"Good morning, Serena. It's been a while." Edward greeted smiling as he stood up from his seat.
"Good morning Edward. Yes, it has been." Serena replied as she walked inside his office.
"Please, take a seat. How have you been these days? By the way, I read from the newspaper. Congratulations." Edward said trying not to sound awkward. Well, he was one of the promoters of the Cherena ship, and now that the news of Serena and Geoffrey getting married went out, what can he say? He was curious, but can he ask?
"Pretty well.." Serena said with a smile, then she handed him the invitation she brought. "I was supposed to send this through the courier, but I wanted to give it to you personally. I hope you could be present for the event…"
Edward received the invite with two hands, "of course, it would be my honor, Serena, or should I say your highness now?" he joked.
Serena chuckled, noticing the curiosity in Edward's eyes. It was good that he didn't look like he was judging her. "If you have something to say, just say it. It's not like we're not friends."
"I'm just surprised. I mean, I didn't know since when you and Charlton…" he said as he shook his head.
Serena sighed. She knew that this topic would come up, later too when her friends arrive. It was inevitable. Honestly, if one were to look at it without being biased, she was the bad person. Charlton's father was sent to prison, he was sent on a mission akin to an exile, and there she was about to marry Geoffrey not even a month after all those. Though Geoffrey was her fiance, all of them knew that she and Charlton were in a relationship for 3 years. When they last met, they were still together, and it has only been barely 2 and a half months since then.
It seemed like she was enjoying good fortunes while Charlton was in misery. However, it's not like she can tell them that she's pregnant and whatever transpired between her and Charlton.
"Are you disappointed in me?" she asked.
"No, of course not. Just curious. Whatever you decide, I respect it. But I just have one question."
"Shoot."
"Are you happy?"
Serena smiled wistfully. When her car entered the company, she felt very nostalgic. She and Charlton had so many memories there. They were all wonderful memories, and she felt her heart ache. Her wound that just started scabbing was forced open and it took her a few minutes before she was able to calm herself. She had to remind herself that it was Charlton who chose to abandon her. They were over.
Then, she thought of Geoffrey. He was her future, and she would not cheat on him again by pining over Charlton after everything.
"I am. I thought I won't be, but I am. Geoffrey is wonderful."
"Then, that's all that matters. Besides, not all first loves work. Recall, I thought before that I wouldn't be able to move on from my first love but look at me now. I have a wife, and a child on the way to boot."
Serena giggled, "How is Jenny doing by the way?"
"Ugh… always angry and moody. When I don't do what she says in under a second, she'll be mad. But what to do? she's pregnant with our child so all I can do now is try to please her. Gods, pregnant women are like… anyway, let's change the topic. So, what can I do for you today?"
"Well, it's not easy to carry a child I suppose. Anyhow, aside from handing you the invite, I'm here to make a request. Remember our contract? I know it's early, but we have to cancel it."
"I gathered as much. That I am disappointed in, I would miss your songs. I mean not the income, though that's part of it I won't lie, but also your talent. It's just a secret between us, but I think your songs are a million times better than Emily's."
Serena laughed, "Hey, don't be like that, she's your top grosser now. Though I should say, I agree. Also, let me correct you on that one, that knowledge is no secret at all. Not that I'm arrogant or overconfident in myself, just that I know so. Hehe!"
Edward laughed along. "Okay, so that's it?"
Serena grinned. "Actually, I'm here for a favor too. I think this favor you will also like."
"You have a new song?"
Serena nodded, "This one is a gift for my husband-to-be, we would also use it for our first dance during our wedding. So, I hope that you can lend me a music producer as long as it's not Emily."
"Wait, you said I will like it… so you mean… we can mass produce and sell it?" Edward asked for confirmation.
"Yes, and the cover of the album… I will ask Geoffrey's permission if we can use our pre-wedding photo." Serena added.
If Edward's eyes could turn into the money sign, it would have. He shook his head to shake himself out of the thoughts of money. "Though I feel a little bad for Charlton, I should say that I'm all in for this one. I mean, business is business, right? Also, you two did part amicably, am I correct?"
Serena knew that Charlton might hear it somewhere, someday, and it might hurt him. But she's not doing this out of spite. Besides, in her dictionary, he was the one who abandoned her, not the other way around. So, what right did he have to feel bad?
Anyhow, she wanted to do this for Geoffrey. He was the crown prince, and a song of her love for him would not only show him her sincerity, but also boost his popularity to the masses. She knew that the royal's popularity based on the newspapers she read, took a hit after the grand duke was sent to prison, so she also wanted to help (Geoffrey's that is).
She nodded her head.
"Alright, since you said so, then what are we waiting for? Let me lead the way to our humble studio, your highness." Edward said joyfully as he stood from his seat.
Serena could only shake her head as she smiled at Edward, ever the businessman.
—
TBC
