Chapter 105

And that was when she met Ryan. She had fallen in love with him at first sight and had spent so much on him willingly, but when she realised Ryan was a playboy, she rejected his love and returned home. Now her father is insisting on marrying her to the business mogul and she has to run again.

Ryan was moved. He assured her he was no longer a playboy and had realised that all his girlfriends were after his money; they had all run away when he got into trouble.

"Can you marry me in two weeks?" Catherine had asked him.

Ryan was certain he was ready to settle down. He promised to marry Catherine in two weeks but he needed to talk to his friends about it first.

He did not expect that the meeting he had called would end up this way.

"Ryan?" Melvin called. "Are you okay?"

He nodded, smiling wearily. "I am fine. I should be fine." He stood up. "I think I have to leave too."

He had promised Catherine to help her pick her wedding dress today.

"Ryan," David called and he turned. "Are you serious this time?" Ryan nodded and David smiled. "I will speak to Matthew. We are going to plan your wedding."

Ryan nodded with a smile. "Thank you."

After Ryan left, Melvin who had been curious to know what was going on, finally spoke up.

"What do you mean by we are planning a wedding? We both know Ryan doesn't believe in marriage."

David smiled. "I think he does now."

"How? This is not the first..."

"Did you not see the look on his face? He was so happy to talk about her."

Melvin rolled his eyes slightly. "He has always been happy to talk about a..."

"Melvin, I know you don't believe Ryan yet but I can tell you that he is serious now. I hope we can support him this time."

Melvin sighed. "Fine. I just hope he meant it this time... How is Melissa?"

"Better? She is back to work," David answered. "And Charlotte? Has she forgiven you yet?"

Melvin nodded. "She said she did but I can tell she hasn't. She seems distant from me even though she smiles and talks to me."

David sighed. How did they all get here?

Their friendship had been one of the best; a lot of people had tried to join them. Some even tried to recreate their kind of friendship. And Melvin's marriage? It had been one they loved and wished for.

How about them individually?

Ryan had always been free-spirited, with his business doing pretty well, but now, he seemed to have suddenly matured and spoke little about his business.

What about Matthew... Although they aren't close, they have a good relationship; chatting and laughing when they have the time.

And him... He might not have loved Melissa in the beginning of their marriage but he had always treated her well and their feelings had gradually grown.

Melvin? Melvin's perfect marriage has almost ended and it still hasn't gotten back on track.

"David?" Melvin called and he blinked. "Are you okay?"

David sighed. "Just thinking about what went wrong. Don't you think our friendship doesn't..."

Melvin's phone began to ring. "Sorry, I have to pick up this call. It's Charlotte calling."

David nodded and Melvin left to pick up the call. He returned and had to say goodbye to David.

"She needs me to get some files for her from the house."

David nodded again, standing up. "I guess I should leave too."

They left the house together in their separate cars. David headed to Matthew's company to speak to him and also pick up his wife while Melvin headed home to get the documents Charlotte needed, and he would then take them to her company.

As Melvin drove home, he had a lot to think about too. He had also wondered where they all got it wrong and what had happened to their friendship and personal life.

He decided it was best they meet again. This time not to plan a wedding or try to make David and Matthew forgive each other, but to speak about themselves; what they are going through individually, or whatever it is.

He parked the car and sent a message to their general WhatsApp group, informing them that he thinks they all need to meet and talk.

Melvin did not wait for a reply, he drove home, got the documents, and headed to Charlotte's company. By the time he got there, Charlotte was already outside waiting.

Melvin came down from the car with the documents and moved closer to Charlotte, who was already coming closer to him.

"I-I am so sorry I was late. I was at Matthew's place when you called."

Charlotte nodded, took the documents from him, and was off before he could say a word.

Is she angry with him? He wondered.

He decided to wait in the car until she is less busy so he can apologize again. He returned to the car. While he waited, he checked his phone for a message.

Ryan was the only one who had replied. He said he might be busy because he had a wedding to plan.

'We can always meet and plan your wedding' Melvin typed back.

'I do not want to bother you' Ryan replied.

'I think Melvin is right. We need to talk' Matthew's reply came up. 'I already spoke to David. We can meet by tomorrow. Is that okay with everyone?'

Ryan finally agreed to meet with them but he told them he might not be able to finish the meeting with them.

'We will make it quick' David answered.

They agreed to meet at nine in the morning, after which everyone went about their business.

Melvin had nothing to do; he could only stare through the window. He saw Charlotte coming and he had to get out of the car.

"You haven't gone home yet?" She asked.

"Thought I should wait and apologize to you," Melvin answered.

Charlotte sighed. "You don't have to apologize to me. I know Matthew's house isn't close by. You should have told me you were there though. I would have gone home to get it myself or send Gina."

"I am so sorry. I did not know you needed the documents so urgently."

Charlotte shrugged. "I did not miss the client, so... I forgive you."

Melvin held her hand. "Thank you, babe."

"Why aren't you at work? Isn't a lot going on in the company?"

"Took some days off so I could spend time with you," Melvin answered.

"Well, I might not be able to spend time with you because a lot is going on in the company."

Melvin smiled. "You don't have to worry. While you take care of the company, I will take care of you."

It sounded so cringe to Charlotte that she couldn't help but make a face.

"Can we go home now?" Charlotte asked instead.

"Are you done with work?" Charlotte nodded. "Aren't you going to the old house?"

Charlotte groaned slightly. She almost forgot that.

"Yes, I am."

Melvin smiled. "Then off we go."