As the audience clapped, Charlton sat in front of the piano, a standing mic placed beside him, while Serena stood at the other side of the piano, a mic in front of her. They looked at each other and smiled. Both reminiscing the first time they did this during Duke Ligeti's wedding. It has only been 7 months since then, but it felt like a lifetime ago.

Anyway, Charlton started playing the piano, and Serena started singing the first stanza of 'through the years'. The meaning of the song becoming truer to them as the days gone by.

Since some of the audiences were already familiar with the song, they could not help but mouth the words as if singing along. It was truly beautiful, and the older couples started dabbing their eyes. It was different when they listen to the discs and listen to Serena and Charlton sing it live. The emotions were much more intense, and it touched their very heart.

When the song finally ended, there was a moment of silence. Then, everyone started clapping their hands. Really, it just made the night more memorable. The people who already knew the song and were already fans, became more loyal fans, while those who didn't instantly became one.

That's not to say that 'crazy for you' wasn't great, it's just that earlier, the attention was focused on Geneva. Anyhow, after 'through the years', 'can't help falling in love' followed as requested by the couple to open the dancefloor since it's the song most of the attendees knew and can relate to as other songs just got released last week.

Anyway, they sang the song without the theatrics, and the celebratory couple went on the dancefloor to perform a waltz. When the song reached the interlude, George addressed the guests to encourage them to join his parents on the dancefloor. And so, with that, other guests stood up from their seats to join the couple.

After their performance, Serena and Charlton went down the stage and the hired orchestra took over. The celebratory couple approached them to give their thanks. Then, some people surrounded the two wanting to chat up with them since they don't know when they would get the next opportunity to do so.

Meanwhile, Kylo was finally able to ask Via for a dance. Her family did not think much of it as they knew Kylo was a visitor and only knew 4 girls in this party. While dancing, they were able to discuss how Kylo would go about his visit tomorrow.

The night went on with the dancing. Until finally, about an hour past midnight, the guests started thinning until only the residents of the mansion were left, along with the 4 guests, Charlton, Serena, Kylo, and Millie. (Via had to leave with her family to their own mansion in the capital.)

--

Charlton checked his watch for the umpteenth time. When he saw that it was already 2:50 a.m. he smiled. Earlier, when he finally had the chance to dance with Serena and converse, they agreed that he could join her in her room only at around 3am so that people in the mansion should already be asleep.

He stood up from the bed, then he gathered his bag where he placed his toiletries, an extra set of clothes, and his slippers in. He opened the door of his room carefully as not to alert anyone, especially Kylo who was staying in the room beside his.

He looked left and right, when he saw that no one was around, he finally exited his room then closed the door. The hallway was silent, but thankfully, it was dimly lit by wall sconces. Recalling the instructions given by Serena as to where her room was located, he started walking barefoot.

--

Serena has been looking forward to spending the night with Charlton. After she got back in her room, she rested for about 30 minutes, then she went to have a bath. When she was done with that, she laid on the bed to wait. Hopefully, Gizel and Milly who were staying in the rooms next to hers were already asleep.

Anyway, she checked the time and saw that it was already 5 minutes to 3. Giddily, she stood up from the bed and opened the door of her room. She looked to the right and there she saw Charlton walking towards her room.

Their eyes met and she waved at him. Now certain of where she was, Charlton walked faster. They were all smiles, and when he reached her, she opened the door wider to let him enter.

Charlton placed his bag down while Serena closed and locked the door. Turning around to face him, she was quickly enveloped in his embrace. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around him too.

"I missed you very much." Serena said as she inhaled his scent of sandalwood. Gods, she loves his smell.

Charlton smiled feeling his heart swell with her simple words. "I missed you more." He whispered.

Serena felt his words tickle her heart like how his breath ticked her ear, pulling back a little so that she can look up to see the expression on his face, she asked, "Really? How much more?"

"More than words could ever explain." He replied.

Serena felt funny, so she giggled and said "Oh, then you have to show me how much."

Charlton chuckled, "Not even a how are you? Or a how have you been?"

"What? It's been 3 weeks since the last time. I thought you wanted to get some action." She replied as she grinned and wiggled her brows.

Charlton shook his head as he tsked. "Just as I have thought. You only want me for my body."

Serena smacked his chest playfully then pulled away from him as she rolled her eyes, "Hmpft! Well, if you don't want to, then never mind."

Charlton chortled with Serena's antics. Then he bent down to scoop her in his arms. "Now, who said that I don't?"

--

TBC