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

- - -

​​

I enjoyed Serina's flustered expression. I love that I have this effect on her, and that she spoke with someone about me.

Her poker face is non-existent and even without overhearing her conversation, I would know that it was something related to me.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop. The door was open.", I broke the awkward silence.

"Yeah…", Serina said with relief obvious on her face while avoiding to look at me. "I was on my way out when my phone rang. It was Calista, my aunt. She was expecting me this afternoon and she made plans so I had to tell her that I'm coming for dinner and when she saw my text, she called me back."

Hehehe... my adorable Sanya still blabbers when she is nervous. Either that or she resorts to sarcasm, but I didn't want to point that out. My mission is to get her to trust me and she can't do that if I push her buttons all the time.

"It seems you are getting along well with your aunt."

"She is Aldus's sister.", Serina explained before confirming, "We get along well."

"Maybe you can tell me more about her over breakfast."

Serina smiled. "Sure. Calista is much younger than Aldus and when we are together, people think we are sisters. She doesn't like when I call her aunt, she says it makes her feel old…"

I noticed that Serina's eyes lit up when she talks about Aldus and her new life. I'm glad that she found a better place, and at the same time, I'm dejected that I missed it. I have a lot of catching up ahead of me.

- - -

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

- - -

The morning passed faster than I thought it's possible and parting from Duke was more difficult than I imagined it will be.

He went with me to the airport, and I was happy that he was willing to prolong our time together as every moment is precious.

I told Mitch to take his time making sure our jet is ready so that I can squeeze every extra minute with Duke in the private lounge.

Duke and I sat at the table, holding hands with our fingers intertwined and I couldn't believe how much things changed in twenty-four hours.

There was a sensation of familiarity and belonging, something I didn't feel in a very long time.

I knew that Mitch and Maria are on the plane waiting for me, but standing up and leaving felt like a herculean task.

"I miss you already.", Duke said before he placed a kiss at the back of my palm.

I was glad that he said it instead of me.

I tried to keep the conversation light and not to sound sappy.

"Let's make sure that this separation is less than seven years. OK?"

"You know where I am, Serina. Find me, anytime."

"You have my number.", I reminded him. "We will see each other in five days."

"Five days…", he murmured and kissed my hand again. "I wish I can sleep through them and when I open my eyes, it's Friday. Will you call me every time you think of me?"

I didn't know that he can be this clingy, but I didn't hate it.

"If I do that, I will be spending the next five days on the phone with you."

He smiled at my answer.

I forced my legs to move as I stood up.

I placed a small kiss on his cheek. "I will see you soon, Duke."

A huge sense of loss washed over me as the warmth of his palm seeped out of mine and I didn't dare turn back because I knew that I will falter and stay with him.

I didn't want to separate from Duke, but I knew that I need time to think about everything that happened. With him around my brain turns into a useless pile of mush capable only of erotic thoughts.

Also, I had things to discuss with Aldus, about peculiar events and the information I acquired. And of course, there was Calista, eager to hear every detail of my reunion with Duke.

I was looking forward to the day when Duke will join me, and we share a meal with Aldus and Calista. I'm sure they will get along well.

I had reservations because Duke is mortal, but now I realized how that was ridiculous. After all, there are many ways to extend his lifespan.

I laughed at my silly thoughts and eagerness to make Duke immortal. How is that different from him suggesting we buy a house right away?

My phone beeped as I took my seat on the plane. It was a message from Duke.

[ Have a safe flight. I miss you. ]

I swiftly typed back, 'I miss you too', and I kept the phone on the side.

Now I turned into a clingy woman as well. Maybe I was always clingy but I suppressed it because I didn't have anyone to cling to.

Now I have Duke and Aldus, and in a way, there are Calista and Laz...

I paused at that thought. Lazarus.

Ah, I still need to deal with him after the kissing fiasco!

Now more than ever I knew that accepting his advances will be impossible.

For the last three years, Lazarus became an important person in my life, but I can't lie to him or to myself.

When putting Lazarus next to Duke, I can clearly see how strong my feelings for Duke are.

It's not that I don't have feelings for Lazarus, but they can be described as gratitude for saving my life (more than once), for helping me related to Zoe, Luca, and Ash, and for being there for me when I needed him. Unfortunately, I can't see him as more than a friend.

I never told Lazarus that I'm interested in a relationship with him, but he probably saw my friendliness as a sign that I'm not rejecting him.

I knew what I needed to do and it gave me a sense of relief.

I was determined to talk with Lazarus and tell him how I feel, without holding back. The only thing I could do was hope that he will not hate me for it.

"Young Miss, would you like something to drink?", Maria offered.

"Do we have the same wine I drank last night with Mr. Orsini?"

Maria smiled knowingly. "I will bring it right away."

I observed as Maria poured me a glass of Petrus Pomerol. It's a rich red wine from France that wafted with the aroma of blackberry, dark chocolate, and coffee, yet to me, it was a reminder of the pine trees and the ocean, and the smooth balanced flavors tasted like Duke.

The engines rumbled as Mitch took us to the skies.

I sipped the perfectly chilled wine and leaned in my leather seat.

I closed my eyes as I remembered every small detail from the moment I saw Duke in our old classroom, and I wondered if cheeks can hurt from too much smiling.

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