Chapter 13
“Just apply to local universities. I don’t want to shuttle between two cities, Clarence said with an air of finality.
‘Does that mean we’ll be seeing each other often?‘ Seraphina wondered. Despite Clarence’s commanding tone, she couldn’t help but feel a sweet warmth spreading over her,
“Okay,” she agreed. “Angoria University is my anyway
first choice
“Good girl,” he smiled, clearly satisfied. He reached over, taking her hand in his right while his left stayed on the steering wheel, and smoothly started the car.
A surge of admiration welled up within her as she watched him drive with effortless confidence. ‘He looks so cool driving one–handed. And his hand feels so warm, she thought.
The bright June sunlight bathed the road ahead in a golden glow Clarence put on his sunglasses, adding an extra layer of cool detachment to his already striking appearance.
Seraphina stole glances at his perfect profile, thinking how even the hottest celebrities would pale in comparison to him. He wasn’t just handsome from the side; he was flawless from every angle. He was, without a doubt, the most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on
Clarence’s focus remained on the road, one hand steady on the wheel. Nothing seemed to distract him. Yet, his other hand stayed wrapped around hers, warm and firm, the sensation so real and wonderful. His quiet concentration exuded an almost intoxicating allure that made it hard for Seraphina to look away!
Still, a strange unease stirred in Seraphina’s heart. ‘Have I really gotten this close to such an outstanding, powerful man? Is this real, or am I just dreaming?” she asked herself. Everything felt too good to be true, like a beautiful dream that might slip away at any moment.
That lingering feeling of melancholy gnawed at Seraphina. She couldn’t tell if it was fate bringing them together or just the start of a storm she wasn’t prepared for.
When they pulled into the garage of the electronics mall, he found a spot and parked the car. The moment he let go of her hand, the warmth from his hand vanished, and with it the tenderness, replaced by the cool, distant aura he carried like
armor.
Now he was back to being the Clarence Vanderbilt everyone knew–the proud, influential man who viewed the world as beneath him, commanding respect like royalty. That brief warmth he had shown her seemed more like an illusion than something real
Clarence reached into his wallet and pulled out a black credit card, holding it between two fingers as he handed it to Seraphina. “Here, take it.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened as she recognized the Amex Black Card, a status symbol typically reserved for the super rich. This
card. one was clearly a supplementary
Her heart raced, but she hesitated to take it. First a car, now a credit card. What’s next, a house? thought, half–jokingly.
“Seraphina?” Clarence’s questioning tone brought her back to reality.
Seraphina blinked, stammering. “I
