After the day in the orphanage, the days flew by and soon it was Saturday. At around 7:20 in the morning, Serena waited for Charlton's black carriage without insignia at an inconspicuous corner they chose as their meeting place to avoid people seeing them together. After a minute, it arrived to pick her up.
Charlton opened the door. Last time, he went down to assist her, but Serena insisted that next time he should not. They need to minimize the chance of people seeing them together.
Anyway, Charlton outstretched his hand to help her up, but Serena handed him a basket and a bag.
"What's these?" he asked as he placed it on the seat in front then offered his hand again.
"Extra clothes, and what I will prepare for our lunch later." She replied as she grabbed his hand.
Charlton chuckled as he pulled her up. He sat her on his lap, closed the door and kissed her. "I just want to cancel the appointment at Columbia's already. Felt so long since we've been like this."
Serena giggled as she moved from his lap to sit beside him. The carriage was starting to get bumpy because of the cobbled streets. "Well, my man has to work. Later you will have a warm meal to look forward to."
"Are you sure that you want to wait in the house?" Charlton asked. Although he liked the idea of her waiting for him in their place, the thought of her alone there still made him worry.
"Yes, so you have to try and finish things early, so I won't be lonely for too long." Serena teased. When Charlton invited her to join the meeting with the instrumentalists, she declined. Although she can help them with the song a little, she was a little lazy and had something else in mind. Besides, she trusts that Charlton can manage everything about the melody and harmony.
Charlton tapped her nose, "I will pretend that I don't have an idea about what's running in your head."
Serena laughed as she recalled what they did in that house 2 weeks ago. Ah, the drastic improvement from a couch which she was not very sure was sanitized to a bed. What can she say? New house, new life!
--
After almost an hour, the carriage halted in front of their house. The neighborhood was quiet and not seeing people around as it was a Saturday morning, Charlton helped Serena down the carriage. They walked to the house, then he unlocked door.
The two of them entered and Serena can't help but appreciate the added furniture which she selected herself. It looked better in person than in the catalogue. The only thing lacking now is some personal feel, but they were being careful so there were no photographs of them in display.
"The people who arranged the furniture did a good job." Serena smiled as she looked around. Although the exterior of the house looked simple, inside, it was quite luxurious. At first it was also simple but with the new furniture, carpets in the hall and the living room, plus other interior décor, the difference was like night and day.
Charlton also smiled as he observed her, "I'm glad that you're satisfied with the changes. Ugh, I don't want to go yet, but I'm gonna be late if I don't start moving. Columbia's is still three quarters of an hour journey from here. Will you walk me out?"
Serena nodded her head, then they walked towards the door.
"Lock the door after I leave and don't open it for anyone okay? I have a copy of the key so when I return, I will use that. Although the reason I chose this place instead of some outskirt villa is because it feels more secure having neighbors, I'm still a bit worried." Charlton said like he was some father leaving his child for the first time alone in the house.
"I'm not a kid. Don't worry, I can handle myself here. Also, later in the future, I might come and spend some time here while you're at work." Serena explained as she hugged his waist.
Charlton sighed, "Okay."
Serena nodded then she kissed his lips. "I love you!"
Charlton deepened the kiss and hugged her as he whispered, "I love you too." Then he groaned.
She felt his erection, but only shook her head. They both knew he has an appointment to keep. So, she untangled her arms from his waist, then gave him a slight shove, "You will be late, that can wait for later."
Charlton chuckled, then he opened the door, "Okay, I'm leaving!"
"Take care and I will wait for your return, future husband." Serena said in a sing song voice.
Charlton's nostrils flared with the new title. He took a step back then closed the door again. He embraced her and kissed her lips once more. "Then, I will endeavor to come back in your loving arms as soon as possible, my future wife."
Serena giggled as she pushed him, "Okay. Now, you go. This is taking forever."
"Alright…" he replied looking defeated. Anyway, he opened the door again and stepped outside.
When Charlton reached the carriage, he turned to look at her once more. She was still by the door looking at him, she waved him goodbye, and he waved back then signaled her to lock the door.
Serena smiled as she nodded her head.
When Charlton was seated in his carriage, he opened the curtain to check and when he saw that the door was closed, he knocked on the wooden window to inform Jack that they can leave.
--
Charlton checked his watch; it was 2 minutes to 9. He sighed in relief. He thought he was going to be late which would not serve as a good example to those who would be working under him. Anyway, he alighted his carriage.
Since everyone working there knew him already, they bowed to him in greeting. The employee in the reception approached to inform him that Edward and the others were already waiting for him in the new studio.
--
TBC