"Yes. I already told you that I want to work on my career. So, I decided to work with Columbia Recording Company. My parents already know about it, and they agreed."

"You know I have nothing against you doing what you want but, why haven't you informed me about this beforehand? Also, how long is the contract binding for?" Geoffrey asked.

Serena wanted to say that 'I'm not your person so why should I tell you?' but since he was talking to her nicely, she felt that it would be too immature to talk that way. "I was too busy, so I guess I forgot about it. Anyway, you were there when Mr. Easton said that he would also ask a favor, so this shouldn't be a surprise. On the duration, it's for 3 years."

"That's too long. I'll talk to Mr. Easton to shorten it. Anyway, then, Charlton is also in this?" Geoffrey said as he furrowed his brows.

"Sorry but I already signed it and the signing event on the day is just for show for the press. Regarding Charlton, yes, he also signed, but his contract is only for a year."

Geoffrey took a deep breath. For a second, he contemplated if he should just put spies around her so he would be able to meddle on things like this or any of her affair in the future. Shaking his head, he thought that that was quite excessive. "Serena, I am your fiancé, and I would appreciate it if you were to tell me about things like this in the future."

Serena honestly just wants to come out in the open, to tell him that she loves Charlton, or was in love with someone for she felt guilty. Guilty towards how sincere Geoffrey was being. However, she was afraid of how he would take it. What if he suddenly becomes all possessive and she losses her freedom? Based on their conversation before, she already has an idea on how his mind works. So, she doesn't want to risk it. In the end, all she could do was nod her head and say, "I understand."

Contented with her answer, he smiled. He doesn't understand it itself. Usually, he's calm and collected, but with Serena, he's slowly feeling like he's becoming another person. He never felt this way before, but he couldn't help himself. He likes her so damn much.

Serena was about to leave the room when suddenly she felt Geoffrey grab her hand. The next second, she was enclosed in his embrace. What the hell was he doing? "What are you doing? Let go." She protested as she tried to push him away.

Geoffrey felt her try to push him, but he was stronger, so instead he just held her tighter. Then, he inhaled the scent of her hair as he whispered, "I understand that you just want to focus on your career and yourself. But 3 years is too long."

Gods, she can't take this anymore. "Geoffrey, please stop this. Our engagement is merely political in nature. So please, stop doing this. Stop expecting me to reciprocate. Stop being unfair to me."

Her words left a bad taste to Geoffrey's mouth, but he did not let it get to him. "You are correct, yes. However, Serena, although merely political in nature, it is ordained by the king and is set in stone. Also, I don't wish for our union to be just that. I know should not expect for things you cannot give, but I am selfish, and I want everything of you. Your heart, body, and soul. In return, I am also willing to give you all of me."

Serena swallowed. How can she tell him that she already gave all those to his cousin? She and Charlton were banking on political means to break her engagement too. "Not now." She said, at least she successfully stopped herself from spouting, the next words, or ever.

Geoffrey sighed but did not let go as he kissed the top of her head. He did not know what was wrong with him, but hearing her signing that contract, thinking that she will be spending time with his cousin, although he knew that he could trust Charlton, he still felt unsettled. He can still recall how she chose to dance with him during spring ball. At that time, he told himself that she was just being resourceful for her career, but a part of him could not help but think that his very own fiancée likes his cousin.

"It's alright if you can't give me those now, but you have to promise me. Promise me that you'll never give what belongs to me to anyone else, because I swear, everything just drives me insane. From your friends, your love for your music, Gods, I hate to admit this but even you spending time with my cousin. Sometimes, I just want to get rid of everything so that you can belong solely to me."

Serena felt a lump in her throat. For the first time, she felt frightened. How did Charlton's name get into the mix? What if he figures that she's having an affair with him? What will Geoffrey do? She wanted to ask what he meant by get rid, but she was afraid that if she does, he might notice how she reacted to Charlton's name. she must say something to placate him. But she couldn't bear to say yes because she would never keep it.

"I don't know what you expect me to say. Didn't you say it yourself? Our engagement has already been set in stone. So, why are you even getting jealous over nothing?"

Geoffrey knew that she's correct, but he could not help it. Still, somehow, her words soothed the inferno raging within him. "I'm sorry for the momentary lapse of judgement."

Serena was finally able to breathe realizing that Geoffrey was letting the matter go. She doesn't want to keep the pretense but what choice did she have? She rather bet on Charlton's plan than tell Geoffrey the truth in hopes that he breaks their engagement out of the goodness of his heart to let her be together with Charlton.

"Just so you know, Charlton and I are releasing a new song. Please don't think any of it." Gods, she's becoming more and more a liar. Her soul would surely burn in hell for this.

Geoffrey sighed in defeat but did not let her go. "Okay. But you have to promise me that…"

Thankfully, before Geoffrey can continue saying whatever he wanted to say, someone knocked on the door to catch their attention. "Serena, uh, I just came to call you, everyone's waiting. We're leaving." Via said.

Geoffrey noting that someone was there did not continue anymore and let Serena go.

--

Serena was quick to walk away from Geoffrey after given the opportunity. She linked her arms with Via's, pulling her so that they can leave immediately. She did not even turn back to see Geoffrey's reaction.

Via knew that Serena was frazzled about what happened. Although she was concerned, she knew that she has no right to meddle. So, like usual, since Serena did not talk about it, she did not ask.

TBC