When Andrea returned to the ballroom, Seraphina caught sight of her right away and
beckoned her over with a casual wave of her hand.
Andrea made her way over to Seraphina at a brisk pace. Before Seraphina could voice the
question on her mind, she noticed Andrea’s pallor and couldn’t help but ask, “What’s
wrong? You look a little off.”
“It’s nothing,” Andrea replied tersely, then added, “Bowen’s been found.”
Seraphina wasn’t surprised. “So, the wedding’s going on as planned, right?”
Andrea nodded.
Seraphina couldn’t help but let out a wry chuckle before looking back at Andrea. “If the
wedding is going on as usual, why the long face? Don’t tell me you were anticipating
Bowen to stir something up?”
At that, Andrea playfully pinched Seraphina’s waist. “Stop talking nonsense!”
The two shared a laugh, and once they’d regained their composure, Andrea sighed, “You
know, I did think that if Bowen had bolted for love, I might have actually admired him for
it.”
Seraphina gave her a knowing look. “That would only make you more certain that true
love exists in this world, right?”
Andrea didn’t respond but didn’t deny it either.
Seraphina then put an arm around her, “You don’t need to pin your hopes on Bowen. He’s
not the type. Maybe if you set your sights on someone else, you won’t be let down.”
At that, Andrea only chuckled and then said, “I’m not listening to your wild stories. Go
mingle; I need to go greet the other guests.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSeraphina nodded, watching as Andrea turned to leave. Her gaze then drifted across the
room and locked onto Bowen making his entrance. He looked a shade paler than before,
his eyes rimmed red, yet his smile seemed plastered on, betraying no sign of trouble.
Noticing Seraphina’s gaze, Bowen lifted his champagne glass from afar in salute.
Seraphina casually turned to face him with a small smile.
Soon, Bowen was swarmed by guests, and Seraphina lost interest in watching him.
As the wedding ceremony began and the guests settled down, Seraphina’s eyes once
again found Bowen. With Tania on his arm, he stepped toward the altar, a picture of
romantic commitment, entering into the sanctity of marriage.
While everyone watched the couple, Seraphina leaned towards Leandro and whispered, “I
must have really made you furious before, right?”
Leandro glanced at her, “What’s this? A sudden bout of self-reflection?”
“No,” Seraphina replied. “I’m just regretting not pushing you further, to the point of utter
frustration… Would you have thought about killing me then?”
Leandro’s gaze briefly swept towards Bowen on the stage. “Do you think I haven’t
considered it?”
Seraphina, intrigued, pressed on, “Then why didn’t you act on it?”
“Because I didn’t want to get my hands dirty,” Leandro said. “If you were going to die, it
would have to be by my hand.”
Seraphina looked him over and quipped with a raised eyebrow, “Too bad, the moment we
met, you only wanted me in your bed, right?”
Leandro gave her a glance and then whispered in her ear, “Let’s put that theory to the
test tonight.”
Seraphina couldn’t help but pinch him, only to be caught in his grasp and rendered
immobile.
Then, her attention returned to Bowen.
After tonight, he would lose Sandra forever, with no chance of reconciliation.
As far as Seraphina was concerned, any possibility between them had ended the moment
Sandra had that accident.
So, at that moment, Seraphina felt content.
The ceremony concluded with Bowen and Tania’s kiss amid a shower of petals, to the
sound of cheers and applause. Seraphina clapped half-heartedly, looking forward to the
socializing to come at the reception.
As expected, when the official ceremony ended, the atmosphere became even more
animated. Guests milled about, chatting and toasting, turning the venue into a bustling
social scene.
Seraphina worked the room, particularly where the cameras were snapping, making her
presence felt throughout the event. Taking advantage of the occasion, she promoted her
upcoming art exhibition, securing countless invitations.
In the midst of a lively conversation, a deep, steady voice came from behind, “What’s this
lively discussion about?”
The guests turned to see Simon approach and quickly offered their congratulations with
raised glasses.
Seraphina, too, lazily toasted him before answering, “We were just talking about my
company’s upcoming art exhibition at the Sunburst City Art Gallery. There’ll be pieces
from modern masters of Western painting, as well as some fine works from my father,
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCarney Bennett. I hope Mr. Martin can make it.”
Simon nodded with a smile, “I’ll be sure to attend.”
“Mr. Bennett’s paintings truly have a unique style,” someone commented. “He’s a master
of contemporary art, such a shame there are so few of his works. I’ve been looking to
acquire a Bennett piece recently, but it’s been a challenge.”
“That’s the way it goes. My father left us too soon. If he were still here, his art would have
reached even greater heights,” Seraphina said. “But it’s alright. What matters in life is
leaving a trace, a mark that you were here. I believe my father’s existing works are
enough to secure his legacy.”
“Absolutely. Give it some time, and once the public gets a better grasp of Mr. Bennett’s
work, his artistic achievements are bound to be recognized accordingly.”
Seraphina beamed with joy at the compliment and graciously said to the man, “Thank you
for your kind words.”
Then, as if something suddenly occurred to her, she handed a business card to Simon.
“This is the Carney Artful Reverie, named after my father. Aside from his paintings, we
feature many other exquisite works of art. I’d be delighted if Mr. Martin would come to
appreciate them.”
Simon took the card from Seraphina and, upon reading “Carney Artful Reverie,” tucked it
into his pocket. “Well, with such a charming invitation, how could I refuse? I’ll be sure to
visit.”
After exchanging pleasantries with the crowd, Simon turned to mingle with other guests.
Seraphina, still smiling warmly, continued her conversations with the attendees, her eyes
briefly following Simon’s retreating figure before she fully re-engaged with the lively
gathering around her.