As the weeks passed, the Kaiba manor took on a new aura. Serena began to make new friends with Yugi and his group which slightly annoyed Kaiba, but he was glad she was happy. The house seemed warmer and more alive as Seto would often spend at least a few hours with Serena and his brother in the evenings. Oddly, the press had been quiet since Serena's arrival to Domino City, but Kaiba suspected it was due to Pegasus' orders.
After helping Mokuba finish his homework, Serena gazed at the calendar sitting on top of Seto's desk. 'This couldn't be right!" she thought as she pushed herself up from the chair. "Seto is tomorrow the first of March?"
"Yes." he said looking up from his computer "What's wrong?"
"It's been 20 days. Daddy's coming back tomorrow from his trip for the Destinys Champion League party...I-I should probably go find a dress and …" she sighed. Seto sat beside her and gave her hand a squeeze. Tomorrow was going to be hard for her with Pegasus' return, the party and her announcement that she would not be dueling.
"Hey it'll be okay" he soothed.
"I really should go home tonight though. Need to prepare." Serena said while rubbing her temples. Seto nodded and grabbed his jacket to take her home. Serena gazed out the window into the darkening sky as she passed by the familiar homes. Interestingly, the two business moguls lived relatively close together as their homes were only separated by a few blocks. Seto turned into the driveway and quickly opened the door for Serena. He had her bag in hand and walked her to the door. The staff was still inside with last minute details for her father's arrival, but she still felt alone. "W-would you mind coming in for little bit? I don't know if I can…" Seto nodded and simply followed her inside.
Nobody noticed the two teens as they ascended the grand staircase as they were too focused on their chores. Even nanny hadn't noticed Serena since she spent most of her time in the kitchen. They didn't talk as simply enjoyed a movie in Serena's room. When he noticed she had fallen asleep, Seto gently put her under the covers and quietly left the room.
When Serena awoke, she was slightly confused. She had gotten so used to waking up in Seto's house that she hadn't even recognized her own room. She reached for her phone and noticed a note by her bedside table. Written on her father's signature parchment, the note read :
Dearest Serena,
I didn't want to wake you, so I'm leaving this note.I have a bit of work before the ball, so I won't be able to see you until then. The party will start at 6 and please enjoy the bracelet.I'll be waiting to escort you down the stairs. See you tonight.
Love your father,
Maximillion Pegasus
Serena looked over to find a royal blue box and opened it. Inside was a delicate diamond tennis bracelet that gracefully clasped around her delicate wrist. Though it was light, the piece seemed heavy to Serena. She had hoped she could speak to him about the dueling situation before the party, but he was gone. Serena jumped back into her covers and decided to skip class.
At twelve, Serena was awoken by a small shake. She opened her eyes groggily to see a warm and comforting face. "Miss Serena! Lazing around will not be tolerated. We have a big day ahead of us."
"Nanny!" she grumbled from under her covers.
"Up! up! I understand you not going to school. After all, this is your debut into society, but we must be prepped and ready for the party" the kind woman looked at Serena sternly before giving her a warm smile "a package was left for you earlier today"
'A package? I didn't order anything' she thought to herself as she walked towards the enormous cream colored box. The package had a large brown satin bow and a small parchment card.
Serena,
Sorry for taking off without a goodbye, but I thought it best to leave you to rest. I'll be at Kaibacorp until the party to take care of some work meetings. Don't worry about your father, I'll stand by any decision you make. I can't wait to see you tonight.
Save me a dance,
Seto
She smiled at the words and opened the box curiously. Inside layed the most beautiful dress and a pair of satin gloves. The color matched her dark sea blue eyes and the bodice was adorned with intricate crystal beading. It had sheer short lace sleeves that fit her perfectly.
As she began to dial his number, nanny rushed in. "Miss Serena! We don't have much time!" she glanced over to the dress and gave her a sly wink "What a gorgeous dress, someone very special must have bought that for you. You'll truly be the belle of the ball." Serena blushed before nanny rushed her into the bath.
After hours of scrubs, manicures and treatments, nanny finally let her rest before the party. Serena's hair was put up into an elegant updo as loose tendrils cascaded to frame her face while her makeup was light and natural though the makeup artist did apply a light lipstick with darker eye makeup. It was almost six when nanny returned to help her with her dress. Serena put her gloves on after clasping the new bracelet to her wrist and took a deep breath. 'You'll be okay Serena. Just look for Seto and daddy and you'll be fine' she told herself as nanny readied her near the top of the stairs.
Seto had arrived a few minutes earlier. Kaibacorp work had taken all day and he was ready to take a break and see Serena. Mokuba wasn't interested in coming to an adult business party and chose to stay at home with a few friends. 'Lucky kid' he thought to himself as sycophantic business men with their wives made a beeline towards him. Seto plastered a fake smile until he heard Pegasus speak.
"As president of Industrial Illusions, it is my great pleasure to welcome my associates and the top duelists into my home. It is truly an honor. With this, I would also like to introduce you all to my daughter, Serena Pegasus." he said with a glass in the air.
