Chapter 15
yes, Ins with him, Charlone said, her yuire as cool an
ire as cool and detached as if
if she were discussing the weather
other forecast, “Is that a
Ellay’s face tightened, his military bearing reasserting itself as he grasped for control of a situation rapidly dippin
Filipping though his fingers. “I can’t let you do this Charlotte. Do you even know what kind of man Isaac Wood ix|]
He gestared dismissively toward Isaac. “He’s had a different girlfriend every month since preju school. Men like him don’t du commitment–they play with people. until something shinier comes along ||
Charlotte’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “You’re right. I don’t know what kind of san far is.-||
She took a deliberate step closer to Dias, her eyes never leaving his face. “But I know exactly what kind of man yo are.”
The quiet intensity of her voice made several nearby children stop their play and stare.]]
Would you like met
to list everything you’ve done to me?” she continued, her voire steady and emotionless. “Or should we skip straight to the part where you forced me
Ime to donate a kidney without anesthesia to a woman who was manipulating you?”
she shook her head slightly. “Besides, who I’m with is no longer any of your concern. We severed ties, remember? You signed the papers yourself.”
Her voice hardened. “Please go back wherever you came from. You’re not welcome here.”
e who
There was no anger in her tone–that would have required emotional investment she no longer had for him. There was only the calm finality of someone had closed a door and had no intention of ever opening it again.]]
Thas looked as though she’d physically struck him. “Charlotte… you’re saying these things because of him? I’m only trying to protect you. I would never hurt you.-]]
The absurdity of his statement made Charlotte laugh–a sharp, humorless sound.
“You wouldn’t hurt me? That’s rich.” She didn’t raise her voice, didn’t need to. “You let me undergo major surgery without anesthesia for your precious Scarlets. You slapped me. You accused me of theft. You exposed my private letters to humiliate ine”
She stepped back, putting distance between them. “If that’s your idea of protection, I’ll pass. Your en
concern comes about five years and one kidney too late,~]
Without another glance at Elias, Charlotte took our’s hand and walked away, leaving as standing alone in the schoolyard, stunned and hollow
He had traveled thousands of miles, gone without sleep for over twenty–four hours, endured hone jarring rods and sweltering heat–all to find Charlotte Instead, he’d discovered she was with another man. The revelation felt like a physical low, knocking the air from his lungs.
Guice they were out of carshop. Isaac fummeil to Charlotte, las expression troubled ||
“Tim sorry,” he said quickly. I shouldn’t have said those things back there. I just couldn’t stand the way he was looking at you, like he sull had some claim on
you
Charlotte cur huis off will a gentle squeeze of lats hand. “Don’t apologize. I know you were trying to brip-
Actually, I should thank you for standing up
네
Laacs eyes frightened with surprise “Really?||
Cisarjate nodded, and İsa
aband
chand through his hair, suddenly nervous ||
About what he said…it’s true. Since I fell for you. I havent dated anyone else. Not a single person:“||
He looked at her earnestly. “My feelings for you are real. And I’m not the spoiled feast fund kid everyone thinks I am. I’ve knult my own business, separate from my family’s money-1
Charlotte stepped closer to him, a genuine smile softening her features. I know
Dan’s face flushed, and he stumbled over his words. “Su…would you consider giving me a chance? To show you how
mw you how I feel? Tor
pretending to keep Delaney away.“”
Charlotte glanced back over her shoulder, then turned to him with a radiant smile that had never one appeared during her years with Elias. “If I hadn’t already
given you a chance, what do you think we’ve been doing all this time? |
haar ears turned bright red, his face lighting up with joy. Charlotte Whitmore, someday you’re going to be my girlfriend for real. I promise you that.“||
A few evenings later, Isaac led Charlotte through the village with mysterious excitement, refusing to tell her where they were going
Seriously, Isanc,” she protested as they reached an open field at the edge of the village. “It’s late, and I have an early class tomorrow, What are we doing out
here?
Before he could answer, a sharp crackling sound split the night air. Charlotte looked up just as the first fireworks exploded overhead, painting the African sky with brilliant colors.
She stood transfixed, momentarily speechless at the unexpected display ||
As she watched the light show. Isaac reached into his pocket and pulled out something that caught the reflected glow of the fireworks–a pendant on a silver
chain
Charlotte’s breath caught. It was her St. Michael’s pendant–the one Scarlett had deliberately broken–now completely restored to its original. condition. oval gleamed as if new, the blue glass center repaired so perfectly it was impossible to tell it had ever been damaged
The silver
for a moment, it was as if the pendant had never been broken, as if her parents had never left her.
Tears welled in Charlone’s eyes. She’d mentioned the pendant only once in passing, yet Isaac had not only remembered but had somehow found a way to repair
Haar’s hands trembled slightly as he held it out to her. “Charlotte, my entire life has bem planned out by my parents. Every school, every internship, every CATTER MOVC–all of it decided for me.
–
He took a deep breath “Falling for you is the first decision I’ve ever made completely on my own.
The fireworks continued to burst overhead, illuminating his earnest expression.
Thad the pendant restored because I wanted to show you that your parents are still with you in ways you can’t see
He stepped doser. “And I was wondering… would you let me be the third person in your life who promises to protect you? Not bremise you need protection, but became you deserve to be cherished.”]
This voice grew more confident. “Charlotte Whitmore, will you be my girlfriend? For real this
time
