Our Love 99

Chapter 99
Clarence didn’t respond right away.
Seraphina sat quietly, waiting.
A waiter approached with a tray. “Miss, would you like something to drink?”
Seraphina picked up a glass of juice. Thank you. She glanced at her phone. Clarence still hadn’t replied.
Seraphina sipped her juice silently. A couple of handsome men came over to greet her, but she responded with only a brief, cool acknowledgment. Seeing her aloofness, they didn’t linger and left politely.
After Seraphina finished her drink, the waiter returned just in time for her to place the empty glass on the tray.
“Would you like another. Miss?” the waiter asked with a courteous smile.
“No, thank you.” Seraphina replied. She picked up her phone again and checked WhatsApp. Still no message from Clarence. Though her heart had been calm, a small wave of unease rose.
Seraphina thought. The ballroom is filling up fast. The event seems about to start. It’s unlikely that Clarence hasn’t arrived yet; after all, he is supposed to lead the opening dance..
Even if he hadn’t shown up, knowing his thoughtful nature, he would have at least messaged me to let me know his whereabouts and set my mind at ease. But his complete silence-what could it mean?”
Seraphina had sensed something off with Clarence the past few days, and now that unsettling feeling crept back. After a moment’s hesitation, she decided to call him again. Just as she was about to dial, she heard a stir in the crowd. “Ms. Howard
One said, “Welcome, Ms. Howard.”
Another said, “Ms. Howard looks stunning.”
One asked. “Is Ms. Howard here alone?
“I think she’s Mr. Vanderbilt’s date, someone added.
It wasn’t until then that Seraphina realized who everyone was talking about. She looked toward the entrance. A young woman in an elegant black dress walked in gracefully, drawing all eyes toward her. It was none other than Catherine. With her close association with the Vanderbilt family, she was sure to command attention.
Catherine waved softly to the crowd, her smile delicate and graceful. After exchanging a few pleasantries with some familiar elites, she saw Seraphina standing in the corner. She approached with a faint smile. “Sera”
Seraphina responded with a small smile.
“Why are you here alone?” Catherine asked, glancing around. “Has Clarry not arrived yet?”
Seraphina simply nodded.
“He usually makes a grand entrance, saving himself for the final moment, Catherine said with a light laugh. “It must be hard for you to wait alone. But, for him to bring you to such an important event shows just how much you mean to him.
“You know, he never has a date for these occasions. When it’s absolutely necessary, Lucia and I step in as stand-ins. Soon, I probably won’t even have that role anymore. You’ll be his permanent date, I suppose.”
Seraphina smiled slightly but said nothing.
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Catherine didn’t seen bothered by Seraphina’s quietness, continuing. I’m guessing the time for him to introduce you to his mother is drawing near.
Catherine reached out and gently clasped Seraphina’s hand, her expression warm and kind. “There’s no need to be nervous. His mother is an easygoing woman. While she may already have someone in mind as a potential wife for Clarry, she’ll accept whoever he chooses. After all, he’s her only son, and she respects his decisions.”
Seraphina’s thoughts trailed off. That seemingly casual remark. She may already have someone in mind as a potential wife for Clarry,” wasn’t as casual as it appeared. Catherine had said it intentionally, Catherine wanted Seraphina to understand that her road ahead with Clarence wouldn’t be easy.
Seraphina gently withdrew her hand from Catherine’s grasp and said calmly, “I haven’t given it much thought.” And she hadn’t. In a world of such elite wealth and privilege, how could a Cinderella with nothing to her name fit in? She was simply cherishing the time she had with Clarence.
“You two have such a strong bond. Anything is possible, Catherine remarked.
Seraphina didn’t respond.
Just then, a ripple moved through the crowd. From one end of the room, a group of people emerged, led by Clarence in crisp white suit, his presence effortlessly commanding attention Walking beside him were members of the charity committee, who clearly held him in high regard.
The moment Clarence appeared, all conversations ceased, and applause echoed through the room, celebrating the arrival of the most powerful man in Angoria.
Seraphina thought. He must have been with the charity committee earlier, which is why he hadn’t been able to answer my calls or reply to my messages
Seraphina watched Clarence, standing head and shoulders above the crowd, and couldn’t help but smile. He was truly exceptional in every sense of the word
With his entrance, everything around him seemed to dim in comparison. He was the undeniable center of attention- dazzling, noble, and far beyond anyone’s reach. And yet, she was the one he shared his nights with, the closest to him. That thought warmed Seraphina’s heart, and a quiet sense of pride and accomplishment rose within her.
“Clarry is really handsome” Catherine praised from beside Seraphina. “Honestly, only someone with your looks, Sera, could match him.”
Seraphina wasn’t sure how to respond. She thought, “How much sincerity lay behind her compliment?
Just then, the host took the stage, delivering the routine opening remarks. Toward the end, he announced, “Tonight, our charity committee will be hosting a grand ball, and to open the dance, we have the most talented and distinguished young man of Angoria, Clarence Vanderbilt. Let’s welcome Mr. Vanderbilt
The host started clapping, and the crowd followed with enthusiastic applause.
Clarence stepped forward in his white suit, exuding grace and charm. With a wave of his hand, he acknowledged the crowd. “Thank you?
The host asked, “It seems. Mr. Vanderbilt, that you have arrived alone tonight. Could you be planning to dance the opening number by yourself?”
“Of course not, Clarence replied calmly, scanning the room before landing on Seraphina.
Everyone followed Clarence’s gaze. Soon, all eyes were on Seraphina.
One exclaimed, “So, that beautiful lady is Mr. Vanderbilt’s dance partner
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Another added. “No wonder she stands out. She’s Mr. Vanderbilts companion.”
One said, “Well, not necessarily. Maybe he’s looking at Ms. Howard instead.”
Another replied, “That’s true”
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The whispered speculations drifted through the room, but Seraphina paid them no mind. Who Clarence’s dance was, she knew better than anyone. She had spent the past month learning ballroom dancing just for this moment, to shine by his side.
Clarence was already walking toward Seraphina, all eyes following his every move. His gaze was locked on hers, with a depth that was impossible to decipher.
Seraphina looked at Clarence an