After Serena became more honest to herself, she felt much better. She started planning her moves but could only get frustrated. How could she seduce her way back to him when she never gets the opportunity?

For an instance, at the orphanage during lunch, she wanted to try and sit with Charlton. However, Leonard was at the vicinity, so that plan went spiraling down before she can even act on it. Aside from that, unlike before where no one would think anything much of her action, this time, everyone with close ties to herself and Charlton were against their relationship because of Geoffrey.

Talking about Geoffrey, Serena was just getting the right timing to tell him that she doesn't see him that way and she just wants to focus on her studies and career as of the moment. Hopefully, he'll get where she's getting at. It was not like she can tell him that she was targeting to have his cousin back as her lover at the side. 

In the end, she decided that she will make her move during the spring ball. She will make sure that he won't be able to escape her clutches when that time comes.

--

"Leonard and Serena, have you had the dance card for next week prepared?" Joan asked while in the meeting.

Leonard looked at Serena who hoarded that responsibility to herself.

Serena on her part grinned, proud of her work. Unlike last time where Mary and Gina were the ones who took responsibility because of Leonard tricking her, this time she made sure that she would handle it herself. She did get some help from her friends though.

"Yes, I have brought a sample set here with me. Please kindly get one and pass." She said as she brought out 10 sets of dance cards for ladies and gentlemen each.

The dance cards for the ladies were encased in mother of pearl and ormolu, embellished with flowers and flowery interlacing. It was engraved with the word "Spring" and decorated with branches and an enamel flower. The cord was in gold. On the other hand, the one for their counterpart was a single page cardboard. Not that she discriminated, but men do not really care much about the fancy stuff. They just stuff it somewhere in their coat.

"This is so beautiful Serena! I'm sure all the girls will love it!" Mary exclaimed as she looked through it.

Gina who was also so excited opened it and read the order of dances. "'Can't help falling in love' for the waltz? Isn't that your song, Serena?"

Serena smiled and nodded. Yes, she particularly had that one added after she decided to get back together with Charlton. She even carefully placed the song before the intermission. Actually, the initial program did not include that. She had to scrap everything that has been printed before hand and pretend that they never existed. Anyway, she had a lot of money to spare, and no one will know what she did.

"Wow! I, for one, am so excited to dance that number. It's getting tiring to dance the same songs over and over anyway. Also, I believe that everyone else will be looking forward to it. Great job!" Artemis remarked giving her the thumbs up.

After everyone praised the dance cards, Geoffrey cleared his throat to get everyone's attention back.

"Alright, since we're done discussing the last-minute details of the ball, we should now move on to the schedule regarding the fundraising. Due to the tight schedule, both projects will be convened on the 15th of April. We will have the concerto first, then after that, we will all travel to Columbia recording company's studio. I have already spoken with Charlton regarding their venue to ensure convenience in terms of travelling time."

Seeing that no one was raising any concern on that, he continued. "Now, before the actual recording, we need to familiarize everyone with the song and provide vocal guidance. Since there would be 21 of us, by the way, I included Charlton on the list thus the increase in number, I have selected the 8th of April for our first rehearsal."

"Don't we have to go to the orphanage on the 8th? Also, we need to talk to the children on that day as the concerto would be on the week after." Douglas raised. He was particularly invested on the concerto as he was also helping Emily with that.

Geoffrey paused to think, "How about this, the rehearsal would be scheduled after lunch. So, everyone can go to the orphanage first, then come back to school by noon. Is that agreeable?"

Douglas nodded his head. "Fair enough."

Serena just wanted to do an eye roll. Douglas was a cannon fodder just asking to be squashed. Anyway, whatever he wanted to do was none of her business.

After that, as there were no more matters to be discussed, the meeting was adjourned.

--

"Serena, please wait a moment." Geoffrey said when she was about to exit the door.

Serena stopped walking, while in her head she thought that if not because of Leonard, she would have changed her seat's location so that she can escape this kind of encounter easier. Anyway, not wanting to be rude, she turned to face Geoffrey.

Leonard felt it was awkward for him to stay so he left.

Seeing that they were alone, Geoffrey walked to where she was. Then he smiled at her.

"I was thinking of ways on asking you, but in the end, I realized that it's best to just ask you straight out. Serena, I would really like to escort you to the Spring ball, would you let me?"

Serena can only smile apologetically. "I'm sorry, like last time, I already have Leonard as my partner."

"I see…" he said. While at the back of his mind, he was thinking of talking to Leonard. 

Serena looked at Geoffrey's expression. If he was disappointed, he did not let it show. He just smiled at her and nodded. "If that's it then…"

"Would you mind having lunch with me?" Geoffrey asked.

Serena shook her head, "I'm sorry, I already made plans with the girls."

Geoffrey wanted to furrow his brows. Was she avoiding him? Or was she playing the cat and mouse game with him? Trying to maintain a straight face he nodded his head. Anyway, he doesn't mind taking things slow. Where else will she go? They were engaged.

"Then, I'll go ahead." Serena finished. She felt a little guilty but perhaps if she acts this way, he will get the hint.     

--

TBC

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