"Serena, you have to let me borrow Beatrice on my own wedding day. Her work with your hair is just… wow. I love it!" Milly said as Beatrice finished working on Serena's hair.

"You will have to ask Beatrice for that." Serena answered as she smiled. She looked at the mirror and she must agree. Her hair was in a perfect half up half down style, curled and adorned with floral designed jewels creating a romantic whimsical look. Perfectly suited for her blush pink dress.

A knock on the door was heard and Gizel came in with Via. Since Beatrice was done with her work, she excused herself to leave.

"Serena, I think you'll be happy to know that your darling has safely arrived. My brother was the one to welcome him and led him to one of the guestrooms." Gizel shared grinning.

Serena immediately wanted to go wherever he was, but given the time, she knew that they could only meet at the party. Besides, they still need to be on stand-by as they will be performing the opening number with Gizel's mother and would only be joining the guests after.

Still, she could not stop her smile from blooming. She was so much looking forward to seeing him again. She couldn't help herself. Whenever she thinks of him, her heart would start beating wildly like some teenage girl. She doesn't know if it's the hormones, but with him, she's just another woman in love.

Seeing the expression on Serena's face, the girls giggled.

"I think I need one of the sunglasses we bought last time. Serena, your radiance is blinding!" Gizel joked.

"I second that! But you know Gizel who's the other person who's radiant this evening?" Milly teased as she wiggled her brows looking at Via.

Gizel looked beside her and saw Via was turning red with the attention moving to her.

"Indeed, how could I forget? Via's prince charming has also arrived. Hehe… I can't wait how Kylo's visit would go tomorrow. Hahaha!" Gizel said as she laughed.

Anyway, another person knocked on the door and Gizel opened it. It was Geneva's personal maid. The maid informed her that her mother was waiting for them in the back room of their ballroom.

--

When Charlton was done getting ready, it was 5:45 in the evening. Almost time for the event. He wanted to see Serena immediately, but does not know where to find her at this time. Besides, she must be busy getting ready with her friends. Their meeting can only wait.

Anyway, he went out of his room to knock on Kylo's so that they can walk to the venue together.

Kylo opened the door and saw that it was Charlton. "Come in first." he said.

Charlton entered the door and saw Kylo fretting around. Unlike the usual, he looks more, uh, formal and mature that evening. His hair has been parted sideways and brushed back.

"I'm nervous. They will be meeting me for the first time. I don't know how to act. Should I act like, I mean princely? Or should I just be, I don't know? A little bit funny or dear? Which one would Via's parents like more? By the way, how dare you try to outshine me?" Kylo frowned seeing Charlton donning a better-looking dress suit that him. Not only that, but he also looked a bit more handsome than usual. Not that he's insecure but come on. No man should be better looking than him when he meets his girlfriend's parents.

Charlton laughed as he teased Kylo, "It's not my fault that I was born with a better-looking physique than you!"

Kylo rolled his eyes. "Yeah right. Whatever. So, what do you think?" he asked getting back to his main question.

"I think you should try to be yourself but more respectful? I don't know myself. I recall when I met Serena's parents for the first time, I just tried to be in their good graces. Perhaps compliment their child? If I know one thing, it's that all parents like hearing good things about their children."

"So… should I talk about how wonderful Via is? If that's the case, then I think I would be able to talk endlessly. But are you sure about that?"

Charlton chuckled. "Don't worry too much, well at least for tonight. They won't have that much time to bother with you. Just try to make a positive impression, if not, then you can prepare for the worst tomorrow. Anyway, it's already 5:50, I think we should go downstairs and join the party."

Kylo took a deep breath as he straightened. Then he looked at the mirror checking himself out.

Charlton gave an exasperated sigh. "Kylo, I swear, if Via's parents were to know how vain you are, and how you always make people wait for you to finish getting ready, they WILL not like you at ALL."

Kylo elbowed Charlton, "Fine, let's go. I'm ready."

Charlton shook his head. Really, Kylo even takes a longer time than Serena to get ready.

--

When Charlton and Kylo arrived at the lobby just outside the ballroom of the mansion, there were already a lot of people present socializing and talking in groups.

Some turned to give them attention as newly arrived guests. Most did not recognize them, so they turned back and continued with their conversations, while some who did recognize Charlton, particularly the young ladies of Gizel's family who has taken a liking of his photo from the covers of 'can't help falling in love' and 'through the years', stared at him with wide eyes and couldn't help their blush from staining their cheeks.

Not minding the people looking, the two went inside the ballroom. The first thing they noticed was that the room was divided into three sections. Upon entry one was the first section where the cocktail tables were, the second was the middle portion with the round banquet tables, and the third on the other end was the dancefloor where in front was an elevated platform with a piano. The interior was decorated in blue and silver.

Anyway, George saw them and was quick to approach. He knew that the two have no acquaintance here at the moment other than himself.

--

TBC