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

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I enjoyed Serina praising my omelet. I will cook for her forever, only to see that satisfied smile and eyes that sparkle in approval.

She has no idea how alluring she is no matter what she wears, but that bathrobe had only one small knot holding it around her, and I couldn't stop myself. I didn't want to hold back.

I had my dessert in the kitchen, and my orgasm was amplified by the sweet sound of her calling my name breathlessly. I will never get enough of that.

We had another round in the bedroom, and then I took my time touching and kissing Serina's every nook and cranny in the shower.

I love the way she glows when we are merged into one. It's the way it's meant to be.

I remember the sadness and dejection that veiled her gorgeous features when she spoke about Adele, Ruby, and Willow. I will do anything in my power so that Serina doesn't have a single bad experience going forward. That's my mission.

Serina said that she wants those three wenches to go through the same Hell they set her up with, and I will make sure it happens.

After short persuasion, Serina allowed me to take the lead, with the condition that she gets to see it happen. I love that she has faith in me.

I keep the Eclipse clean, but over the years, I met a few shady characters that were perfect contacts for this occasion.

I made a few phone calls and things were set in motion for tonight.

This was my chance to show Serina that I'm much more than a handsome bundle of muscles known as the 'finance wizard of London'.

Next, it was time for clothes shopping. I wanted to impress Serina, but to be honest, I was clueless about female garments, so I called Mona.

The top places were fully booked, but everything has a price, and I got her an appointment where she will be catered to exclusively by a top fashion designer in London.

"Madam Tili?", Serina asked with approval in her voice when I parked the car in front of an ancient stone building.

I was pleased with her reaction.

"You heard of her?"

"Who didn't?", Serina responded with a smile.

Well, me. I didn't know about Madam Tili until Mona told me.

We were greeted by the staff that showed us to a lounge.

The snacks and drinks were fine, but I was irked that we waited for longer than fifteen minutes before the lady in charge came to see us.

"Miss Mezzanotte!", a middle-aged lady nearly shrieked when she entered the room with her two assistants in tow. "I apologize… If I knew it was you, I would come immediately… and I would clear my day."

Her flustered expression was unexpected. I said that it's for Seraphina Mezzanotte when I booked the timeslot. Didn't she check who her customer is?

"It's OK, Madam Tili…", Serina said.

I felt my lips twitching when I realized one more thing... "You know each other?"

Serina hummed. "Madam Tili is responsible for some of my best outfits."

The middle-aged lady giggled while the tips of her fingers covered her mouth. "You flatter me, Miss Mezzanotte. How come you are in London, gracing my humble establishment with your presence? Normally I come to visit you…"

I felt my motivation dwindling. I wanted to impress Serina by bringing her here, but it seems that this extra-accommodating (and extra-expensive) treatment is still subpar to what she usually gets. Darn!

"I heard that your schedule is booked for months in advance. I appreciate you making room for me.", Serina said.

"Oh, don't worry about it. Mr. Orsini made sure to make up for any losses we might incur, and he even gave us a bonus."

Well, she didn't know who her customer is, but she definitely took note of who paid the bill.

Serina's face darkened. "Did you say that he paid for losses you MIGHT incur?"

Madam Tili blinked, obviously taken aback by Serina's reaction. It took her a second to respond.

"I didn't know it was for you, Miss Mezzanotte! I will make sure Mr. Orsini gets a refund."

Now I felt awkward. This was not about the money. Before I could say anything, Serina did.

"I hope you refund him with an appropriate apology. I thought that you found space in your schedule for me because of all the business I gave you over the years, but I didn't expect you to rip off my future husband."

I perked up at these words. Did she say, future husband?

Serina looked at me. "Darling, I don't feel like shopping anymore."

Madam Tili inhaled audibly. "Miss Mezzanotte, I apologize! I really didn't…"

"It's fine, Madam Tili.", Serina said icily and everything about her domineering posture said it was NOT fine.

Serina took my hand in hers and led the way outside, leaving bewildered Madam Tili and her two assistants behind.

"Why didn't you tell me it was for Miss Mezzanotte? This will cost us a fortune! If anyone hears about this, our reputation will be ruined…", I heard Madam Tili say, and we were out before I could hear more.

Serina didn't speak until we drove away from the building.

"Don't let them rip you off.", Serina grumbled.

I grinned. "You said I'm your future husband."

Serina rolled her eyes at me. "How can you be at the top of the financial world when you are wasting money?"

I didn't care about the money. "Does that mean you accept the title of my future wife? My fiancée?" It sounded sweet. Serina didn't respond, so I urged her to say something. "Hmm?"

"Are you even listening to me?", she snapped.

"I am. And you said I'm your future husband."

Serina shook her head in disapproval, but that small smile at the corners of her lips told me that she was not really angry. "As my future husband, what's yours is mine and I forbid you to waste money. How can I allow anyone to bully you? That woman treated you like nobody, and she will pay for it. You are with me now, and you can't lower yourself for no one. Do you get it?"

"Got it. My future wife."

"And you can't call me that until you get me a ring and you get on your knee… and I remember you mentioning flowers and other romancing."

My mood soared into the stratosphere. "Alright! Let's get a ring!" That's the hardest part. I can handle anything else, but I want her to pick a ring, otherwise, I will just get the biggest rock in the store.

"We are going clothes shopping now." Serina's words cut off my excitement.

I thought we just left one of the most fashionable places for getting clothes in London and Serina said she doesn't feel like shopping. This was confusing.

"Where are we going?"

"To the mall."

Did I hear her right? Maybe not due to traffic. "What?"

"I remember us walking back from school. There was a big mall visible at the end of the street after the second corner. I wanted to go there, but I didn't have money and I was embarrassed to suggest that we go window-shopping. Can we go there? Please?"

There was no way I could deny her anything, especially not when she was so sweet to share all those small desires with me.

I was stressing about treating her like a princess with glitz and glam and all the exclusive things in the world, yet she wanted to go to a mall. How can I say 'no' to that?

"Sure.", I said while giving her hand a squeeze and her face lit up.

"I would like us to walk around while holding hands. Oh! If we have time, we can get a milkshake with two straws. The one that comes with extra whipped cream and a waffle crisp on top. I always wanted to share one with you…"

And there she was again, blowing me away with her small requests which told me how much I mean to her. Isn't she adorable?

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