Where is it?!"
Charlotte winced at the voice of her boss. She thanked her stars she wasn't the one at the receiving end of his anger that morning.It was her 5th month as an intern at Cignum and her boss's mood didn't surprise her as much anymore. A little smile crept to her lips as her mind wandered to her first days here. She was so scared she'd get on his bad side that she did everything perfectly.It didn't take long for her to realize that it didn't matter who you were or how well you did anything, you'd still get on the bad side of Mr. Bennett. It was more of a him problem than it was yours.She shook her head at the thought. If he knew what she was thinking, he would definitely kick her out, yelling of course."If Mr. Bennett sees you smiling like that, you're out the company for sure" Ryan, a coworker and probably the closest friend she had in the building, said as he sat before her."And lose the best architect he's ever seen? I doubt it." Charlotte said jokingly. Ryan chuckled but didn't disagree.Charlotte didn't even notice he didn't. She wouldn't call herself the best architect in the world, after all she was now learning how to survive in the world with her skill.But, she would say she was rather good at what she did. She didn't spend sleepless nights perfecting her drawings and consuming learning videos to come out mediocre. Her grades were a testament to that."So, what are you doing after work today?" Ryan asked coyly."The day's barely started and you're thinking of after hours?" Charlotte said with a laugh.Ryan's cheeks reddened. He cleared his throat while she laughed."Barely started? It's almost 5pm, young lady." Ryan protested childishly, causing Charlotte to double over laughing."You can stop laughing now." Ryan said, smiling to himself. "I'm sorry." Charlotte said in-between fits of laughter.To get her to stop laughing, she looked at the wall clock at the end of the office. Ryan was right, it was 10 minutes to 5pm.
"Oh my, it's almost 5." She said, her face serious now."Told you. So, what do you have planned?" Ryan asked again.Charlotte sighed and shrugged. She was still a bit shocked at how fast the day had ended."Well, I have an idea. A new ice-cream shop has opened two blocks from here. I was thinking we could grab some ice-cream and then we could take a walk in the park under the orange street lights and talk about the day and ourselves maybe. That would be roma- fun! That would be fun, wouldn't it?" Ryan asked her.Charlotte wasn't paying attention. In her mind, she was trying to remember what exactly her aunt had asked her to buy before she got back."Charlotte." Ryan said, about to snap his fingers to get her attention."I'm sorry. What were you saying?" Charlotte asked, flustered."Um, I was asking if you'd like some ice-cream later today...." He said, trailing off purposely."Nah, I can't make it today. I've got to grab some medicine for my aunt. She's sick, did I tell you?" Charlotte said as she began packing her bag to leave."Isn't she always sick?" Ryan grumbled.Charlotte shot him a look and he held up his hands defensively."I mean, am I wrong?" He said, avoiding her eyes. She rolled her eyes at him."She's just tired. She did a lot to get me through college, you know." "A lot? Please. You were on a scholarship program.""Still."Charlotte knew her argument was weak but well, still she did a lot in the background. By the time it was 5pm, they had finished packing."Let's go sign out." Ryan said before taking the lead.Charlotte noticed a change in his mood but didn't mention it till they were out the building. "Is something wrong?" She asked him.
He shrugged."I just really wanted to try the new ice-cream place with you." He said."I'm sorry but I really have to go today but I will tomorrow. I promise.""Tomorrow's Saturday." Ryan said plainly. Realization dawned on her face.He knew how she was on Saturdays. Always busy with something she never really told him about."Okay, um... Monday after work for sure." She said with a smile. Ryan didn't look convinced."Bills on me." She added with a laugh. That earned her a smile from Ryan"How can I refuse that?" He said dramatically. She laughed. She stopped a taxi."See you on Monday." She said as she got into the taxi."See you." He said with an awkward wave.To Charlotte, he looked like he wanted to say something else. Then again, he's always been like that. She would bring it up playfully sometime but now she was focused on what she had to buy for her aunt.She took out her notepad and hastily wrote the list of medication she had to buy. She wrote down aspirin, cough mixtures and a minty ointment. Plus an inhaler.She handed the list to the pharmacist who gave her the drugs, no questions asked. She paid for them and stashed the pouch in her bag as she walked home.The pharmacy wasn't too far from her home so she decided to walk. It was actually really close. Sometimes, it made her wonder why her aunt couldn't get them herself and always insisted she buy it. But she didn't question it.
