Their work the next day did have some improvement. Adding the strings made some variations on the melody making it more appealing. However, she still felt that it was lacking.

"That's good. I think we can work with this. Perhaps we should proceed with working on the harmony. It's already the 10th of March and we need to get this all done before the 1st of April. Also, we still need to work on the vocal guide for the others." Serena said trying not to sigh. The boys have done their best and it would be no good to keep asking for more. They have to move on to the next part or else they won't get anything done.

Geoffrey sighed. "How about this? Let me ask Charlton to join us tomorrow morning to work on the song. Just in case his input should prove valuable." he asked. He wanted to impress Serena, but he just had to admit it to himself that music was just not his forte. Anyway, although Charlton was busy, he knew that his cousin would give him face and spare some time. Also, he can help him on his project in exchange.

Leonard knew that Serena was still dissatisfied. He thought of approaching Charlton but felt ashamed to do so because of the words he said to him before. If it were Geoffrey to ask, then it would be alright. Although he felt that the atmosphere might become a little awkward tomorrow, he believes that they all can work with professionalism. Thus, be nodded his head to Geoffrey's suggestion.

Serena did not want to work with Charlton while Geoffrey's around. Not because of anything else but for some respect for him and for herself. He knew that she knew that he was avoiding her. Also, she did not want him to think that she was trying to make him jealous or anything a desperate woman would do just to get his attention back.

However, she acknowledges the fact that Charlton's talent in music was truly genius. They have tried desperately for almost two months to work on the song but to no avail.

If Charlton agrees then she would do her best to stay focused on their goal and maintain some distance. She can be mature enough to keep her emotional baggage to herself and resist residual drama from surfacing. Moreover, Geoffrey would also be present and although her feelings for him were only platonic, he was still her fiance who has been nothing but considerate of her lately, and so deserves some respect.

Thus, she can only swallow her pride and agree to Geoffrey's suggestion.

--

Charlton can only turn the other way seeing Geoffrey handing Serena a cup of warm water. He was being awfully attentive, and his eyes spoke volumes on how much he adores her. Why did he even agree to this when he knew that it will only add to his misery? Was he some masochist desperate for another round of hurting?

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, he was back into focus. Last night, Geoffrey knocked on his door and asked him for a favor. He told him that they were having a hard time on the melody and harmony of the song and that they needed his help. He said that he was worried for Serena's well-being as she seems to be drowning with all the pressure surrounding her.

Charlton wanted to turn him down, but hearing those words, he too could not help but worry over Serena. He knew Serena's strong personality, but he also knew better than anyone else on how hard she can be on herself at times. She is usually a laid-back person but when she sets her mind on something, she will do everything to achieve it. He also knew the reality of their group's musical prowess. He was quite positive that Serena's at her wits end with how things must be going.

He was also not dumb not to know that Serena was being friendly with him. It took all of his power to turn away from her when she obviously requested that he sit with her that time at the orphanage. He loves her still, but this was for the best. He did not know what Serena was thinking but she seems alright. Whenever he sees her, she still has the same smile that adorns her face and although it seems like she still has lingering feelings for him, it doesn't look like it was anything that would break her. Like before, he felt like his existence in her life did make her happy but that was just about it. He knew that she wanted him, but not necessarily needed him.

Aside from that, other than endless regret later, what can he give her that Geoffrey could not? Leonard's words still ring true to his ear. Geoffrey was the better choice for Serena. He was the crown prince, her rightful fianc and above all, he loves her too.

Anyway, despite all his musings, he agreed to help.

Thus, there he was that day. Apparently, he worried for nothing. Serena's looking quite fine and him being there did not seem to affect her much. On the contrary, it was him that was more affected and he could only try not to show it.

--

"Yes, just like that!" Serena could not help but utter in sheer delight. They have only been working for half a day, and they have already made tremendous progress. Charlton truly deserved being a musical protg, she knew it even before, but she appreciates it more now that she tried working with others. With Charlton, it was like she just had to say it once and he would immediately get what she meant.

Geoffrey can only smile at the side. He was envious that Charlton can bring about that expression of delight on her face just through his music. However, he knew that music has never been his strongest point and so, they could only rely on Charlton.

Leonard can only look at the two who were working like nothing has ever existed between them. He gave a sigh of relief. It seems like things have already settled.

Looking at the time, Geoffrey proposed a break. "I think we should end this for now and continue later. It is already noon, and we should head out for lunch. Serena, last time you said that you liked the pasta at Geovanni's, I think you would like the one's at Tuscan's better. Would you like us to go there to give it a try?" he asked off-handedly.

--

TBC