Chapter 17
Seraphina’s heart was racing, totally out of rhythm. Clarence’s kiss today felt softer than ever, and a warmth bloomed between them that was hard to put into words. Then, out of nowhere, Clarence’s phone started ringing.
After lingering on her lips for a moment longer, Clarence finally pulled back. A teasing smile played on his lips as he gently. pinched Seraphina’s rosy cheek, saying, “Time to eat.
He spotted his phone on the table and walked over to check. It was his mother calling “Hey, Mom.”
“Where are you?”
Just out.”
I’m not feeling too well. Can you come home and have dinner with me?”
Without missing a beat, Clarence replied, “Sure thing.”
He hung up and turned back to Seraphina, who had already tidied up the desk. Fiddling with his phone, he walked toward her. “Mom wants me home for dinner, so I’ll head out now. Don’t stay up too late, okay?”
“Got it,” she said, her voice sweet and obedient. Even though he had promised to have dinner with her, he had to go back to his mother. Seraphina knew she was in no place to compete with his mother.
“Make sure to always be good,” Clarence said, bending down to plant a soft kiss on her cheek, like a playful reward.
Vanderbilt Villa stood like a castle among green hills, its lights bright enough to light up half the sky. Inside the house, a massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a dazzling glow that filled the room. The classic decor made the whole living space feel grand and absolutely luxurious,
As Clarence stepped out of the elevator, he spotted Catherine ina flowing white dress skipping toward him.
“Hi, Clarry. Catherine greeted him.
“When did you get here?” Clarence asked in a cool tone.
“Just this evening, Wrapped up work early to see Marilyn,” she said, linking her arm with his, her eyes shining with excitement. “She’s craving chocolate chip cookies, and I’m about to grab some for her. There’s a new spot that’s supposed to be amazing. Wanna come with me?”
“Sure, Clarence replied.
Catherine pressed the elevator button and shook her keys with a grin. “Since you just drove, I’ll take over now.”
The next morning, Seraphina and Barbara were having breakfast in the cafeteria.
Barbara was scrolling through the news when she spotted another headline featuring Catherine and squealed. “Wow, my dear Cathy is stealing the spotlight again”
Once, Seraphina didn’t feel anything about the name. Yet now, it struck a sensitive chord, and her eyes instinctively darted Toward Barbara’s phone.
Barbara was eagerly tapping on the article, and when she looked up, there was a stunning close–up of Catherine and Clarence together. They were standing by the street, waiting in line for something–a pastry shop, it seemed
Even with a mask on, Catherine was easily recognized by the paparazzi, while Clarence stood there with nothing to cover his
Chapter 17
face, and his handsonteness,was stunning. He didn’t shy away from the camera; instead, he faced it head–on.
It was well known that Clarence usually avoided any private interaction with the media. Yet every time he was with Catherine, he didn’t mind being in the spotlight.
In one corner of the photo, a white Mercedes was parked, and the license plate looked familiar to Seraphina. It was the same car Clarence had planned to give her. She then noticed Catherine’s fingers casually holding the car keys, the iconic Mercedes emblem gleaming. It was clear that she was driving that car…
The photo was taken at night, and looking at the news content, Seraphina knew it was around the time when Clarence left her. He had said he was going home for dinner with his mother, yet he was on the street with Catherine.
Seraphina thought bitterly to herself, “Well, the big shot in Angoria actually lied to me. How ironic. He chose to ditch me again for someone else… Seraphina’s grip on her spoon tightened slightly.
Barbara caught the subtle change in Seraphina’s demeanor. She had no idea that the news she clicked would be about Catherine and Clarence. She thought it was just another update about Catherine’s life.
Even though Catherine was Clarence’s non–biological sister, her frequent outings with him made things a bit awkward for Seraphina, especially given her current relationship with Clarence.
Barbara quickly patted Seraphina’s hand. “Sera, don’t take it too hard. Clarence is probably just out shopping with Cathy
If it was just a casual outing, that would be one thing. But Seraphina was stung to know that he chose to spend time with Catherine instead of her, all the while lying about having dinner with his mother…
To Clarence, she meant nothing compared to his family. She was merely a lover willing to give herself without any right to question or challenge his choices, not even over a little lie.
Seraphina pushed down the sharp pain in her heart and forced a smile. “None of my business.” With that, she took a big bite of her bread.
“Clarence has even rented an apartment for you so you can focus on your studies. It shows he cares about you. Sera, don’t overthink it, okay?” Barbara said, trying to comfort her.
Seraphina just responded with a nod and continued eating her breakfast. Yeah, I won’t overthink it, nor do I have the right to, she thought.
After class, Seraphina returned to the apartment Clarence had rented for her. After telling Judy what she wanted for dinner, she went back to her room to study. As she closed the door, she overheard Judy speaking on the phone with Clarence, her voice low. “Ms. Johnson is back. Sir, are you coming over? Okay, Ill prepare an extra dinner.
From their conversation, it sounded like Clarence was on his way. Seraphina gently shut her door. She sat down at her desk and settled in to read for a bit. About an hour later, she heard Judy’s cheerful voice outside. Clarence had arrived.
Seraphina closed her book and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear just as the door swung open, and Clarence walked in, radiating warmth.
His face was so handsome that it was easy to forget–or even forgive–everything he’d done to her. Seraphina’s tantrums from earlier seemed to vanish in the light of his smile. How could she possibly complain about someone this good–looking? Clarence stepped beside her, the fresh scent of mint enveloping them both, creating a comforting atmosphere,
He reached out, easually draped his arm around her shoulders, and asked, “How many days left until the SAT?” Leaning against his strong, warm chest, Seraphina felt her heart race. Her worries melted away as she replied softly. “Five days”
“Relax. Don’t feel stressed. Just do your best,” he said, giving her shoulder a gentle pat, his tone suddenly teasing. “Even if you
Chapter 17
don’t get into college, I take care of you.”
Seraphina froze. His last comment caught her completely off guard. She stared at Clarence, wide–eyed.
He flashed a charming smile, leaned down, and pressed a soft kids to her lips. “You’re my little lover. Shouldn’t I take care of you?”
Seraphina didn’t know how to respond, her face flushing red. Her heart felt wrapped in layers of warmth, as if she could just
float away.
“He said he wanted to take care of me… What sweet and comforting words. So, he does still care about me, right?‘ Seraphina wondered.
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