To Charlotte, it was a little thing as compared to what her aunt had done for her. She was happy doing such a thing for her even though sometimes, it seemed a little annoying and unfair.She had come home fairly earlier than usual so her neighbors hadn't arrived yet. The sky had taken a lovely pale orange hue that she loved. She took a moment to admire it, vowing to herself that she'd draw it one day once again.She reached into her jacket for the keys and opened the door.Fear shot through her when she realized the door wasn't locked. Her breaths quickened and a thousand scenarios rushed through her mind. She shakily whispered to herself not to panic.Maybe her aunt had forgotten to lock it. She knew that was highly unlikely but she'd believe anything at this point.Slowly, she walked in."Aunty Joan..." She called out with all the courage she had inside her.The house was silent. Dead silent.She could hear just her footsteps. She took in deep breaths as she walked to the kitchen. A shrill scream left her throat when she saw her aunt lying on the ground, lifeless.No sooner had the scream left her throat than her aunt sat up with a clap. She looked back at Charlotte with her lips turned with disapproval."Oh! So if I were dying, this is how you'd react. Just stand there and scream?" Aunty Joan asked sarcastically.Charlotte's lips remained open as she processed what was happening."Oh so you can't talk now? But what do you expect? Look at how long it took you to get me the medicines. Did you expect me to be dead before you got home?" Aunty Joan asked, still seated on the ground with her arms crossed.With her long skirt and a piece of tissue stuck to her face, her aunt looked comical but Charlotte was much too confused to find it funny."N-no. Uh... I'm sorry Aunty Joan. Let me help me up." Charlotte said, dropping her bags to help her aunt."Don't touch me. Where are my medicines?" Aunty Joan asked. Charlotte quickly picked up her bag and pulled out the pouch of drugs."Did you buy everything I asked?" Aunty Joan asked. Charlotte nodded. Relie
It was hot.So hot, that Charlotte regretted taking a coat. To make it worse, her blouse was sleeved. She squirmed in her seat, wanting nothing more than to take off the coat and maybe the blouse but she dared not.One, it was indecent plus she would make a mockery of herself and two, the coat hid her pit stains from her sweat.She sighed, putting on a bright smile to hide her discomfort.The event hadn't started yet and in fact, she'd been there less than 10 minutes. Mia was right, no one was really overdressed. They kept it simple and classy, and white. Charlotte wondered if that was a theme Mia had missed.She stood on her feet, ready to go and 'socialize'. She looked around discreetly for a target. She found one; a blond lady, probably in her early forties, in a knee-length white dress with a chic pair of heels and a pouch in hand.Charlotte immediately approached her before anyone else did."Hi, I'm Charlotte." Charlotte said with a polite smile, extending her hand to the lady. "
Charlotte quickly averted her gaze after she realized she had stared for too long."Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but that was one of the loveliest voices we've had." Michael said aloud.The crowd cheered in response. Charlotte felt heat rise to her face as she blushed. Her fingers still trembled slightly as she handed the microphone to the young boy who stood beside her. It wasn't just the cheers from the crowd that made her shake but it was the gaze of those blue eyes on her. She thought she could feel him watch her and it caught her off guard.Charlotte took a glance at the owner of those beautiful eyes but he didn't have his eyes on hers anymore. This time, he spoke to Michael as the young man sent the microphone up to him.Feeling a bit embarrassed, Charlotte prepared to sit when -"A woman with a voice like yours needs to sit up here. Or am I right folks?" Michael said with a microphone this time.The crowd agreed and Charlotte just couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her. Not
