The following day, Charlotte returned to work with the previous day's events weighing heavy on her mind. Throughout the day, she couldn't help but replay the mischievous smirk Ms. Vanessa had donned during their encounter. Charlotte had always sensed that Ms. Vanessa was scheming something, but she couldn't quite decipher her motive.In the afternoon, as Charlotte strolled down the hallway, she spotted Lucas emerging from his office and heading towards her. Her heart began to race, as it always did whenever she saw him. With his hand in his pocket and his other hand clutching his phone, he sauntered down the hallway. As he got closer, Charlotte greeted him, but he didn't bother to acknowledge her yet again.As Lucas walked away, Charlotte turned to watch him and couldn't help but wonder what had caused his change in attitude towards her. She tried to brush it off, convincing herself that she wasn't bothered by his behavior and that she was relieved to finally have some peace. But was
As Charlotte sauntered through the hallway, exiting Lucas' office, her ire towards Ms. Vanessa bubbled beneath the surface. How could they let go of Ms. Elora and bring on a bigger menace? Ms. Vanessa, with her sly and mischievous smile, was hiding her wicked schemes.Charlotte's mood caught the attention of Leah, who was stationed near the cleaner closet. "Charlotte, are you alright?" she inquired, noticing the stain on her shirt as she lightly touched it."I told you, there was something off about that woman, I could feel it," Charlotte snapped, narrowing her eyes to convey the intensity of her words."Who is she? What happened?" Leah quizzed with curiosity."Ms. Vanessa. She pushed me as I was giving the boss his coffee, causing it to spill all over him and his documents," Charlotte growled, her fists clenched in anger as the memory replayed in her mind."What?! Is she trying to get you fired?!" Leah gasped, her mouth falling open in shock."I think that's her plan, trying to get m
Charlotte and Sebastian emerged amid the vibrant park, brimming with individuals indulging in leisurely activities and picnics, while others sauntered about. The scene was a delightful feast for the eyes on a pleasant Saturday afternoon.Charlotte's spirits were instantly lifted by the lively atmosphere. "I'm delighted we came," she beamed as she gazed up at Sebastian, noting their significant height difference. Despite Charlotte regularly teasing him about his towering stature, Sebastian never acknowledged his height.The two made their way towards the designated picnic spot that Sebastian had arranged. As they walked, Charlotte couldn't help but notice the attention Sebastian garnered from girls, who stared and gossiped about him. However, he seemed unfazed by their antics. After all, he was used to this level of popularity, with girls flocking to him just as they did to Lucas. But why did he choose to be with her? Charlotte couldn't comprehend why a wealthy and handsome man like
Sebastian's fists collided with Lucas's face as he yelled, "How dare you, Lucas!" The sudden burst of violence left everyone in shock and disbelief.Fury overtook Lucas as he held his stinging jaw and spat out blood. Immediately, the sight of blood infuriated him even more, and he pounced at Sebastian, delivering an even harder punch. "You fucking bastard!" he yelled as Sebastian staggered from the impact.Tears welled up in Charlotte's eyes as she reached the chaotic scene. "Please stop, guys, please," she pleaded, grasping Sebastian's arm.But it was too late, as Lucas punched him again and the two began physically fighting, catching the attention of onlookers, who had to physically intervene to separate the two.Sebastian continued to struggle against those holding him back, his voice booming as he exclaimed, "How dare you try to ruin Charlotte's life? Haven't you done enough?!"In response, Lucas growled, "Shut the fuck up, bastard! Did she say I ruined her life?" He tried to brea
Charlotte remained silent as she realized she had divulged too much already. "I'm leaving," she retorted, threatening to stand up and depart. But Lucas halted her once again."Was that what Uriel told you that day? The day you refused to talk to me about what she told you?" Lucas seethed, gripping Charlotte's hand tightly."Let me go, Lucas," Charlotte struggled, evading his gaze."I don't understand why this girl won't give up," Lucas muttered to himself, avoiding her gaze and speaking barely above a whisper. But Charlotte heard him."Give up? Aren't you two engaged? she called you her fiance" She retorted fixating her eyes on him, hoping he would deny it and make her feel like she had misunderstood."No, Charlotte. And I'm not getting married to her either. She just has this delusion in her mind. You shouldn't listen to anything she tells you," he tried to convince her.Charlotte brushed off her emotions as if his words did not affect her. "Well, I don't care," she said, freeing her
"Hop in the car. I'll drop you off," Lucas said with a smirk as a song hummed in the background.Charlotte immediately put up a hard exterior recalling how he had ignored her all day. And now he wants to give her a ride home? Not a chance."No, thank you," she grumbled, walking away.But the car followed her slowly. "Come on, Charlotte. Don't be difficult," he insisted."No, I can take the bus. You don't have to bother," she resisted, wearing a stern look and avoiding his gaze as she walked away.But Lucas was not one to give up easily. "Charlotte come on, get in. It's getting late," he insisted, stopping the car and getting out to open the door for her, ushering her to get in.She hesitated for a moment, knowing that he wouldn't leave her alone unless she gave in. So she got in the car.As they drove, silence hung between them. Lucas sneaked glances at her, but Charlotte kept her eyes fixed outside the window, hoping to get home soon and be rid of him."I'm hungry. Let's grab dinner,
