Look at that! Two chapters in one day! I think I'll make the next one the final one!
"I can't believe my mom said that." Serena shook her head and walked into her room.
"I'm a little surprised myself." Darien followed and rubbed his eyes. "There's too much going on for this to be a vacation."
"I'm not so sure about that. We have us don't we?"
"Of course… are we sleeping together from now on or what would you like to do?"
"I… think I'll sleep with you, that is if you'll let me."
"Let you? I'll beg you." He laughed and winked.
"How could I make you beg after today?"
"Hard to say. I'm happy that you liked today because I have more things I want to do."
"I'm all yours." She smiled and opened her arms up.
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"I don't like it one bit… she's my daughter and to hand her over to that… skirt chaser."
"I knew you actually cared."
"Of course I care Ilene! I love all of you it's just that I have certain beliefs and…" He sighed. "You really think he's right don't you."
"I do think he's right. Not to mention he's done so much for her and us. She loves him and what he does… in more than one sense."
"I knew I shouldn't have left them alone today… I'm sure he has his hands all over her right now."
"I'm sure he does, and so what? You put your hands all over me."
"That's my daughter though."
"She's a woman just like me."
"Why can't she be a nun?"
"It's more fun not to be. Not to mention he apparently is good to her."
"Is that what you two were talking about today?"
"Basically… I have to admit I'm envious of her."
"Why?"
"Because… he's everything a girl could want, handsome, successful, caring, protective, good in bed… I don't mean to be disrespectful but you've never been the perfect man."
"Perfect? You think Darien's perfect?"
"He has flaws obviously but what really matters he has."
"We'll see… he could just be a really good liar."
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"How's it going with Serena?" Andrew asked leaning against the doorframe of Darien's office.
"Great. I don't know what was wrong with me before. We're perfect for one another."
"How long has it been now?"
"A year tomorrow."
"You remember your anniversary?"
"Yeah… why do you call it an anniversary when you're not truly married yet Andrew?"
"I don't know… I do want to talk to you about something though…"
"Come in and sit down then." Darien waved him in.
"About Green Inc… I think we ought to let Seiya have his company back. We've had it for a year now and…"
"And we've quadrupled it's profit margins. I don't know as though giving it back is in Seiya's best interest."
"Hasn't this competition gone on long enough?"
"It's not a competition anymore. This is about business. He was failing before and you know it. I'm the reason he's not on skid row."
"I say we give it back."
"Fine. Do it but I'm warning you he will fail all by himself."
"I'm willing to take a chance."
"Okay, order a muffin basket from me for him."
"Isn't that Serena's job?"
"True… I'll ask her to do that then. Thank you Andrew."
"Yeah."
"Serena." Darien pushed down the intercom button.
"Yes Mr. Shields?"
"I have a task for you if you have time."
"I can make time. What is it?"
"Can you send a muffin basket to Seiya Johnson from myself."
"… why would you want to do that?"
"Miss. Tsukino…"
"Yes. I will do that. What would you like the card to say?"
"Say… It's been a pleasure being partners with you kid. Good luck on your own."
"You're returning Green Inc to him?"
"Andrew's idea. Thank you Serena."
"Oh, and Sir?"
"Yes?"
"I have someone waiting here to talk to you."
"Ah…" That explains her formality "Send them in then."
"Very well." Darien stood as the door opened to reveal Ken Tsukino in a business suit.
"You wanted to see me Darien?"
"I did. Thank you for coming over here. One thing I wanted to know from you was if you've managed to find a job yet."
"How did you know I was looking…"
"Serena told me."
"Oh, that girl embarrasses me."
"I have a position available if you're interested in interviewing for it."
"What is it?"
"I need an accounting manager."
"Accountant manager? You know I'm your man."
"I have some questions for you first."
"Okay."
"What experience do you have in accounting."
"I have a business degree in accounting and I worked for HR for ten years."
"Why did you leave?"
"Ilene told me to." He looked at the floor.
"Why?"
"No promotion."
"Ah, you weren't making ends meet then?"
"No… Serena's been supporting us for years…"
"What?" Darien's eyes grew wide.
"Yes, the money you pay her she gives mostly to us."
"Sneaky little… well then, one more question and that will be it."
"Anything."
Darien walked around to Ken's side of the desk. "Think about this carefully… the answer is not going to affect my decision but I want to know."
"Anything you want… I really need this job." Ken practically begged.
"My question is this…"
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"Why are they coming to dinner with us?"
"I asked your father if they would… oh, and I learned about you're little secret."
"What secret?"
"You've been supporting your family since you took this job."
"I had to."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because, before you were my boyfriend I didn't think you'd care much for the idea of giving me a raise so I could take care of them."
"You don't have to do that anymore. I will take care of them."
"Every time you say that it sends chills down my spine."
"Why? Because I take care of you?" He reached over to her and squeezed her thigh lightly.
"Don't do that right now." Her voice was high and a little breathy.
