Come Valentine's day, almost all the establishments in the capital were playing the songs of Serena and Charlton on repeat. It was crazy. Some even posted the discs cover on their see-through glass window to attract more customers.
Of course, our main characters did not know what was happening outside their school.
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"Serena! You wouldn't believe this. My parents came all the way from Militeia to see you! However, the are asking me for a little favor… Uhm, I hope you don't take this negatively, but they really wanted to purchase the golden ticket to the event, but it was already sold out. Ah…"
"No worries. I will be receiving 5 tickets from Mr. Easton and supposedly I will be giving you, Milly, and, Via one each and 2 for my parents. However, when I wrote to mother, she told me that Mr. Easton has already sent them an invite. So, I still have 2 to spare. I will give it to you once I receive them." She replied.
"Wow! Thank you ever so much Serena! You're the best!" Gizel replied. Looking around Serena's room she saw a bouquet of tulips. "Did that come from Prince charming? By the way, does he have a ticket already?"
Serena smiled awkwardly, not wanting to talk about the flowers, she just answered the other question, "He told me that he received an invite from Mr. Easton too."
"I see. Anyways, I'll get going now. I have to write back to my mother, they are staying at the Ritz now. She will be over the moon."
Serena laughed. "You're exaggerating. But please do send my regards and please do tell that I truly appreciate them coming all the way here just to support their daughter's friend."
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On the 16th of February, just like Edward Easton said, Serena and Charlton received their respective letters indicating the confirmed time and venue of the event along with 5 tickets each. The tickets were more like invites with fancy designs. It was made of expensive looking stationary where edges and the letters were embossed in gold. The event will be held at the Langham hotel from 2:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon.
Serena distributed the tickets to her friends. The girls were so excited. They still can't believe that their friend is now a superstar. Serena on her part felt that it was all too surreal.
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Charlton read through the letter he received from Edward. After, he opened one of the tickets. He couldn't help but smile sadly as he gently caressed his and Serena's name. He knew that what was between them were already over but it still gave him some sort of happiness to see their name side by side.
He sighed then shook his head, why was he even torturing himself? He closed the invitation looking ticket again as he started to pen a letter. His mother who was already in town instructed him to send all the tickets he would be receiving to her. Although she received an invite, she wanted to boast amongst her friends.
After he finished writing the letter, he called Jack to have it delivered. He enclosed 4 tickets while he kept 1 for himself. At least he will still have a memento.
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On the 18th of February, Serena dressed herself in a more professional manner. It was a signing event, and she doesn't want anyone checking out her figure. However, she still wanted to project a fashionable character, so she altered the usual volumed skirt by removing the bustle which expands and supports the fullness of a woman's dress at the back. She also removed the trains, so that her dress did not drag on the ground. In the end, her skirt gave her a graceful, curved, A-line silhouette. Her top on the other hand, was white in color, had long sleeves, and a ruffled collar. She chose to wear a black ribbon on top of the blouse's fabric on her neck while her hair was left loose. She smiled at the mirror. The attire was a little plain, but it was different, and the fabrics used were very good. Also, the contrast of its simplicity made her beauty shine more.
"I don't know what you did but you look very beautiful despite the simplicity." Her mother, Celine commented. "I think you should add these though." she said handing her a pair of 2 carat diamond studs.
Serena smiled and wore them. Her parents have arrived at noon. They told her that they wanted to visit her and wish her luck first before they head to the event. After a short pep talk, they left at 12:30 to be at the hotel earlier. They wanted to be the first to arrive.
At 1:15 in the afternoon, Serena was ready to leave. Mr. Easton instructed in the letter that she and Charlton should arrive only a few minutes earlier, better if just on time. The Langham hotel was 30 minutes by carriage from their school, so she and Leonard decided to leave by 1:25.
Leonard was her escort for the day. Geoffrey wanted to, but she declined by giving the reason that he had too many guards. It was a public setting and seeing her surrounded by them might give the impression that she thought herself as some diva.
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Charlton on the other hand has prepared himself for the day. He did not want to look like he was competing with Serena for attention, so he chose to wear a formal black and white combination as his attire. However, they were still low-key luxurious.
He had his hair slicked back with a side part. He had to admit though, he looked good and gentlemanly. At the very least, he won't look too shabby standing next to Serena. Although they were no longer together, at least for this day, he can pretend that they still were.
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As their schedule to arrive at the venue were the same, Serena and Charlton's carriage unintentionally met at the gates of their school. Thus, it looked like they were on convoy on the way to the venue.
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TBC