Chapter 23: Leaving for Torton IV

Geoffrey knew that Serena was right. Indeed, his mother was not completely unreasonable, but it was he, who was being unreasonably angry.

Not being able to control the situation, all he could do was to support Serena and double his efforts in making her feel how much he loves her while at the same time, displaying it to the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, not wanting to let everything pass just like that, his relationship with his mother has turned cordial at best. In retrospect, it was not really all that surprising given that it has not been exactly loving in the first place.

Thus, things continued to propel towards that direction.

For the first few months, everything seemed to be alright. However, as the seasons changed, he noticed that although Serena always wore a strong front, there were times when she would just let it slip.

If they were not who they were, then not being able to have a child would not be a huge issue. However, there was no what ifs.

With pressure coming in from different directions, Geoffrey knew that Serena could not be as happy as she portrayed. And though try as he might to comfort her with his words and actions, he understood that he could not completely dislodge her worries and uncertainties.

For in the end, their adversary was time, and though he knew that his love for her would never waver, it would take a lifetime to prove it.

--

Serena heaved another sigh as she finished playing the song. She still felt melancholic but what else can she do? It's not like she was willing to let go of Geoffrey just like that. As the lyrics said in the song "I have you" originally sang by the Carpenters, he was her savior, her happy ending, and the one who keeps her going. She has him. Geoffrey was hers. And she would do everything in her power for it to remain that way.

Now, she has to make up her mind.

Should she use her brother, Leonard, as her means in solving her current predicament?

Although given her position, there were other ways for her to resolve the issue, she has never been that connivingly evil given her peaceful 21st century mindset. Aside from that, she liked Annalys, and even if she did not, she knew that if she does anything to harm her, there will be consequences that could affect Geoffrey's position critically.

So, going back to her brother. It's not like he's not already in the mix when it comes to the political aspect of things. Maybe he would even decide to marry for political reasons in the future. So, it's not like what she plans on doing was something of great evil.

Annalys was beautiful, nice, had good pedigree, and all the above. So, if she were to matchmake her with Leonard, it's not like it's his brother's loss. Meanwhile, Leonard was handsome, kind, smart, and responsible, so Annalys won't be at a disadvantage either.

Ok, so she acknowledges that there's the issue with Leonard only being an adopted son and she understood that that's the reason why Annalys' parents did not seem to think much of him (Though they did not say those words directly, they implied as much when she tried to casually mention his name once or twice). But no matter, he was still indisputably the heir to their parents' dukedom.

Moving on, when it comes to feelings, it can develop overtime. Ok. Fine. She knows it doesn't work that way, not because you pit two people together it would automatically mean that they could work it out and even if they were to make an effort, it won't necessarily mean that they would grow to love each other.

But still, that doesn't mean that they can't try right? The Season was the time for that anyway. Leonard was single, Annalys was single, so what's the harm in giving them a little push so that they can try and get to know each other better?

If Leonard and Annalys were to fall in love with each other, then it would be hitting 3 birds in one stone. One, she gets herself out of her predicament. Two, leonard and Annalys get to have a love match. Three, it would ultimately cement the Cross family on Geoffrey's faction.

On the other hand, if it doesn't work out that way, there was still no harm done. At least they tried and well, perhaps she would have successfully come up with another solution before the season ends.

Having been able to convince herself, she felt more invigorated and quickly stood from the stool. She has to make a call to Leonard immediately. Wait, he might still be in the ministry as it was still a little early. Oh, she could call Annalys and ask her what she thinks of Leonard instead.

Wait, that might be too obvious. Besides, looking back, she already did casually mention Leonard's name to Annalys a few times this past month because, as said, she already thought of this solution when the queen started mentioning Annalys' name as her preferred choice for Geoffrey's second wife. But Annalys' response wasn't all that enthusiastic, so she dropped it.

Well, that can change when her brother Leonard starts paying her attention, right? Definitely, that should be the case. Leonard was excellent. Even she found him very attractive when she first transmigrated.

Becoming more excitable, Serena grinned.

*ahem ahem.

Leonard and Annalys getting married out of true love, isn't that fantastic?

*ahem ahem

She could already imagine queen Loretta's face, though she did not necessarily hate her mother-in-law, she still does feel some satisfaction whenever she's able to one up her.

Ah… wasn't she just a complete genius? She giggled.

*AHEM AHEM

Serena furrowed her brows. What was that? Anyhow, she turned to her right and like a deer caught in headlights, her eyes widened comically as she exclaimed "Geoffrey!?What are you doing there!?" Then, realizing with embarrassment how she even giggled like a madwoman a while back, she continued to ask, "How long have you been standing there?"

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TBC