Chapter 9

It felt nice to be with the family on her first day of marriage life. After the ending of the misunderstanding, Everyone firmly and warmly welcomed her with the love and respect that she deserves. But Charlotte has already noticed that her presence is not welcomed by Shayne, The family doctor of Rodriguez. She finds Charlotte bitter. It is confirmed.

Since Shayne isn't a family member of Rodriguez, So she doesn't bother herself about this matter. She can't make everyone happy at once and she isn't obligated to.

However, After helping Suzy with her bedtime stories to her falling asleep, She walks into her bedroom. When she walks in, Her heart thumps to see her husband is focused on some documents, He is looking quite serious but the glasses on are making him more charming at this point.

She quietly sits on the bed, watching him from behind. Edward moves a little after sensing someone's presence behind him. Without looking at her, He holds the tray of snacks towards her.

" Did Suzy fall asleep?"

Charlotte immediately grabs the tray getting close to him.." Yes. She fell asleep as soon as I finished her favorite story!"

" Great! Come and sit next to me!"

It is so sudden, Edward asks her sitting on the couch next to him. But She couldn't help but obey him. She sits next to him nervously, fidgeting her fingers.

" Charlotte!"

" Y.Yes!!" His calling her name softly makes her blush. He has a beautiful deep voice that she can't ignore. But his next action makes her stunned.

He puts her hand on his and directly looks into her eyes.

" Are you by chance trying not to show your real self? "

Charlotte flinches. Slowly drawing her hands away. Her face turns pale as if she is traumatized by something. Edward looks at her expression, but he folds his hands to lock hers.

" Wh... What do you mean? It's my true self"

Edward knows there has something wrong with her. She is acting like a strong person who doesn't have to worry about herself but others. When she was misunderstood by his family, She tried to hold herself best. As if she is an expert on the matter and Trying to keep her pain inside. But When she felt little support from Edward, She didn't waste another second showing her weakness. Weakness is about getting blamed and being abandoned by someone who is her family.

" Shush!! Don't panic. okay? We are friends, Aren't we? Not only that we are life partners. So, please. Don't act tough. It's okay to have a weakness. It's okay to cry if you are hurt. It's okay to defend yourself if someone Hurt your pride!"

Charlotte stops struggling to draw her hands back, but her biting lip makes him more concerned. Edward doesn't want Charlotte to hide her real self to please others.

" Charlotte! Are you listening to me? Feel free to act like you are. Here no one will hurt you. Nor your family will force you to do it!"

" You will be bored. I am childish. I love attention, I want to go to family dinners with everyone, and I want to share my achievement with everyone. I can be demanding something. I will be a burden to you. Mr Rodriguez!"

Trying to draw her hands, She looks away from him. Showing weakness means she will have to be looked down on by others. That's what she hates most.

But Seeing her face shrouded with sadness, Edward Rodriguez heaves a sigh and pulls her into his embrace.

" Mr. Rodriguez!?"

She looks shocked and blushes at the same time. But She loves the way he gives her attention.

" Even if I can't walk, Can't get on my feet but I have lots of patience for enduring your childish behavior! It's not bothersome for me if you act like yourself but It pisses me off when you try to act tough when you should not!"

Charlotte gulps when his voice turns sweet to cold. She already witnessed his serious expression earlier. Making him piss is a really big deal.

" So.. Next time. If you need to rely on someone, Don't stop yourself from coming here. Because I am your only family now. Do you understand?"

Charlotte doesn't know how to react to his words. All she can hear is his heart beating sounds. Edward is handsome and hardworking, anyone would love to be his other half. Suddenly she feels blessed to be this person's other half. She is grateful to her Fiancé and sister to cheat on her.

She nestles on his chest unintentionally when he talked about it. Slightly touching the bottom of his pajamas.

" Charlotte?!!!" Edward is stunned by her actions, She is crawling on his chest, nestling like she is fine with their skinship.

He didn't say anything anymore, Pursing his lips, He wraps her shoulder with his long well-defined arm and starts typing on his laptop. But In secret, his earlobes turn red slightly.

Next morning.

Charlotte is packing everything in her luggage. She just helped Suzy's luggage to pack up. Suzy will move in with them. And Suzy's servant who has been taking care of her for a long time.

" Are you done packing? The Chauffeur is here!"

Charlotte smiles nodding at Edward who has been waiting for her. But her smile disappears as soon as she looks away from him.

" What's wrong?" Edward is sharp-eyed. He noticed her expression changing drastically.

" Uhm.! About Suzy! Do you think I can perform well? What if She feels disappointed? I will have to work for an entire day outside. She will think I am not capable of giving her the attention she needs."

It is unexpected thoughts she has, That Edward thinks. She is more worried about Suzy than moving in somewhere unfamiliar with a few people. No wonder she has a soft heart.

" Suzy has lived there before. You don't have to worry about it. She has her favorite nanny and my butler will be with her when we will be out for work. And Trust yourself. You are doing well even though you are still vir-"

" Can you not say something like this? You sound a pervert! " Covering his mouth, She glares at him. Edward laughs knowing it's easy to tease her.

" Fine. Let's go. We need to -"

" Mama!!! I'm ready. Let's GO!"

Charlotte stands straight, seeing a servant entering the room after knocking on and leaving with her luggage. Suzy is jumping around happily and playing with the plush toy.

" Let's go to our home, Charlotte! "

Our Home!!. So Charlotte has her own home now. She doesn't have to worry about being treated like a slave inside her father's house. She will have somewhere to cry peacefully if she wants to. Moreover, She has someone who will be waiting for her. If it isn't heaven then what can be for her?

" Yes. Suzy! Come to Mama. "

Lifting her she follows Edward. Her family and she will do everything to keep it protected.

" We can go fishing sometimes with Suzy. She loves to grill the fish!" Edward looks at them, extending his hand to hold Charlotte's wrist. Charlotte feels overwhelmed, knowing that he remembers her hobby.

" Yess. I love grilled Fish. Mama. I will give you the largest one, okay?"

" OK. Sweetheart!"

From behind them, Mrs Rodriguez is wiping her tears, Her butler is helping her to pass the tissue. Everyone loves how beautiful they are looking together, A perfect family.

But Shayne's eyes are on them with hatred and bitterness. She clenches her fist before leaving for her bedroom.

" He has to be mine. Why did I have to wait for so long if I can't have him? Seems like I need to do what I can do! Like her, You have an ill-fated life, Charlotte! Don't blame me for being so hard on you.."

Gritting her teeth, She calls someone. Knowing what she should do to repeat the exact fate of a certain person who once blocked her way to being with Edward.