" You." Damien said. Scarlett was stunned. She scoffed, rolling her eyes. " Me? What do you mean by that? " It's just as you heard it, I came back for you." Damien replied, a grin on his face. Scarlett was already tired of his remarks. " Stop lying to me. Why are you here?" She asked, fixing him a deadly glare. He seemed unaffected by it. " Believe it or not, I am here for you. But as you figured, that's not the only reason why I am here." He said, his expression clouding over. Scarlett was beginning to guess why he was here. " I'm in debt. " He announced. Scarlett tilted her head to the side, her arms folded as she stared down at him. " Let me guess, you gambled all your fortune away?" Damien widened his eyes like he was shocked. " Oh... You hit too close to home with that guess. I did gamble. I placed a few things in my name and what do you know? I lost it all. Turns out it was even worth that much and it wasn't enough to cover everythin
Gerald had trouble sleeping the night before and when he woke up the disturbing feeling he had slept with only tripled. He had dismissed it as the worries be had the day before and tried to work but he couldn't get anything done. His thoughts went to his mother but he knew Serena would be there for her. It was hours later to till the news finally reached him. His mother was dead. At first he couldn't believe it. The information swirled around his head without penetrating. When it finally did, shock was his first reaction. " Dead?" He asked, staring down at the butler who gave the information. John nodded, his head bowed. That couldn't be possible.he was her yesterday and she was fine. She really was! He'd hurried out of the house, not believing the news. When he finally arrived at his mother's house, he'd met the maids looking all sad and crestfallen. That shook his resolve. Serena, his mind whispered to him. That's right, hadn't seen Serena yet. Only then would he
As the news of Gerald's mother death spread, Scarlett found the next day through the newspaper. The maids had brought it to her room while she was busy combing her hair. Scarlett shocked and surprised. The duchess of Winchester was already dead? Scarlett couldn't help the grin that split her lips. Finally! One less person to deal with. But what about Gerald? He must be hurt, it's his mother after all. She should see him and offer his sincere condolences, worming her way through his heart. Yes, that's exactly what she'll do. She stood up from her chair, getting ready to pick a dress. She can't wait to see him!... Gerald woke with a start, his head feeling blank. He tried to remember why he was sleeping in an unfamiliar room, in an unfamiliar bed and who he was wrapping his arms around. He groaned as it all came rushing in, his head pounding and his heart hurting. Trying to distract himself, he let his eyes rest on Serena. She was still asleep, her brown
Just as Gerald had predicted, it was a busy morning. There were so many visitors coming to offer their condolences, most of the nobles and Serena had to welcome them all, being a good host like she was trained to be. The ballroom was filled with people dressed in dark clothing, standing and discussing with each other. On a first glance you might think there were talking about the deceased but it's actually about the host, Serena. While most of them said words of comfort and pity to her, behind her back they whispered words of scorn. Some didn't even try to hide their displeasure as they spoke about her openly. Their words were all the same, Serena wasn't fit to be a duchess. The words were like a knife to her already battered heart but she didn't give them the satisfaction of seeing her weak and crying. A small smile on her face, she greeted them all with respect. Glancing over to Gerald, she noticed how professionally he handled the guests, speaking to them with the au
" Why weren't you at the party earlier today?" Damien asked, puffing out smoke from his mouth. He was sitting down at the waiting room, relaxed. He had come to see her after returning from the party. Scarlett glanced at him, fuming at the question. " How could I be there? Gerald kicked me out." She muttered angrily, her lips pursed. " It's all because of that brat, Serena." She mumbled. Damien chuckled, taking a swig from the wine bottle in front of him. He stood up, walking behind her. Turning back, he leaned in, hovering over from her behind. " This is why I said we need to team up. If we had, that wouldn't have happened." He muttered, amusingly. Damien smelled of tobacco and wine, a sharp contrast to Gerald's expensive cologne. Scarlett grimaced, hating that he was right. Shifting uncomfortably on her seat, she turned to him. " What do you want me to do now? I feel like I'm losing him and if that happens, neither of us will get what we want."