"Why not?"
"You know why not Mr. Get-me-all-excited then tell me we're going to dinner."
"I promise to make it up to you." He smiled a devilish smile making her body tingle.
"I hate you."
"You love me and you know it." He smirked.
"I know!" She pressed herself into the seat to try and ignore the urge that was growing inside her stomach. Darien continued to drive until they were in front of the restaurant where the valet helped Serena out and took the keys from Darien. "Hey mom!" Serena rushed over to her waiting mother to get away from Darien.
"Something wrong dear?" Ilene asked and eyed Darien carefully.
"Not really except I'd rather be doing something else right now." Serena emphasized the word else and glanced at Darien.
"Ah, well, wouldn't we all?" Ilene laughed as Ken offered his arm.
"I don't like it here it's too fancy." Sammy kicked a small pebble.
"Chill out little man. The food's excellent." Darien led them all in to the best table. The restaurant was decorated in a burgundy color with golden accents and glittering chandeliers. The waiters were all in tuxedos and the tables had golden linen tablecloths giving the place an air of grandness.
"What are we celebrating?" Ilene asked curiously.
"All in good time." Darien smiled and looked at his menu. After everyone ordered their food Ken held up his wine glass and proposed a toast.
"To my new job at Shields International, and my daughter's one year anniversary to the only man I think suits her." They drank, then Ilene suddenly looked at him.
"Wait… you… Darien gave you a job?"
"You didn't tell me!" Serena's eyes widened at Darien. "I'm surprised you remember this is our anniversary."
"I'm a surprising guy." He shrugged and looked at the approaching food. "Yay, I'm hungry."
"That was fast." Sammy jumped and readied himself for his food. Serena's blue eyes scanned the table as everyone ate wondering why Darien had insisted that everyone come tonight. Yes, it was nice to celebrate everything at one time but she just wanted to spend this night alone with Darien. As dinner wore on she became slightly depressed and began to grow quiet.
"Are you okay Serena?" Darien asked.
"Tired maybe."
"Then we should get you dessert." He signaled the waiter.
"Oh, Dare, I'm not so sure…"
"Oh, nonsense. Go on and order."
"Fine… I'll have the double chocolate cake."
"Wonderful choice. I'll have the vanilla mousse." Serena watched as her family ordered the same. When her cake came she just stared at the oversized mound of chocolate and picked up her fork.
"Are you sure you're okay honey?" Ilene asked concerned.
"Yes…" She sighed then stuck her fork into the cake. It sliced halfway through then hit something hard. The sudden resistance made Serena jump to alert. Are you kidding me? How could he… he can't be…
"Something wrong with your cake?" Darien asked with a smile. Oh my God he is! He's proposing to me! Calm down, of course he is why wouldn't he? But what if he's not and this was a mistake? What if I make a fool of myself in front of everyone here… She looked around and noticed that all eyes were on her, this was a set up if she'd ever seen one. As she looked around she noticed that all of the eyes belonged to people she knew. Her close friends, extended family, even Seiya was there. "Serena?"
"Perhaps there is." She put her fork down and looked at Darien. "I think I want you to cut it for me."
"Not a problem." Darien smiled and took the small plate from in front of her and began to cut numerous slices revealing a small white box. "Well, look at that. A present." He picked the box up then knelt down in front of he and looked up into her eyes making her cheeks flush. "Serena, I love you so much… I've known for a while now that I truly want to spend the rest of my life with you… now I want to know… will you marry me?"
"I… I…" She stuttered as Darien flipped the box open to show a shining all diamond ring. The whole ring was a diamond with gold veins and a brilliant pink diamond at the top. It was awe inspiring to think such a ring could exist.
"You'll never believe the trouble I had to go through to have this created and made… It's the only ring in the world that is actually made of diamond."
"I… Darien…" She was breathless. "I… yes!" She suddenly shouted and threw herself at him knocking his form to the ground. "You'd better get us home before I undress you here right now you tease!" She whispered into his ear.
"We have to mingle a bit before we rush off Serena." He whispered back then looked at Andrew. "Little help here before she kills me?"
"Sure!" Ken and Andrew picked Serena off of her fiancé.
"Here you are my love." Darien slipped the ring onto her hand.
"May I see it?" Seiya asked with a timid voice.
"Yes! See!" Serena showed her hand to him.
"I always knew you'd pick him." Seiya smiled. "You saved my ass Darien, I'm sorry we had such a rough patch."
"Not a problem. Just be sure to take care of yourself."
"I am… you remember Crystal Meyers? We're getting married soon and expecting."
"I'm so sorry." Darien Moaned. "Keep her away from us and we'll be okay."
"I'll try." Seiya laughed and let other people come and admire the newlyweds-to-be. Serena mingled as she was expected to then practically pushed Darien into the car.
"I can't believe you!" She shouted and buckled her seatbelt. "I'm going to get you for this."
"I hope you do."