Chapter 155: Arrangement
The atmosphere was perfect to have a cup of tea over a nice conversation. Yet, Seth couldn't help but feel a little disoriented about this whole chat he was about to have with his to-be fiancee.
Serena on the other hand seemed quite shy to look at her future husband but her stealing glances didn't go unnoticed by Seth.
"Before anything, I would like to confirm something, Serena." Hearing his words made Serena's expression shift to a confused one as she nodded for him to continue.
"You are not being forced into this relationship, right? I mean if you have feelings for someone else, then I would personally look into the matter and advocate dismissal of the arrangement our families have made."
Seth didn't voice it out but he was doubtful of Serena's feelings for Arata, which by the plot should have reached a height where Serena couldn't have thought of anyone else to be her partner rather than the Protagonist.
But surely, things have changed due to Seth's interference, and also that now, inside Arata, lives a man who was madly passionate about someone else.
"It's not...! " Serena nearly jumped out of her seat hearing the question, but soon she stabilized herself, and with a small cough of embarrassment, she settled back on her seat.
Without even turning, Serena could tell that her maids were giggling in amusement.
Regardless, Serena didn't make the man wait for her answer which could have led to any kind of misunderstanding, before she cleared her stance, "I have no one in mind for whom I would like to go against my parents' decision. So please, be rest assured."
In a way, Seth was disappointed. Not because he wants to see Serena with someone else or anything but if she would have shown reluctance to this engagement, then Seth might not have to burden himself with the guilt.
Nevertheless, lost in choices, Seth decided to spill the truth about his reason to marry Serena.
"Serena...there's a reason of mine for which I am marrying you. "
Hearing his words, Serena's previous smile faltered slightly as she felt a slight stinging sensation in her chest.
Before Seth could have said anything, Serena ordered her maids to leave them alone. Naturally, the servants were uneasy to leave their lady unaided but Serena's unnaturally cold tone made them visibly tremble before they left.
Seth knew Serena had grasped the subtle meaning behind his words but even so, he didn't intend on leaving this conversation just like that.
"P-Please continue, President." Her voice was shaky and Seth could see how she was clutching the hem of her gown in nervousness.
Nevertheless, he spoke up, "The heirloom of your family which has been passed on for generations...I have requested the heirloom in dowry to marry you. I wanted to let you know that my primary reason to marry you was that relic."
The three pieces of the Treasure of the Unknown were Seth's current and most prominent goal as of now. And one of the three pieces to access the treasure, was the relic Seth demanded from Count Stephen, Serena's father.
Serena wasn't informed about such arrangements, probably considering her nature, her parents must be worried that Serena might go against the marriage.
Seth had two options to obtain the Heirloom...actually three. But marrying Serena seemed the most efficient and least criminal. The other two routes would have taken the path of violence which Seth didn't want to partake in until it doesn't get dire.
Serena remained silent for a bit and Seth patiently waited for her response.
It took her time but the blond girl finally looked up with a forced smile adorned her lips, "If this marriage benefits you, President, then I would gladly accept it. Now then... "
Serena stood up in a slight rush since despite her wanting to hide it, the tears her eyes were filled with, expressed her true feelings on the matter.
She turned on her heel and intended to walk away when suddenly, "Serena."
Her body froze hearing the domineering voice of Seth as she stood at the place. Her eyes were no longer able to withhold the tears as they slid down her cheeks, only for Serena to swiftly wipe them off.
"I didn't allow you to leave." His voice was condensed as ever, even though he knew Serena was not in her correct mind.
Regardless, she replied without running away from him, "I *sniff* assume...*sniff* everything has already been discussed..."
She was trying to wipe her tears but these stupid tears weren't listening to her at all, as they continued flowing down like water from a broken tap.
Suddenly Serena's body grew stiff and her hand paused near her cheeks as she felt a warm and big hand holding her arm. She soon sensed that Seth was standing a lot close to her to the point where their bodies were touching.
Serena slowly turned her teary eyes to look in his direction, only to get surprised upon being greeted with his excessively tender gaze which dared to melt her heart instantly.
Seth used his free hand to grab hers as he intervened their fingers and while gazing at their connected hold, he spoke in a gentle tone, "You did hear me mentioning that the dowry is my primary motive, right? So doesn't it imply, there could be any other motive for me to accept you as my bride?"
*Ba* *Dum*
Whether it was because Seth mentioned that there was another reason for him to accept the proposal or was because he called Serena, his bride...there was something along the lines that dyed her small ears with a crimson shade.
Her heartbeat rose exponentially, feeling this warmth and listening to his words. Serena was dumbstruck.
'Ah... 'Serena inwardly exclaimed as she found herself turning toward her future husband who took a strong hold of her waist and controlled her body under his command.
Like Serena has lost all her strength in his strong arms, she tamely looked at his towering figure and those emerald eyes which were fixated on her.
Suddenly, like her breath was caught in her throat, Serena's whole body grew entirely stiff as she felt his warm lips overlapping hers.
But she didn't get to feel the sensation for long as Seth detached his lips before speaking the words, Serena could have never even dreamt of hearing from this man.
"Not as the heir of the Albeck family or the President of Pristine High. I am romantically interested in you as a man, Serena. Will you marry me? "
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A/N: -...I definitely would never be able to say something like that to a girl.
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