"Ooh-la-la, Serena, you look so pretty, like a princess out of a fairy-tale book!" Gizel said excitedly.

"Really?" Serena asked confused. She did not really put as much effort unlike the last two balls, and just wore what has been preprepared for her. Her dress looked like Cinderella's transformed magical gown for the ball given by her fairy godmother (imagine Lily James' version), and although she admits that it looks pretty, it doesn't stand out that much to her, like it's the usual ball gown people used in the era. In fact, she thinks it's… ugh, enormous to look at.

"The dresses you alter all look great, but this one doesn't look any less beautiful. It conforms to the standard, so it's a new look for you." Via stated.

"I think no matter what you wear you still shine like a diamond!" Milly praised.

Serena wondered if perhaps her taste was just a little different. But really, she personally thinks that her altered dresses compliments her better. Anyway, she was satisfied with the gown she's wearing because with the skirt ballooning so much, Geoffrey won't be able to stand that close to her. 

"I think that you, Gizel and Milly are just fishing for compliments yourselves!" Serena teased, then added, "But you guys indeed look great." She praised. For this ball they did not have any altered dresses, just the usual also. 

"Eh!? I did not have that purpose in mind… hehehe well, thank you." Gizel said as she blushed.

"Haha! Oh wait, let's not forget about Via who will be having a date with Kylo. Hihi! Via, you excited to have your 2nd ball escorted by Kylo?" Milly asked as she fluttered her eyelashes.

Via just blushed, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Ugh, I still can't believe that Via got a boyfriend before I did. Anyway, thankfully, I don't have to have my brother escort me tonight as all the seniors had to pair up with each other as they would be the last ones to enter the ball for some dramatic effect before they perform the opening dance." Gizel said.

"Eh? How would they all pair up? I mean, I thought the boys outnumber the girls? Will the boys dance together like one person doing the girl part?" Milly asked as she laughed. Already imagining the scene in her head.

Gizel shook her head. "Well, I mean, some of the boys will just have to be announced alone, then for the opening, some of the Senior girls will have to dance twice. My brother told me that there would be no grand march for the ball. The opening dance would be performed solely by the seniors. one at the beginning to officially open the dancefloor, then another after the intermission."

"I see. Hehe, makes me kinda excited to watch them later." Milly responded.

"Yeah, me too. Anyway, Serena, Via, you ready? I think our escorts must be already waiting in the lobby."

"Oh wait." Serena said as she took out the velvet box with the necklace Charlton gave her and asked Via to help her put it on.

--

When the girls reached the lobby, they all separated to meet their partners. Serena saw Geoffrey waiting for her. Truthfully, she still felt guilty about him, and it never gets easier even with time. But well, life must go on. She already told him her piece and it's his choice whether he accepts it or not. 

She understands that he's still invested despite her words because they are still engaged even though it's only political. However, it's not like she can break it now. Though at least with only that binding them and her clearly stating that that's all it is to their relationship, perhaps, later, once the engagement gets broken, he would be able to accept her relationship with Charlton and move on with his life. 

Now, she does kinda feel like she's a real villainess in a novel when she thinks of what she's doing. Or maybe a two-faced female lead? Well, she's not that nice and she did seduce Charlton in the first place so, definitely a villainess. 

Geoffrey saw her approaching and he smiled at her as he met her halfway. 

Serena thought that sometimes his male lead aura was just so strong, but there were also times when he's just plain creepy. Tonight though, it's his male lead aura shining.

He was wearing a white doublet embroidered with silver, the collar and the hem of the sleeves only a shade lighter than the color of her dress. Funnily, they really looked like the live version of Cinderella and Prince Charming attending the ball. 

Anyway, keeping up the pretense, Serena smiled back.

--

Geoffrey's eyes lit up when he saw her. Not being able to wait till she reached him, he walked and met her halfway. 

"You look lovely." He praised honestly as he gave her a smile. 

Serena smiled back then said, "Thank you." Careful not to add some words like praising him back.

"Shall we?" Geoffrey said as he offered her his arm.

Serena nodded as she placed her hand on the inside of the bend of his elbow. 

Then they started walking.

In the midst of observing her while they walked to the venue, Geoffrey commented, "That necklace must be your favorite. I have seen you wear it a couple of times."

"Ah, yes, I do like it but I wear it a lot because my parents gave it to me as a gift when I turned 18." She replied, lying through her teeth. She should stop wearing it in front of him now that he noticed. What if he tries and finds out where she got it? 

Geoffrey nodded his head. He was thinking of trying to figure where she bought it, maybe she would appreciate it more if he bought a similar piece from the same jeweler. Then again, with her answer, perhaps the reason why she keeps wearing it was because of the sentiment behind it.

--

TBC

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