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
Gerald wasn't lying when he said they'll be busy in the coming days. Worked filled her to the brim she thought she'd pass out from it. There were do many things to do, so many places to visit. But it was what she signed up for so she was determined to pull through. One good thing about this though, was she got to see more of Gerald and understand him. That's what kept her in a good mood the past few days. " Are this the last batches?" She asked the butler, pointing at the arranged files on her table. He nodded. " Okay then, could you put them back in their shelves?" " Will do, my lady." He replied and proceeded to pick them up. "And, oh... One more thing. Could I get the list of the workers in the palace? " " Yes, of course. My lady." He replied before taking files away from her office. Serena let out a breath, palming her forehead. She straightene
Serena stared at her reflection in the mirror, checking her appearance. A small smile played on her lips as she touched her hair, Lana really went all out for this one, she thought happily. Her brown curly hair had been delicately arranged over head, pinned into place. Although a few tendrils had stuck out, framing her oval face. She and Gerald would be visiting the Duke of Wellington today, where they would be staying for two days before coming back to the mansion. She smoothed her dress, clicking her shoes on the oak floor. Wearing her gloves, she picked up her handkerchief and hat before walking out fo the room. Gerald was waiting for her downstairs. Walking in slow unhurried steps, she took in deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. She's prepared a lot for this visit and she wasn't about to go mess it up. She soon reached the stairs and stopped, her eyes searching for and finding Gerald.
Serena ran out of the room, gasping for air. Only then did the realization of what she just did hit her and she gasped, mortified. She turned around and placed a hand on the doorknob but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't open it. What would she say to Gerald? How would she explain herself to him? Worst of all, they're not even at home. She tried again but didn't get any luck. Scared, she ran away.Making sure not walk to far away, she glanced at the door, tears pricking her eyes. She needed to go back but was terrified of how Gerald would react. Biting her lips, she tried to stop the tears from falling." Serena, is that you?" A voice asked and she flinched, a bit startled. Turning to the direction of the voice, she found out it was from Jessica. She let out a sigh of relief." Yes, it's me." She replied, her voice hoarse. Jessica walked closer, her eyes scrutinizing her." What are you doing here?" She asked. " I thought you wanted to sleep
(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