reminder of the family's fractured relationships and unresolved conflicts. Sebastian shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his expression reflecting a mix of regret and frustration.

"We thought we were doing what was best," he admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. "But in the end, we only drove her further away."

Seraphina's mother's eyes flashed with defiance, her resolve unyielding. "Perhaps we were too hasty in our judgment," she conceded, though her tone remained defiant. "But we can't change the past now, can we? All we can do is try to salvage what's left of our family."

Sebastian cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence that hung in the air. "You know, Genevieve," he began tentatively, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "perhaps this situation isn't entirely without its advantages."

Genevieve raised an eyebrow, her expression guarded as she regarded her husband. "Advantages?" she echoed skeptically, her tone laced with skepticism. "What advantages could there possibly be in our daughter cavorting around with some billionaire playboy?"

Sebastian leaned forward, his hands clasped together in earnest. "Well, think about it," he replied, his tone growing more animated with each word. "With Seraphina in Damien's inner circle, we could potentially gain access to a whole new world of opportunities."

Genevieve's eyes widened in understanding as she considered her husband's words. "You mean... social connections? Financial benefits?" she ventured, a note of excitement creeping into her voice.

Sebastian nodded eagerly, his mind racing with possibilities. "Exactly," he affirmed, his voice filled with conviction. "Imagine the doors that could open for us if we play our cards right. We could finally climb the social ladder, rub elbows with the elite, and secure a brighter future for ourselves."

Genevieve's lips curved into a calculating smile as she mulled over the implications of their daughter's newfound status. "I suppose you're right," she conceded, her tone tinged with satisfaction. "Perhaps this could be our ticket to a better life."

Sebastian nodded in agreement, a sense of determination settling over him. "It's settled then," he declared, his voice ringing with resolve. "We'll make the most of this opportunity, whatever it takes."

Sebastian and Genevieve exchanged a knowing glance as they delved deeper into their manipulative planning, speaking in hushed tones as they plotted ways to reconnect with Seraphina.

"But we need to be careful though," Sebastian warned, his brow furrowing. "We can't seem too eager or desperate."

Genevieve nodded, looking thoughtful. "Right. Seraphina won't fall for insincere gestures."

Sebastian leaned in, whispering, "Let's start by showing concern for her well-being. Then, steer the conversation toward Damien."

Genevieve grinned, eyes glinting. "Yes, pique her curiosity about Damien."

Sebastian agreed, "Exactly. Gain her trust before making any moves."

Genevieve smiled, feeling satisfied. "Once we have her trust, we can use her connection with Damien to our advantage."

Sebastian's eyes lit up, "With Damien's wealth, we'll have endless opportunities."

Sebastian reached out and took Genevieve’s hand, a hint of remorse in his eyes. “I’m sorry for snapping earlier. I know we’re both feeling the pressure, but that’s no excuse to take it out on each other.”

Genevieve squeezed his hand gently, offering a soft smile. “I’m sorry too, Sebastian. This situation with Seraphina has us both on edge, but we need to stay united.”

They shared a gentle kiss, a silent promise of solidarity tinged with cunningness and selfishness. 

Their lips met with practiced precision, disguising their ulterior motives beneath a facade of tenderness. Behind closed doors, their manipulative schemes unfolded, driven by a relentless pursuit of personal gain.