There was a moment of silence as Charlton let the words Serena said sink in. He replayed her words in his mind and his heart started beating erratically. If Serena's pregnant then what step should he take next? Should he propose earlier? Should he take her and hide her away? But aren't women supposed to be in confinement when pregnant especially the 1st trimester? How far along was she? Gods, the timing wasn't ideal, but still, a bud of happiness grew in his heart.

"Charlton? Why are you not saying anything?" Serena asked when she did not hear him reply. Does he not want her anymore? Was he thinking of abandoning her now?

​​

Charlton could hear her panicking based on her voice. Was she scared? He wanted to go to her side that very instance. But he had to reassure her now. "Serena, please know that if that were the case, then I'm very happy and thankful. I love you and you're not through this alone. Okay?"

"Okay…" Serena felt a bit reassured with Charlton's words. She realized that she's scared. But… then again, she was not sure if she's pregnant herself. She shook her head. What was wrong with her? Why did she tell him that? What about their plans? She's being selfish. She wasn't even sure. Her period wasn't due till 3 days later.

Hearing her say okay more calmly, Charlton felt more at ease. Now, he needed to know how far along she was to know the next steps he needed to take. "Serena, when was the last time you bled?"

Why was he asking when her last period was? Was he doubting if the child was his? Was he thinking that she already did that with Geoffrey too? She shook her head. No, that can't be.

"Actually, it just ended the day before we… in the tea party. I know it isn't due to arrive till 3 days later… and I was not ovulating then… but things can happen. I mean, I hope you don't think that I'm just making all this up."

Charlton sighed. He did not know if it's out of relief or disappointment. If that were the case, the chance of her being pregnant now was almost nil. Then again, it was also good that she's not. That way, his plans could still move as is. Having a baby can wait when everything's settled. "Of course not. Serena, to tell you honestly, having a child with you is something I look forward to and when you said that you might be pregnant, I was very happy. However, based on what you said yourself, it's unlikely."

Was it just her mind playing tricks on her? Serena shook her head. Charlton was right. How could she be pregnant? Besides, even a missed period, which she has not even encountered yet, was not even a sure indicator too as it might just be delayed. Was she just being stupid? But no, maybe Charlton was just saying so because he doesn't want her to be pregnant.

Not hearing her answer, Charlton felt worried. "Serena? How about this, we wait for it to arrive and think of what steps to take next if it doesn't?"

"No, no need. I think it's just my hormones. Anyway, I need to go." Serena said. Not in the mood to talk to him any longer.

Charlton felt that Serena was being strange. However, she was usually moody when her period was soon to arrive. "Okay, I love you."

"I love you too." Serena replied. Then, she hanged the phone.

Was she just being paranoid? Serena shook her head. In any case, she should still be careful.

--

Serena twisted and turned as she tried to get some sleep. Yet, she couldn't. Her mind was still wide awake, and all she could think of were Charlton's possible infidelity and him not wanting their baby if she was even pregnant. Then, she thought of Geoffrey. If it were Geoffrey surely, he would be happy about it. He would even marry her right away.

Unlike Charlton, he's always ready to marry her. Insistent on marrying her. Charlton was always delaying. Maybe he doesn't love her as she thought he did.

Then she recalled the times that he broke up with her. He never even had to work getting back together with her. It was always her chasing him. Then, all the girls were throwing themselves at him. Was it that he only wanted her because she belonged to Geoffrey? Was it only the thrill that he wanted from her?

She has given him her everything. But again, he never asked for it. It was that she freely offered them that's why he took her. Was that why she was of little worth to him?

She began crying again. Why does he not extend the effort to visit her nowadays? He doesn't even try. If he truly missed her than he should find ways of getting there and spending time with her. Why was it always her who must make the effort?

In the end, Serena was only able to sleep when it was already 4am. Then, she was again awakened as soon as the birds began chirping.

--

"Serena? Are you okay?" Leonard asked. He was in the dining room eating breakfast with Serena. She seemed at bit absent minded.

Serena looked at Leonard, seeing him worried, she tried to smile. "I'm okay brother Leonard… I just have trouble sleeping lately."

Leonard smiled back. "Perhaps that's because you've been cooped up inside the house doing nothing lately. I heard from the butler that for the 2 weeks I'm away, you only attended one ball. Perhaps some exercise will do you good."

Serena pouted. "Are you saying I'm fat?"

Leonard chuckled. Serena was still as vain as ever. But now that she mentioned it, he took another glance at her, she seemed like she lost some weight. Was she on a diet? He shook his head. "I didn't say anything like that. In fact, I think you need to eat more."

--

After eating their breakfast, the butler came in and presented Serena a card which just arrived.

Serena picked up the card from the silver tray.

"You have a caller?" Leonard asked.

Serena nodded as she thumbed the card where embossed was Geoffrey's name in golden letters.

--