014

014
014

“Go away and never return!” William’s voice rang out, sharp and biting, as he loomed over Charlotte one afternoon when Astor wasn't home.

He came back.

Charlotte refused to back down, even as her chest tightened. She squared her shoulders, holding her ground against his towering presence. “You don’t get to tell me what to do,” she said, her voice unshaken despite the unease creeping in.

William’s lips curled into a smirk. “Don’t test me, Charlotte. You think you’ve walked into some fairytale here, but you’re mistaken.”

“Fairytale?” Charlotte shot back, her tone laced with sarcasm. “You think I’m here for fun?”

William’s smirk faded, replaced by a cold, calculating stare. “I see… wait! Or did you see an opportunity and grab it with both hands?” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You’re not as innocent as you pretend to be, Charlotte. I’ve seen women like you before, clinging to men like Astor because you think you can get a slice of the Harrington fortune.”

Charlotte’s stomach churned, but she didn’t flinch. “I don’t care about your money,” she said firmly. “I care about my daughter, and I’m not going anywhere just because you said so.”

William leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Daughter? Wait, you have a daughter? For who?”

Charlotte glared at him, her nails digging into her palms. “You’re pathetic,” she said, her voice trembling in rage. 

Before Williams could utter another word, 

\---

The days that followed were tense, filled with unspoken tension between Charlotte and William. Astor, oblivious to their private confrontations, grew more involved with Jasmine. Despite his stoicism, there were moments when his protectiveness peeked through, leaving Charlotte torn between frustration and curiosity.

“Daddy, look!” Jasmine’s cheerful voice filled the garden one afternoon as she held up a flower she had picked.

Astor turned from his place on the patio, his expression softening ever so slightly as he looked at her. “That’s nice, Jasmine,” he said, his tone unusually gentle.

Charlotte, watching from a distance, felt a mix of emotions as she observed them. Jasmine’s attachment to Astor was growing stronger by the day, and while part of her was relieved to see him treat their daughter kindly, another part couldn’t help but worry about the consequences.

“Mommy, look what Daddy said is nice!” Jasmine called out, running to Charlotte with the flower in her hand.

Charlotte crouched to her level, forcing a smile. “That’s beautiful, sweetheart,” she said softly.

Jasmine beamed, turning back toward Astor with wide eyes. “Daddy, can we put this in a vase?”

Astor hesitated, his usual aloofness faltering as he glanced at Charlotte. She raised a brow, daring him to reject Jasmine’s request.

“Of course,” he said finally, standing and walking toward them.

Charlotte bit back a smirk. It was strange, watching him try to navigate fatherhood, but she couldn’t deny he was trying—even if he didn’t want to admit it.

\---

Later that week, a Harrington family gathering was announced. Charlotte wasn’t thrilled about the prospect, but Astor insisted they attend.

The event was held in one of the estate’s grand dining halls, a room so opulent it made Charlotte feel like she’d stepped into a palace. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting a golden glow over the long dining table, which was adorned with intricate floral arrangements and fine china.

Charlotte stayed close to Jasmine, who seemed equally overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all. Astor, as usual, was composed, though his eyes darted around the room, keeping a close watch on his family.

William and Susan were already seated, their expressions cool and guarded. Astor’s father entered last, his presence commanding as he took his place at the head of the table.

“Let us begin,” the elder Harrington said, his voice deep and authoritative.

The conversation flowed awkwardly, with veiled jabs and passive-aggressive comments flying across the table. Charlotte tried to stay out of it, focusing on Jasmine, who was happily nibbling on a piece of bread.

But then, midway through the meal, Astor’s father’s gaze shifted to Charlotte, and his next words made the room fall silent.

“Sins of the past have a way of resurfacing,” he said, his tone cold and pointed. His eyes lingered on her for a moment before shifting to Astor.

Charlotte’s heart raced as she tried to make sense of his cryptic comment. What was he implying?

Astor’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his hands clenching into fists under the table.

The rest of the meal passed in strained silence, but Charlotte couldn’t shake the feeling that his words were a warning—and that she was at the center of it.

\---

The tension only grew in the days following the gathering. William, emboldened by his father’s cryptic remark, continued to taunt Charlotte whenever he had the chance.

One afternoon, as she was helping Jasmine with a puzzle in the living room, William entered, his smirk as irritating as ever.

“Well, isn’t this cozy,” he drawled, leaning against the doorframe. “The perfect little family picture.”

Charlotte ignored him, focusing on Jasmine.

“Didn’t you hear me?” William asked, his tone mocking.

“What do you want, William?” Charlotte said without looking up.

He chuckled, stepping closer. “Just a friendly chat,” he said. “You know, you’re becoming quite the enigma, Charlotte. A woman of your... circumstances, finding her way into the Harrington house. It’s almost impressive.”

Charlotte tensed but kept her focus on Jasmine. “I don’t have time for your games,” she said firmly.

William crouched beside her, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Careful, Charlotte. Secrets have a way of coming to light. And when they do, I hope you’re ready for the fallout.”

Charlotte turned to him, her eyes blazing. “What are you trying to say?”

William grinned, but there was no warmth in it. “Just that everyone has a past, and yours is no exception. I wonder how Astor would react if he knew the full story.”

Before Charlotte could respond, Jasmine looked up, her innocent voice breaking the tension. “Mommy, what’s he talking about?”

William smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Charlotte forced a smile for Jasmine’s sake. “Nothing, sweetheart. Just grown-up nonsense.”

Jasmine giggled, looking at William. “You’re silly,” she said. “See who wants to expose me! Well, I guess you're ready, because I'm going to open your ass!”

William’s smirk faltered, his face darkening. He straightened, casting one last glance at Charlotte before walking away without another word.