Chapter Text
Serafina nervously waited near the basement door, her hands clasped neatly in her lap. Her feet rocked nervously, as she waited for the door to turn.
She was being silly, she was always worrying for no reason. He always came to her, no matter what. He had never broken a promise to her, and had never not shown up.
Serafina still second guessed herself. She always did, more often these days. Braeden could always just decide to leave her, its not like she could do anything about it.
He was a handsome young man with a promising career, with a vast fortune to his name. He could have anyone he wanted, yet he still chose her.
She bit down on her lip, as the clock continued to tick. Then, at 11:09 pm, the door handle turned. Braeden Vanderbilt, dressed in a simple nightshirt and slippers, opened the door.
His face, illuminated by the lamp he was carrying, brightened as he saw her. He stumbled down the steps, a wrapped package in one hand, the flickering lamp in the other.
"Hush. My pa might wake up if he hears you.", Serafina said, trying to sound cross. Braeden pressed his lips to her cheek, effectively wiping the stern look off of her face.
"I brought you something- for tomorrow.", he said. Serafina eagerly tore open the wrapping paper, pulling out a stunning dark green dress.
It had a square neckline, with a simple white detailing on the edges, with a flowing skirt and long sleeves.
"I-I picked it out for you because I know you don't like anything flashy.", Braeden said, "Do you like it?".
Serafinas mouth opened and closed, "Braeden...this is beautiful."
He smiled, happy she liked it, "When we get married, Ill get you gifts like these every single day. I'll take you out into the gardens- we can go wherever you like really."
Serafina cocked her head, "Why are you telling me this now?"
Braeden lowered his head, "To be honest, I feel bad about keeping you down here. Its not- Its not fair and I wish I could introduce you sooner. But..."
"But my pa and your uncle wouldn't be having any of that.", she stated matter of factly, "When its my birthday tomorrow, Ill officially be an adult and then we can get married and leave this place. its not your fault, my love, is just the cirumstances we are in."
Braeden nodded slowly, then looked up at her. His brown eyes were shining fiercely with love and confidence, "Yeah- after tomorrow nobody's going to tell us what we can and cant do anymore."
He suddenly picked her up, causing Serafina to emit a loud squeal, quickly covering her mouth after. Braeden spun her around, chanting, "My wife, my wife, my beautiful wife!"
"Ok, Ok, put me down now!", she laughed. Braeden pressed a kiss to her forehead, before placing her neatly on the floor.
"Tomorrow. Meet me in the ballroom. You know where to go.", he said giddly.
Serafina nodded, her smile stretched wide.
Her lover eagerly waved at her, as he went up the stairs. Serafina sighed, placing a hand to her heart, as she went back to bed.
June 16th
Serafina nervously slipped the dress on, her long black hair tied up into a neat bun. She checked her lipstick one last time, then snuck out of the basement.
Her pa was working on the dynamo today, which would take up all of his attention for a while. Nobody would notice her presence at all, anyway.
As Serafina walked down the hallway to the ballroom, she felt more confident than ever. She felt herself leaving her old life behind, shedding it like a snakes skin.
She pictured herself as the woman she had always wanted to be, a tall gracious hostess, the woman everyone was jealous of, the wife of Braeden Vanderbilt.
This was great practice.
She stood up straighter, smiling now, as she neared the doors-
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Braeden Vanderbilt stood in the back of the ballroom, a champagne flute in his hand. His foot tapped nervously as he waited for her to arrive.
He watched the other couples dance and flirt, thinking Thatll be us in a couple of minutes.
He was wearing his best suit, and her favorite tie, his shoes were freshly polished, and inside his jacket pocket there was a little ring.
To him- Serafina was his everything. She was his first friend, his only friend, when he was a child. She was the only thing he's ever known.
He loved her, he thought, but sometimes at times like these, he wished for someone just to talk to. Someone to talk about his troubles to.
He didn't want to worry Serafina, so he tended to stay on the brighter side when he was around her. Where was she anyway?
She was supposed to be here by now...
What if she was second guessing this? Serafinas very pretty, what if she caught the attention of a more suitable man? Where is she?
What if...
"I've never really liked these parties."
A voice snapped Braeden out of his thoughts.
"W-what?"
The man who was speaking to him looked to be only a couple years older than him. He was wearing a three piece suit, his brown hair was in a long ponytail, his face was clean shaven, and he had a small birthmark on his hand.
"Apologies for not introducing myself- my name is Montgomery Thorne."
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Montgomery was a simple man. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina to a pair of Swedish immigrants.
His family didn't have very much, his father worked as a railway worker, his mother was a maid for a wealthy family. Ever since birth, Montgomery has held a dislike for the rich.
As a young child, the children of the family his mother worked for would mock him for his accent, his clothing, and his lack of schooling.
And now...standing in front of the young master, Thorne felt a sense of pride. He had managed to pull off the first stage of his plan- hopefully the girl wouldnt mention it to him, or get out.
/////////////////////
The rest of the ball, Braeden was getting restless. It had been thirty minutes, and Serafina still hadent shown up. Maybe she had gotten lost?
He couldn't just ask the man in front of him, although he did seem trustworthy enough. He tried not to think about why she hadent shown up.
They had been planning this day for months. It was perfect! Her birthday was in a couple of weeks, it was good practice for the society Serafina would be introduced to...
He continued to talk to the man, Mr. Thorne, as he worried even more.
////////////////////
Serafina woke up in the darkness, her head pounding as she took in the surroundings. Where was she? She rubbed her head, as she shakily stood up.
The room spun and Serafina closed her eyes for a moment, then reopened them when she felt stronger.
She reached out, and felt a doorknob. She shook it for a moment. It was locked. Her eyebrows furrowed. Serafina pushed her hands into her hair.
She had a bobby pin in her bun somewhere...
Serafina pressed it into the lock. She worked until she heard a click.
She tumbled out into the closet, her hands hitting the floor with a painful thump.
How long was I out for?, she thought as she looked outside. it was dark, the moon shining bright in the night sky.
Serafina let out a squeak as she heard someone coming. "Oh my God, I finally found you!", Braeden gasped as he ran over.
He frantically checked her for any wounds, "What happened? Why didn't you come?"
"Something happened...I must've accidentally fallen into the closet."
Braeden looked at her skeptically.
"I was really distracted while I was walking there, honest."
Serafina had another suspicion, but she didn't want to worry him, so she forced a smile.
Braedens eyes softened. "Don't worry, Ill find another day. Maybe..."
He trailed off. Braeden took her arm.
"Here. Ill walk you back to your room."
Serafina nodded and smiled, as he guided her back downstairs.
𝔼𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝔼𝕡𝕚𝕤𝕠𝕕𝕖 𝕆𝕟𝕖