Everyone in the ballroom was brimming in anticipation as Serena and Charlton walked to the grand piano. It was very silent that everyone can hear Serena's heels clicking.
The master of ceremonies handed Charlton the mic first to ask him to give a message.
"Good evening, thank you for having us here tonight. Maestro Ligeti and Duchess Lolita, Congratulations on your 50th golden years of union. May God shower his love and blessings on you for many years to come." Charlton said and gave a bow. Then he passed the mic to Serena.
"Good evening everyone. It is with great honor that I have been invited to this momentous occasion. I wish to thank Maestro Ligeti and his lovely wife, Duchess Lolita, for the trust and opportunity given to us to perform tonight. Maestro, today is a time to reminisce. Looking back with happiness and pride upon the fifty cherished years that you've spent side by side. Remembering the firsts of all you've shared together, the places you've been, the things you have done. Based on what I saw today, I can say that you have spent a glorious half a century together. Looking at you both inspires not only me, but I believe everyone here that true love does exist. Your love for each other is an inspiration and a great example of commitment for everyone around you. Congratulations to you both. Many good wishes to celebrate this day and I pray that you two will have another 50 years come your way." Serena said emotionally, she dabbed her eyes a little, along with the other guests. The duke and the duchess were also very touched with her message. They too got a little emotional, so they dabbed their eyes too before clapping.
Charlton looked at Serena, he didn't know that she would deliver such a moving message to the couple even though they only met the Maestro 3 times. He didn't know if he should move to comfort her as everyone was staring at them.
Serena saw him looking at her with eyes filled with worry, so she shook her head and gave him a little smile. Then she handed the mic back to the host.
"Alright. So, without further ado, let us give another round of applause to the two."
Charlton sat in front of the piano and Serena stood at the side.
They looked at each other, then Charlton started playing the first note.
Serena looked at the audience as she started singing the first stanza.
I can't remember when you weren't there
When I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is
Can't imagine anything we've missed
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do
Through the years
You've never let me down
You turned my life around
The sweetest days I've found
I've found with you
Through the years
I've never been afraid
I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed
Right here with you
Through the years
By this time, a lot of people already had tears in their eyes. Then Charlton Sang the second stanza and chorus
I can't remember what I used to do
Who I trusted, whom I listened to before
I swear you've taught me everything I know
Can't imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more
Through the years
Through all the good and bad
I know how much we had
I've always been so glad
To be with you
Through the years
It's better everyday
You've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay
I'll stay with you
Through the years
While Charlton was singing, Serena looked at the ducal couple. She saw that the duchess was facing the Maestro, in tears but with a smile. The Maestro was wiping her tears with his thumb, while he himself also had his eyes glazed. She can clearly see that the two must be reminiscing all the things they have went through together. Their children and grandchildren was looking at the couple, with tears and smile. The guests were also looking at them instead of her and Charlton.
Then, Serena and Charlton sang the ending chorus.
Through the years
When everything went wrong
Together we were strong
I know that I belonged
Right here with you
Through the years
I've never had a doubt
We'd always work things out
I've learned what life's about
By loving you
Through the years
Through the years
You've never let me down
You turned my life around
The sweetest days I've found
I've found with you
Through the years
It's better every day
You've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay
I'll stay with you
Through the years
--
After the song ended, Serena and Charlton made a pause as everyone in the hall gave a moment of silence. The Duke, the duchess and all their family members looked at the Charlton and Serena with grateful eyes. When the couple mouthed thank you, the two smiled back and took it as their cue to play the next song.
Just as they did in the wedding, they sat together in front of the piano to play 'can't help falling in love' though without the theatrics this time.
The Duke offered his hand to the duchess to lead her to the dance floor. The guests looked at the two. As they were already old, they did not do any complicated dance moves. They just hugged each other and swayed to the music. After the song, the orchestra started playing again, and some of the guests joined the couple on the dance floor.
Serena and Charlton stood from the piano. Then, the son of Duke Ligeti, Marquess Ligeti approached the two.
"Good evening, Lady Maxwell and Lord Daniel. I am Marquess Vizencio Ligeti, the son of Duke Ligeti. Thank you for the wonderful gift to my parents. I will remember what you did for them this night for the rest of my life. If ever you need my help, just ask."
Serena smiled and shook her head. "You owe us no debt of gratitude. We are thankful enough to bring them happiness."
"Yes, Serena is correct. It is our honor to be here."
The Marquess smiled wider, liking the two even better. "Perhaps not now, but you can approach me anytime in the future. Thank you again. Please, enjoy the rest of the night."
After the Marquess left, the ducal couple approached them.
"thank you so much! That was beautiful. I will never forget it." The duchess enthusiastically said. In comparison to the lukewarm welcome earlier, this time she was profusely thanked them in earnest.
"Yes, my wife is right. Please, I wish to gift the two of you a simple gift for our gratitude." The Maestro said.
"No, no need, please. It is us who needs to gift you as this is your occasion." Serena said with a smile as she shook her head. Then, as if a good idea entered her, she continued "But if you must insist, please do purchase a copy from Mr. Easton's recording company. We have struck a deal with him and we will have to record the song tomorrow at his office."
"Really!? My, I believe everyone will purchase a copy and it will be sold out in under a minute. Please, I will need to approach Mr. Easton, I need to reserve a copy now." The Maestro said quickly, as if in panic that he won't be able to buy a copy.
The couple excused themselves to look for Mr. Easton.
--
Charlton felt that he can finally breath. Everyone wanted to speak to Serena, giving him no chance to talk to her alone.
"I see that you became an instant sensation." Charlton began.
Serena laughed. "Why? Are you jealous?"
Charlton shook his head, "No, but about Mr. Easton's recording deal, are you sure about that?"
Serena grinned. "I'm actually looking forward to it. Sorry for not asking your opinion about that earlier."
"Are you kidding me? I'm actually glad that you thought of me. You have no idea how pleased I am to know that I will be able to see our names side by side in history." He said as he chuckled.
At the background, Charlton faintly heard the orchestra starting to play, Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the flowers, feeling the atmosphere just right, he bowed in front of Serena.
"I'm not sure if they will be playing this at the ball, but for tonight, will you honor me with this dance?"
Serena thought that she has been immune to the heart pounding, chest constricting, palpitations Charlton makes her feel every time he looks at her that way. But he continues to surprise her.
She gave him a coquettish smile as she placed her hand in his.
"Of course, I will be delighted."
Then, he led her to the dance floor. He positioned themselves between the other dancers. He bowed to her as she curtsied, then he placed his right hand on her back as she placed her left on his right shoulder. He used his left hand to take her right and hold it up. Then they started waltzing to the music. Never once leaving eye contact, never for a second losing focus of each other.
--
TBC