Martin stepped forward, the epito of contrition.
"This isn’t on Serena. It’s my fault for not asking the right questions."
Serena’s eyes lifted in disbelief, her heart swelling in her chest.
The boy beside her, still standing up for her—even now.
Emotions swirled in her gaze, a cocktail of gratitude and shock.
Her nose tingled, and she was a blink away from tears.
"I’m sorry," Martin said, turning to Roo with a bow of his head, a gentleman’s apology.
"I thought you were being fickle, flaunting your new fla in front of Serena just to hurt her."
At those words, Roo’s brow raised. Flaunting? His and Rose’s affection was genuine—no show needed.
"Especially after bumping into you several tis today, I assud you were trying to make Serena feel small.
Plus, I was clueless that Rosemary was a Collins, and that your engagent to her was a given.
Seeing you outside Aunt Eunice’s place, I thought you were there to rub it in Serena’s face."
That was why he had stepped out of the car, ready to throw a punch, feeling they had crossed a line.
"I figured as much," Rosemary said, having anticipated this.
That was why she had kindly warned him he was no match for Roo, and picking a fight wouldn’t end well for him.
Martin hadn’t expected the girl before him to be so understanding.
He bowed again, more earnestly this ti.
"I’m sorry for the misunderstanding."
"No harm done. You took a hit from Roo, so let’s call it even," Rosemary said, noticing the swelling on his face—a clear sign Roo didn’t pull his punches.
In this round, they had the upper hand on Martin.
"Please, have a seat," Eunice gestured for Martin to join them.
"Now that we’ve cleared the air, let’s move on.
Your granddad and uncle aren’t here today, and I apologize if I haven’t played the hostess well.
The tea’s getting cold, and the pastries won’t taste as good."
They each picked up a treat, lost in thought.
Eunice’s phone rang. It was one of her associates.
"Excuse , I need to take this."
As Eunice stepped away to take the call, Martin’s gaze drifted back to Serena, sizing her up—or perhaps reassessing.
Serena didn’t respond, didn’t even et his eyes for a fleeting second.
anwhile, Roo and Rosemary shared a tender smile, their eyes filled with unspoken affection.
"Alright, I’ll be there soon," Eunice said after hanging up, smiling apologetically.
"Sorry, I’ve got to handle sothing urgent. Make yourselves at ho. It’s your place too.
Rose, Serena, while it’s still early, why don’t you show your partners around? I’ll have to excuse myself."
"Aunt Eunice," Rosemary began, wondering if her help was needed.
Eunice patted her head as she passed, reassuring her.
"Don’t worry, I’ve got this."
Comforted, Rosemary nodded. "Co back soon."
"I will," Eunice said, then turned to Roo with a satisfied look.
"Keep Rose company."
"Will do."
No sooner had Eunice left than Serena dashed through another door, heading straight for the garden.
"Serena!" Martin called after her, hurrying to catch up.
Roo, embracing the girl in front of him, whispered tenderly,
"Aunt Eunice said to show around. I’d love to see your room."
"Who invites soone straight to their room?" Rosemary teased, wrapping her arms around his waist in response to his embrace.
"The room holds the essence of you. I want to see what your everyday life is like."
"You’ve seen my everyday life. Are you pretending we haven’t shared the sa room before?"
Her words drew him closer, his voice deepening.
"You’re getting quite the flirt, aren’t you?"
Rosemary was puzzled. How had she flirted with him?
"The fire you’ve started. Aren’t you going to put it out?" Roo chuckled lowly, his gaze on her filled with adoration.
In the background, the staff lted into puddles of envy at the display of affection.
"Oh my gosh, they are so adorable together!"
"Mr. McMillian seems really into Ms. Rose. Just look at the way he gazes at her. It’s like he’s trying to sweeten her up with his eyes!"
"When are they getting hitched, for heaven’s sake? I can’t wait!"
Their excited chatter reached Roo’s ears. He offered a warm smile, lifting his eyes towards them.
"I’ll make sure you guys get an invitation well in advance."
The staff were gobsmacked, never imagining they’d score an invite to Roo and Ms. Rose’s wedding.
The joy was so sudden, they started cheering in excitent.
"Thank you, Mr. McMillian!"
"Mr. McMillian, here’s to a lifeti of happiness for you and Ms. Rose, and may you be blessed with a family soon!"
Roo looked towards Rosemary with interest, his eyes all but asking: You hearing this?
"Mr. McMillian and Ms. Rose, wish you a love that’s everlasting!"
"May you two find joy and love eternal!"
"To Mr. McMillian and Ms. Rose—may you grow old together, in unwavering unity!"
Rosemary suddenly felt as if she were about to walk down the aisle.
Wasn’t all this jubilation a bit premature?
"Thank you," Roo accepted their well-wishes with the grace and generosity of a true gentleman, his gaze returning to Rosemary once again.
The servants nearby were nearly swooning under his tender look.
Who would have thought the usually stoic and cold Roo had such a warm and gentle side?
Ms. Rose was the lucky one, destined to spend her life with such a handso face doting on her.
In the garden...
Serena was running so fast she stumbled and fell to the ground.
Martin rushed over to help her up.
"Serena, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?"
"Back off." Serena pushed him away, but her knee was in so much pain, she couldn’t stand and had to sit on the grass, sulking on her own.
"Did you hurt your knee?" Martin asked with concern. "Let have a look."
"I don’t need your help."
"Serena!" Seeing her turn her face away, refusing to look at him, he went ahead and scooped her into his arms.
"What are you doing, Martin? Put down!"
"The ground is cold and damp. You could catch a cold."
Martin carried her to a nearby swing seat and gently set her down, insisting,
"Wait here and don’t move. I’ll be right back."
He went back to the house, grabbed a first aid kit from a servant, and returned promptly.
Serena watched him kneel down and start to roll up her pants.
"Martin."
"What’s with all these bruises?" Martin worked quickly and noticed the marks on her shin and knee.
"How did you get all banged up? When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell ?"
"It’s none of your business!"
"You’re my girlfriend. If it’s not my business, then whose is it?"
The thought that she had gone out with him today carrying all those bruises made Martin’s heart ache and sorrow fill him.
"Did you fall by yourself, or is there sothing else going on? Has anyone been giving you trouble?"
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