Owned By My Ex-Fiancé’s Uncle

08: Questioning Love and Loyalty

SERENE’S POV

I'm currently in front of my laptop, filling out the confirmation form for the invitation I received to the fashion week in Estonia. The beauty of this event is that everything is sponsored, including our plane tickets and hotel accommodations.

I was about to click the submit button when my phone suddenly rang, and it was Aiden. It had been a day since our last argument in his condo, and I didn't expect him to tolerate me for that long.

"Hello?" I decided to answer the call.

"What's this about the wedding organizer telling me that you've put our wedding plans on hold?" he asked in disbelief.

"Why? Are you still interested in marrying me, Aiden?" I made it clear that I was angry.

"Why? After this, are you heading to Estonia for fashion week?" I was surprised by his question because I hadn't told him about it.

"How did you find out?" I asked, puzzled, as I hadn't told anyone except my designers and family.

"Do you really think you can keep the truth from me? What's your plan, Serene? Do you still want to marry me?"

"I was about to ask you the same question, Aiden. Do you still want to marry me? I no longer feel your interest. And I know that, even if you don't admit it, you're up to something behind my back." He appeared surprised by what I said, and I could tell. "I may not have concrete evidence yet, but I'll find out what you're really doing behind my back. I'm furious."

"Do you really want to know what I'm up to? Fine, go to Alejandro's Restaurant right now, and we'll talk there," he said seriously before ending the call.

I still couldn't understand him, and I looked back at my laptop's monitor. But I didn't hesitate to click the submit button. After a few minutes, I received a notification and confirmation from the event sponsor, expressing their delight that I had accepted their invitation.

After filling out and submitting my confirmation, I left my office to talk to my designers.

"Okay, guys, since I've decided to go to the competition, I want you all to come with me," I said. I could see their eyes widen in surprise.

"Are you serious, Madam, about what you just said?" Pola asked in disbelief.

"Yes, of course. That's why I'm here. I need your full name so I can book your tickets and make hotel reservations for you," I replied with a smile. They each took out their identification cards and handed them to me. "I'm treating you to this because Pristine Panache has been around for 5 years, and you've all been with me for 5 years as well. I know you'll learn a lot from this competition and get fresh ideas. I was once discovered in a fashion competition, so being a part of the jury now is a huge success for me, and I want to share that success with all of you."

"Well said, Madam! And honestly, you truly deserve it, and we, your talented colleagues, support you all the way!" Patrish exclaimed.

"All of you are talented, and I believe you all have a bright future in our industry. You just need to trust yourselves. Self-confidence goes a long way, because if you don't believe in yourself, how can others believe in your abilities? So self-care is always essential, and that's what you should remember."

"Consider it noted, Madam, and we won't forget all that you've taught us," Jenny said, nodding in agreement.

"Anyway, I'll book all of you for the same flight so that we can travel together," I said before excusing myself and returning to my office.

Inside my office, I noticed a picture of Aiden and me on my desk. I also saw a text message from him specifying the time I needed to be at Alejandro's. I still didn't know whether I should go or if I should believe him.

AIDEN’S POV

"Hi, where are you, Aiden? I'm on my way to your flat."

"No, don't go there yet. Serene is already suspicious of me. It might be risky if she shows up and catches us."

"Then where should we meet?" She asked, feeling upset.

"We shouldn't meet for now. I need to be careful right now."

"Are you serious about still wanting to marry Serene? I can give you everything you need. Why do you still want to marry her?"

"Because no matter what I'm doing, I still love her. And I won't allow our wedding to be canceled because I've waited a long time for her."

"Come on, just admit that you're doing this out of pride and that you can't accept not getting what you want from her no matter what you do. That's why you quickly succumbed to me, right?"

"No, shut up! I won't allow our wedding to be canceled, and I'll do everything I can to make sure she ends up with me," I said, immediately ending the call.

I composed a text for Serene, telling her to be at Alejandro's by 6 p.m.

I also called Alejandro's to arrange a sudden surprise for Serene. That should be a good enough reason to dispel her suspicions about me. I wouldn't allow her to leave me.

And I won't allow her to find out what mischief I'm up to behind her back. Before heading to Alejandro's, I also bought some flowers for her.

The staff directed me to the location where I had set everything up for Serene upon arrival. I nodded in approval as I entered the room, pleased to see that it had already been set up.

As I walked into the VIP room, my heart raced with excitement. It was an intimate and romantic space, adorned with soft, dimmable lighting, plush seating, and a breathtaking view of the city skyline through the large windows. The warm glow of numerous flickering candles created an enchanting ambiance, and elegant floral centerpieces with her favorite blooms graced the tables. Helium-filled balloons in her favorite colors floated around, adding a touch of playfulness. Framed photos and mementos of our relationship adorned the room, chronicling our journey together.

A talented musician played her favorite songs on a grand piano, setting the perfect mood for the evening. The playlist softly filled the air, featuring the songs that held a special place in our hearts. The gourmet, multi-course meal, customized to her taste and dietary preferences, was a masterpiece. From the appetizers to the entrees and desserts, each dish was expertly prepared and exquisitely presented.

The surprises were everywhere. The menu was personalized with sweet, heartfelt notes and messages, sharing our love story and expressing my feelings. The love letters I had written to her were carefully placed under her dinner plate and atop the dessert tray, creating heartwarming moments throughout the meal.

As the evening unfolded, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that everything was designed to make her feel cherished and adored. Small, personalized tokens of appreciation, such as mini photo albums, customized trinkets, or special keepsakes, were parting gifts for our guests, creating lasting memories. This surprise event was a testament to our love and the journey we had shared—a night filled with love, romance, and beautiful memories that will leave her in awe and grateful for the love we shared.

I knew this would be enough to win her over again. I glanced at my wristwatch and felt a slight nervousness as it hit exactly 6 p.m., and Serene still hadn't arrived. I knew Serene well, and she had never been late for our dates.

I reached for my cellphone to call her, but it just kept ringing, and there was no answer.

I was taken aback when the door suddenly swung open, but it wasn't Serene.

"What are you doing here?" I nervously asked. "How did you know I was here?"

"You know, Aiden, the answer to your question is pretty simple; I just followed you," she replied, her gaze sweeping around the room. "And what's this? Do you really think you can win over Serene with these tactics?" she said sarcastically.

"What are you doing here, anyway? Do you really want to ruin things between Serene and me?"

"Of course, yes. What other reason would I have for seducing you if that wasn't my plan in the first place? Plus, come here; I really missed you," she said, and with that, she quickly grasped my neck and planted a passionate kiss on my lips. It was intense, and I found myself tempted to reciprocate.

"Please, get out now! Serene might arrive any moment!" I pushed her away. And both of us turned to the door that suddenly swung open.