Charlotte's face was slowly overtaken by a smile, unable to contain her surprise at Lucas' gesture - he had bought her a shoe. She took it out to examine it, and to her amazement, it was the perfect size. How did Lucas manage to get it right without her even mentioning her shoe size? Then it dawned on her, remembering how he had helped soothe her legs by applying aspirin. That must have been the clue, she thought to herself.Her smile widened at the realization that this was the first time someone had given her a gift that she truly needed. With work keeping her occupied, she had neglected to take care of herself and replace her worn-out shoes.But as her excitement bubbled up inside her, she couldn't help but feel anxious. Why did Lucas buy her a shoe? Was it just a kind gesture or was there something more? She tried to push away these thoughts, but they kept nagging at her, causing a mix of emotions to flood her mind - confusion and excitement swirling together.When it was time to
In the late afternoon, Charlotte found herself mopping the floor, but her thoughts constantly drifted to her encounter with Ms. Vanessa earlier. She couldn't help but feel agitated and question what Ms. Vanessa meant by ensuring she got kicked out. What was she plotting against her? These thoughts consumed her as she desperately sought answers.This woman, Ms. Vanessa, was much worse than Ms. Elora. Charlotte couldn't comprehend why they had a problem with her, as she wasn't trying to come between Lucas and anyone else; if he truly wanted them, he would be with them. She didn't understand why they felt the need to throw themselves at him, or why they were taking their disappointments out on her when they get rejected. But her confusion only grew as she remembered Lucas's attempts to kiss her earlier that day in the elevator, and even the night before. What did he want from her? Why couldn't he just leave her alone? He seemed to bring nothing but trouble into her life. Was this what S
"Hurry up, Charlotte!" Leah hissed, urging Charlotte as they rushed into the airport. The day had arrived for their retreat, and they were expected to meet the others at the airport before boarding their flight together.As they approached the rest of their group, they quickly joined them and boarded the plane when it arrived. Leah sat next to Charlotte, both of them bubbling with excitement for the trip. Who would have thought they would be traveling to California?As they settled into their seats, Charlotte couldn't help but gaze at the clouds outside the window. Her mind wandered back to Lucas and how their friendship had blossomed over the past three weeks. She was going to be away from him for a whole week, and the thought made her heart ache. She remembered their conversation from last night, where she had almost asked him to come along on the trip. But she hesitated, unsure if it was right to make such a request. After all, they were just friends, and he hadn't officially aske
At the behest of Lucas, Charlotte's eyes widened in disbelief, "Stay the night?!" She exclaimed, her gaze fixed on him, while he held her hand."Yes, I don't want you to go back home," Lucas declared, resting his head on her body."I really can't, Lucas. I have work tomorrow--" Charlotte hesitated, but Lucas cut her off."I'm sick. My body hurts, my head hurts, everything hurts," he grumpily complained, hoping to convince her to stay with him."Lucas, that's why you need to take your medications seriously and rest," Charlotte stressed, gazing over his head at her chest."I am taking them, but I want you to spend the night with me. I'll feel much better by morning," Lucas' lips formed a smile.Charlotte was taken aback by Lucas' childish behavior. "Why are you acting like a child?" She scoffed, running her hand through his hair."Because I'm ill, and you should take care of me," he insisted."And you'll feel better by tomorrow?" She asked, her brows furrowed in concern."Yes, as good a
Shockwaves coursed through her body, sending shivers down her spine. With quick reflexes, she turned around to see Lucas, holding her hands with his eyes barely open. A sense of relief washed over her as she met his gaze, her own eyes brightening with a smile."He...eyy, you're here," Lucas said softly, his voice barely audible. Charlotte moved closer to him, taking a seat beside him on the bed."Are you awake? How are you feeling? Are you in any pain? Are you okay?" she fired off the questions hesitantly, her concern evident.Lucas chuckled, "Relax, Charlotte. I'm not dying," he said, still holding onto her hands."This is no time to joke, Lucas," she scolded, removing her hand from his and placing it on his forehead to check his temperature. It seemed to have returned to normal."I was worried—" Charlotte began to say, before catching herself and stopping mid-sentence, avoiding his gaze.Lucas smiled, "Really? You were worried? I had to get sick for you to show me you care?" he tease
