Chapter 43 Champagne Roses

"Do you like these flowers?" Serina strode ahead, a bunch of pale pink champagne roses nestled in her arms. Xander kept pace behind her. With a slight smile, he replied, "They're gorgeous, of course." Serina's smile lingered, yet it did not quite light up her eyes. "The old couple must've been so happy..." She thought back to the old man who played his accordion on the street corner and the old woman selling flowers beside him. They always welcomed the occasional passerby with wide, warm smiles. Their grandkids would be there too, laughing and helping out. The sight of them made the word 'happiness' feel so much more real. Xander's smile faded as he watched Serina's back. "Serina..." "Don't worry. I was drunk at the time. I crossed a line I shouldn't have. It won't happen again," Serina cut in as if she knew what he was about to say. Xander fell silent. "After today, you'll still be the same old playboy with a rep, and we'll just be a couple on paper. I won't cross that line