Flashback [|]

[Flashback]

"How long did you sit here in your dead mother's room, Charlotte? It had been a month since she died."

She lifted her head upon hearing her father's voice, her eyes heavy with sorrow and weariness. The room remained untouched, adorned with her mother's possessions, as if it was trapped in a moment frozen in time. Once more, Charlotte turned her gaze towards her mother's photograph. Her mother's smile greeted her from the frame on her dresser, her eyes wide open and filled with joy, devoid of any trace of pain or sadness.

As her lengthy blonde hair was neatly tied up in a bun, it exposed the pallid complexion of her face, which had faded with the passing years. However, even in that moment, her beauty remained captivating. Charlotte felt tears forming within her, and she had to restrain them from streaming down her face. A soft sigh escaped her lips, the only sound in the silent house.

"Now that you are eight months pregnant, you should not take too much stress in such a condition," her father advised her while sitting on a chair. Charlotte gently rubbed her swollen belly and sighed as she leaned back, feeling the weight of her growing baby inside her.

"I know, Dad," she replied, trying to sound calm despite the anxiety that had built up inside her. "But I won't leave you alone, and Gabriel knew anyway, so he didn't mind me staying here. And why would he have a problem with this?" Charlotte shrugged. Though she was a wife of Gabriel Hernandez-the owner of the Hernandez empire-she was also the sole heir of Lopez Food Company. While her businesses were smaller in scale, her influence over the food chain was far from negligible. Charlotte made sure to keep her father aware of this fact whenever possible, and he never failed to let her know how happy he was for his daughter. In fact, he often sent her expensive gifts when she was away from home.

"Even though he didn't mind, still these twins needed their father, and it was good for them to see their parents first as soon as they were born," her father tried to convince her.

After listening to him, Charlotte gently caressed her belly, feeling the tiny kicks of life within; she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and responsibility. These unborn twins were not just any ordinary members of their family; they were destined to become the future heirs of the Hernandez empire and Lopez Food Company.

Charlotte imagined the day when their soon-to-be-born twins would take their first steps, their tiny feet leaving imprints on the same ground that their father had once walked. They would grow up under Gabriel's watchful eye, learning the ways of their family and understanding the importance of unity, loyalty, and respect.

Keeping both things in mind, Charlotte decided to go back to the Hernandez mansion. The rain poured down heavily outside. It dawned on her that exactly one year ago that day, she had tied the knot with Gabriel amidst a similar downpour. "Stop, don't go alone in such weather; the driver will drop you," her father said, showing his concern.

She replied, "I'll be fine, don't worry," as she sat in the car. She felt a wave of eagerness and nostalgia as the automobile began to move. Raindrops flowed down the window, making it difficult to see the familiar buildings and streets. Her mind filled with memories of that soggy wedding day, which made her grin. How content they were at that time together, and how she longed to simply return to those times-a feeling she would never regain.

She pulled her coat tight over her torso as she got out of the car, the rain pelting down. With a sense of grandeur and majesty, the Hernandez palace towered above her. She could hear the distant sounds of the bustling metropolis, which created a haunting yet alluring atmosphere. As she stepped through the mansion's doors, the smell of pine and damp soil filled the air, making her feel at ease and nostalgic.

In the corridor, she ran into Liam Caddel, Gabriel's personal driver, and asked him where her husband was. Since it was an odd hour, Liam seemed taken aback to see her there at that particular time.

"Ma'am, if you wanted to return, you should have informed me beforehand, and I would have personally fetched you."

But because of the erratic fluctuations in her pregnancy mood, it was difficult for her to stay in the moment and talk to him. Therefore, ignoring what he had said, she asked, "Where can I look for him?"

"Gabriel has gone to the city for a meeting," informed their housekeeper Ella, who had most likely stopped by to listen.

"Why is he having a meeting at this time?" Charlotte exclaimed, taken aback. It was unusual for him to go to the city for meetings, especially in the evening. Trying to conceal her anxiety, she asked, "Do you know when he'll be back?" She was really surprised.

Ella paused for a moment before responding, "I'm not certain. He didn't mention the time of his meeting. Usually, when something like this happens, he doesn't return home at night."

"What do you mean by 'he doesn't return home'? And what are those meetings that go on late into the night?" Charlotte inquired, raising her voice a bit to get Liam's attention. He averted his gaze in response.

Charlotte had already grasped the meaning behind his gesture. "How long had this been going on?" she asked.

"For about a month now, ma'am," Ella responded.

Curiosity and anxiety consumed her as she persisted, "What was the purpose of these meetings?" Charlotte's voice quivered slightly. She craved immediate answers, and she couldn't wait any longer.

Liam let out a deep sigh, his posture drooping. "Ma'am, we cannot disclose this information to you. It is for your own protection."

Charlotte felt disappointed after hearing what he had to say. Security? What could happen to my protection? She had always regarded herself as a valued part of this family, leading a typical life. But it seemed there was another world, one she was unaware of.

Ella approached, her expression filled with worry. "Ma'am, we never intended to withhold this information from you, but the situation forced our hand. It was in your best interest to stay unaware."

Charlotte vehemently disagreed, feeling a surge of frustration. "Shut up, you are nobody to tell me what is right and what is wrong. I have the right to know what's happening. I have the right to be involved in whatever is unfolding."

Charlotte went back by herself, without consulting anyone or following their advice. Although she was unaware of his meetings, she knew the place they frequently visited, which was his flat. She briefly forgot that she had two lives inside her as she raced through the downpour. After an hour's trip, she felt overcome with anxiety as she stood in front of a stunning apartment.