As Geoffrey wrapped his arm around Serena and led her out of the labyrinth, Charlton could only clench his fist and close his eyes. Never had he felt so small and inadequate. Never had he felt more ashamed of himself than that moment.
However, he had no one else to blame but himself. He's the one who decided to take this route. Although Serena's idea of running away was implausible, there were other options. Yet it was him who was reluctant to throw away his familial ties. Alas, he still wanted a fairytale.
What was he thinking? Geoffrey was a man, not some celibate being. What gave him the confidence that he would not touch Serena at all? The two were still engaged and things like that could happen.
He let Serena handle Geoffrey alone. How did he expect her to stop his advances? If he knew that Geoffrey was taking liberties with Serena… he punched the ground causing his knuckles to bleed.
Now that he knew, what can he do about it? Everything he prepared for was slowly taking place. How could he switch gears when success was so near that he could almost taste it?
He had to remind himself that at that moment, he was still the other man. The most important thing was that Geoffrey was not forcing Serena. As long as he doesn't violate Serena then he could take it.
As he told himself those words to calm himself, he tilted his head up to stop his tears from falling.
--
After leaving the labyrinth, Geoffrey assisted Serena on fixing her dress. Then, he asked one of his men to inform the duke and duchess that they would be retiring early. He also instructed to send their apologies to the rest of their dance partners.
Finally, the two of them went inside the car for the ride back to the Maxwell Ducal Mansion.
Serena stole glances at Geoffrey. She wanted to ask how he found her but was afraid that he'll know that she was waiting for another man. She can't even scold him or fight with him for what happened because not only has she consented to everything he did earlier, but she also even encouraged him. The only saving grace she had was not calling Charlton's name as he did all those to her.
Geoffrey has an idea of what Serena might be thinking. Although he did not have to explain himself, he did not want her to start suspecting.
"Why have you been sneaking glances at me?" he asked as he took her hand in his.
Serena knew she could not ask the question she wanted to. So as an excuse, she answered, "The side of your mouth has a cut. Is it painful?"
Geoffrey smiled then exaggeratedly winced. "Now that you mentioned it…"
Although the event earlier was like a nightmare, she still felt grateful to Geoffrey for listening to her and prioritizing her over his anger. She remembered quite well how he shooed his men away and wrapped her with his coat rather than thinking of getting back at Charlton first.
Charlton… she worried over him. She must call him later. She must explain to him what happened. What if he misunderstands her? Before her thoughts about him engulf her, she felt Geoffrey take off the glove she was wearing from the hand he was holding. Then, he placed her hand on his cheek.
"Would you kiss it better?" he asked as he looked her in the eye, as if begging for her attention.
Serena pulled her hand away. "Stop fooling around."
Geoffrey gave her an innocent smile then he leaned back on his seat. "I wonder, what could Charlton be doing there earlier? He was still dancing with Lady Annalys when I left the ball." He asked out loud.
Serena felt her heart thump. Any other time she would not be as afraid of Geoffrey discovering about her and Charlton. However, currently, there's the possibility that she's pregnant. Also, they were already very near their goal. Just a few months more. How could she afford to let Geoffrey find out now?
"Perhaps the two of them were also in the area?" she tried.
Geoffrey chuckled. "Perhaps. Charlton is a known rake. When we were growing up, you have no idea how many maidenheads he has taken. So, I won't be surprised if he's seeing her behind everyone's back. I just hope Duke Cross won't find out."
Serena just smiled with Geoffrey's response. She knew about Charlton's past, so it's not a surprise to her. However, she could not stop the seed of doubt in her chest. What if Charlton was only prolonging the time to ask for her hand because he's seeing other girls behind her back? No. It's not possible, Charlton was in the labyrinth because he knew she was there. How could she ever doubt him with just some words Geoffrey said?
Geoffrey looked at Serena's reaction to his words. He could not read her mind, but he could see that she's thinking and digesting his words. He smirked. "Ouch!" he said. He was not acting. It was indeed painful. That traitorous snake really threw in the punch. He would get back at him later when all his plans were set in motion. In the meantime, he would just play along with them.
--
The car entered the gates of the Maxwell ducal mansion and it stopped in front of the porch. The driver opened the door and Geoffrey stepped out first.
He offered his outstretched palm to Serena who took it as she alighted.
"Thank you, Geoffrey for tonight." Serena said.
Geoffrey shook his head. "Won't you invite me in? It's still a little early. Please help me treat my wound?" he asked like a kid.
"I'm not a physician nor a nurse… I…"
"Surely, you know how to apply first aid kit, Serena." Geoffrey said, his voice sweet and teasing.
Serena sighed. Considering how nice and considerate he has been to her, and it was kinda her fault that Charlton punched him, she relented.
--
TBC