Chapter 22 - Late Dinner

"Are you really dating her? That celebrity slut?! I saw the news! What the hell, Vernon?!”

Vernon's jaw hardened as he heard Cherry call Serena slut.

"Watch your language, Cherry. You were raised by a respectable family with good morals," Vernon scolded.

"You must have been seduced by her! The way she looks is just like a prostitute! Don't you realize that?"

Vernon sighed in annoyance as he had absolutely no desire to talk to Cherry anymore.

But by his side, Serena held his hand back from turning off the call.

"I told you, if you apologize to me, then we can go back! But why are you with that woman?!"

"He doesn't love you, Darling," said Serena who immediately countered Cherry's words. "Now, he's crazy about me. Just so you know."

The call was immediately muted on Cherry's side, making Vernon surprised because he was usually the one who ended her calls.

"See? You didn't have to bother ending the call. Because I had expected that she would end the call herself, Mr. CEO," Serena said with a wide smile.

Vernon ran a hand through her hair and smiled. "You're courageous."

"I'm not afraid of anything, you know. After all, I didn't make a mistake."

Vernon kissed her hand and rubbed it lightly. The soft white skin made him shudder to hold back something in his turmoil.

He was infatuated with his own girlfriend, for the first time in his life that he had ever dated. Even Cherry, who was his ex, was never that crazy.

"You're driving me crazy, Love," she said.

Serena smiled, a smile that was charming yet firm. "I'm just giving you what you need, Vernon. Someone who isn't afraid to stand by your side, no matter what."

Vernon looked deeply into Serena's eyes, feeling he had found something he had never felt before. "You're different from the others, Love. You bring a new color to my life."

Serena chuckled. "You know, Vernon, life is too short to spend it with the wrong people. Cherry may be part of your past, but I am your future."

Vernon nodded, feeling Serena's every word enter his heart. He felt empowered, not only as a man but as a leader. "You're right. I don't need to look back anymore. What matters is what's in front of us."

Serena held Vernon's hand tightly, feeling the warmth and strength behind his grip. "You really made me have to speak wisely," Serena laughed. “I mean, I've never been this wise, you know. Duh.”

Vernon pulled Serena into his arms, feeling how perfectly she fit in his arms. "I promise, I will never let you down."

Serena looked at him with confidence. "I know. You've said that many times during our time together for a week, and I've seen for myself that you never let me down."

And at that moment, in the room filled with peaceful silence, they both felt a new unspoken commitment that was stronger than ever.

They then fell asleep on the sofa, hugging each other and looking tired until nightfall, waking up those who were hungry.

"I'm really sorry we fell asleep," Serena said regretfully. "You missed your dinner."

"It's okay, Love. You don't have to worry."

Serena nodded but she felt bad for Vernon because for the first time, she had slept through dinner.

"Now, what are we going to do?" asked Serena, looking at Vernon with expectant eyes.

Vernon sighed. He knew Serena was nervous and he found it very amusing.

"Getting ready for dinner outside."

Serena got ready in a hurry, so hurried that Vernon grabbed her body and cupped her cheek.

"Just looking at you makes me full, so don't rush, okay?"

Serena was embarrassed but she chuckled and immediately pulled Vernon's face, kissing him on her own initiative.

That night, a cool night breeze greeted them as Vernon and Serena stepped out of the apartment. The city streets shone with lights that reflected beautifully on the sidewalks. They walked side by side, feeling each other's warmth amidst the glittering city.

Vernon held Serena's hand tightly, providing a sense of security and comfort.

"How about we eat at my favorite place? I know you'll like it," Vernon said with a smile.

Serena looked at Vernon with sparkling eyes. "Sure, I'll go anywhere with you."

They headed to a small restaurant located on the edge of town. The restaurant was famous for its romantic atmosphere and delicious food. As soon as they entered, the appetizing aroma of the cuisine immediately greeted their noses.

Vernon chose a table in a slightly hidden corner, giving them the desired privacy. The dim lights and candles on the table added to the intimate atmosphere between them. They sat facing each other, and Vernon couldn't stop gazing at Serena in awe.

"This place is really beautiful," Serena said as she admired the restaurant's decor. "I'm glad you brought me here."

"I'm glad you like it," Vernon replied. "This place has many memories for me, but I want to create new memories with you here."

"What kind of memories?" asked Serena.

"With my grandmother. My late grandmother."

When she learned that his grandmother had passed away, Serena stopped talking, reluctant to bring up old stories.

The waiter finally came and they ordered food. While waiting, they talked about various things.

"How many children do you want, Love?" asked Vernon suddenly.

Serena was surprised to hear the question. She had been avoiding the question of marriage and children since Henry betrayed her. Then came this kind of question from Vernon.

"I don't know yet, Vernon. Having children requires a lot of patience."

Thankfully, the food arrived, keeping them from continuing the conversation about children.

The delicious aroma of the food made their stomachs rumble. They savored every bite, feeling a simple but profound happiness.

"Vernon, I feel so lucky to be with you," Serena said suddenly. "You make me feel special."

And she did feel that from him. She wasn't lying when her heart had been bursting with happiness ever since.

Vernon took Serena's hand and kissed it gently. "I also feel lucky to have you. You are the light of my life."

Serena's eyes lit up, and she smiled lovingly. "I love you, Vernon."

"I love you too, Serena. More than you can imagine."

After that, their lips were locked, full of love and a spectacle for the visitors who stared at them until a snapshot from a camera that the flash turned on and beeped, making them startle and break away.