Charlton went back to his room, lied on his bed feeling like the world was closing in on him. He actually said those words. But what else could he have said nor done? She broke his heart and stepped on it too. Aside from that, he could no longer carry on with things the way they were. Geoffrey wanted Serena, and she was rightfully his. Then, what of him? Should he continue being the little pest trying to get between them?

Honestly speaking, he's regretting it now. But he too has some pride, and he can't take back the words he already uttered.

He knew that he had been unfair to Serena. Yet, it was the truth. For if she truly did fall for him as he did for her, then everything else should be inconsequential. Thus, until she can truly show that she loves him, he would hold himself back.

--

Serena was not able to sleep properly, and by 8 in the morning, she went down to stand behind the century old tree. Fine, she admits, she was wrong. She loved him still and maybe just like her, he will come there for a chance to meet her. If he shows up, she can still consider forgiving him. How she hates this era, no cellphones so she can just give him a missed call and pretend like it was purely accidental.

Anyway, she waited and waited, but he did not come. She was disappointed even though she knew that she had no right to be. But habits are hard to break, a part of her still expected that he will take some initiative to clear the air between them. This was where he waited before so a part of her assumed that he will be there.

Was that it? Was he really giving up their relationship? She could not understand why she was being the way she was now. But she could not stop her tears from falling. She was willing to listen to him, to forgive him, but did he even care?

Serena stopped her tears. It was 11:30 when she decided to go back to her room. Leonard will come after lunch to fetch her as they were returning to their ducal home today. It would be no good to let him see her swelling eyes.

--

Charlton had a bad hangover when he woke up. He vaguely recalled returning to his dorm and breaking up with Serena. He massaged his temple with his fingers. He wanted to continue being drunk, at least that way, the pain in his heart could be numbed. He looked at the clock. It was quarter pass noon.

He knew that she was going home after lunch today. He considered to just go and beg for her forgiveness. Although he did break up with her, he still loved her so. How could one night possibly change all his feelings for her? He sighed.

However, nothing would change if he just gave in to her. He would take the gamble. It was all or nothing.

--

When Serena and Leonard arrived at their ducal home, it was almost sunset. Their parents were there to welcome them.

"Serena, Leonard, welcome home!" Duchess Celine greeted as she moved to hug the two.

"I'm glad to be home, mother, father." Serena greeted, trying to be enthusiastic when in fact she was just lethargic.

"Let's go in. I'm sure you both are tired from your long journey." Duke Simoun said.

Everyone nodded as they walked inside. Seeing that the two were a bit tired, they were helped to their rooms as their mother instructed them to rest and then join them to have dinner later.

--

"I heard that you were made class representative. I just knew that my daughter is the best. We're so proud of you Serena!" Celine said while they were having dessert.

Serena can only nod and smile. If not because of her recent break-up with Charlton she would be quite happy today, regaling everything to her parents.

"By the way, I heard from a friend of mine that you attended the golden anniversary of Duke Ligeti. How come you never mentioned it to us?" Duke Simoun asked.

"Ah… I didn't think it was worth mentioning. It was just a favor…"

"I heard you sang a new song there. Would you mind singing it for us later?" Celine requested as she shook her head to Simoun.

Simoun sighed. Thankfully, Duke Ligeti was from the neutral party so he can let this matter go.

Serena was in no mood to sing and play the piano. But she can play the discs. Anyway, she needed to tell them about it too. Thus, she decided to talk about her recording.

"Actually, I have recorded the songs at Mr. Edward Easton's Columbia recording company. I hope that you would not react negatively about this, but I signed a contract with them."

Simoun furrowed his brows while Celine was enthusiastic.

"Of course not! Now do tell us how it came to be and where are the recordings?"

Serena told them how she met Edward Easton, her recording and the profit sharing.

Simoun did not look at it very positively, thinking that his daughter does not need to work for some petty income. But when Serena showed them the phonograph and started playing the discs, he can only gape in awe.

Celine was so proud of her daughter. However, she noted the pictures on the cover and could not help getting worried. Does her daughter really like a man other than the crown prince?

"You recorded the songs with Charlton I see…is there anything going on between the two of you?"

Leonard and Simoun can only stare at Serena and wait for her explanation.

Serena saw the worried look her parents were donning. She wanted to say yes, but they already broke up. So, she can only smile sadly and shake her head.

"that is good." Simoun said as he breathed a sigh of relief. "I believe that you should try to limit your association with that boy."

Serena simply thought that her father was warning her because she was engaged to the crown prince. Anyway, they already broke up so no need to mention that.

--

TBC