Owned By My Ex-Fiancé’s Uncle

11:Elegance Unbuttoned

SERENE’S POV

Due to my constant thoughts about Aiden, and with only an hour left, I had little time to prepare myself. I quickly showered and grabbed the outfit I had designated for the day.

The black lace dress was adorned with intricate details, featuring a turtle neckline that fit perfectly and accentuated my delicate shoulders. Its sleeves elegantly extended just below my elbows, imparting a refined and polished aesthetic. The waist remained unembellished, contributing to a graceful and flowing overall look, while the length gracefully fell just below my knee. I completed the ensemble with ankle-strap sandals.

With limited time for makeup, I opted for a simple look, applying foundation and lip tint. Lipstick wasn't my preference; it tended to dry my lips quickly, so I had sworn off it.

After ensuring my appearance was satisfactory, I checked the time on my wristwatch. It was already 7:45 AM, leaving me with just 15 minutes to reach the venue. I hastily grabbed my pouch and rushed out of my suite. Since we were on the 12th floor, I waited for the elevator, losing another two precious minutes.

As the elevator stopped on the 12th floor, I entered, finding only one other person inside. Because of my hurry, I even had time to glance at his face.

"Serene?" the man behind me called, prompting me to turn and realize it was Stefan. I either hadn't noticed or didn't register it due to my preoccupied thoughts.

"I didn't expect you here," I replied briefly.

"Yeah, my mom is sponsoring the event, so I had to accompany her."

"So, the Sanders Empire is really sponsoring this event."

"Yes, and I didn't expect you to accept her offer. Actually, when you two met at the party, she wanted to personally invite you, but due to your rush, she didn't have the chance." I nodded at his words, recalling our first meeting. "Anyway, are you with Aiden?"

"No, he didn't come. He's not a fan of these events and never enjoys them. You, on the other hand, seem to enjoy them."

"Not actually, but since it's my mom's passion, I have no choice but to accompany her."

I was about to speak again when I felt a snap from my behind, and two buttons fell to the elevator floor. Both Stefan and I looked down, and my eyes widened as I realized the buttons came from my dress. I felt frustrated and hopeless, wondering if I would even make it to the first day of Fashion Week. It seemed like a string of bad luck, making me question if I should have come to Erstonia in the first place.

He picked up the two buttons that had fallen from my dress. Afterward, he signaled to me, referring to the fact that my dress was open at the back.

"Your back is exposed. You should have worn cardigans or light sweaters; it's still chilly outside even though it's spring."

Oh, yes, because of my haste, I forgot to wear a sweater. I was about to scold him because I knew that already, but I was surprised when he suddenly took off his black coat without saying anything and draped it over my shoulders.

I don't know why, but it felt like the world suddenly stopped, everything went in slow motion, and my heart raced faster because of what he did. Especially when I caught a whiff of his pleasant cologne, it seemed like my heart went even more haywire.

"Just return it to me when we meet again," he said with a smile. He didn't even wait for my response as the elevator opened, and he quickly exited. I remained in a daze.

I snapped back to reality when the elevator closed again, and I noticed I was already on the ground floor. I hurriedly pressed the open button and rushed out. Stefan was no longer there. My heart continued to beat rapidly because his scent lingered on the black coat I wore.

I tried to push thoughts of him out of my mind and quickly made my way to the Fashion Week venue. Fortunately, I made it in time because it would have been embarrassing to represent myself in that place, especially since I was chosen to be a juror for the biggest sponsor of the event.

After the sponsors and jury for the day were introduced, the models began their catwalk in front of us.

"Classic and creative first come to mind upon seeing Amy Anderson in this confectionary-colored, unique gown. Amy's loose-fitting dress of polyester and cotton features topstitching, a new skill Amy learned from this. A contoured waistline is hidden by a self-belt button in the back, which completes the 'upbeat spirit' impression of this trendy outfit," introduced the host, Brianna Smith, for the first model.

As the model walked in the middle, the cameras flashed around us simultaneously. Aside from the jury, the event was also based on bidding for each outfit, and the highest bidder would win.

Midway through the event, I felt a fountain pen in the pocket of the coat I was wearing. I took it out and examined it.

Dr. Stefan Sanders—that was the name imprinted on the fountain pen, and it didn't seem cheap.

I don't know why. Out of all the people I could encounter on my first day in Erstonia, it had to be Stefan.

Even now, amidst the debates in my mind, back when I was in Aberdeen, I struggled to catch and make Aiden admit it, especially now that I am far away.

I know he was cheating on me; I couldn't be wrong about my feelings. But because of the love I feel for him, I find it challenging to decide whether to continue with the wedding.

However, my feelings seem to change when I see or remember Stefan.

Lost in thought, I didn't realize that the first day of Fashion Week had already ended. I was brought back to reality when the people around me stood up.

So, I stood up to leave when someone approached me.

"Hi, Serene!" She was greeted with a smile, and if I'm not mistaken, she's Stefan's mom. "You still remember me?" she asked to make sure.

"Yes, of course," I replied shyly.

"I actually want to thank you personally for accepting my offer. I thought you wouldn't accept it because of Aiden," she hesitated to say.

"When it comes to my passion and fashion events, I make all the decisions. And I didn't tell him that you're one of the sponsors because I wasn't sure if you're really related to the Sanders Empire. But I also thank you for the opportunity you've given me."

"Good to hear that. At least, no matter what Aiden says, if we offer something to you, you'll still accept it," she hesitated to say, reinforcing my suspicion that something unpleasant happened between her and Aiden, though I wasn't sure what it was.

"Yes, of course. When it comes to business, family matters are irrelevant."

"But I heard you're about to get married soon. Best wishes in advance, Serene," she said with a smile. "Anyway, here is my contact number, but I'll also send you an email with my offer. I hope you can consider it."

"Let's check," I said with a smile, looking around to find Stefan, but he seemed to be absent.

"Okay, enjoy your stay here, okay? I'll go ahead," she bid farewell.

"Okay, thank you."

As she turned away, I took out the fountain pen still in the pocket of the coat I was wearing.

"It seems I won't be able to return you today." I said as if I were talking to the fountain pen.