Charlotte cleared her throat in an attempt to bring a thought to mind but she remained blank. "Or you can manage on your own?" Prince Lucas said with a little smirk.Gosh, he knew the effect he had on her.Charlotte smiled. Ain't no way she's going to allow that."Well, I could but it'd be nice to have you show me around." She said nicely.Prince Lucas nodded. He stood up almost immediately and put out a hand to help her up Charlotte chuckled at his attempt."That was a bit unnecessary wasn't it?" Prince Lucas said humorously."I wouldn't call it unnecessary but it was something."As they walked down the stairs, she took a moment to admire the decor of the place."I kinda wanted to go for a hockey vibe but I don't think I got it right." "To be honest, you didn't." Charlotte said with a laugh."Ouch." Prince Lucas said playfully."But you did get more of a wedding reception vibe."Prince Lucas playfully placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. "That's even worse."Charlotte burst out
"Mia please." Charlotte groaned, her cheeks already pink with embarrassment."No, no let me. I sent you to a charity event and you decided to play moves on none other than Prince Lucas?!" Mia said before laughing hysterically.Charlotte sighed. She stepped out of the car before paying the driver his fare.The night was chilly and for the first time that whole day, Charlotte was glad she chose something that covered her up."So, tell me how that happened." Mia said. Charlotte heard her open a can of drink. She laughed."Aren't you supposed to be with Evans? I think he needs you.""Evans can wait. I need my tea, so spill it." Mia said playfully. "Aargh. Fine." Charlotte said with a little smile creeping on her face.She used her key to unlock the door. The house was quiet but she wasn't worried about her aunt's safety. She could hear the TV from her room.She closed the door and stood on the driveway."I don't know where to start." She said with a sigh, leaning on the wall.Even thinkin
Charlotte didn't have time to properly reply to Esme. Or do anything else in particular except complete the drawings her boss asked her to domIn fact, her local church nearly didn't see her the next day.Frankly, if not for Aunt Joan accusing of leaving her religion and her God for the pleasures of money (the devil's milk to Aunt Joan) Charlotte would have stayed behind to complete the work."You look like you've been through hell." Ryan joked before taking his seat. Charlotte lowered her glasses."Damn. Did you get any sleep?" Ryan asked, more concerned now.Charlotte yawned, leaning into her seat. The office was cold as usual but Charlotte didn't mind it as much as she used to.It made her feel sleepy and that was a plus for her because she wanted to sleep. "You can have my cup" Ryan offered, handing her his cup of coffee.Charlotte knew how he liked his coffee- black with no cream or sugar.Just like bitter water, as Aunt Joan would say.Charlotte preferred it with a little cream
Charlotte took a spoon of her cookies n cream ice-cream as she wondered how she got herself in the situation she was in.At one side before her sat Ryan, eating a peanut butter swirl ice cream awkwardly.At the other side before her sat Prince Lucas with his own cup of regular vanilla ice-cream. He also looked quite uncomfortable.She realized how differently they were dressed. Ryan had a brown checkered shirt on with a red tie and brown trousers on. His hair was combed neatly to the back and with his new haircut, he looked flattering and generally like a responsible man.Prince Lucas however was in a large white trench coat. Underneath, he wore a white short sleeved polo shirt and brown trousers. His hair had been tied up in a messy bun.Much like Ryan, he had tucked in his shirt but they gave different vibes.Prince Lucas looked more carefree and relaxed whilst Ryan looked more tight and stressed in comparison.She held back her sigh.She should have insisted he didn't come but he w
"So you left him on read??" Mia exclaimed."What else was I supposed to do?!"Charlotte said before stuffing her mouth with salad."I don't know?! Ask him how he got your number??""So he'd lie? No thank you" Mia choked in disbelief."Charlotte!"Charlotte put down her fork."No, Mia think about this..how did he know where I worked? How did he get my number? He could be a creepy stalker."Mia chuckled."You do know that to register for the event, I had to put your address right?" She asked.Charlotte smacked her lips thoughtfully. "Oh"Her response threw Mia in a fit of laughter. "Well how did he get my number then?"She asked as she picked her food."I don't know. Ask him. And if it sounds fishy then you know he's up to something."Charlotte groaned."Come on. It won't be that bad. Ask him and tell me what he says. Bye."Mia ended the call before Charlotte could agree or disagree.Charlotte stared at her screen. Her finger hovered over WhatsApp and she contemplated doing as Mia said.
