Chapter 296 - 293: Graduation (2/2)
Charlton sed, thinking of what to say in response He knew that he has made a name for himself already and has no need to bow to Geoffrey However, they have been like brothers in the past, and because of that, he was still reluctant to let that hand go completely "My support and loyalty are to the crown But you will always be my cousin Geoffrey"
Geoffrey clenched his jaw as he nodded his head What else was there to talk about? "Then serve my father well" he instructed Then he turned and walked inside
Charlton watched him leave He knew he hurt Geoffrey, but it was better that way as he will be plunging the knife soon At least then, it would soften the blow He knew that it was only aawards hiains that, he would request for Serena's hand in e
When the two of them came back inside, they tried not to show the aardness between them to their friends and everyone else
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After the graduation ceremony, Serena's parents invited everyone to have dinner in the ducal mansion like before This time, the families of Via, Gizel, and Milly all attended The invite extended to Kylo who brought Charlton along
During dinner, Geoffrey sat beside Serena and Charlton tried hard not to let his eraduation and what they plan to be doing after
By the end of dinner, people left one by one, even Charlton had to leave
Geoffrey stayed, and asked permission to talk to Serena alone
Her parents thinking that Geoffrey has always been a perfect gentleave him a nod
--
Alone with just the two of them, Geoffrey smiled at Serena Hewinter break and even then, it was only for a short while
"Congratulations on your graduation" He began
Serena gave him a polite sht that Serena was being aloof, but he did not blame her but himself He hasn't spent that much tiether in school, but he did not go out of his way to reach for her When he graduated, he also became too busy with politics and since their schedules just did not match, he also rarely visited Apart from that, he also did not want Frederick to see her as his weakness
Anyway, he approached her to hold her hands, he felt her trying to snatch theo She does not know it but she was the only one left that he still holds dear in his heart These 2 years, he has hardened his heart and made decisions that he would not otherwise made if he didn't wish to secure the crown But, it would be worth it He now has a hih that was still in secrecy
"Serena, I know I have not been the best fiance these 2 years, but I swear that I will do better So please don't pull away from me" he said
Serena did not want to lie to hi her was not good She learned from Leonard that Geoffrey was now a force to be reckoned with and arising suspicion frohed as she gave him a nod She just has to play his fiancee a few more months as she waits for Charlton who told her that he will ask for her hand soon The medal of valor should be awarded to him by October before the end of their sessions this year in the house of lords
(The medal of Valor in this story is the reat contributions to the kingdoranted a promise from the crown)
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TBC