Chapter 35
Clarence said with a smile, “If you forgot, no biggie. I’ll teach you again.”
Seraphina gave a soft chuckle and said nothing. Getting her implication, he then dove into the details of table etiquette–the utensil for each dish and the order of things.
After he finished, Seraphina shrugged and asked, “Is your everyday life always this exhausting?”
Clarence’s expression turned serious. “It doesn’t have to be this formal with me, but you need to know the rules. When I take you to events, I don’t want to hear anyone say my girl is just some country bumpkin.”
His words made her heart race, and she wondered. He wants to take me to events? He said I was his girl?”
Despite reminding herself to take his words with a grain of salt, how could she not feel a little flutter at his earnestness? Jus then, there was a soft knock, and the waiter opened the door, rolling in a cart filled with an array of dishes.
Just then, there was a soft knock, and the waiter opened the door, rolling in a cart filled with an array of dishes.
The waiter laid out exquisite pastries, ice cream, fresh fruit and vegetable salads, tasty crepes, and warm bread–an absolute
feast
The main course consisted of two steaks on white china plates, drizzled with black pepper sauce, accompanied by a perfectly fried egg that looked almost like jelly–so tender and enticing. The aroma wafted through the air, making their mouths water
The waiter poured the decanted red wine into sparkling glasses, and Clarence handed one to Seraphina, looking at her with warmth. Today marks our real beginning. It may be late, but it’s going to be beautiful.”
Seraphina thought. ‘Indeed, this night should have happened five years ago. Five years isn’t a short time, so it can be called
late.
With a slight smile, she clinked her glass against his, the rich red liquid shimmering luxuriously in the light.
She took a sip but instantly frowned. She knew Clarence was drinking some of the finest red wine in the world, undoubtedly pricey. But she had never tasted anything like it. The flavor was beyond her description.
Noticing her reaction, Clarence frowned in confusion. “What’s wrong? Is something off?”
Seraphina bit her lip and whispered, “Could I add some soda or Coke to it? To mix it?”
“Stop wasting good stuff. Clarence shot Seraphina a glance and said, “Looks like I need to have Sharon sign you up for some etiquette classes to teach you a thing or two about socializing
*Really? You wanna turn me into some socialite?” Seraphina rolled her eyes and said firmly, “No need. I’m just fine being me, thanks”
Clarence’s gaze softened a bit. Even though she was defying him he wasn’t angry. Instead, he chuckled, draping his arTIN around her shoulders and pulling her closer. He then whispered in her ear. “That’s exactly why I like you.”
Seraphina’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Lake? It’s the first time he has ever used that word with me
Blushing, she looked up at Clarence, but he seemed totally casu, as if saying he liked her was just an offhand comment.
Her spirits dipperl a little. She was being loolish to take his word seriously
Clarence wasn’t one for chitchat during meals, so their conversation was minimal. As the yacht glided across the ocean, the gentle waves reflected the lights like scattered diamonds
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13.33 Wed, Oct 30
Chapter 35
After dinner, Clarence wrapped his arm around Seraphina as they left the dining room. The corridor was quiet and long. and as he strolled with her nestled against his chest, she caught hint of his subtle minty scent and felt the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, which echoed against her own.
In that unspoken understanding, they remained silent, but the stillness felt warm. They stopped in front of an elegant door, and Clarence pushed it open, a wave of fragrance enveloping them. It was the scent of roses.
Seraphina recalled reading in a novel that rose scent could be quite intoxicating. So…before she could ponder further. Clarence gently pushed her against the wall. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and nervousness, making her all the more endearing,
“Did you watch those?” he asked.
Seraphina glanced down, knowing exactly what he was referring to–the videos. Her cheeks flushed instantly as she pouted, and she shot him a playful glare. That look broke Clarence’s restraint. He leaned down and captured her tempting lips in a deep kiss.
In the blink of an eye. Clarence swept Seraphina up into his artes and within a few strides, laid her gently on the bed, leaning down to kiss her. The window was still open, letting in the soft sea breeze, making the sheer curtains flutter like wispy clouds.
With Clarence kissing her more passionately than ever, Seraphina closed her eyes, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. The moment she had waited for five long years had finally arrived
The next morning, Seraphina woke up to find the sun shining high in the sky. As she turned over, her body felt achy all over. Next to her was an empty space–Clarence had apparently gotten up without her noticing.
After a night of such intensity, how did he have the energy to rise so early? She couldn’t help but feel a little anxious about how her small frame would keep up in the future
Lost in thought, she recalled the tenderness of last night and pulled the blanket over her blushing face.
After lying there for a while, Seraphina finally got out of bed, slipped into one of the new dresses Clarence had laid out for her, and walked to the window.
The yacht was still floating on the sea, and the morning sun cast brilliant glow across the blue waters. Gentle waves rolled beneath, while seabirds soared through the sky, and the fresh scent of the morning breeze filled the air.
As she stretched, lost in the beauty of the vast ocean, she suddenly froze. From the blue depths, a dark figure shot up like at
fish
When the person took off his goggles, she noticed it was Clarence. Dressed in a wetsuit and carrying an oxygen tank, he had clearly just come up from a dive.
She couldn’t help but think. Diving this early in the morning? His stamina is seriously impressive
As Clarence turned toward the cabin, he spotted Seraphina. A smile broke on his face, and he blew her a playful kiss.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but smile back.
Clarence then waved at her cheerfully.
Seraphina noticed he was holding something small in his hand, but it was too tiny to make out clearly.
He pointed at the yacht, then put his goggles back on and love back into the water to swim back.
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13:33 Wed, Oct 30
Chapter 38
Seraphina stepped out of her room and came onto the deck. Just then, Clarence emerged from the water, pulling off his oxygen tank and shedding his wetsuit to reveal only a pair of black swim trunks as he approached her.
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