Chapter 238 - A Forest And A Pie

Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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After lunch, Duke took me on a scenic drive in his silver Aston-Martin.

Duke's left hand held my right one as the wind swept my hair wildly while he navigated the luxury sports car through traffic flawlessly.

I looked at Duke with sparkles in my eyes. Everything he does is perfect, even driving a car. 

We stopped at a scenic spot, just outside London and I retied my hair into a ponytail in order to make myself presentable.

"This is Belfair's Nature Centre.", Duke said while holding the door for me and offering me a hand to hold while stepping out of the car. "We can take a walk and stretch our legs. There are nearly 500 hectares of unspoiled nature for us to enjoy."

We held hands and walked in comfortable silence from the parking lot toward the lush greenery, following the narrow path made out of pebbles.

I let Duke lead the way, just like many times before while I got lost in the thoughts about the past and the present.

I glanced at our hands that fit together like they were made for each other, and I remembered that we often did this, even in high school. Whenever opportunity allowed, he would hold my hand, and in other cases, he would be close to me. At that time, I didn't think much of it, but now I knew that Duke always had an urge to touch me.

There were so many signs that he liked me, right in front of my nose. How come I didn't see them?

I was broken and lonely and Duke came into my life, collected my pieces, and put me back together like I'm the most precious thing in the world, in his world. Why was I blind?

No matter what we did and where we were, Duke was trying to be as close as possible to me. He was protective, and he made me feel safe.

I was ignorant, but now I know better.

I can clearly identify the sense of belonging that swelled within me, and it didn't feel like we were apart for seven years, or that we were never a couple.

Duke was a piece of me I was always missing and being with him felt natural.

The towering ancient trees around us reminded me how small and insignificant I was but something inside me whispered that as long as I am with Duke, I am right where I should be.

I had no idea how I was able to live without Duke so far.

I wondered if it's his unconditional acceptance or the way he looked at me, but when I was with Duke, I felt at home, comfortable with myself, and confident that I can take on any challenge. Because of Duke.

It was surreal, and I hoped that it will last forever.

I admired the woodlands all around us and I realized that Duke would often take me to nature whenever we sneaked out alone.

"Do you come here often?", I asked.

"Not as often as I would like to.", he responded.

"You like the forest?"

I was expecting a yes or no answer, but Duke's expression told me that it's much more complex than that.

"It reminds me of a carefree time when I thought there are no problems in the world.", he responded after some time.

I knew that he was talking about his childhood. I hoped that he will say more, but he didn't.

I didn't ask any questions, knowing that it's a sensitive topic. It's probably something related to his parents, and I didn't want to risk reminding him that he lost them when he was a budding teenager.

He will tell me when he is ready.

After our walk, we returned to London and entered a familiar sweet shop. It's the same sweet shop we used to frequent during high school.

Duke stood next to a free table and pulled a chair for me to sit.

"I'll be back in a minute…", he winked playfully and went to the counter.

Duke returned with one slice of strawberry ice-cream pie and two lemonades.

The warmth in his eyes made me feel all fuzzy on the inside and I was lost in the memories of the younger versions of us  sitting at the table with two lemonades and one slice of delicious pie to share.

"I can't believe you remembered this.", I said.

Duke smiled and gave my hand a squeeze. "I remember everything about you."

My breath hitched. Can he be any sweeter?

I thought that I'm the only one who remembers these silly details, but there he was, confirming that he remembers them as well.

I cocked my eyebrow at the handsome man who was handing me a spoon while leaving the second one for himself.

"I would assume that you can afford two slices now." I gestured at the pie.

Duke smiled slyly. "I could afford two then as well, but I preferred sharing things with you."

I was not sure how many more emotional attacks my heart can take before I melt into nothingness.

"Were you always such a sweet talker?", I asked jokingly while trying to conceal how flustered I was.

Duke shrugged. "I'm only speaking my mind, like every time we are together."

And there it was, another attack, directed at my heart… hitting its target in the center.

…

The afternoon was trickling away, and Duke suggested that we go to his place.

He didn't mention plans for dinner, and I didn't care if we will go out or not. I followed him like a moth drawn to a flame, not caring if he will burn my wings away.

I knew that it was not a smart idea to spend another night with Duke, as it might lead to a disaster. There were so many things that could go wrong.

However, every cell in my body screamed for Duke's proximity and I was unable to fight back. I didn't want to fight back.

We took the elevator to the fifth floor and stopped in front of the door that was the last one on the left, and it had '5D' on it.

Duke unlocked the door and paused.

"It might be messy inside. I was not expecting company when I left my place this morning…", he said sheepishly, and I stifled a giggle. He was super-adorable.

"I can help you clean up.", I said like it's not a big deal before adding, "Or are you afraid that I will find something incriminating?"

Duke shot me a disapproving side-glance before pushing the door open.

The truth was that I was super nervous.

Duke and I spent a lot of time together during high school, but I never came to his apartment, just how he never visited my home. We maximized our every moment in school, during school-organized outings, and at several places that were on the way from school to home, like a park and the sweetshop we just visited, but this was the first time for me to enter his space.

My stomach coiled into knots. Duke was not a boy, and I can't assume that he was a monk either. What if I find a thong or a bra?

A wave of unfamiliar anger washed over me at the thought of another woman being here… with Duke.

"Hey…", Duke called when he saw me froze at the doorstep. "Are you OK?"

I forced a smile, too embarrassed to admit what's going on in my mind. "Please, lead the way."

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