Chapter 143 - 141: Working On The Melody VI (1/2)

Serena and Charlton were surprised to see Geoffrey entering the room. Serena immediately turned to hide her tears while Charlton pretended to concentrate on the piano keys. Thankfully, the private music room was sound proofed.

”Sorry for the tardiness, thankfully the meeting went faster than expected.” he said as he moved to place his things on the sofa.

Serena quickly dried her tears with her hands and took deep breaths to calm down. Her heart was beating a mile a second thinking how ugly things could have turned if Geoffrey came in any sooner.

Charlton closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He wouldn't know how to explain it to his cousin if he saw him embracing Serena.

Geoffrey walked over and could not help but look at the two in confusion. The atmosphere felt awkward, but he could not understand why.

”You two alright?” he asked.

”yes”

”yes”

They said at the same time, making Geoffrey chuckle.

”If you say so. Anyway, where are you two at now? Is there something I can do to help?”

Charlton felt guilty and did not know how to answer.

Serena not wanting Charlton to accidentally spill everything turned to face Geoffrey.

”Charlton just finished playing the song a while back and…” before she could finish Geoffrey moved to approach her and then to her surprise, he gently grazed her side cheek with the back of his hand.

Serena quickly took a step back in alarm. ”What are you doing?”

Geoffrey took his hand back; he did not take offense but could not help but feel disappointed. However, he composed himself as he understood that although they were engaged, they were not at that stage yet. ”Sorry, I could not stop myself from getting worried. Have you been crying?”

Charlton who turned to face the two clenched his fist. He wanted nothing but to tear his cousin away from her. Yet, he had to stop himself. What right did he have?

Serena shook her head, thinking of an excuse, she said, ”tears of joy I must say. Charlton's work on the melody is truly a marvel. Perhaps you should listen to him play it too.”

Geoffrey nodded his head. He moved to stand by the grand piano's side while beckoning Serena to join him.

Serena who did not want to be unreasonable stood a few inches away from Geoffrey. From that standpoint, if Charlton were to look up, they would see eye to eye.

Charlton did not wait to be told, he just started pressing the keys. He concentrated on playing, so that at least in that way, he could distract himself enough to not look at the two.

”Although I hate to admit it, your work made ours seem like it's been drafted by young children.” Geoffrey commented after the song has ended.

Charlton would have chuckled at the self-jab that Geoffrey made if he were not feeling like the world was closing in on him. Anyway, trying to be professional, he replied, ”I also prepared the sheet music for the strings. Let's try it out with your violin, my cello, and the piano later.”

Serena who was able to bottle up her emotions again could only nod in approval. From this point on, with Geoffrey present and Leonard joining them soon, she could only pretend that nothing happened earlier.

--

”Serena, what do you think?” Leonard asked after he, Geoffrey and Charlton played the instruments together following the sheet music provided by Charlton.

Serena nodded her head. She did not expect that Charlton was capable of producing all that in just a week, but he did, and he exceeded all her expectations. She wanted to be grateful, but they still had their personal issue, so she did not say anything to him.