When Serena descended the grand staircase, the room went quiet as everyone admired her angelic beauty and delicate nature. She was vision in blue as she took her father's free hand. The audience burst into applause causing Serena to blush lightly. The pair continued down the steps only to be met by dozens of the world's most prominent company heads and duelists.
After a half hour, Serena was finally free from the polite chatter and compliments and made her way to the great hall. Long tables were filled with decadent foods and drinks. Yugi watched in amazement as Joey polished off his eighth piece of chocolate cake. "You're definitely going to be sick later Joey" Serena laughed.
"Hi Serena" Yugi and Joey greeted happily "Great party and awesome food! By the way, you look really pretty tonight"
"Thanks" she smiled "have you guys seen Seto?"
"Moneybags? I think he was by the dance hall?" Joey grumbled before grabbing more food.
"Thank you. See you guys around and if you get bored, the entertainment room on the third floor makes the time fly" she grinned before taking off.
When she entered the great hall, she quickly scanned for Seto before she saw a rush of people come towards her. Serena stiffened at the incoming barrage when a strong had lightly whisked her away from the crowd.
"Came just in time" he said smartly.
"Seto!" she beamed taking in his appearance. He looked dashing as always in a custom suit and a midnight blue tie that subtly matched her dress. "Thank you for the dress. I love it!"
"Beauty deserves beauty. How about a dance?" Seto couldn't believe himself. He hated dances and formal parties like this. In fact, he despised them. Yet, for this one girl, he was willing to put down his guard and show her the best time of her time. He slowly led her to the floor as the crowd began to accumulate to get a better look at the mysterious beauty and the introverted CEO.
Serena was oblivious to the stares as the two began to gracefully dance across the floor. She silently thanked herself for attending her ballroom dance lessons while Seto did the same.
One couldn't help but admire the couple. They seemed so perfect and happy with each other. Their secret smiles and embraces brought memories of young love in the minds of the adults while the others simply gazed in envy. In particular, Zigfried von Schroeder was not amused. Not only had that pompous jerk taken away his chance of debuting revolutionary dueling technology, but now he had the heart of Pegasus' only daughter. He was going to make Kaiba pay. He wanted revenge. He smirked as his eyes gleamed with a new plan. 'Enjoy your few precious moments Kaiba, for soon everything you love will be mine' he thought as he walked away from the couple.
After three dances, the two teens found their way to the corner of the room as several disappointed boys walked away seeing as Serena was finished dancing. Seto smirked. Usually, he was the one with admirers-it was different to see it from a different perspective.
"Did you see the girl with Kaiba?" "I know! Can you believe it? I've never even seen him speak to anyone here for more than 3 minutes!" "And Pegasus' girl is certainly a treat! I wonder where he was hiding her away?" "Yes, Serena certainly is a beauty with such grace" "The two make a rather appropriate pair though" "Aesthetically astounding" "Do you think their a couple?" The gossip spread throughout the room as business magnates, nosey spouses and top duelists whispered about the two.
"I think they're talking about you…" she whispered.
"And what are they saying?" he asked bringing her closer.
"That you're my boyfriend" she said hesitantly "And that you seem to really like me." They had shared a few kisses and enjoyed each others company, but Serena wasn't sure what it meant for Seto and whether he wanted to take the next step.
Kaiba gently touched her face and gave her a light kiss. "I guess, for once, the rumors are true." Serena giggled as she interlaced her fingers with his.
For the first time in a long time,the two were blissfully happy. After a few hours, Serena rose to leave.
"Where are you going?" Seto pouted. Serena nodded to the kind looking woman in the doorway of the grand hall making a motion for her to hurry.
"Need to freshen up. Nanny will kill me if a curl is out of place" she joked as she left his side.
"Well, hurry up. I can't bear another dance request from the daunting duo" he said motioning to the Wilson twins who were obsessed with Seto.
"You're terrible! I'll be back in five." she said as she rushed to follow nanny's already disappearing figure. Joyous crowds enjoyed the food and chatted animatedly as Serena made her way through the East Wing that gave her easier access to her chambers. It was quieter as no one ventured near this area and Serena took a deep breath recounting the lovely evening when she felt a firm grip on her shoulder.
She spun around to a face she didn't recognize. "H-hello" she said nervously "are you lost?"
"Oh no!" the man said in a foreign accent "but my dear, I think you are…"
"Sorry?" she said as she tried to release herself from his grip.
"Seto Kaiba is a bad choice. You could have so much more. With your beauty, brains and standing, you really should choose a more suitable match." he said simply as he began to push her against the wall.
"I'm completely content with my decision, so please let me go" she snarled attempting to break free. Zigfried von Schroeder tightened his hold. There was no way Kaiba was going to get a happily ever after and he was determined to break him apart piece by piece.
So what did you think? Let me know if you like the story! Thanks for reading!
