Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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The soft jazz music filled the space while Sebastian guided our movements over the dancefloor, and I realized that all this would be a hundred times better if Duke is here, instead of Sebastian.

What would be the odds if he works at Notte Pharmaceuticals, or if he is related to someone who got an invitation?

No. Duke told me that his parents are gone, and he was living with his guardian. Since I felt detached from my parents, lack of parental presence was one of the things we had in common. And if Duke attended this event as a date (or a husband) of an employee… I didn't want to think about it, but I knew that if this is Duke holding me in his arms and twirling me, it would be wonderful.

"It is my misfortune that I didn't meet you earlier.", Sebastian said, and I reminded myself to stay present.

"Why do you say so?"

"I heard people talk that you are brilliant. My business just started, and I could use beautiful and smart people around me."

I wondered where this flattery is going.

"Are you trying to hire me?"

"I wouldn't mind you working under me."

His words seemed innocent, but I didn't miss the hidden meaning. Men. He was gauging my reaction to see if I'm willing to get under him and… work. Shameless.

My legs stopped moving and I gave him a stiff smile as I let go of his hand. "Thank you for the dance, Mr. Hoffman."

His eyes flashed with surprise and disappointment. "It was my pleasure. I hope I didn't offend you in some way."

"Men like you can't offend me.", I responded icily.

I had an urge to slap him, but I reminded myself that this is an elegant business party organized by my father. Too bad that people in attendance are not matching the classiness of their outfits.

"Seraphina, can I have the pleasure of your next dance?", a voice sounded from my left and I saw a hand extended toward me.

"Henry…" My expression softened as I accepted the invitation from Henry Blackwater.

A dance with Henry was an easy exit from Sebastian and preventing him from following me. Also, I didn't want to dance with only one man because people might get an idea that I prefer him for some reason.

The last thing I wanted was for anyone to associate me with Sebastian Hoffman. It was my mistake to believe that this will be just dancing without getting awkward.

I gave a small nod to visibly disappointed Sebastian and then I focused on my next dance partner.

Henry is the son of Director Blackwater who was eyeing me lecherously before asking me if I'm taken because his son is single. That was not a good start, but I couldn't blame Henry for something his father did.

Director Blackwater made sure to introduce his son before dinner was served and based on the eagerness in Henry's gaze, I wondered what took him this long to approach me.

Sure, with his toned physique and black hair which complements his masculine face, Henry is objectively handsome, but there was absolutely no danger of me falling for him or anyone else because they don't compare to Duke. No one compares to Duke.

"You are welcome.", Henry said.

I didn't get it. "For?"

"Are you going to ignore that I saved you?"

"I didn't need saving, Mr. Blackwater."

"Ah, why so distant? I prefer when you call me Henry."

I took a deep breath to calm my emotions. He was right. Why was I so distant? Other than looking at me (like most of the others present), Henry didn't do anything inappropriate, and he came to my rescue; it's the intention that counts.

"I apologize. I am not used to this social tiptoeing."

His shoulders relaxed. "No offense taken. I imagine that you are overwhelmed, considering that most of the ladies see you as a rival while guys see you as a trophy that should be won."

I appreciated that he called it out.

"And how do you see me, Henry?"

"You are a beautiful woman that I would like to know better."

"Smooth answer."

He grinned and made me twirl.

Henry's footwork was better than Sebastian's, but Sebastian covered up his lack of dancing skills with confidence.

"The word is that you grew up in Southern Europe. If you want, I can show you around London.", he offered.

I was curious. "What would you show me?"

He shrugged. "Whatever you want. If you tell me things that interest you and what you usually do, I can pick something appropriate."

"Are you inviting me for a date?"

"I wouldn't dare be so forward right away, Seraphina.", Henry responded too quickly, and I knew he was lying. He was good at reading my body language and he was aware that I would refuse.

"It would be with a group of friends. I told you, I need to know you better before I decide if I will pursue you romantically."

I was not sure how to respond to this. On one side, I had Lazarus who openly expressed his interest in me and said that he will wait for me to change my mind, and now I was looking at Henry who looked at me expectantly. What's wrong with men? Or is it me?

I was not totally inexperienced with dating, but I never went far.

In high school, my days were marked with Duke; because of him no other boy approached me, and we never crossed the line of friendship.

From college, within the memories I dared to look into, there are a few images of boys approaching me, and even a kiss or two but it never lasted. It was strange that just as we started, they would stop talking to me like I did something wrong. Eventually, boys stopped approaching me completely.

One doesn't need to be a genius to understand how constant failures and rejection impacted my confidence. I never saw myself as beautiful or attractive in any way.

This type of attention is unfamiliar and… uncomfortable.

Is this due to my pheromones? No, my emotions are stable, and my pheromones are normal.

"What do you say, Seraphina? Would you like us to meet up and do something?"

Henry's questions reminded me that he was expecting an answer. To be honest, I would love to check out London, rich-kids style, and going out with Henry sounded acceptable because his father would definitely warn him to treat me well or Aldus could finish much more than just director Blackwater's career.

Going out and having fun with my peers was something outside my reach, something I listened about sneakily in the girls' locker room. My classmates would talk about their past and upcoming adventures and I would be envious. Things changed.

Is it OK for me to mingle with mortals? Going out would mean being exposed, people noticing me, and maybe even taking photos… I need to talk with Aldus about this first.

"I'm not sure how long we will stay in London.", I responded to Henry honestly. "I will get in touch with you when I have time and we can think of something if you are available."

His face lit up. "I look forward to it."

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