72: Orphanage IV
If Geoffrey still thought of Serena as just the attention-seeking lady he initially thought she was, then he could just go bang his head. He could no longer deny that he was wrong about Serena. She did not seek attention, but rather, she commanded it.
The first time, in the music class, he can still say that she did it on purpose. There was no need for her to volunteer to sing the song she composed herself, but she still did. At the wedding, he cannot say that she tried to win her way to the hearts of those elderly people because truthfully speaking, there was no benefit in doing that. The reason why she was the center of attention should be because she had the political backing and position to be catered to.
But now, with the children, being capable of holding their attention and keep them hanging on each and every word she says, it was safe say that she truly was born for this. She outshone anyone who dared stand beside her. Even he, the crown prince can not compete with her brightness.
For the first time, he saw her in a new light. She was not as bad as he thought she was. Despite his relationship with Emily, he could not deny that Serena intrigued him. A part of him felt proud that she was his, and another wanted to know her better. Perhaps one day, they may even have an amicable relationship. At the very least, they can treat each other like guests under the same roof. He can see her potential, the great queen and ruler she could become. They will be a force to be reckoned with. She will be a great political tool and ally, and it doesn't hurt that she was every bit beautiful.
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Emily felt a bit out of place. She did not expect Serena to outshine her again. She also felt betrayed, she has treated these children like her younger siblings for a long time but look at them. They have only met Serena a few hours back, but they seem to like her more, forgetting about her already, acting like ingrates.
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Charlton can't really say that he's not enjoying his time at the table assigned to them. The children, or should he say teenagers, as they were between the ages 13-15, were welcoming. Of the 14, 9 were girls and 5 were boys. As they were teens, the topic that they liked talking about were about romance. Isabel, contrary to her blushing and staring at him earlier, did not flirt with him. So, he did not find it difficult to interact with her.
"Brother Charlton, do you have a girlfriend?" one of the girls asked.
"Yes, I do." he replied smiling.
"Oh… really? What is she like? What made you like her?"
"How did you know that you love her already?"
"ooohhh, is she more beautiful than the sister at the other table? Everyone here thought that she must be a real princess! Look at the children having the time of their lives. Everyone was eager to have her sit with them." Another girl said while pointing at Serena.
"Yes, I thought she would be unapproachable, but she actually seems nice. She's even laughing at what Eli is saying. Oh, Eli is just the most talkative child around here."
"So, brother, tell us about your girlfriend."
Charlton who was staring at Serena wistfully after the girls pointed at her turned to face them again.
"Hmm… yes, I can definitely say that she is just as beautiful as that sister." Charlton said chuckling.
"Don't lie Brother, that can't be true. That sister is the most beautiful lady I have ever seen." A boy who seems to have a crush on Serena defended.