The party soon ended and Scarlett was on her way home with Damien in the chariot with her. She was really pissed at him. " What kind of plan was that?" She asked, infuriated. " The only thing you did all night was talk and dance with Serena!" Damien glanced at her, fishing out a lighter from his pocket. The corners of his mouth turned up as he leaned on the chair, the chariot moving. " No, what I did was to be her knight, she was a damsel in distress. Besides, how could I refuse the chance to dance with that beautiful lady? You saw how everyone eyes were on us, no?" " How does that help anything?" Scarlett stated, glaring daggers at him. He chuckled, lighting up the tobacco between his lips. He waited for the red glow before drawing in a long puff. Releasing the smoke, he pinned his eyes on Scarlett. " I stay with Serena, you stay with Gerald. It's that simple. That way we can both get what we want." " Moreover, we need to break whatever ties th
" What!? She really did that?" Scarlett asked, earning a nod from Gerald. Gerald had told her everything a few weeks later. She'd come to see when she noticed her been making no more moves to divorce Serena as she'd expected. He made her realize that his mother had made it impossible for that to happen. If he goes ahead with the divorce, he'd lose everything the Winchester had to offer to her. " That sneaky woman!" Scarlett gritted under her breath. She did not forsee this at all! To Gerald she said, " is there nothing you can do about it?" " Not really. Well, I have to stay with Serena for another seven months so it can all go back to me." He said. " Seven months?!" Scarlett repeated. That's an awfully long and short time. Long enough for Gerald's impression on Serena to change and he decides not to go ahead with the divorce. She can't let that happen! " Are you okay? Are you alright with all of this?" Scarlett asked, walking over to Gerald where
(Two months later) Serena sat in front of the mirror, watching as Lana combed out her hair. She was getting ready to go the market to get a few dresses in preparation for the tea parties she would be hosting. " Lana, where is his grace?" She asked, breaking the silence. Lana paused on her hair, glancing at Serena through the mirror. She hesitated a bit before replying. " I'm not too sure, my lady. I overheard the maids saying he went out early this morning." " Oh...." She muttered, pursing her lips. It's been like this for the past two months now. They've been keeping away from each other at her request. They live in the same house but she rarely sees him. Only at dinner and that was once in a while. He's out before she wakes up and returns when she's sleeping. On days that he around, he's buried in his study. She's not complaining about it though. It was liberating in the least. Soon she was done dressing up and she left with Lana in a carriage. It was a sho
(Six months later) Serena stood outside the church doors, staring longingly at it, a smile on her face. It had been there all morning and though she knew her cheeks were probably hurting from when it faded, she knew it won't be happening anytime soon. This is the happiest day of her life. Beside her was Clara, whose arms was intertwined with her, a smile on her face as well but it was more gentle. She reached up to pull the veil over her face, shielding her vision. " Nervous?" Clara asked. Serena nodded, unable to help herself. Yes, she was nervous but she was also giddy with excitement. " Don't be." Clara whispered, going on to hold her hands. The chorus soon came and it was time to walk into the church. Serena took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She let Clara pull her along and she followed, falling into steps with her. They soon entered the chapel and everyone eyes turned on them. Serena's hands gripped Clara's hands tightly even as her gaze settled on Gerald, who wa
The past few seconds was the most horrifying seconds of his life as Gerald stood in the room, watching as they tried to resuscitate Serena. He'd broken into the room at the sounds of their yells, disregarding everyone that tried to hold him back. It felt like a nightmare. A terrible nightmare. One that made his blood run cold and terror climb up his spine. He stood there, his eyes fixed on a pale-skined Serena, the same words repeating in his head, over and over again. Don't let it be! Please, don't let it be!! A long time passed before the mid-wife came with the reply that she was conscious again. But he still stood there frozen, imagining the worst. His eyes blurred with tears and body trembling. When the words finally sank in, he turned to the mid-wife who flinched on seeing the expression on his face. He glanced at Serena who eyes opened tiredly, color returning back to her cheeks. He ignored whatever the mid-wife was saying, marching up to Serena. Her dazed ey
The second Gerald walked into the mid-wife home, he immediately began asking for Serena, his eyes searching frantically for her. The women in the room restricted him from going further and kept telling him to him go back. Their noises and arguments forced the mid- wife out of the room she was in, wondering what was causing the commotion. She paused when she saw the strangers in the room. Clara saw the woman and immediately rushed to her, asking for Serena's health. " Not good," The woman told her and Clara's hands flwe to her mouth, stifling a gasp. " She's having complications wen we've just discovered the baby might be a breech baby. " She told Clara and watched at the color drain from her face, blanketed with horror. Gerald was there and he heard what they said. Shock was his first reaction and he stiffened all over. When the meaning of the words finally sank in, he turned to the mid-wife, rage in his eyes. " You will let me see Serena, right now." He growled, his voice calm and
