Chapter 31: Evaluation I

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When Serena with her group entered the music class, she couldn't help but notice Emily, who was alone, already there. Emily had her head down writing on her notebook without even turning to wonder who arrived.

"Mr. Charlton, can you tell us more about Sir Felix and what he tries to look for when a student play? I'm quite afraid that he might find our performance later inadequate." Gizel asked, seeking Charlton's advice sincerely. When they had lunch earlier, Kylo mentioned that Charlton was their teacher's protégé.

"Truthfully speaking, I think Sir Felix appreciates all kinds of music. I've never heard him say any discouraging word to his students. However, I think that to impress him, one must play from the heart." Charlton answered.

Serena smiled with what Charlton said. He truly was polite. Even when her friends bombarded him with questions, he always kept his cool. Showing respect, answering all their questions with patience, as if trying to impress them and win them over.

"Oh, I see, thank you ever so much!" Gizel replied as she looked at Serena, as if saying, I totally approve of your boyfriend.

Kylo on the side couldn't help rolling his eyes. Charlton was never this patient nor polite with the girls in their class. Sure, he used to let them hang on his arms at times, acting gentlemanly and not being rude, but ultimately, he still has some arrogance to his bones, he was, after all, the only son of the grand duke. But suddenly, he was so kind and understanding to Serena's friends, in fact he even seemed encouraging. Kylo just wanted to slap his friend silly to wake him up. It has not even been a week and yet he was already totally whipped.

The group kept talking while waiting for their teacher and classmates to arrive. Emily who was disturbed by their laughter turned her head and looked at them with a frown. As if saying, 'can't you see that someone here is trying to study?'

Milly ever the hater of Emily saw that look, she then met her eyes and raised her brow, as if asking, 'got any problem?' This made Emily turn her head back.

Milly did not mention this to the group, lest the boys who weren't that close with her say that she's over- reacting.

Thus, their conversation and laughter continued.

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When Geoffrey arrived in class, the first thing he saw was Serena laughing at something Charlton said. He did not think any of it as he thought that it was only natural for them to interact, given that they were paired up by Sir Felix for a performance.

Again, he did not fail to notice how pretty she was. However, he held some prejudice against her, and so, he couldn't help but note her obviously shortened skirt and slightly too fitted blazer.

'She is such an attention-seeker. Who is she trying to impress? She doesn't even cover her mouth when she laughs, truly too brazen.' He admonished her in his mind.

When the group saw him enter, they all looked away, as if trying to hide something. He, on the other hand, thought of it as them being awkward because of how he ignored Serena even when she was his fiancée.

As Geoffrey needs to pass the aisle going to his seat, Serena had no choice but to greet him.

"Your highness" Serena greeted with a smile as she curtsied.

Geoffrey acknowledged her with a nod, not even bothering to correct how she addressed him, as he passed through.

Charlton clenched his fist at the side. He hates the fact that the girl he so loves is being treated that way. Even worse is that he can't even show his anger for her because in the eyes of the world, she is not his, but his cousin's. When he decided that he wanted her too much to let her go, he was already prepared to fight for her. However, she managed to convince him otherwise.

Charlton was not a saint. When Serena was trying to convince him with her reasons, he knew that he agreed not only for her benefit, but also, he admits with some shame, because of his own selfishness for himself.

Since the beginning, he had always been torn. If not for Serena approaching him first, and the consolation that his cousin was hooked with another girl, he would never have touched her. How could he?

On one hand was his cousin who he has been close to, like a brother, for more than half his life. Although at some point they seemed to slowly drift apart because of differing interests, he was still his very own flesh and blood. At this point, one would think that he should have just come clean and told him that he loves his fiancée. But he knew his cousin, perhaps even more than he knew himself. No matter how much he hates his father for trying to control his life, he also strives for his approval. He, who works so hard just to receive acknowledgement, to prove that he deserves his position, will never allow him to even covet the fiancée his very own father approved of.

On the other was Serena, the loveliest girl he has ever met. And although he has not even known her for long, she has managed to creep in through the crevices of his heart. She made him feel so alive. So much so, that he wanted to brave through all kinds of storms just to be with her.

Nevertheless, what she told him appealed to the greed in his heart, the desire that he can have both. He was unsure if what Serena said will come to fruition, but what he has right now is time. He will try to keep both for as long as he can, and if Serena was right, then he can ask for nothing more. However, if she turns out to be wrong, then God help him. For Kylo was right. He was willing to be a Lancelot for his Guinevere, only that, of course, he will never let her marry Arthur.

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