Chapter 12
so Randy figured Clarence would probably want to see Seraphina, he let her into the room.
Clarence, deeply engrossed in the senior executive’s report on the video call, didn’t even glance her way when she entered. His face was all business–stern, focused, and exuding an intimidating air that made it clear that wasn’t the time to interrupt
now.
Seraphina didn’t bother announcing her presence. She quietly placed two plates of brownies on the coffee table and slipped out without a sound. What she didn’t realize, though, was that the moment she turned away, Clarence’s gaze followed, lingering on her graceful retreating figure.
Back in the study, Seraphina resumed working on textbooks. Suddenly, her phone rang, it was Justin, the computer repair
guy.
Justin,” she answered.
“Seraphina, bad news. Your laptop is beyond repair. It’s practically in pieces. It can’t be fixed”
Seraphina’s heart sank. She relied heavily on her laptop for her studies, especially with the SAT just around the corner. Without it, she was in real trouble.
“Come on, Justin, you’re the best at this. You’ve got to be able to fix it somehow, she pleaded. “I’ve got exams coming up soon, and I really need it to study. You’ve gotta help me!”
Justin sighed, “I wish I could, but seriously, there’s nothing I can do. Besides, your laptop has been used for over ten years, It barely ran before it broke. You’ll have to buy a new one. A basic model won’t set you back much, maybe $300….
For most families, $300 wasn’t a huge expense, but Seraphina had just paid for her father’s surgery and her family was still buried in debt. There was no room in her budget for such a purchase.
Seraphina ended the call, hesitated for a moment, then called Barbara. “Hey, Barb, my laptop’s broken. I’ll have to crash at your place and use yours to study for the SAT. I hope it’s okay. I hate to bother you.”
“Bother? Why are you being so formal?” Barbarn teased. “Come on, we’re besties. We’ve even shared the same bed before. It’s just a laptop. You can have my man if you want.”
Seraphina was left speechless by her words. Barbara always had that bold, unfiltered way of talking.
Barbara let out a loud laugh but then suddenly grew serious. “By the way, I heard from Audrey you left with some rich, insanely good–looking guy. Was it Richard? Did he come back for you? Please tell me you didn’t give in.”
She added, “You
know as well as I do that with a mom like his, there
no way you two could ever work out-
“It’s not him,” Seraphina interrupted,
“Then who is he?” asked Barbara
Seraphina hesitated. Tll tell you after the SAT, okay?” She didn’t plan on keeping anything from Barbara; she just didn’t want to explain it right now.
Barbara didn’t press further. “Fine, just don’t let anything distract you. Getting into college is our only way out. Focus on that, and leave the rest for later.”
Seraphina murmured her agreement, then ended the call and returned to her studies. Outside the door held slightly ajar, Clarence stood silently, eavesdropping After finishing his cigarette, he pushed open the door and stepped inside-
Seraphina glanced up when he entered, her lips curving into a small smile, but she didn’t know what to call him at that
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Chapter 12
moment. She hesitated before awkwardly blurting out, “Sir.”
Clarence raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. He walked closer, the faint scent of tobacco and mint lingering around him. Without a word, he lifted Seraphina’s chin, bending down to place a soft kiss on her lips. Then, in a seductive murmur, be asked, “Shouldn’t you be calling me ‘sweetic‘ instead?”
A blush crept across Seraphina’s face, her words caught in her throat,
The next morning, the sunlight streamed through the windows like golden ribbons when Seraphina woke up nestled in Clarence’s arms. Clarence was still asleep, his expression so peaceful that he looked almost boyish. His features–his brows, his nose, his lips–were all perfectly chiseled, like a masterpiece brought to life.
Seraphina’s fingers hovered in the air, tempted to trace the lines of his face. Yet, her inferiority complex held her back. Clarence was a powerful business titan, while she felt like a mere shadow from the lower depths of society. The chasm between them left her feeling unworthy of such Intimacy.
I’m actually lying in his arms. This feels like a dream,‘ she thought, her heart racing with excitement.
“Do you like what you see?” Suddenly, Clarence’s deep, charming voice broke the silence.
Seraphina blushed with embarrassment, her eyes widening in shock. She had no idea that Clarence had been awake. “W- why were you pretending to be asleep?” she mumbled.
Clarence’s eyes opened lazily, a hint of amusement dancing in them as he pulled Seraphina closer into his arms. “How else would I catch you staring at me?‘ he teased.
Seraphina’s heart pounded wildly in her chest, her face flushed even more. She could even feel his heartbeat, so steady and
strong.
Clarence leaned in, his warm lips brushing her earlobe as he whispered in a deep, enticing voice, the breath from his words tickling her skin, “You can look all you want. Just don’t fall for me
Seraphina secretly rolled her eyes. ‘Fall for him? Please. I might be naive, but I’m not a fool. That would be the most ridiculous mistake ever. She mentally promised herself to keep her emotions in check.
After breakfast, Seraphina was getting ready to head home when Clarence casually wrapped his arm around her waist. “Let’s make a quick stop first.
“Where are we going?” Seraphina asked, but Clarence just offered an enigmatic smile.
They came to the garage, where rows of luxury cars awaited them. Clarence’s eyes glinted with amusement when he turned to Seraphina. “Which one do you want to ride in?”
Before she could respond, Clarence had already made the choice. He grabbed the keys and unlocked a sleek white Mercedes. “Let’s take this one,” he said, extending his hand towards her.
Seraphina hesitated, her heart skipping a beat, Is he really offering to hold my hand? she thought to herself.
Tentatively, she reached out and gently placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his grip as he firmly closed his fingers around hers. Her hand, so delicate and soft, seemed almost weightless in his palm, as if it belonged there. Clarence also seemed to enjoy the sensation.
He led Seraphina to the car, opening the passenger door with gentlemanly care. As she stepped in, his hand hovered near the top of the door, protecting her head from hitting it. It was a small but thoughtful gesture.
“Thanks, Seraphina murmured with a smile.
Chapter 12
Clarence then settled Into the driver’s seat and started the engine. I’ve never driven this one before. It’s smaller and more suitable for women. Once your SATs are done, it’s yours.”
Seraphina blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to suddenly offer her a car.
“Do you know how to drive?” Clarence asked as he glanced at her his tone casual. Seraphina just shook her head silently.
“Well, you can learn during the holidays.”
Seraphina remained silent, her mind wandering back to that scene at the cake shop. She remembered how ecstatic a girl had been when her sugar daddy bought her a limited edition designer handbag. And here was Clarence, casually offering her something far more extravagant than a bag a car worth over $100,000. Was this his way of spoiling her?
“And you’re applying to universities in Angoria, Clarence said suddenly, his tone leaving little room for discussion.
Seraphina was caught off guard by his sudden command.
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Chapter 13