Chapter 16 You Actually Come?
I looked up, startled, and met Charles’s icy gaze. My heart gave a little jump. “Wh–what is it?” I asked nervously.
Charles narrowed his sharp eyes and leaned closer. “Something tells me you’re way too interested in this ‘Grand Dance Gala. Don’t tell me you actually signed up.”
“No, of course not.” I shook my head quickly, keeping my voice firm.
He let out a cold laugh. “Good. It’s not the place for you.”
I was confused. Why shouldn’t I go? But I didn’t dare ask more just then.
After the warning, Charles took a phone call. It seemed to be from Cheryl, his first love. As he talked, he walked over to the window, and his voice softened instantly.
I couldn’t help but watch, a twinge of jealousy tugging at me. He never used that kind of gentle tone with me.
Not wanting to hear him sweet–talk Cheryl, I slipped into the bathroom.
From inside, I could just make out Charles telling her he was going to Amiston tomorrow. That meant he wouldn’t be around for the Grand Dance Gala. The thought made me relax completely.
I figured he’d leave to see her after the call, but when I came out, he was still there. Leaning by the window, cigarette in hand, he stared outside as if lost in thought.
I tiptoed quietly toward the bed, trying not to disturb him.
“Come here.” His calm voice stopped me in my tracks at the foot of the bed.
I turned and walked obediently over to him.
As I got closer, he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me into his embrace. The faint scent of tobacco hung in the
air.
I studied his face. Maybe it was just my imagination, but I thought I caught a hint of sadness in his eyes. For a moment, he looked like the honest, gentle Charles again.
He didn’t say anything–just watched me quietly. His gaze was so intense and deep it almost felt affectionate. If I didn’t know about his first love, I might have thought he liked me.
Pulling myself together, I flashed him my best smile and asked, “What’s wrong? Did you and your first love have a fight?” Charles’s brow furrowed. The sadness in his eyes vanished, replaced by a sharp look.
“I don’t fight with people,” he said coldly. “Especially not her.”
“Oh,” I replied softly, a sour feeling settling in my chest. Ethan was right. That girl really was something special to Charles. “I’m heading to Amiston early tomorrow for work,” Charles said abruptly.
I nodded and asked casually, “How long will you be gone?”
“How long would you like me to be away?” he shot back, his eyes fixed intently on me.
My heart skipped a beat. I averted my gaze and forced a light laugh. “As long as it takes. You should finish your work properly before coming back, right?”
He let out a cold chuckle. “Sounds like you’d prefer I stay away longer, maybe even forever, hm?”
“Of course not,” I replied, sensing he was getting suspicious again.
Charles pushed me away coolly. “Pack your things. You’re coming with me to Amiston tomorrow morning.”
“What?” I was stunned and quickly protested, “I–I can’t go.”
“You can’t go?” He glanced at me sideways, his expression turning dangerous.
I stammered, “Amiston is so far, and I–I haven’t been feeling well lately. I’m not up for a long trip. If you’re worried about being bored, why not bring your first love along?”
I wasn’t sure which part set him off, but his face darkened instantly.
I took a couple of steps back, watching him cautiously. “Don’t be angry. I really don’t want to go to Amiston.”
Tomorrow, I had to attend that Grand Dance Gala and secure that money. No matter what, I couldn’t go with him.
Charles took a slow drag of his cigarette, his cold eyes fixed on me for a full minute.
I nervously twisted my fingers, too afraid to say another word.
After he put out his cigarette, he finally spoke flatly, “Fine, if you don’t want to go, then don’t.”
I let out a quiet sigh of relief.
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Chapter 16 You Actually Come?
He straightened up and walked toward the door. As he passed me, he shot me a sidelong glance and warned coldly, “While I’m gone, behave yourself. Don’t do anything that would upset me.”
“Mhm, I’ll be on my best behavior,” I promised earnestly.
Without another look, he turned and left.
Charles was clearly still upset and ended up spending the whole night in his study.
Bella baked some cookies and suggested I bring them to him. I figured it couldn’t hurt to try and smooth things over, so I brought them in with a cheerful smile.
But he didn’t even look up. I reminded him to have them while they were still crisp, and still nothing. He completely ignored
- me.
Back in my room, I lay in bed, unable to fall asleep. My mind kept drifting back to all those times I had treated Charles poorly.
He used to go out of his way to be kind and attentive to me, and I never gave him the time of day. Now that he was the one treating me coldly, maybe I had it coming.
When I woke up the next morning, Charles was already gone.
Bella said it was cold for me to not say a proper goodbye and see him off. She insisted he seemed unhappy and that my being there would have made all the difference.
But honestly, she must be reading too much into it. I wasn’t the one who held his heart. I was sure he would have been delighted to see her there instead. Me? I likely would’ve just been a nuisance.
*****
That afternoon, I shot Lucas a text to see if he wanted to handle his own outfit and styling.
He said no, and they had everything covered. I just needed to tell him the name of the dance I was performing.
Time got away from me, and suddenly it was evening. The Grand Dance Gala kicks off at seven, but anyone who signed up had to be there two hours early for prep.
Backstage was absolutely packed, and everyone was a top–tier beauty. I had to give it to him that Lucas had great taste.
There were so many of us that I couldn’t find a seat, let alone a free makeup artist. Luckily, Lucas called me into a private room almost immediately. I could hear whispers trailing behind us as I followed him.
But honestly, whatever. A little gossip wasn’t going to faze me. I was there for one reason: that one million. Nothing was going to get in my way.
Inside the room, Lucas gave me a smirk. “Didn’t actually think you’d show up.”
I just chuckled, “I signed up, didn’t I? So here I am.”
“Does Charles know about this?”
“Why would he? And don’t you tell him, either. It’s just one night. Let’s not start any drama.”
Lucas lit a cigarette, took a slow drag, and grinned. “Here for the million, then?”
I tilted my head. “Isn’t everyone?”
He nodded slowly. “You know, you could just ask Charles. He’s generous. He’d probably give you more than that.”
I winced. I really didn’t like it when he said things like that. I could make my own money. Why would I ever ask Charles for it? And Charles didn’t owe me a thing.
I kept my voice even. “What about the costume? I should go change.”
Lucas stared at me for a couple of seconds, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
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