Owned By My Ex-Fiancé’s Uncle

12: Flight to Clarity

SERENE’S POV

Today was the last day of Fashion Week and our last day here in Erstonia. Throughout the week, I was unable to think straight because Aiden still hadn't answered my calls. It's just one day away from our wedding, yet I haven't received any clarification from him on whether we're still going through with it.

"Okay, let me call on Ms. Serene Astley," the host calls out with a smile. I'm taken aback because I didn't expect this. "To those people who don’t know, she is an aspiring designer, and her career started when she also joined a competition like this. When her masterpiece took first place, her career began to blossom, and most of her work was featured in different magazines and fashion weeks around the globe."

"What's this for?" I asked my confused companion.

"They're giving us an Award of Appreciation," she says, and I nod before standing. I wasn't paying attention, so I didn't know what was happening.

"Okay, do you have any words to say, Ms. Serene?" The host asks me, handing me the mic.

Honestly, I'm not used to facing a crowd, and I'm not accustomed to speaking either. My name is famous, but not my face, because I've never granted any live interviews. I'm content with my work being recognized, even if people don't know me personally.

"Ahmm, first, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the event organizer for having me here. Today’s designers were absolutely great and excellent. It’s really hard to choose whose masterpiece stands out because I know all of them gave their best. But come to think of it, it doesn’t matter who wins this competition tonight, because having you here and showing your masterpiece to the world is already an achievement. So don’t get discouraged; just enjoy the moment and never doubt yourself. And you will see someday your dream will also come true," I said, the words coming from my heart. I see that the audience listening to me is visibly moved. As they applauded, I returned the mic to the host beside me.

"Okay, thank you, Ms. Serene Astley, for that heartwarming message," the host says with a smile, and I return to my seat. "Now, let me call on Ms. Candida Javier."

I halted in my tracks when I saw Stefan standing by the side of my seat, a broad smile on his face. His continued clapping appeared to be directed solely at me, as his attention remained fixed on my face.

"Hi, Ms. Serene!" he greets cheerfully as I approach.

"Hello, Dr. Stefan!" I replied, and he seemed surprised.

"How did you know that I'm a doctor? You're not stalking me, are you?" he playfully teases.

"Of course not; I saw your name on the fountain pen tucked into your coat," I explained.

"Oh yeah! That fountain pen—no wonder I couldn't find it anywhere. I must have left it there," he says, nodding. "We didn't get a chance to talk that day because I got busy."

"No worries, I understand. You're one of the sponsors, right?" I inquired.

"No, no! That's not me. Like I said, my mother and aunts were the sponsors. They love these fashion weeks and attend them in various locations. I'm just here to support my mother," he clarifies, and I smile at his words.

He exudes masculinity and ruggedness, seemingly out of place at an event like this. What surprises me even more is that he's here to support his mother. I didn't have the time to admire him on the first day because my mind was preoccupied with so many thoughts.

"I wasn't able to bring your fountain pen and coat. Can we meet in the hotel lobby exactly at 6 p.m. so I can return them to you?" He pondered my offer.

"I have an appointment at that time," he said, sounding a bit regretful. "Well, maybe you can give me your room number, and I'll come to see you when I have some free time."

"Sure, I'm in Room 1219," I replied with a smile, and I saw him jot down my room number on his palm.

"Okay, see you then, my lady!" he said with a smile before turning away. I couldn't help but blush at his parting words.

After our event, I returned to my suite. I don't know why I suddenly decided to fly back to Aberdeen that night. Although my flight was scheduled for tomorrow night, I dedicated the day to enjoying the place. But I also knew that I wouldn't enjoy our last day if I couldn't talk to Aiden. For the last time, I wanted everything to be clear between us before we got married. I wanted to know who the woman really was because I was sure there was someone.

Since returning from Paris, I felt that I hadn't had a proper conversation with him, and at worst, it seemed like our hearts were drifting further apart, and I didn't know why. I didn't know if everything that happened was my fault.

When I managed to book a flight home, I got a schedule for 7 p.m., so I started packing my things. I was halfway through when someone rang the doorbell of my suite.

I quickly grabbed the coat and fountain pen, expecting it to be Stefan. However, I was taken aback to find my co-designers outside.

"Oh, come in," I said, widening the open door.

"Madam, what's this?" Pola asked when she saw the clothes I was packing. "Isn't our flight back to Aberdeen tomorrow? Why are you already packing your things?"

I put Stefan's coat and fountain pen back on the bed.

"Yes, but I booked a flight back to Aberdeen tonight. I still have some things to take care of, so I'll be heading back ahead of you. Don't worry; you have a service to the airport tomorrow," I explained, trying to preempt any further questions.

"That's sad, madam! I thought we could at least enjoy our last day here. I wanted to try their night market," Jenny said with a hint of regret.

"I'll make it up to you next time. You know I'm busy because my wedding is approaching. And, guys, you can still enjoy the moment while you're here."

"Okay, Madam, we'll support you. We know you've been dreaming of marrying Sir Aiden for a long time," Patrish said with a smile, and I couldn't help but smile back at them. "If it weren't for our insistence, you might already be married by now."

"Enjoy your day until tomorrow, and I'll wait for you on the wedding day," I said as I continued packing my things.

"Madam, we'll step out for a bit," they said, seeking permission.

"Sure, take care of your flight tomorrow." I bid them farewell.

"You take care too, Madam!" they almost said in unison. Then I heard the door to my suite close.

I continued packing my things, and I paused when only Stefan's black coat remained on the bed. I picked it up. "Alright, I'll probably look for you in Aberdeen to return this coat to you." Afterward, I placed it inside my suitcase.

Once I made sure I hadn't left anything behind, I changed clothes, since my flight was at 7 p.m. Before I stepped out to check out, I called Aiden again. He thought I was coming home tomorrow, so I wanted to tell him I was on my way home to ensure he hadn't made other plans for the night and that we had time to talk. However, like the past few days, he still hasn't answered my calls. My gut feeling wasn't positive, so I decided it was best to head home now.

I left that room and went to the reception area to check out. After checking out, I left the hotel and hailed a taxi to Erstonia International Airport.

During the journey to the airport, I tried calling Aiden several times, but it seemed like his phone was intentionally turned off. When I arrived at the airport, I felt like a floating entity in a hurry to get home. If only I could fly the plane myself to get home quickly.

The truth is, I'm afraid to face Aiden because of our last conversation, but I know I need to gather my courage. Somehow, I hope we can still talk properly. During my time in Paris, a single night of not talking to Aiden felt like madness, and he couldn't bear not talking to me either. He has changed a lot, and our relationship has undergone significant changes since I returned.