"Where have you been? We have been looking for you all over." Celine chided lightly as Serena went to approach them.
"I'm sorry mother, I saw Edward and he invited me to stay and watch the event unfold for the night. For advertisement purposes, he said that the new singers will be singing their respective songs tonight. He said that they're good. Mother, I want to stay and see; I need to learn who and how good my competitors are." Serena excused, congratulating herself with how genius her explanation was. After her lovemaking session with Charlton, she had to clean herself up so that it won't be obvious that they did something there. Hehe…
Anyway, afterwards, on her way out, she saw Edward, Emily, the band, and the other new singers and composers. Edward introduced them to her briefly, but she just said hi, hello, goodbye, as she needed to get back to her parents. She has been missing for quite a while. It was a good thing she saw them though, gave her some inspiration for her excuse.
"You have competitors now? Huh! As if anyone can beat the genius of my daughter. You don't need to stress yourself over that." Celine said, cheering her daughter on.
Simoun shook his head, "Celine, don't encourage that kind of attitude on her. Serena, although you have a career in singing, you don't need to prove yourself to anyone. We should go home, it's getting late."
"I understand father, but I still want to see it. Can't I stay longer to watch?" Serena insisted. Gods, why does she have to seek approval for something so simple?
Celine who was also curious about her daughter's competition decided to support her. "It's alright Simoun, I can stay here with Serena, and you can just go to your meeting. Besides, we just purchased a new car which Leonard can drive us home later with. Might as well use it now instead of having it picked up."
Simoun sighed. How can he win with these two banding together? Anyway, they were at the center of the capital so it's safe and he doesn't need to worry.
"Alright. Leonard, can you manage?" Simoun asked.
Leonard, excited with the new car nodded enthusiastically. He may be 20 and serious most of the time but come on. He's a normal man too. How can he not be excited by a car? Despite it being slow, it was the first of its kind.
--
As it was nearing sunset, the cars which were still on the street were parked on the side to give way for the night's activities. By the way, all of the cars of their company were sold that day, even having some reservations. However, not all were taken home immediately, as some rich families and nobles bought more than one.
For example, Serena's family bought 4. Of course, even when they arrived late, Charlton made sure that Serena gets an omnibus which was the 1st to get sold out as it was convenient even if it were to rain. One needs to have a coachman for it though.
The MC went up the stage and started to thank everyone for the successful event. There was also a lottery for lucky people, the prizes were comprised of products with the logo of Benz-motors, and a lot more, though everyone of course was eyeing the top prize which was a Benz-Victoria. The winner of which would be announced at the end of the evening.
Anyway, after all the thanking, the evening event was about to begin, and to start it, the MC announced that in cooperation with Columbia recording company, 3 new songs that will be released the next day will be specially sang that evening.
The people who have been looking forward to it began cheering.
The evening first began with dancing though, as the singing will be held as interludes.
--
The older noble ladies and gentlemen congregated inside the store, not really wanting to mingle with the commoners, while those from the younger generation were on the street outside trying to enjoy the night.
People were dancing while an orchestra was playing on the stage. It seemed fun and Serena who was escorted by Leonard could only wish that it were Charlton who was walking with her.
Leonard observed his sister as he escorted her. She was all smiles and seemed dazed. She looked so happy, that he couldn't help himself from asking, "Serena, is there anything going on between you and Charlton?"
Serena contemplated if she should just be truthful or not. Ugh. "If there was, would you stop us?"
"Serena, you should understand the situation. Don't be selfish." Leonard finally said.
Serena furrowed her brows. "What do you mean by that?"
"You know you're engaged with Geoffrey. Though political, it has been ordained by the king. Besides, he likes you." Leonard explained.
"How about this, just don't get in the way, while Charlton and I find our way out of that predicament? I know what you did last time, and I don't appreciate it." Serena finally confronted.
"I won't apologize for that as I did it out of concern for you and our family. Our parents would not like it if they figured that you're with Charlton." Leonard said as he sighed.
"They won't find out if you don't tell them. Leonard, I love Charlton, and it would never change. I am telling you this because I want you to support us. You're my brother, so won't you be on my side?" Serena tried to appeal.
"I don't like what you're doing. If you two are found out, it will be our downfall. Not just you, not just Charlton, but the whole of our families."
"Then help me keep it secret for now. Don't you see? Charlton is working his way up, and so am I. If you can't help, then keep your arms folded. Don't tell our parents as I don't want to involve them with this. Let this be my and Charlton's battle. If it doesn't work out, at least that way, it should not implicate our whole family."