If Serena had thought that her last meeting with Gerald would be the last time she would see him, she thought wrong. For the next few days after that day, she would find Gerald at all the strangest places. At first, she thought he was following her but he refuted that thought, saying they've just been bumping into each other frequently. No matter how genuine that reason sounded, she didn't believe it. She didn't let it wear her out, focusing on her work and doing the things she used to do. One thing she was grateful for, his presence no longer affected her the way it would have been. And Gerald was behaving himself. At least, she thought he was. After months of waiting, Clara's son, Noah, finally arrived home. She was there in their house to welcome him. Clara was visibly excited to see him and he pulled her into a hug once he jumped down from the carriage. He noticed Serena standing by the side and he immediately pulled away, bowing his head in greeting, his che
Serena walked home, still angry. All the way, she was huffing, her steps hurried. Noah watched her, still surprised. Today, he'd seen a different side of Serena. One he had never seen. He'd never expected her to be so angry at someone. Which brought up another question. Who was he person she was so angry at? When they arrived at her house, he decided to ask her. It was then she realized she has been walking with someone. She turned red, looking apologetic. " Oh..." She trailed off, lost for words. " He's just someone I know." She replied finally. " Someone you know?" Noah repeated. Someone you know wouldn't make you draw out such strong emotion. Serena looked away at the observation. She tried to change the topic. " Thanks for following me home." She hurriedly let out, collecting the basket that he held from him. " I wish I could talk more about what happened today but I don't want to go there today. Maybe some other time?" She suggested. Noah watched her, too confused to press fur
After that day, Serena visited Clara less. This was to avoid running into Noah so many times. She figured he would be angry at her rejection and she wasn't wrong. He'd always look away whenever he saw her, a hurt expression on his face. When Clara asked why, she dismissed it, saying it was nothing. Clara also noticed many other things. Serena was always deep in her thoughts and the light has gone out of her eyes. She has tried asking so many times but it's still the same dead end. Serena has withdrawn back to herself. One day, she was sitting outside of her house, watching the streets when she spot an expensive looking carriage drive and park at Serena's house. Serena wasn't home but she had a feeling that this person wouldn't be leaving so quickly. That thought in her head, she decided to see who it was. " Excuse me, but the person you're looking for isn't home. I'd suggest you come back later." She spoke up. The stranger paused in his knocking. He turned
When Serena arrived home, Clara told her about the stranger's visit. Realizing who it was, she stiffened, all the color draining from her face. A shiver ran down her spine as she stared at Clara, dumbstruck. " Wh-what did you tell him?" She stuttered, unable to help herself. Clara shrugged, looking forward. " Nothing, really. I just told him not to wait for see you or see you afterwards." She said. Clara saw relief in her eyes as she breathed out, a tense smile on her face. She was so happy that Clara made him leave, she wouldn't know what to do if she met him at her doorstep. This week has been very rough on her and she was still so angry at him. You also miss him, a voice whispered to her and she flinched, startled. Miss him? What's wrong with her? Turning to Clara, she managed a small smile. " Thank you so much, Clara. Thank you for telling me to go, I really wouldn't know what to do if I met him there." She said, sincerity dripping into her voice
Moments after Gerald left Serena's house, the rain began. He breathed out, welcoming the noise as people scampered around to find shelter. His carriage was specifically built for this purpose so he wasn't that worried. Staring at the rain as it fell, he thought about the things he said. Although he feels a bit better letting it all out, his heart was still heavy. He'll finally come to terms with it, he told himself. The rain became heavier, slowing down the carriage. He watched as rain drops trickled down the window, the temperature dropping in the carriage. He clenched his teeth, a bit peeved. If this goes on for much longer, he might have to stop his travel. All of a sudden, the carriage rode to a stop. Gerald glanced forward, confused. He was about to ask why the rider stopped when he spoke up. " Your Grace, there's someone chasing after us." He announced. Gerald stopped, confused. Someone's chasing after this carriage? He stepped into the rain to see
She faintly heard his grunt of approval as he let him take over. His lips met hers and a sigh escaped her lips. As they ravished each other, Serena distinctly felt his hand settle on her breasts, her breathing hitched. " Relax. Trust me. " he groaned hoarsely, pulling away to kiss her neck. Serena gasped, her eyes squeezed shut. She clung tighter to him, her body on fire. As he nibbled and sucked, his fingers teased and stroked her aroused nipples. She cried out in pleasure, panting softly. Even as her body was reacting to everything Gerald was doing to it, her mind was fighting against her. It kept reminding of all the horrible things she had endured, causing her to flinch and stiffen occasionally. Gerald noticed it and make her forget by peppering kisses all over body. Desire was beating Gerald hard but he did his best to shove it down, making sure this moment last. Raising himself to look at her, panting like an lion that ran miles. " You're so beautiful..
Serena stirred awake, her body feeling light and her mind lighter. Although it looked so bright, Serena still felt so sleepy. So she closed her eyes and tried to settle back to sleep, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Then, her eyes snapped open, the dizzy fog clearing instantly. She felt the arms around her waist and stiffened, her heart pounding in her chest. Someone is in the bed with her! She'd slept in someone arms! She tried to move away but all her muscles protested against such action, making her wince. A blush grew on her face as memories of the day before began flooding her brain. Gerald coming to tell her he would be leaving and apologising... Her feeling so devastated and running after him... The kiss they shared, what happened after....!? What happened after!? No, way.. they did not?! But the aches in her body and the soreness around in thighs confirmed it more than anything. They really went all the way! Serena laid there in his arms, her eyes wide as saucers, her hear
The following days were the best days of Serena's life. There was a glow in her eyes and a smile seemed to have been permanently plastered to her face. She went about her business like that, riding in euphoria. Clara noticed it and decided to ask her about it. " Did something good happen?" She asked her finally, calling her close one day. Serena tried to play it down but at Clara's raised brows, she realised she couldn't hide it from the older woman. So she decided to tell her everything. The surprise on her face was evident when Clara listened and told her she was happy for her. She snapped her head up to look at the older, her eyes slowly widening. " Yo-you are?" She couldn't help but ask. Clara raised her shoulders and let it fall. She gestured to the younger woman. " You look so different now." She told her. " Why wouldn't I be? Besides, I already had a talk with your husband and it was obvious you guys still bad feelings for each other." She said. " O
(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