With Lilian gone, Charlotte's brisk pace became sluggish and lifeless as she trudged down the stark hallway, her mind frozen at what she had just heard from Lilian. How could he have collapsed two days ago when he had been the one to drop her off at home? Then it hit her - on that same day, he had looked pale and when she expressed concern, he brushed it off as a mere migraine. He was clearly unwell, but he chose to downplay it."Did he do that to spare me worry? How could he be so stubborn about his health?" Charlotte muttered to herself, growing frustrated at the thought of him being sick and worried about his well-being.Panic started to set in as she considered the worst-case scenarios of his collapse and she came to a halt. "I need to see him," she thought to herself, knowing she wouldn't be able to rest until she saw him and knew for sure that he was alright. As the day drew to a close, she hurriedly booked a taxi and made her way to his place. She didn't question her impulsive
Charlotte arrived at work the following morning, diving into her daily tasks before heading to Lucas' office to take care of the trash. Upon entering, she found the office empty, leading her to believe that Lucas had an early morning meeting and would return later. She left with the trash bag in tow.As she disposed of the trash, Leah informed her and the other cleaners that their supervisor had called for a meeting. This was unusual, and they immediately hurried to her office, curious about the reason for the sudden gathering."I have gathered you all here to share some great news. There has been a new addition to our annual workshop retreat at the company," the supervisor announced with a smile on her face.Whispers broke out among the cleaners, all eager to know about the new development."This year, the cleaning department will have the opportunity to participate, promoting growth and teamwork within our company," she continued, beaming at her staff.Excitement spread across their
Lucas's pulse quickened with anticipation for her reply. The question lingered in his mind, but he couldn't shake it - ever since Charlotte had revealed their night together was a mistake, he hadn't been himself. It wasn't just about his ego anymore.He noticed Charlotte avoiding his gaze and heaved a heavy sigh, "... No Lucas... It wasn't... I was just really mad at you —" she retorted, but Lucas cut her off."That's all I needed to hear," he said with a smile slowly creeping onto his face, his bruised ego finally healed."Thank you, Lucas, for the gift, the dress, everything. You made my birthday truly special," she stammered, nervously fingering the pendant of her necklace."You're welcome," Lucas replied with a grin, checking his watch for the time."Oh, it's getting late. It's already past 11, I should take you home," he said quickly, getting up and leading her to the car.The next day at work, Lucas was sitting at his desk, sorting through some documents when Vanessa knocked on
Charlotte observed Lucas let out a deep sigh, his expression shifting to one of disappointment. "Where did you leave it?" she asked, her concern evident."It must be at my place... I can't believe I forgot such an important thing. I'm sorry, Charlotte," he sobbed, making his way back to his seat."Let's go get it then," Charlotte suggested, trying to alleviate his disappointment and satisfy her curiosity about the gift that had him feeling this way."Are you sure? I said it's at my place," Lucas replied, surprised by her insistence."Yes, I know. You'll get the gift and we'll go," Charlotte insisted, standing up from her seat. She couldn't help but notice a small smirk forming on Lucas' face.Charlotte wasn't entirely sure why she made that suggestion, or why she wanted to retrieve the gift from his place when she knew being in the same space would be suffocating for her. But she convinced herself they were just going to get the gift and nothing more as they walked to his car.Once th
Charlotte was engrossed in her dinner preparations when her phone rang, an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. Her curiosity piqued, she stepped away from the gas stove and answered with furrowed brows."Hello?" She responded, holding her phone to her ear."Hello, Ms. Thompson. It's Lilian. I have something important to discuss with you. Can you meet me at St. Viane's or should I send a driver for you?" Lilian's voice echoed through the phone.Charlotte's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't understand why Lilian would suddenly want to meet with her. Was there a problem at the office? But if there was, why not just ask her to come back instead of meeting at the most luxurious fashion house in the city?"Hello, Ms. Thompson?" Lilian's voice called out again, interrupting her thoughts."Yes, I'm here. Is there an issue at work?" Charlotte asked, her heart racing."No, no issues at all, Ms. Thompson. I just need to discuss something with you," Lilian replied."Ah, I see. Well, I'll m
Charlotte stormed into his office, her face seething with anger. However, Lucas seemed entirely unperturbed as he was engrossed in his documents, completely oblivious to her presence. She stood there, studying him intently and simultaneously scanning his office for any clues that would indicate whether he and Vanessa had something going in the office, but to no avail.Frustration only mounted as she clenched her fists and continued to stare at him, questioning if the kiss they shared had any significance to him. Was everything he said to her last night just a ploy to lead her on? Tears threatened to spill as she struggled to find the answers.Finally, Lucas looked up from his papers and noticed Charlotte, a faint smile playing on his lips. This only provoked her further, her confusion growing as she tried to decipher the meaning behind his smile. All she knew was that he was toying with her emotions."Charlotte... How was your night—" Lucas began, but before he could finish his sente