Chapter 5

"Be my lover starting today, and I’ll make you my queen forever," Ben said while gently caressing Caroline’s smooth cheek.

Caroline wasn’t interested in the slightest. Receiving such an offer from Ben was never her wish. All she wanted now was to live a quieter life without thinking about men.

"You're just talking nonsense!" Caroline said as she tried to maintain her distance and moved Ben’s hand away from her cheek.

"Caroline, I mean it. I’m serious about this," Ben replied earnestly.

She gently pushed Ben away to create some space between them. Her heart raced wildly, and she felt unsettled being so close to him. However, Ben wasn’t one to give up easily. Caroline was already nervous, her thoughts filled with distrust toward the man standing before her.

"Ben, what are you doing?" Caroline gasped when Ben suddenly lifted her and carried her to the bed.

"I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you," Ben said firmly, gripping both her hands gently.

She froze for a moment, staring deeply into Ben’s intense gaze. Shaking her head repeatedly, Caroline couldn’t believe how men always seemed to act like this.

"Stay away from me! I’m not worthy of you, and you’re not my type either," she said, trying to suppress her emotions.

"But I truly love you, Caroline," Ben insisted.

"I just don’t want to be in any kind of relationship with a man. I have wounds in my heart that haven’t healed yet, and I want to focus on myself," Caroline said, tears streaming down her cheeks as the pain of her past overwhelmed her, making her unready for new love.

"If you have wounds, let me be the one to heal them. I want to be the person who’s always there for you, Caroline," Ben said softly, wiping the tears off her smooth cheeks.

Caroline didn’t want to drag anyone else into her complicated life, including Ben. He had been kind enough to help her, and she didn’t want to make his life harder.

"If that’s your decision, I won’t force you. But please know, Caroline, I truly love you, and I’ll wait for you, no matter how long it takes," Ben said softly before standing up and leaving, leaving Caroline sitting silently on the bed.

She could only watch the door as it closed gently after Ben’s departure. Her emotions were all over the place. On one hand, she felt guilty for hurting the feelings of a man who genuinely cared for her, but on the other hand, she knew she wasn’t ready to open her heart again.

***

Ben sat in his office, sifting through files containing information about Caroline and Johan. He wasn’t going to miss a single detail about them.

"Johan Charlotte works as a finance director," Ben muttered, pausing to think.

His thoughts centered on that name. It wasn’t just Johan’s position as a finance director that intrigued him but also his relationship with Caroline. Johan was still her husband. Ben knew his limits and was confident he could handle the situation.

A sly smile appeared on Ben’s lips. He already knew what he was going to do. After all, Johan had caused Caroline such deep pain that she couldn’t open her heart to anyone else.

Johan Charlotte, a finance director who seemed perfect on the surface but harbored a dark side unknown to many. Ben vowed to uncover everything.

***

Johan Charlotte sat in his luxurious office, having just finished signing some documents when his assistant, Kamelia, entered. He was meticulous about his work.

"Mr. Charlotte, someone wishes to meet you. They say it’s an urgent matter," Kamelia said.

"Who is it?" Johan asked as he removed his glasses.

"Mr. Benjamin Charles," Kamelia replied curtly.

"Mr. Charles? Who is he? I don’t even know him."

Johan instructed Kamelia to bring Ben into his office. He wanted to meet this man face-to-face. Kamelia left briefly and soon returned with Ben.

"Mr. Charles, please have a seat," Johan said politely.

Ben sat down comfortably, his calm demeanor unfazed by Johan’s sharp, assessing gaze. Ben had already figured out what kind of man Johan was. With his own resources, Ben knew he could easily dismantle Johan’s career in the company.

"We have a mutual matter to discuss," Ben said casually, pulling out a cigarette and lighter from his jacket. He lit the cigarette, blowing smoke calmly.

"What do you mean, Mr. Charles? I don’t understand," Johan said, frowning.

"Not everything in this world needs to be understood, Mr. Charlotte," Ben replied.

Johan chuckled and flashed a sly smile, nodding slightly as if to play along.

"I’m not the type to waste time on trivial matters," Ben said, exhaling smoke while locking eyes with Johan.

"What exactly are you trying to say, Mr. Charles? Your words have been cryptic," Johan said, folding his arms across his chest, watching Ben’s every move.

"I think you, of all people, should know that she deserves better than what she’s endured. I’m here to make sure she gets that comfort," Ben said, leaving Johan perplexed. He carelessly placed the cigarette on Johan’s desk.

Johan shot Ben a sharp glare. Unwilling to linger, Ben stood up straight, resting his hands on the desk.

"Your game is almost over," Ben said with a satisfied look, leaving Johan more puzzled.

Ben turned and walked toward the door. Before stepping out, he glanced back and delivered one final line that left Johan stunned.

"We’ll meet again as rivals, Mr. Charlotte."

*** 

On his way home, Ben stopped by a flower shop to buy a bouquet for Caroline. As he browsed, he seemed unsure of what to choose.

"Good afternoon, sir. May I help you?" the shop assistant asked, noticing Ben’s confusion.

"Ah, yes. Can you recommend some beautiful and fragrant flowers?"

"Of course, sir. Are these for a special occasion or someone in particular?" the assistant asked warmly.

"They’re for a friend... well, someone special to me. I want flowers that convey gratitude and care but aren’t too extravagant."

The shop assistant walked slowly, guiding Ben through the options. Finally, she stopped and selected a few for him.

"I suggest white roses to symbolize sincerity or perhaps lilies for beauty and purity. If you want something more cheerful, yellow tulips or a pastel mix would be lovely."

Ben imagined Caroline’s reaction to the bouquet. He was sure she’d love it.

"All right, wrap it nicely," Ben instructed.

After paying, he placed the bouquet carefully in his car. Just as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed with a message.

[Sir, there’s a serious issue.]