"Ouuuu! Okay, start from the top. What happened?!" Mia squealed. Charlotte rolled her eyes but she blushed at the memory."I already told you Mia." She said."I know but I want to hear it again! I can't believe it. Finally, you... You became a woman!" Mia exclaimed excitedly.Charlotte popped a nut in her mouth. It was the evening of the following day and Prince Lucas wanted them to have an indoor movie night with Charlotte picking out the movie."Well not exactly. I stopped him. Do you think he hates me for that?" She asked slowly."What? No! If anything he loves you that much to respect your boundaries.""You think so?""I know so darling. Either that, or he's playing his cards too right." Mia said with a laugh. "Now that's what I expected to hear." Charlotte said, laughing too."But I don't think that's the case with him. He's just a darling.""Yes, he is." Charlotte said dreamily."Oh girl, you're down bad. And I'm happy for you. Finally, right?" She joked."Enough, we get it. I'v
"Mmm, we could."Prince Lucas took a step closer to her, his eyes burning with intent and desire."We could." He whispered.She looked into his eyes and he could see she had not a single thought in them. She wanted him just as bad as he wanted him.She wrapped her hand around his neck and with a little lip bite, she said "Be gentle."And he would.Prince Lucas leaned in to kiss her but he didn't just yet. He hovered over her lips for a few seconds as she held her breath and looked at him with anticipationThen he went down on her, slow and gentle, exploring all that she let him. And she let him in everything.He pulled her even closer and grabbed her ass softly. She moaned.He tugged at her lower lip softly before pulling away from her. She was already flustered by the kiss."To the bed?" He suggested mischievously.She nodded but there was caution in her eyes."I'll be gentle." He promised.He lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck before going in for another
"Dear, I thought I would never hear from you." Esme said. Charlotte smiled shyly."I'm sorry it took so long. I had some complications." Charlotte said.It was her lunch break at work and Charlotte impulsively made the decision to call Esme to keep her updated.Updated on what exactly, Charlotte didn't know."You don't have to apologize dear. Lucas told me you had a terrible accident. I was terribly worried. I hope you're alright now.""Yes I am. Thank you for your concern."Charlotte looked around to see if anyone had their attention on her. She stood near the coffee machine. That wasn't a great place to remain invisible and a few of her coworkers stole glances at her."I'm glad. So, tell me. How's the project going? Have you found an answer to my question?""Yes. The center is for children from broken homes and orphans as well. It's going to be a warm and welcoming environment to help them navigate through the complicated feelings that a broken home brings as well as provide the lov
Charlotte watched as Prince Lucas opened his eyes groggily. She clipped on her earrings with a smile on her face."Charlotte..." He called out sleepily. She chuckled."Come back to bed..."She walked to him and gave him a short kiss him on his lips. Prince Lucas leaned in for a deeper kiss but she pulled away softly."I have work." She said sweetly."And I want to have you." He whined. Charlotte chuckled and gave him another kiss."I'll be back before you know it.""You smell so good by the way." He said, looking at her. She beamed."All thanks to your collection." She said mischievously."Since when did you become so sneaky?" He said, sitting upright."I had to. It smells so good." He laughed."You can have anything you want." She walked to him seductively."So I can have you?""I'm already yours."Prince Lucas grabbed her by her waist and pulled her on top of him."You'll ruin the dress." Charlotte squealed. "We'll think about that later."Prince Lucas kissed her. She pressed her c
"You can touch me."Prince Lucas was taken by surprise when Charlotte pressed her lips on his but he let her in, deepening the kiss immediately.Prince Lucas pulled her closer to him as his tongue explored every inch of her. Her fiery passion pleased him- almost took much.She ran her fingers through his hair and began pressing her hips harder and harder on his.Her hands snaked under his shirt, clinging to him and pulling him in. As if she couldn't get enough of him."Touch me." She whispered in his ear.That was all he needed to hear to get his hands under the thin shirt she wore.Her gasp when his hands touched her skin excited him even more. She threw her head back, arching her back and exposing her neck. Prince Lucas took his chance.He planted passionate kisses on her neck, sucking on her skin as he did. He could feel her tremble in his arms as she moaned.It was then he knew she was really new to this. But her body knew the right parts to touch. It was his turn to gasp when he
