It was the day of Serena's 18th birthday, signifying the end of her time at the Vanderbilt Mansion. She had just finished preparing herself, her makeup flawlessly applied and her outfit chosen with care. A soft knock on her bedroom door interrupted her thoughts, and she called out for the visitor to enter.

"Hey there, beautiful," Charlie greeted her with a warm smile as she stepped into the room.

"Hey gorgeous.." Serena replied, a hint of hesitation in her voice as she reached out to embrace Charlie.

"Are you ready?" Charlie asked, her excitement palpable.

Serena hesitated for a moment, her gaze wandering around the room that had been her sanctuary for so long. Once, she had yearned to escape the confines of the Vanderbilt Mansion, desperate to leave behind the torment and anguish that had plagued her there. But now, as the time to depart drew near, she found herself filled with conflicting emotions.

"Um, yeah," Serena finally replied, forcing a smile despite the pang of sadness in her heart.

Together, Charlie and Serena descended the grand staircase, each step echoing with the weight of their shared history. The mansion had been both a prison and a haven for Serena, a place where she had endured unspeakable suffering but also where she had experienced moments of joy and love.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Serena paused, her gaze sweeping over the opulent surroundings. Despite the painful memories that lingered within these walls, she couldn't deny the significance of the mansion in her life. It was here, amidst the grandeur and the shadows, that she and Charlie had shared their first kiss, where they had declared their love for each other and become an official couple.

And now, as she prepared to leave it all behind, Serena couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Despite the darkness that had once consumed her within these walls, she had also found light and love in the form of Charlie. 

"It looks like you have a lot on your mind," Charlie chuckled.

"Um... I can't believe I'm actually feeling sad about leaving the Vanderbilt Mansion," Serena replied.

"Aww... I think it's not the Mansion you'll miss, but me!" Charlie said, trying to coax a smile from Serena.

"Hmm... I think you might be right," Serena said, playing along with Charlie's joke as she gently pinched her cheeks.

Aunt Carol watched as Charlie and Serena descended the staircase. She wore a smile, but tears welled in her eyes, unable to contain her emotions.

Feeling bittersweet, Aunt Carol had been the one to pack Serena's belongings, already sent ahead to the Sutherland Mansion. Now, as she watched Serena prepare to leave, she knew this would be the last time she saw her.

"Well, look at you two, both so beautiful," Aunt Carol said, her smile tinged with sadness as she regarded Charlie and Serena like a proud mother.

"Are you crying, Aunt Carol?" Serena chuckled.

"I'm just happy for you, Miss Serena... Please take care of yourself and always eat on time. If you crave something, just ask Miss Charlie to relay it to me, and I'll cook it for you," Aunt Carol said, her voice filled with affection.

"Aunt Carol, Serena will have plenty of maids at the Sutherland Mansion," Charlie teased, lightening the mood with a laugh.

"Okay, Aunt Carol!" Serena said, her smile genuine as she reassured her.

Aunt Carol noticed Serena's gaze wandering around the Mansion.

"How about we take a picture of you both outside?" Aunt Carol suggested.

"That sounds wonderful!" Charlie replied.

"Do you want to take one last look before we go out?" Charlie whispered to Serena.

Serena smiled softly, casting a final glance at the Mansion.

"Yeah," she replied, her voice filled with a mix of emotions.

The two stood side by side in front of the Mansion while Aunt Carol positioned herself to take their picture.

"Okay... 1, 2, 3... smile."

*click*

The camera captured a moment frozen in time: Serena and Charlie in their gowns, Serena's arms intertwined with Charlie's arms.

"Thank you, Aunt Carol, for everything," Serena said, her voice warm with gratitude as she turned to face the maid.

Aunt Carol smiled back, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"It's been my pleasure, Miss Serena," she replied softly, her voice tinged with sadness.

As the car pulled away, the maids from the Vanderbilt Mansion gathered to bid Serena a final farewell, bowing respectfully.

At the car,

"It seems like Aunt Carol likes you more than me now," Charlie teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

"That's not true... Aunt Carol likes me because she knows I like you," Serena responded with a smile, her eyes softening as she looked at Charlie.

Charlie's heart skipped a beat as she gazed at her girlfriend, noticing how stunning she looked tonight, especially now that Serena had come of age.

"Serena..."

"Hmmm?"

"I love you," Charlie declared, her voice filled with sincerity.

Serena met Charlie's gaze, her eyes sparkling with affection.

"I love you too, Charlie," she replied, her voice warm and filled with love. Leaning in, she placed a gentle kiss on Charlie's lips.

But before Serena could pull away, Charlie deepened the kiss, wrapping her arms around Serena's waist and pulling her closer.

Serena giggled, gently biting Charlie's lower lip.

"O-ouchhhh," Charlie whined, playfully rubbing her lip.

Serena chuckled, her eyes dancing with amusement.

"That's for almost ruining my lipstick," she teased, her laughter contagious.

Charlie tenderly caressed Serena's cheeks, her touch gentle and loving.

"Happy Birthday, my love," Charlie said, a bright smile lighting up her face.

"Thank you," Serena replied, returning Charlie's smile with one of her own.

When they arrived at Queen's Empire Hotel, Charlie courteously opened the door for Serena.

"Shall we?" Charlie asked, offering her arm to Serena.

"Let's go," Serena replied, linking her arm with Charlie's.

They strolled side by side, their arms intertwined, making their entrance together into the ballroom.

As they stepped into the grand space, all eyes turned to Serena.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the lady of the hour, Miss Serena Sutherland," the MC announced.

Serena glided into the room, Charlie by her side, basking in the attention of the crowd.

"Everyone seems to be admiring your beauty... I bet half of them are hoping for a chance to sweep you off your feet," Charlie whispered teasingly.

"But my heart only belongs to you," Serena replied, her smile radiating warmth as she gazed at Charlie.

Their entrance didn't