Chapter 86 - 86: Golden Wedding Anniversary III (1/2)
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