Chapter 25
Seraphina stood frozen for a couple of seconds before turning around, trailing behind the two with a smile that never faded. Now, watching their intimate interactions, she wouldn’t be sad like she did five years ago.
On the third floor, the spacious walk–in closet was lined with high–end clothes, shoes, and bags, many of which still bore their tags.
Seraphina tossed a few outfits onto a sofa and turned to Catherine. “Ms. Howard, which one do you want to try first?”
“Whatever,” Catherine replied casually.
With that, Seraphina opened the first bag and handed the clothes to Catherine. Catherine took them and headed to the bedroom to change.
Clarence lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, and his gaze focused on the lighter in his hand. He flicked it on and off, the crisp clicks echoing in the quiet room.
wandered up Seraphina stood by his side, her hands resting in front of her, looking elegant. Beneath her knee–length fitted skirt were two catch the curve of sun–kissed legs, one knee adorned with a Band–Aid from a recent injury. Clarence’s her waist, which was smooth and alluring.
eyes
to
Suddenly, he paused as a long–forgotten memory flashed into his mind–a girl stretching after sitting too long, her side profile so enticing that he couldn’t help but pull her close for a deep kiss. The feeling of her nestled against his arm, this blissful calm of her sleeping soundly beside him also came rushing back…
Catherine soon emerged from the walk–in closet in a slightly snug dress that showcased her curves beautifully, exuding a captivating allure.
“What do you think, Clarry?” she asked.
Clarence, still nonchalant, flicked the lighter again, a lazy grin playing on his lips. “It’s not good. Send it back.”
Catherine and Seraphina exchanged puzzled looks. Catherine had rocked that dress, yet he was unimpressed.
“Got a problem with it, Ms. Johnson?” Clarence inquired, raising an eyebrow.
“Not at all,” Seraphina replied with a smile.
Clarence then said, “Alright, let’s move on to the next one.”
Seraphina unwrapped another outfit, handing it to Catherine, who obediently went off to change again.
A few minutes later, Catherine walked back and handed the clothes she’d just changed out of to Seraphina. “Sorry, Ms. Johnson, my brother isn’t into this one,” she said politely, implying that her choices were dictated by Clarence.
Seraphina accepted the clothes with a smile. “No worries, everyone has different tastes.”
“Clarry, what about this one?” Catherine asked again.
She was now wearing a pale yellow dress that had a youthful vibe to it. It was the kind of dress any girl would love to wear to feel young and fresh.
But Clarence shot it down. “Not classy enough. Send it back.”
Catherine was at a loss for words.
Seraphina smirked as she heard that. She hadn’t caught on to Clarence’s game a while ago, but it was crystal clear now. He’d
Chapter 25
come up with every excuse in the book to reject all the clothes she’d just brought.
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“Try the next one,” Clarence ordered. Catherine sighed silently. Clarence’s word was law, so she went off to try another outfit.
Catherine sighed silently. Clarence’s word was law, so she went off to try another outfit.
Just as Seraphina had predicted, every single piece was met with Clarence’s disapproval, and soon, Catherine was sweating under the pressure of his critiques.
Truth be told, she didn’t even need to wear these clothes. She’d picked them out as part of her plan to land Vantique’s endorsement.
Clarence’s insistence on making her try them on was just a way to mess with Seraphina. That meant he cared about Seraphina, and he remembered her deeply.
Catherine felt a pang in her chest. She was just a pawn in their awkward game. Suddenly, jealousy flared up inside her.
But with Clarence around, she couldn’t let any of that show. So she kept trying on one outfit after another, fully aware that he’d end up rejecting them all. Still, she pushed through, determined to maintain her obedient persona in front of him.
Not only that, after Clarence dismissed the last dress, Catherine turned to Seraphina, putting on a faux apologetic look. “Sorry, Ms. Johnson, but it looks like we’re returning everything.”
Seraphina flashed a mild smile, knowing full well this was the outcome she’d anticipated.
“That’s alright,” she smiled. “We’ve got plenty of new styles. Ms. Howard, you can check out our website, and we can send over some fresh picks. I’m sure we’ll find something that suits you perfectly.”
Before Catherine could respond, Clarence let out a mocking snort. “Vantique’s designs are worse than third–rate brands. Cathy, you’re a top–tier star now, so stop settling for such mediocre stuff that drags you down.”
Catherine forced a smile, determined to keep her image intact. “Honestly, they’re not bad, just not really my style today.” Seraphina quietly gathered the clothes, her demeanor calm and unbothered.
“Yeah, sure,” Clarence replied. “Aren’t you in a rush for an event? You should hurry up and change.”
Catherine’s heart sank. ‘Is Clarence rushing me out? This is my home. Does he want to make room for Seraphina?‘ she thought.
The thought stung, but she masked it with a gracious smile, feigning innocence. “Alright, I’ll go change. We can leave together later.”
Clarence said nothing but picked up a pack of cigarettes from the table and lit one. Catherine grabbed another outfit and went back to her bedroom.
Seraphina took her time, methodically putting the discarded clothes back in the bags. She radiated a calm confidence, seemingly tuning out the tension between her and Clarence.
The three of them once knew each other, yet now, they played the part of strangers.
Catherine bit her cheek, shooting Seraphina a cold glance before stepping into the bedroom. Silence hung thick in the air
after Catherine left.
Clarence leaned back on the sofa to smoke, his indifferent gaze cutting through the thin veil of smoke to land on Seraphina. She’d shed some of her youthful naivety, replaced by a more alluring femininity, her presence even more captivating now.
Five years, over 1500 days had passed, and he still remembered her.
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Chapter 25
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The moment he laid eyes on her that day by the lake, he recognized her instantly. She burst forth from his buried memories, reminding him of their tangled past and of the fact that she was the first woman to boldly walk away from him.
When she said goodbye, she carried herself like a queen, showing him not an ounce of regret. She was such a heartless and infuriating woman.
Clarence’s jaw tightened, and his gaze on Seraphina cooled even further. Though she was the one who left, to him, she was just a toy he had long since lost interest in.
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Chapter 26
