Chapter 54 Over my dead body
THIRD PERSON’S POV
“I’m sorry, brother,” Sarah whispered in prayer, her eyes closed.
Serena had just left her side, and the weight of guilt had started to press heavily on her soul. However, Jonathan had put her in a difficult spot and had to make a difficult choice to come across as a fair leader.
Although, when Jonathan had come to tell her he was planning something for Clara, he hadn't explained that it’d be that grand.
“Sarah,” Horace called out from behind her, “I just wanted to thank you for approving this,” he said, gesturing to the confetti that littered the floor. Clara really liked it.“
Sarah chuckled dryly, "You know I've never understood it,” she began, “how you could care for one daughter so much and have complete and absolute disregard for the other.”
Horace groaned. Why does everyone bother him with this same question when they already know he never answers it?
He paused mid-step and turned back to leave.
Sarah grabbed his hand, “No, don’t go,”
He turned and faced her.
“What is it, Horace?” She whispered. “What is so wrong with Serena that has made you reject her since she was born?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about Sarah,” Horace replied. “I dislike both my daughters equally.”
That made Sarah laugh, the sound escaping from her belly and out of her mouth before she could contain it.
“Horace, we are not stupid. We noticed it,” she paused, “Charles noticed it too and that’s why Clara got disheired.” She whispered.
Horace cleared his throat, sensing a trap.
“Why are you telling me all this Sarah?”
“I’m telling you all this because,” she got up, “I want you to understand that Charles rightfully gave those shares to Serena,” Sarah replied. “Stop fighting her for them.”
He smirked, “If the inheritance is rightfully hers, then Serena shouldn’t have a problem claiming it again.”
Sarah shook her head. “You know, when Eleanor brought you home my brother told her you were going to be the downfall of the Gregory name, but she didn’t listen. She insisted that she was in love with you. And Charles, being weak to his daughter's tears, agreed and let her marry you against his better judgment.”
She paused, then finally added, “I wish he had never made such an awful mistake.”
“You need to stop crying over the past and start embracing the future, Sarah. Because trust me, it’s coming.”
With that, Horace turned round and left Sarah standing by the table, alone.
It was almost morning and only a few guests remained in the hall, lovers swaying to the final performance from the string quartet.
Waiters and waitresses moving around hastily, cleaning and packing up some of the decorations.
Damian and Trisha sat at one of the empty tables, doing a round of tequila shots.
Serena spotted them the minute she walked in, she strolled slowly to their table.
“Serena,” Trisha yelled, standing up. “I’ve been calling your phone all night, where have you been?” she sighed in relief.
“Jeez, you look horrible,Trish.” Serena said, rushing to her side.
“Of course, I look bad. I was worried sick.” Her face turned serious and she lowered her voice, “I thought someone had taken you.”
“I’m sorry,”Serena said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulders. “I just needed to clear my head.”
She turned to Damian, “Hey Damian.”
Damian cleared his throat, he had hoped she wouldn’t acknowledge his presence.
“Hello.” He said warmly, then immediately lifted himself, moving his chair back in an attempt to leave.
“Please, don’t leave on my account,” Serena said to him. “I just want to do a round of shots with you guys. It's been a long night.”
“Yes, you need a drink after witnessing all that.” Trisha laughed, sitting back down.
Damian lowered himself back into the seat, but he only sat at the edge.
Serena pouted, “The worst part is I can’t even lie that it wasn’t so adorable to watch.”
Trisha nodded.
Damian took the tiny glass and emptied its content in his mouth.
“Why was Jonathan trying to subtly shade you in his speech though?” He asked.
“He just wanted a reaction out of me.”
“Maybe he still has feelings for you,” Damian said, downing another shot of tequila.
Serena glanced toward him, “Jonathan didn't even have feelings for me when we were together.”
“You are crazy, if you think a man can be in the same space as you and not fall in love with you,” Damian said in a hoarse tone.
His reply caused something in Serena’s chest to stir.
The tension in the air could slice through paper.
“Do you guys wanna play board games?” Trisha chimed in, trying to diffuse the conversation.
Damian slid off his chair, “No I’m good, I’ll start heading home now.” He said.
“We are still moving in tomorrow,” Serena muttered. “If that’s still okay with you.”
“You are my wife, it’s what is expected.”
Damian replied dryly. He waved a hand signaling his bodyguards then turned back to the table.
“Alright then ladies, good night.” He bowed his head slightly, and then turned and walked away, his security details following closely behind.
“He hates me,” Serena said, slapping a hand over her face.
“He doesn’t hate you.” Trisha interrupted. “He’s just having an attitude problem right now.”
“He didn’t even look at me when he said good night,” Serena whispered.
“Don’t panic, okay, whatever it is. We will deal with it when we move into his house.”
“I guess,” Serena said, her shoulders slumped, as she took in a long deep breath..
Damian returned home to see Edith barking orders at the maids and butlers, she had them moving furniture up and down the stairs.
“This looks serious,” Damian said when he got close to her.
“Mr. Damian.” She curtsied slightly, “They sent over the rest of Mrs. Serena’s things so we are just moving them to your room.”
Damian’s head snapped up, “Excuse me?” He muttered.
“I said we are moving her things into your room, as we had planned.” Edith repeated.
Damian’s jaw clenched. He massaged his head lightly and started to head for the stairs,
“Serena and I will not be sharing a room.” He declared, loud enough that everybody present heard him.
The workers immediately stopped in their tracks, like someone had ordered them to stop.
“Take out everything of hers that is in my room and arrange it in the south wing of the house,” Damian said to Edith.
“Damian,” Edith started slowly , “fate has given you an opportunity to explore love. Don’t ruin it.”
He smiled, “it will interest you to know that this time around I’m not the one trying to ruin it.”
He proceeded up the stairs. “Like I said she will reside in the West wing while the South wing shall remain mine.”
“Yes sir.” Edith replied.
Serena and Trisha got so drunk that Mike, Trisha’s chauffeur, had to drive them home and lift each of them up to Serena’s room.
“Thank you Mike, You are a good man.” Serena said as he lowered her into her bed, next to Trisha who was already passed out.
“You are welcome ma’am.” Mike answered, and turned to leave.
She was going to reply to him but her eyes were already closing shut and all she could do was watch his blurry figure walk out the door.
She was passed out before the door even clicked shut.
It was midnight now and Serena’s phone had been vibrating a while before she grudgingly answered it.
It was a message and not a call like she had thought.
She wiped a lazy hand over her eyes to clear some of the sleep, but when she saw the contact ID her eyes snapped open immediately.
UNKNOWN: Clara has won this battle, is she on her way to winning the war?
“Over my dead body.” Serena answered to the quiet dark room.