"Mr. Geoffrey William and Ms. Serena Maxwell" the master of ceremonies announced.

When they entered, Serena first noticed the beautifully decorated venue and could not help but applaud Mary and Gina in her head. The hall was transformed to a spring themed venue. Unlike before, the observatory did not have a cover, but rather, it was outlined with hanging flowers. So, when one looks up, one can see the stars and the moon in the clear night sky. Then there were strings of yellowish light bulbs above the dancefloor. Like last time, there were seats by the three walls and in front were cocktail tables draped in pink and gold. On the middle were tall vases filled with varying shades of flowers. It was very beautiful and romantic really.

The next thing she did was scrutinize the area to see if Charlton was there. She had to stop herself from wincing when she saw him already looking at her. Then, their eyes met.

She did not know what he was thinking, but she smiled at him. Thankfully, she wore the necklace he gave her and that, at least, should send the message that she still has him in her heart.

--

When Charlton heard their names being announced, he willed himself not to look. However, against his better judgement, he still did. She did not see him, so he took the time to look at her from afar.

Like always, she managed to take his breath away. He knew that he should look elsewhere but he could not take his eyes off of her. She was wearing a one shoulder blush pink dress with floral appliques and her hair was in an updo with soft flowy curls adorned with flowers matching her dress. It suited her very much. Though what surprised him the most was that she was wearing the necklace he gave her.

Honestly, he did not know how he should feel. She came in escorted by her fiancé, but she was wearing his gift. Then, he did not know since when she noticed that he was staring, but when their eyes met, she gave him that coquettish smile of hers.

It suddenly dawned to him, and he could just bang his head somewhere if he didn't understand what she was doing. Really, she was making it harder for him to resist. 

Yet, he knew better and would not take the bait. So, he just nodded his head at her direction and did not smile back. She might not know it, but he's doing this for her own good.

--

Serena just wanted to move towards where Charlton was and tear his mask of indifference. She would rather he show her some anger for entering with Geoffrey while wearing the necklace he gave her than that simple nod. It was like he was saying, ok, that's your necklace, a souvenir from our relationship. It was good while it lasted, so you can do whatever you want with that. 

Anyway, she convinced herself that she knew better than to think that that would be what was running in his head. She has high hopes that he must love her still, so, she told herself to be patient. She just had to play her cards correctly.

As they were early, the program was yet to start. Geoffrey led her to one of the empty tables as he smiled at her.

"so…" he did not know how to say the words, so he just brought out his dance card.

Serena understood what he was trying to say, but she must be the one to stir this conversation to the direction she wants it to go.

She felt a little guilty, but she knew that she tried. She admits that Geoffrey really deserved to be the male lead in the story. Any other girl in her shoes could only feel so lucky to have him. He was handsome, smart, kind, considerate, and most of all when he's decided on something or someone, he would do everything in his power to get it. Just look at what he did in the original novel and what he did just to be her partner tonight.

Anyway, seeing that they were early, and no one was near enough to hear what they were about to talk about, she felt like this was just the right opportunity to break it to him. She did not want him to misinterpret her any longer. She has already come to the realization that her heart was with Charlton and she was willing to go against the odds to be with him.

"Geoffrey, I want to be honest with you. I know you have been trying but the reason I decided not to go with you tonight in the first place was not because of Leonard. I just don't see you that way and I don't want you to have false expectations any longer."

Geoffrey furrowed his brows. What was she trying to say? They were engaged. Anyway, perhaps he should just plead in this case. Maybe he angered her.

"I understand that what I did today was a bit aggressive, so I sincerely apologize. However, Serena, we are bound to get married one day and I have every intention to be with you in that sense. So, even if you ask me not to, I will still have my expectations." If he did not love her already, he would never humble himself this way.

What can she say in response to that? That she'll break the engagement? On what ground? Anything she says would sound so shallow. Well, she will just go with her initial plan for her explanation.

"Right now, I just want to focus on my studies and on my career. So…" she said. Well, how can she tell him that she loves another? What if he starts unleashing his male lead status and squash herself and Charlton?

Geoffrey smiled at her. If he understood one thing about her, it was that she was very goal oriented. He saw how dedicated she can be with her work. Thinking that he should at least give her the freedom before she becomes burdened with her duties as the next queen, he nodded his head.

Changing the topic, Serena brought out her dance card. She already got out what she wanted to say, so it's better to quit while she's still ahead.

"The grand march and the 1st quadrille. Will that do?" Serena began.

Geoffrey chuckled. He already recovered from Serena's straight forward words. "and the waltz."

Serena wanted to shake her head. Give him an inch and expect him to take a mile. However, she understood that she still needs to keep pretense.

"The minute waltz then." She responded.

"Can't you give me the other one before the intermission?" he asked with an earnest smile, his male lead aura exuding in waves.

Serena still had some conscience, but well, he's asking for it when he committed the blunder of escorting her without her permission.

"Actually, I included that song so that I can have the opportunity to commercialize it. So don't you think that it would be most effective if I dance it with Charlton?"

Geoffrey did not feel right about her words. Did she purposely added that song to dance with Charlton? Did she… see him that way? He shook his head. Why was he thinking that? Serena is his fiancée. She even asked him for his opinion. Also, she was bound to dance with others during the ball. Besides, Charlton was his cousin, so he can be rest assured.

"Although I don't think that it's necessary, I do see your point." he said tentatively.

Serena smiled, now they're talking. "Then I will entrust my dance card to you. Just don't let me dance too much, brother Leonard was too excessive last time! I had no time for breaks." She said. At least that way, he won't think that she had ulterior motives.

Geoffrey smiled. He was given control of her dance card. It's a good start. "I'll keep that in mind."

Serena looked towards the entrance when she heard Milly's name being announced. She entered with Paul, and behind her, waiting to be announced were Gizel and George.

"My friends are here." Serena said.

"alright, I'll send you there."

Geoffrey said hi to Serena's friends and then excused himself.

"See you later for the grand march?" he asked before leaving them.

Serena nodded her head. "Okay."

--

TBC