Needs to talk out everything

She feels nothing.

Nothing but a new, exquisite sensation in her heart. Watching her beloved gaze at another woman with such gentle eyes—eyes that had always been cold and distant toward others—stings more than she expected. The man she has cared for over the years, the one who never let his emotions show, now looks as if he would melt at the slightest touch from another woman.

The pain isn’t unbearable, but the hatred toward the woman who stole her long-time crush burns fiercely. She has done everything to keep him by her side, yet now this woman is here to take him away.

Shayne clenches her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Her disappointment, anger, and frustration swirl together. Her glossy eyes betray the emotions she’s trying to suppress, while her lips are crushed between her teeth in frustration.

I need to do something to get rid of this girl. She doesn’t deserve my Eddie.

With that thought, Shayne strides toward Mrs. Rodriguez, who is helping Charlotte down the stairs. The hem of Charlotte’s gown is adorned with countless gemstones, making it incredibly heavy to carry.

Shayne grits her teeth in envy. She had witnessed Edward spending hours designing this dress. The sight of it only fuels the fire in her heart.

“Auntie! I missed you! Where have you been?” she exclaims, hugging Mrs. Rodriguez and whining cutely.

Mrs. Rodriguez chuckles, patting her head affectionately. “Didn’t I tell you I had a surprise for you? Look who’s here! Meet Charlotte—Edward’s wife!”

Shayne’s eyes darken for a fleeting moment as she takes in the sight of Charlotte. However, she quickly replaces her glare with a sweet smile, reaching out to take Charlotte’s hand.

“You’re really beautiful, Charlotte,” she says with practiced warmth. “I’m Shayne—Edward’s doctor and best friend. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Charlotte frowns slightly, feeling as though she had caught an unfriendly gaze from Shayne just moments ago. But she brushes the thought away, convincing herself that she must have imagined it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too. I’m glad to finally meet you. Thank you for taking care of my husband,” she replies politely, her gaze shifting to Edward, who is playing with Suzy.

“Please, don’t say that! Edward is more important to me than anything. It’s great that he found someone as beautiful as you, but I hope you won’t hurt him. He doesn’t need pity. And if you’re after his money and power, I warn you to stay away from him,” Shayne says in a calm but firm voice.

Charlotte’s expression remains neutral, but something about Shayne’s tone and behavior unsettles her. A moment ago, she seemed warm and welcoming, but now she speaks with an air of superiority. Still, Charlotte chooses to remain silent. She refuses to engage with someone who has no right to meddle in their personal life. Since Shayne claims to be Edward’s best friend and doctor, Charlotte decides to be respectful.

“What are you saying, Shayne? This is disrespectful! You shouldn’t speak like that to someone,” Mrs. Rodriguez interjects, her forehead creasing with disappointment.

“Auntie, don’t misunderstand me. I only want what’s best for Edward. We don’t know who might try to use him for power. What if—”

“So you mean to say you doubt my mother’s judgment?”

Edward’s voice cuts through the tension, his patience wearing thin. He hates when people overstep their boundaries.

“Charlotte is my mother’s number one choice. She knows exactly who is worthy of being her daughter-in-law,” he states firmly.

“I… I didn’t mean it that way. I was just—”

“I know exactly what you meant,” Edward interrupts, his sharp gaze locking onto her.

Charlotte, who had been quiet until now, finally speaks, her tone even but unwavering. “Don’t worry, Sister Shayne. I have no interest in Edward’s money. I accepted him as my husband, not for what he owns.”

Her words are simple and direct, as if she doesn’t want to waste her energy on baseless accusations. She knows this won’t be the last time she faces jealousy or doubt from others, but she refuses to let their words leave a mark on her heart.

“Enough! Let’s stop this conversation,” Mrs. Rodriguez sighs, sensing the discomfort Charlotte must be feeling. “You two must be exhausted. Go to your room and get some rest. Charlotte, Edward’s room is on the right side of the stairs. He moved there for convenience. Can you help him to his room?”

