Chapter 14
Barbara’s hands flew to Seraphina’s shoulders, her face a mask of mock seriousness. “Sera, sweetie, you know I’ve always had your back. Now it’s your turn to repay me. You better hold onto Clarence’s golden ticket. My fortune depends on it
Seraphina stared at Barlara as if she had lost her mind.
The next moment, Barbara’s playful demeanor melted away. She gently touched Seraphina’s face, concern etched in her features. “But seriously, how are you holding up? Those rich guys can be a handful. Is he as cold and distant as they say? All brooding looks and icy silence?”
“Not really, Seraphina smiled softly, thinking back to all the moments where Clarence had surprised her with thoughtfulness.
Barbara let out a few teasing clicks of her tongue when she saw the subtle joy in Seraphina’s face. “Oh my! Look at you. you’re totally smitten, aren’t you? Snagging the biggest catch in town, you’ve really hit the jackpot. And he’s already showering you with gifts. He really knows how to spoil you, doesn’t he?”
Seraphina stayed quiet. If Barbara knew Clarence was planning on giving her a luxury car, she might just pass out.
“So,” Barbara leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, eyes glinting with mischief. “How’s be in bed? Spill the juicy details. Is he as impressive in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom? Was your first time good?” She fired off a series of suggestive questions, one after the other.
Seraphina shoved Barbara lightly, her face turning crimson. “What are you even talking about? Nothing like that has happened yet.”
Barbara’s jaw dropped. “Are you kidding? Nothing? Are you sure Clarence isn’t impotent? Like, maybe he’s hot, but…can’t- perform?”
“He wants me to focus on my SATS, Seraphina mumbled, her face still burning. He said we’ll do it after the exams
Barbara sighed dramatically, her tone shifting to something more sincere. “Sera, if a man’s willing to put your future first, he’s the real deal. You’re so lucky. Most rich guys just want sex from a girl, but he’s different. No wonder he’s at the top of the pyramid.”
She held Seraphina’s hand, adding, “I’m really happy for you. Maybe one day you’ll win his heart for good. Maybe you’ll even walk down the aisle.”
Seraphina chuckled, but there was a hint of wistfulness in her laugh. Let’s not get carried away. I know better than to dream that big.”
Barbara’s words were just idle chatter. Being Clarence’s lover, even for a fleeting moment in his life, was already a stroke of extraordinary luck. Marriage? That was a dream far beyond reach, one that love alone couldn’t bring to fruition.
Sensing Seraphina’s melancholy, Barbara quickly changed the subject. She pulled the laptop closer and said, “Come on, let’s test drive this fancy laptop.” She flipped open the laptop, her eyes widening at its sleek interface. “Wow, this is nice. Let’s see what’s making headlines, shall we?”
She then navigated to her favorite gossip site, and there, the top headline featured a familiar face: Catherine Howard, one of Barbara’s favorite celebrities and currently one of the hottest stars in the industry. Catherine was known for her stunning beauty and her signature dimpled smile that made her approachable and endearing to fans of all ages.
“Wow, it’s Catherine, Barbara exclaimed, excitedly clicking on the article. A series of photos loaded–some paparazzi at an airport, each one showcasing Catherine’s flawless beauty.
shots
“She’s just breathtaking,” Barbara sighed in admiration. But as she scrolled to the final image, her smile vanished. There was Catherine, arm in arm with a handsome man. It was Clarence, the very man she and Seraphina had just been discussing.
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Chapter 14
The photo showed them standing beneath a leafy canopy, next to the white Mercedes that Clarence had promised Seraphina. Catherine was holding onto his arm, waving at the camera with a dazzling smile, seemingly greeting the photographer who had captured them.
Seraphina saw it too. Her eyes darted to the timestamp on the photo. It was taken just an hour after Clarence had dropped her off. At that moment, she recalled how Clarence had been on the phone, telling someone that he would be there soon.
“Was he talking to Catherine on the phone? The thought hit herke a punch to the gut. ‘Did he ditch me for her? Was he driving the car that was to be my gift? She could almost see Callerine sliding into the passenger seat, a place she had imagined herself occupying.
She was still too young to mask her feelings. The smile on her face vanished, replaced by a look of confusion and hurt.
Sensing the shift in Seraphina’s mood, Barbara quickly closed the web page and wrapped an arm around her friend. “Sera, honey, you don’t follow celebrity gossip, so you might not know this. Catherine is the goddaughter of Clarence’s parents; she’s practically Clarence’s god–sister. It’s normal for them to hang out. But trust me, you’re his real sweetheart now.”
Seraphina shrugged off Barbara’s embrace. “Sweetheart? That’s not true at all. Though her words denied it, Barbara’s reassurance did lift some of the weight off her chest.
She hadn’t known about Catherine’s connection to the Vanderbilts, but it still left a sting of disappointment at the thought of Clarence driving the car meant for her to pick up another girl.
‘But Catherine isn’t his real sister, and he has chosen her over me, I was left to catch a cab home, Seraphina thought bitterly, She had told Barbara earlier about her sweet moment with him. Now Seraphina felt a tinge of bitterness.
Seraphina went back to her own place. The savory scent of grilled chicken hit her the moment she opened the door. “Mom?” she called out.
“It’s me,” a cheerful voice rang from the kitchen. Her younger brother, Thomas Johnson, stepped out, flashing a bright smile. A stray lock of hair fell across his forehead, giving him a roguish charm straight out of a manga..
Thomas was sixteen, already towering at about six feet tall, with broad shoulders and an athletic frame. His passion for soccer had led him to a sports school, where he usually boarded, only occasionally returning home on weekends.
“Thomas, you’re back. You should have called,” Seraphina smiled as she went over and playfully tapped him on the shoulder. “It’s like you’ve gotten taller every time I see you.”
“Only by an inch,” he chuckled.
“At this rate, you’ll be a giant,” Seraphina teased. Then, glancing towards the kitchen, she asked, “Are you making grilled chicken for Dad?”
Thomas nodded. “Yeah, I only got to see him for a second on the day of his surgery, and I haven’t had a chance to visit him. I took the day off today so I could make him something nice and bring it over
“Great” Seraphina said with a smile, Tll go with you”
SEND GIFT
