A dazzling Audi in silver smoothly exited the gates of a luxury hotel, making it's way towards the main road.
Driving the car was a middle-aged driver in his uniform that was provided by the hotel. His aged face was frowning with his brows knit together. He held the steering wheel tightly, holding back the burning urge to reprimand the noisy passenger in the backseat.
Watching Sera on the iPad's screen in Xav's hands, Maya went berserk as she slapped his back. Rather aggressively.
"Oh shoot!! It's started, Xav! I told you let's drive.. But your lazy ass wouldn't listen to me! We're bloody late! And, stop staring at the screen it's creepy AF..!!!"
Dreamy eyes of the gentleman dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, transfixed on the petite figure in red, held a gentle and unique tenderness. It was fascinating.
Holding the delicately manufactured iPad in his hand, Xav's calloused fingers slightly brushed past Sera's glowing face. Her soft lips painted a bright fruity red resembling freshly plucked strawberries.
Sera's euphonious but determined voice resounded through the speakers.
Alas the furiously glowering Maya's over-the-top cacophony overshadowed her soothing voice, making Xav frown in frustration.
Yapping constantly with her volume higher than necessary, Maya tugged the man's sleeves. Her chirping could easily make one's ears bleed.
"Hey!! You even listening to me?! Hey, brother!"
Abruptly turning to face Maya, with an impatient front, Xav snarled. Rubbing his ears.
"Yes!!! Stop yelling in my ears.. It hurts!"
Shrugging like she doesn't give a damn about it, Maya went onto ramble about the grievances she had suffered due to Xav and his extra careful preparation for Sera's 'big day'.
"Whatever! I'm really mad right now, it's all because of you that we're late.. It's not your wedding, bro. You didn't have to take hours to dress up in the first place. Looking like a romantic groom.."
Slapping his hand on Maya's pink lips smeared with her favorite lipstick, Xav shushed her. His fingers had already spoilt the sides of her mouth making her look like an angry bird. Her chocolate brown eyes bulging out, they were glaring at the man with fury.
"Sshh!! You're too noisy.. I can't hear, Sera speaking up on the dais"
Like a little ball of fire, Maya charged onto Xav, holding his collar with her hand. Startled, the iPad slipped from the man's hand with a small thud, shrieking, she gave an intense punch on his abdomen making him suck in breath. His face turning red and pale, alternately.
"Bastard! I took hours to make myself presentable, and you ruined my face.. Take this!!"
In the front, the middle-aged driver almost puked blood witnessing the violent scene. He slammed his feet harshly onto the brakes in shock.
And the car came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the road with a loud screeching sound.
- - -
The warm afternoon sun radiated it's golden rays beautifully, warming people up and enveloping them in it's glow, and light.
In the audience, the Lu's were practically beaming with their lips stretched into wide smiles. And, tears of joy brimming in their eyes.
Anna Lu, also known as the elder Madam Lu kept her aged green, misty eyes locked onto the dainty figure of her granddaughter, shining brightly like a star. A big smile playing about her lips which made her eyes look like crescents.
Francis Lu, the head of the Lu family had a prideful grin on his face as he watched his daughter on stage, sticing his chest out and head held high.
Lu Shanshan, the proud mother of Lu Jinan and Seraphina Lu was trying hard to keep herself from crying like a baby. She was seen clutching her husband's hand in a vice like grip.
Lu Jinan, the doting brother and bestfriend of Seraphina Lu, had a soft look on his otherwise cold face, as he smiled in public. For the first time ever. Reporters flashed their cameras hurriedly taking pictures of this rare moment.
"I present you, Lu Sera - The 'Love' In Art!"
In front of the lectern, Sera announced with a smile that could put a freshly bloomed flower to shame. So beautiful, so alluring.
Following the gasps, applauds and loud cheers from the crowd, a beaming Sera paused.
After a beat, Sera added, still smiling.
"Also, I, Seraphina Lu and my lovely family will be very honored if you'll all join us tonight at the celebration.."
"The invites for the party will be distributed shortly, please do attend.. Your attendance is our honor.."
Furrowing his dark brows, Ethan Lee was in a state of trance. The man didn't hear a word after Sera happily announced the name of her art gallery. His dark, abyss like eyes were staring unblinkingly at the rose symbol that resembled one of Mia's designs.
"Isn't that..? No wonder I felt that.. That pendant was familiar!"
Biting his lower lip with a look of apprehension plastered across his good-looking face, Ethan Lee muttered to himself.
His dark gaze moved to Sera's obliviously smiling front, an unsettling feeling inside him. Subconsciously his fingers clenched into fists.
"Wow.. Sera was amazing! So good.. I'm glad everything went well.."
Before Ethan Lee could react, Xia Ruo Lan's mellow voice akin to a soothing song reached him, calming his raging emotions. His clenched fists loosened inadvertently.
Easing the expression on his face, Ethan Lee raised his gaze to see Xia Ruo Lan's smile. He blew a sigh inwardly, slowly parting his lips to say something, when he realized that she wasn't alone.