Chapter 67
In the morning, when Seraphina was having breakfast with Clarence, he got a call from Karen. Marilyn was not feeling well these two days, and Clarence was going to accompany her for a few days.
“Il come back to be with you once Mom is feeling better, Clarence said as he wrapped his arm around Seraphina and kissed her on the forehead. “Find something to keep yourself busy. Go on a trip if you like. Here’s my card. Use it as you please”
“Got it Seraphina smiled.
Clarence left
Sunlight streamed warmly through the floor–to–ceiling windows, but Seraphina suddenly felt hollow. While it seemed glamorous on the surface, this kind of life was so empty it could drive a person mad. She continued her breakfast, habitually scrolling through the news on her phone.
The entertainment headlines featured bold letters [Famous Director Kemp Gissing casts newcomer Frank Cissing as lead actor in his film. The photo anached was of Kemp and Frank, their resemblance striking. One could tell they were father and son at one glance.
Frank looked handsome and composed. Though he was new to the scene, his popularity was already soaring. The comment section had nearly ten thousand posts, most praising his good looks.
In the entertainment world, appearance was everything. Added to that, a famous director for a father, and it was almost impossible not to rise to fame.
Seraphina would’ve skimmed past this type of news in the past as it had nothing to do with her. But ever since she met Lucia and learned more about her brother, Seraphina started to take notice. She read on. Scrolling down the page, she saw a photo of Catherine
The article hinted that Catherine would likely be the lead actress in Kemp’s new film.
In the picture, Catherine was smiling, impossibly beautiful. A faint dimple played at the corner of her mouth, making her smile even sweeter and more approachable.
She had been in the industry for several years, her popularity unwavering. With decent acting skills and a gentle, elegant public persona, she had won the hearts of many. But was that really the whole story?
Four days had passed, and Clarence still hadn’t returned to the villa, spending all his time with.Marilyn. Though he called Seraphina every day to keep her updated on his whereabouts, facing the emptiness of the large villa alone left her feeling low.
Jennifer was still on a business trip in Aurelian, Lucia was constantly flying from place to place, Thomas had gone to Kingsland for training, and Barbara was busy with work. Everyone close to Seraphina had their own lives while she was left with nothing but idle time.
Seraphina found herself growing more and more discontented with this hollow lifestyle. But Clarence didn’t want her to work. What choice did she have?
Seraphina decided to go shopping. She opened her wardrobe. Staring at the rows of brand–new clothes, she had no idea what to wear. When it came to clothing and food, she never had to worry. Sharon regularly sent new outfits to fill up her
dover
The walk–in wardrobe, spanning dozens of square feet, was almost overflowing. Yet, the more lavish Seraphina’s life became, the more empty she felt
Seraphina randomly picked a dress and put it on. Sitting at her inity, she began to apply light makeup but suddenly froze.
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She thought, I still look beautiful, but why do my eyes seem so feless? Dull, like a woman left waiting for her husband’s return, only to be forgotten
Seraphina was startled. The confidence that used to shine in her gaze had vanished entirely. She thought, ‘Is this really the
life I want?
No amount of makeup could bring vitality back to the ghost of Seraphina staring back at her. Where am I supposed to go from here? she thought. Her phone rang, snapping her out of her sudden wave of melancholy. It was Clarence.
Seraphina stared at his name on the screen for a moment before picking up, her tone a little flat. “Hello.”
Clarence immediately noticed something was off. “What’s wrong
“Nothing Seraphina quickly pulled herself together, “I was just about to put on some makeup and go shopping.”
“With whom Clarence asked
Seraphina thought for a moment and realized she had no one to call.
The silence on the other end tightened something in Clarence’s chest. She must have felt alone in that villa while he stayed with Marilyn these past few days. “I’ll come over tonight,” he said gently.
Hearing that lifted Seraphina’s spirits a little. Is your mom feeling better?
“It’s her old issue. Clarence paused briefly, then reminded her gently, “Go shopping first. Buy whatever you want. Don’t hold back on my account. Once you’re done, I’ll come pick you up.”
“Alright” Seraphina hung up the phone. Although Clarence’s promise to return brightened her mood a little, the heaviness still lingered. No matter how cherished a lover might be, loneliness was always the closest companion
With no one else to call, Seraphina decided to message Barbara As it happened, Barbara was already out running errands and didn’t need to return to the office, so they agreed to meet on the pedestrian street
“Sweetheart, I just received a bonus. Quite a hefty one. So let me treat you to a fancy meal Barbara’s voice boomed with excitement over the phone.
Barbara was always generous, so Seraphina didn’t turn her down Alright, let’s go to Fine Taste for some steak” It was the best steakhouse in Angoria, where a single steak could cost 300 dollars.
“No problem, Barbara replied.
Seraphina asked, “How much was your bonus, anyway?”
“Three thousand dollars, Barbara announced with flair. “So, treating you to a 300–dollar steak? Easy. Even though you’re now Mr. Vanderbilt’s little sweetheart and probably don’t care about expensive dinners like this, it’s still my treat
Seraphina said, “Even if I don’t care, I’ll still take you up on this meal.
Barbara replied, “Cood, good. See you on the pedestrian street
Seraphina had Kenneth drive her to the meeting spot. By the time she arrived, Barbara was already there, sitting on a bench waiting for her.
When Barbara saw Seraphina approaching in her designer outfit she sighed dramatically, “Honey, I’m starting to feel like a 300–dollar steak doesn’t even match the level of class you’ve got going on right now.”
Seraphina playfully pinched Barbara. “If you keep talking like that, I won’t speak to you anymore.”
“I’m just kidding, but…” Harbara looped her arm through Seraphia’s and lowered her voice. “I’m really curious about how
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you and Mr. Vanderbilt got back together. Sera, you sneaking around behind my back. It’s heartbreaking, you know?”
Seraphina said, “I just didn’t get a chance to tell you. You know never intentionally keep something like that from you.” Barbara replied, “Well, you’re going to spill everything over dinner.”
They headed toward Fine Taste, but as they neared the entrance, they noticed a crowd gathering outside, watching something with interest.
Did something happen at Fine Taste?” Barbara wondered aloud,
“I doubt it, Seraphina replied. “There aren’t any police cars.
They squeezed into the crowd, but just as they managed to get through, a girl in a T–shirt stepped forward to stop them. “Sorry, could you please step back? We’re about to start filming. Thanks.”
“Filming Barbara asked. “You’re shooting a scene at Fine Taste?
Yep, the girl answered.
“But we’re here for lunch, Barbara protested.
The girl replied. “Our production crew rented out the restaurant for the afternoon. It’s closed to the public today
“Ugh… Barbara groaned. I came all this way just for a steak. I’ve been craving it for weeks, and now you’re telling me I can’t have any
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