Chapter 23: Will He Stay?

Serena tightened her grip on Vernon's hand, feeling the warmth of his touch as they stepped out of the restaurant.

The night air was cool and refreshing, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves on the trees around us. The city lights twinkled all around them, casting a magical glow on the streets.

"What a great dinner," Serena said, smiling at him. "Thank you for having me here."

Vernon looked up at her, his eyes filled with a tenderness that made Serena's heart race.

"Anything for you, Love. You deserve the best."

As they walked, the sounds of the city faded into the background, leaving them in their own little bubble.

Serena couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, a happiness that seemed to fill every corner of her being. Vernon had a way of making her feel special, cherished, and loved.

They arrived at a small park, the path illuminated by soft, glowing lights.

Vernon leads her to a bench under a large oak tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. They sat down, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

"It would be nice to be like this every night," Serena whispered, resting her head on his shoulder.

"If it's with you, of course," he replied, his voice a low murmur. "Love, I want to tell you something."

Serena lifted her head to look at him, her heart pounding in her chest. There was a seriousness in his eyes, a depth of emotion that took her breath away.

"Just tell me," Serena asked softly.

He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving her eyes.

"It would be too soon to discuss the future, but I hope you don't mind if I'm your last."

Tears welled up in Serena's eyes as his words sunk in. "What exactly did you do to me that I would want the same thing, Vernon?"

He cupped her face in his hands, his touch soft and reassuring. "Then, let us promise each other that we will face everything together, no matter what happens. We will support each other, love each other, and never let anything stand in our way of being together."

Serena nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I promise."

Their lips met in a soft kiss, a promise sealed with the warmth of their love.

As they pulled away, Vernon rested his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers. "I love you, Serena. More than words can express."

"I love you too, Vernon," Serena whispered back. "Forever and always."

"Do you want to go for a walk?" Vernon asked softly, his thumb stroking her cheek.

Serena nodded, smiling up at him. "I wouldn't be able to resist."

They stood up and began walking down the winding path of the garden, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the rustling leaves. The silence was comfortable, allowing us to enjoy each other's presence without the need for words.

"I always have to hold you, otherwise you'll get hurt," he told Serena as he took her by the hand.

Serena laughed at that, she thought Vernon was so sweet, knowing how to make her smile.

They came to a small pond, the water glistening in the moonlight.

Vernon led her to a bench overlooking the water, and they sat down.

He turned to face Serena, his eyes reflecting the moonlight.

"You know," he began, his voice full of concern, "I still can't believe that the one night I thought I wouldn't see you, I did."

"And that you secretly hoped to meet, huh?" Serena asked.

Vernon cleared his throat and that was his way of behaving.

"Did you ever think about living together?" asked Vernon.

Serena's heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in his tone. "What do you mean?”

"I mean," he said as he took her hand, "I want us to live together. To wake up next to each other every day, to share our lives in ways we've never done before."

Tears welled up in Serena's eyes again, the depth of her commitment moving her to tears. "Vernon, I ... I would love that. More than anything."

He pulled Serena into his arms tightly, his voice whispering in her ear.

"We'll take it one step at a time, Love. No rush, no pressure. Just us, together."

Serena nodded into his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat. "Together," she echoed.

They sat there for a while, wrapped in the serenity of the moment. When they finally stood up to leave, Vernon grasped her hand tightly, his touch a promise of all that was to come.

"Let's go home anyway, it's getting late. You should go home, and so should I," Vernon said.

"Alright."

As they walked back to the apartment, the city seemed to shine with a new brilliance. Everything felt different, livelier, more alive.

Serena glanced at Vernon, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. She knew that with Vernon by her side, there was nothing they couldn't face.

Arriving at the apartment, the warmth of the room greeted them. Vernon pulled her into his arms once again, his lips finding Serena's in a soft, passionate kiss.

"Let's dance," he whispered, his voice low and inviting.

Serena nodded, and he led her to sway slowly and gently. There was no music, but the rhythm of their hearts was enough.

At that moment, they knew that this was where they were meant to be together.

Both had parted ways with their respective partners in the same month, then met at the right time as well.

And as they danced, Serena realized that their journey was just beginning.

"You know, I think we met to heal each other's wounds," Serena said.

"You're right. Sometimes the right person comes along at the wrong time, but we ... are at the right time."

Serena rested her head on Vernon's broad chest, smiling that she could have him.

But thinking of their former lovers, be it Cherry or Henry ... She knew after this they would probably try to chase them back.

"What's wrong?" asked Vernon, who knew from Serena's heavy breathing.

"Cherry is trying to chase you, and so is Henry. Do you think we can face them?"

Serena pulled herself up and looked up, realizing that Vernon was very tall.

"Are you scared?" asked Vernon.

Serena shook her head. "Not a bit. But they kept chasing. I hate knowing that, I mean your ex."

"I never want to go back to the past, Love. You're my future now, you know that."

Serena's heart pounded every time Vernon hinted that she was his future. Although she didn't know for sure, but she always suggested to herself that they would last forever.

"By the way, do you want to stay here?" Serena offered.

Vernon smiled meaningfully, breathed in the air around him, and then cleared his throat.

"If I wanted to, what would we do, Love?”