Mrs. Rodriguez turns to Charlotte, her voice filled with warmth. “Don’t let anyone’s words get to you. You should live happily with my son. This is your home now.”

Shayne’s face twitches in anger. Mrs. Rodriguez had always told her that she would love to have a daughter-in-law like her. Yet now, she refers to Shayne as an outsider and proudly welcomes another woman.

Biting her bottom lip, Shayne seethes internally. The position of Edward’s wife should belong to her. She has done everything to become the mistress of the Rodriguez family. She can’t let this happen.

“I’m sorry, Auntie. I crossed the line,” Shayne says, her voice trembling with faux remorse. “I was just worried about Edward. Please forgive me. You two are my family. My parents are abroad—they don’t even care about me. All I do is think about your well-being. I promise I won’t overstep again.”

She sobs softly, her hiccups growing louder. Mrs. Rodriguez exhales, feeling exasperated.

“It’s okay. Don’t cry. Let’s just wish them a happy marriage.”

Shayne nods, but her eyes remain fixed on Charlotte as she leaves with Edward. Her teeth clench in frustration. It seems she will have to resort to the same methods she used two years ago.

On the other side of the house, Charlotte enters Edward’s room, carefully maneuvering through the space as her heavy dress drags behind her. She places the bouquet on a small glass table beside the closet and takes in her surroundings.

The room is spacious and elegant. The walls are painted in shades of gray and black, adorned with authentic paintings from renowned artists. An analog clock hangs proudly on the wall, and the heavy black drapes frame the sliding glass doors that lead to the garden outside.

“Do you like my room?” Edward asks, wheeling his chair closer to her.

Charlotte nods as she opens the sliding door, inhaling the fresh scent of flowers carried by the breeze. “It’s beautiful. Did you design it? It suits you—comfortable but luxurious.”

Edward smirks, plucking a gardenia from the garden and tucking it into her hair. “So, you mean you feel comfortable around me?”

Charlotte blinks, caught off guard. She blushes slightly but doesn’t deny it. She does feel safe around him. Still, she isn’t sure if that means she has feelings for him. Love is not something she is ready to embrace.

“Well…”

Edward chuckles, reading her hesitation. He appreciates her honesty. If she had lied and said she was already completely comfortable with him, he wouldn’t have believed her. She needs time.

“You should change your dress,” he says. “Mom put some clothes in the closet for you. The gray one is yours. Afterward, we need to talk. We are lifetime partners now, after all.”

Charlotte nods, understanding that honesty will be essential for their future together.

After she leaves to change, Edward turns his gaze toward the moon, its silver light illuminating his face. He exhales heavily.

The future is uncertain, and a part of him is afraid. Afraid of being abandoned. Afraid of failing to protect those who matter to him. Charlotte has already shaken his world in ways he doesn’t fully understand, but deep down, he knows—there is something stopping him from fully embracing her.

“Won’t you change, Mr. Rodriguez?” Charlotte’s voice pulls him from his thoughts.

Edward turns to see her standing there, fresh-faced and free of makeup, dressed in something casual. His heart skips a beat.

“Y-Yeah. I should.”

“Where are your pajamas? Let me help you,” she offers.

Edward’s eyes widen as she moves toward his closet. “Wait, don’t—”

Bang.

Charlotte slams the door shut, her face bright red with embarrassment.

“I—I’m sorry! I should have asked first!”

Edward laughs softly, rolling his wheelchair into another room. “That’s my changing room. Everything I need is in there. Come help me pick something out.”

Charlotte exhales sharply, relieved that he’s trying to make her feel at ease. She gathers his pajamas in her hands.

“How can I help you with washing and changing? Or does someone else assist you?”

“Usually, Jay helps me, but he’s on leave today.”

Charlotte hesitates, then swallows her nerves. “Then… let me help you.”