Charlton stood up when he heard the doorknob turning and when the door finally opened, he could no longer contain his smile for he saw that behind it was Serena.

Serena has not been feeling well, but when Mildred informed her that Leonard was requesting her presence in the drawing room, she changed her clothes to join him. Thus, when she opened the door to the drawing room, she was caught completely by surprise to see that instead of Leonard, Charlton was there smiling at her. Not knowing what to do, she was rooted on the spot.

​​

Charlton seeing her unmoving was quick to approach her. He grabbed her hand to pull her in for an embrace as he pushed the door close. "I missed you." He whispered as he kissed the top of her head.

Serena felt his warmth enveloping her and she realized that this was real. Not just a figment of her imagination. She was instantly flooded with the immense feeling of longing for him. Gods, she loved him so much. Then, her heart started aching as her guilt-stricken conscience started rearing in. How could she do that to him? To them?

"Serena… whatever my fault was, do forgive me. Just please, don't ignore me. These past few days have been hell. If not for Leonard giving me this chance today, I don't know what I would do." he confessed.

Serena closed her eyes as her tears started to fall. She too doesn't know what to do. She loves him and does not want to lie to him. However, if she tells him the truth… how about their baby? If she tells him the truth, he will never forgive her and might just leave her. No, she can't let him find out now.

Charlton felt Serena's tears, so he pulled back a little as he used his right hand to lift her chin. He looked into her eyes and smiled, "Are those tears of joy you're shedding? Did you miss me too?" he teased trying to uplift the mood as he gave her a mischievous smile.

Serena started to tremble. She was afraid. What if Charlton sees through her lies? She bit her lower lip.

Charlton felt Serena shaking and he became worried. This time he took the chance to really look at her. Last time he saw her was at the ball 5 days ago. She was still not like this then. Now, her eyes had dark circles under them, and her cheeks looked a little sunken. Suddenly he was reminded of what happened that night. He wanted to punch himself in the gut. Was this because of that? Or… could it be? His eyes shined.

"Serena? Are you… did it not arrive?" he asked, his voice filled with so much love, hope, and adoration.

Serena shook her head. "It… it didn't." she replied as her heart started hammering in her chest.

Charlton can see that Serena's scared and although he knew that a child now was not a great thing with the current situation, he knew that he should not show nor let her feel that he thinks that way. Besides, he was indeed happy with the news.

"Then that's great. I'm going to be a father soon and we'll have the loveliest family ever." He said chuckling. "Come, let's take a sit. I believe that we need to discuss the next steps that we should be taking with this new development."

Serena let herself be led by Charlton. When he was about to sit on the three-seater sofa, she pushed him to move to the other seat as she recalled what she did there with Geoffrey.

Charlton thought that she was being peculiar. "what's wrong?"

Serena just shook her head and led them to seat on the two-seater loveseat.

Charlton did not pursue the matter and just took her hand in his. To be honest, he did not know how to say the words. If Serena was truly pregnant and given what happened earlier in the house of lords, there was only one option they can take. He was about to open the awkward topic when Serena spoke first.

"Charlton… do you really love me?" she asked.

"Of course." Was his automatic reply.

"Then… let's run away. Let's leave all these behind. We can go to so many places. Money will never be a problem. We will have our child. We will be happy…. Charlton, please…"

Serena's words were tripping over each other. Charlton has never seen her behave like this. She acted like she'd lost her mind. The look in her eyes showed her terror. She was sobbing now and pulling at his arm, whimpering one word, screaming the next. Demanding and begging at the same time.

"Serena, calm down." He said as he wrapped his arms around her. When she stopped shaking, he pulled back to look at her and smile. "Okay. We can do that. If you think that running away is best, then we can go with that. I have this villa built with Ben's help in their country, Lisbon. I haven't seen it myself in person, but it should be finished by now. I had the best architect draft the blueprint and it's beautiful. I think you will like it there."

Serena looked at him wide eyed. "Then let's leave right away. I don't need to bring anything with me, just you. Charlton, let's leave right away."

Charlton wanted to say yes, that he'll leave with her that instance, but… he had to think. What about his father? The charge on him that he will be facing this Friday? What about their families. He needs to tie all loose ends before leaving.

Serena did not hear Charlton answer, then it clicked. He said that she'll like it there, not we. Her face turned ugly. "You're not coming with me?"

"I will, but you will need to leave first. I need to tie loose ends here in Windsor. Serena, please wait for me, okay? I will send Jack with you." Charlton explained.

--

tbc