Gerald finally arrived at Araith, he watched as the trees whizzed by, his heart light and racing in excitement for the first time in months. He was going to see Serena again, the knowledge wouldn't stop replaying in his head over again, his lips curled into a smile. He didn't try to brush it off. He intentionally didn't write when he'll be coming in his recent letters because he meant it to be a surprise. He imagined what kind of look she would have on his face and his smile only grew wider. He probably looks stupid now. He was already free from the responsibilities of being a Duke and now a regular person with a way too much money. That didn't matter now, all that mattered was seeing Serena again. Slightly impatient, he watched as the carriage rode till it got to her house. He sat up straight, It was so small, a huge contrast to the cold mansion he'd been living in. But he was the happiest here. Getting down from the carriage, he paid the driver his fees. The driver bo
Gerald received the letter Serena sent him. A smile was on his face as he read through it, though he was partly confused on what surprise she had back home. He tried guessing but since his guesses would be wrong, he gave up on it. Of all the guesses he made, not once did he have the thought that she could be pregnant. While he worked that day, he had a smile on his face. He decided later on, he'll be sending her a letter.... Serena decided to tell Clara the good news. And just like she expected, the older woman was happy for her. They screamed and hugged feeling so happy for Serena. Eventually they settled down to talk more about it. " He really did it?! Oh my, i still can't believe it!" Clara said, still smiling. " Well, he did. He wrote that he'll be coming soon. Though, it might be in a few months." Serena replied, her eyes smiling. " I'm sure you can't wait to see him." Clara teased and watched as Serena blushed. " He's not coming immediatel
(Four months later) Months went by and Serena never told Gerald about her pregnancy. Though she receives his letters and occasionally writes back to him, she hasn't found the courage to write that she's with a child. That, more than anything made her worried. The questions wouldn't stop running around her head. What if he stops caring? Or he hates her for it? She couldn't bear the thought. On the flip side, as the baby grew inside her, she found herself loving it. Her worry and initial fear for being pregnant had dissolved to reveal the joy that was contact on her face. Occasionally she got stares and murmurs from people around her for being pregnant and not having a husband nearby. She didn't let those words get to her as she focused on herself and the baby. She couldn't wait to have the baby in her arms and hoped to God that gerald would e happy about it. One day, Clara asked if she had already told Gerald about the pregnancy. Serena faltered, hesitating a bit. She glanced at Clar
She's pregnant, the words were a little too hard to believe. The doctor already confirmed it. She could still remember the shock she felt when he told her how far long she had gone. She's six weeks pregnant. Sinking to the ground, Serena wrapped her hands around herself, feeling cold all of a sudden. It was still so hard to believe. She bit her lips, the fear and dread threatening to cosume her. It made her unable to feel the happiness that came with such news. " There's nothing wrong with being pregnant. You're going to be fine." Serena whispered to herself, trying to sound positive. Instead, her throat closed up and she began crying instead. Any elation she has in her heart had died with this information. Now, she was just scared. Scared out of her mind. She didn't know if this was good news or not. She didn't know if she should tell Gerald or keep it to herself. She knew she couldn't, they were all going to find out sooner or later. The unknown was threatening to drive her crazy.
( Six weeks later) Serena has been feeling tired a lot lately. When the symptoms showed up four weeks ago, she blamed it on lovesickness. Well now, she couldn't ignore it. Still, she tried to work like before, ignoring the way her body protests all the time. Part of what made her push through was the letters she receives from Gerald on a weekly basis. They never hesitated to put a smile on her face and she found herself anticipating his return. Today, she had visited Clara to spend some time with her. She found it hard to concentrate in their conversations as she kept stifling yawns and zoning out. Clara eventually noticed and decided to ask her about it. " Dear, are you okay? This is the third time you'll be yawning in the past minute." She called out gently, genuinely worried. Serena glanced at her, a small smile on her face. But her eyes look tired. " Yes, I'm fine Clara. Just a little tired." She sighed, looking away. Another yawn came and this time s
" I'll do it." Gerald finally said with a note of finality. Serena turned to him, startled. " What?" She asked, confused. He looked at her, his face serious." Then, I'll do it. I'll give up my title and come stay here with you." He answered. Serena was about to burst out laughing until she heard the seriousness in his voice. Her smile dried up immediately. " You ARE serious." She muttered, staring at him. Slowly, she sat up on the bed. " This is not a joke, right? I would be really angry with you if this is a joke." She said, her voice also serious. " I've never been more serious with anything in my entire life." He replied. Serena's heart skipped a beat as she stared at him. Her brain was reeling and she found it hard to understand what he was saying. " But... How are you going to do that?" She asked, still trying to wrap her head around it. Gerald's lip twitched then. He leaned close, kissing her forehead. " That's for me to worry abou