"Girl, where have you been?" Mia exclaimed the minute she answered the call. Charlotte sighed. She played with her fingers whilst her phone was on the bed on speaker."It's a long story." Charlotte said dreamily. Mia paused."Okay. Okay, I know that voice. What happened? And start from the beginning. Because last time I heard from you, we were not okay with Prince Lucas."Charlotte could literally feel Mia’s energy tangibly through the phone. She smiled to herself. "Okay calm down.""Not a chance darling. Not when the tea is piping hot."Charlotte laughed."Okay um... So my aunt kicked me out."There was a moment of silence before Mia sighed heavily."Charlotte, Charlotte my darling. You know that's not what I want to hear." Mia said, laughing."You said I should start from the beginning." Charlotte defended, also laughing."I'm like so sure that's not the beginning but fine. Let's hear it. Why did your aunt kick you out again."It was Charlotte's turn to sigh. "Guess.""Is that possi
"I mean at least, you could have just said thank you." Michael said. Michael took another curve."You could have at least let me know that you were taking her there." Prince Lucas argued.He looked out the window, checking to make sure Michael was on the right route to Charlotte's workplace."And you could have told me she didn't have her phone. That would have saved us so much hustle."Prince Lucas rolled his eyes.In a bag beside him was Charlotte's phone and a new one. He has bought her a new one before wondering whether she'd prefer hers instead.So he fixed hers just in case."Plus, I don't think you should be worrying so much about her. She's a grown woman. She can find her way around.""I'll wait for this to happen to Rowena and I'll tell you the exact same thing." "Good point. Wait, you've fallen that hard?""Keep your eyes on the road."Michael burst out laughing."Oh finally! Finally, someone has claimed the heart of Prince Lucas. I never thought this day would come.""You'r
Prince Lucas wondered if he had said the right thing.It was night and Charlotte hadn't said a word after what he said in the car. Now she laid on the couch, staring at the ceiling.Prince Lucas furrowed his brows as he watched her from the bedroom. He took a deep breath.She was definitely upset.Who wouldn't be?Aside from his words being hurtful, Prince Lucas felt they were true. He didn't know what had happened to her parents but her aunt for sure didn't love her.Or maybe she had a strange way of showing her affection. He didn't think that was the problem.He glanced at Charlotte. She didn't look like she had moved an inch since he last checked up on her.He sighed. He had to do something to knock her out of it."Okay, that's enough." He said, clapping his hands to gain her attention.She looked at him. It saddened him how down she looked."Look I'm sorry about what I said earlier." He apologized, walking to her. "It was a bit hurtful." She said before laying down."I'm sorry. Le
"Doesn't that sound like the start of a splendid love story?""If we were dating, yes." Charlotte said with a laugh. Prince Lucas rolled his eyes."Don't move Cinderella, I'll clean up the glass." "Cinderella?""Just go with it." Prince Lucas said, a bit embarrassed.Charlotte laughed."I can handle myself, Prince Charming." She said with her hands crossed.Prince Lucas walked to where she stood. He held her eyes in his as a flirty smile crossed his lips."I know, but I want to pamper you."Charlotte couldn't ignore the butterflies that erupted in her stomach.She would like that a lot. She would like to be pampered by his strong hands.A part of her remembered how he held her, how he touched her the previous night.Like she was his.Her breaths were shallow now as her mind raced for the endless possibilities they could explore with themselves.He took a small step forward, causing her breath to hitch. "You'd get cut..." She managed to say."Right."Even after he spoke, Prince Lucas d