Chapter 45

Chapter 45
Charlotte understood Melvin's intention. And although she wasn't angry with him for being jealous, she was angry at his way of showing it.
"I called a few hours ago. And he is doing pretty well."
"That's more than enough," she answered.
Melvin noticed a change in Charlotte's tone, and he began to wonder if he had spoken any word that got her angry.
They had just gotten back together. He was probably still on probation.
He held Charlotte's hand and sighed. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Charlotte furrowed her brows.
"For my attitude? I shouldn't have reacted that way."
Melvin wasn't clear about what he did. Maybe he wanted Charlotte to figure it out, but she wasn't ready to do that.
"What reaction? I don't know what you're talking about."
Melvin sighed. "For bringing up Liam just to remind you that you're a mother?"
Charlotte nodded. "So you thought I forgot?"
"N-no," Melvin shook his head. "I was just jealous of your closeness to Jordan."
"Why?" Charlotte asked. "I am close to Matthew and every one of your friends."
Melvin released his grip on her hand. "It's different. I know my friends. None of them is interested in you. Matthew, who was, saw you more like a sister. But him..." He pointed at Jordan. "I don't know him. The look on his eyes when he talks to you and Bella. I don't trust him. He's up to something."
Charlotte smiled. "He's not up to anything, Melvin. And if he is, that should be with Bella." She held his hand. "The reason I am close to him is because of Bella. He's not interested in me. He never was."
Melvin nodded. "I'm just worried."
"You shouldn't be. For the little time I've known Jordan, he is a nice person." Melvin stared at her, and she nodded. "Trust my words."
"Fine," Melvin mumbled. He brought out his phone and stared at it. "It's past eight. We should head back to the old house. Liam is waiting."
Charlotte shook her head. "We're not picking Liam up. We will stay back at the hotel tonight and pick him up tomorrow."
Melvin was sad. He wanted to spend more time with his wife and had only used picking up Liam as an excuse.
"You're going to stay with Bella tonight?" He asked.
"Do you want me to?"
He shook his head. "No, I don't."
Charlotte smiled. "Bella would not be staying back. She has some unfinished work that needs to be delivered tomorrow at noon."
Melvin smiled slightly. "And Mia?"
"I am sure she will stay with Jade. Those two are almost inseparable now."
Melvin looked away, smiling. That's good news.
"Are you okay?" Charlotte asked.
He faced her. "I'm fine. I think your friend is coming."
Charlotte looked up to see Bella walking towards them.
"I have to leave. You know I've got a few more clothes to finish and deliver."
Charlotte nodded. "I was just talking to Melvin about it."
"Are you going home?" Bella asked.
"No," Charlotte replied. "We will leave tomorrow. Where is Jordan?"
"He went to get his car. He offered to drop me home."
Charlotte smiled. "You're no longer angry with him?"
Bella shook her head. "I really want to, but I can't. I have to go. I shouldn't keep him waiting."
Charlotte nodded. "See you tomorrow."
"Bye," Bella waved. "Bye, Melvin."
"Bye, Bella," Melvin waved back.
After Bella left, Charlotte stood up. "We should leave too. I will text Mia to let her know." Melvin stood up. "What about your friends? You should let them know you're leaving."
"I will be right back."
Melvin left to speak to his friends, and when he returned, he left the hall with Charlotte. Melvin led her to his room and not hers.
"My things are still in the other room," she said. "I'm going to get them."
"I'm coming with you."
Melvin followed Charlotte to her room to get her things.
"You should head to the room. I will go check out of this room."
Melvin shook his head. "We can do that together tomorrow."
"It won't take..."
"I insist."
Charlotte nodded. "Fine."
They returned to the room, and Charlotte went ahead to take her bath.
"Do you need me to scrub your back?" Melvin asked.
"I can do that myself," Charlotte replied.
"I know you can, but aren't you too tired to do that?"
Charlotte thought about it. She was indeed tired, but having Melvin in the bathroom with her was going to be a different story.
She knew he was trying to lure her into agreeing to let him come in.
"I'm not too tired. I..."
The door to the bathroom opened, and she froze.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to take care of you."
Charlotte scoffed slightly. "I do not need that."
"I think you did."
He moved closer to her and pulled her to himself.
"I've missed you. I've missed this scent."
Charlotte groaned. "You..."
"Shhh..." He placed his hand on her lips. "Let me make you happy."
Melvin kissed her, slowly making her unable to resist him. She missed him too. She missed his touch. Charlotte did not try to push him away; she just let nature take its course. Soon, their voices filled the air. Charlotte loved it, and she missed that too.
By the time they were out of the bathroom, Valerie felt better but still tired. She lay on the bed staring at nothing.
Melvin kissed her forehead. "I've missed this. I've missed us."
Charlotte said nothing. She was too tired to do that. Melvin moved her closer to himself and tried to kiss her again, but she suddenly felt nauseated.
She stood up from the bed and ran to the bathroom. Melvin followed her.
"Are you okay?"
Charlotte rinsed her mouth and then washed her face.
What is going on? She wondered. Did she eat something she wasn't supposed to eat?
"Can I come in?" Melvin asked.
"Sure," Charlotte answered.
Melvin opened the door and walked in. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "I guess I am. But I don't know why I feel nauseous."
He moved closer to her and hugged her. "Maybe it's been a long time."
Charlotte furrowed her brows. A long time?
"For what?" Melvin smirked, and she got the message. She scoffed. "You're not being serious. I'm going to sleep."
Melvin smiled. "Do you want me to carry you?"
"I can walk," Charlotte answered, walking out of the bathroom.
She lay on the bed. Melvin moved closer to her. "But are you sure you're okay? Do you need me to get you some drugs?"
Charlotte shook her head. "I must be reacting to something I ate. I will be fine by morning."
Melvin nodded and stood up. "I'm going to make a few calls about work. Let me know if you need something."
Charlotte nodded and closed her eyes. Melvin adjusted the duvet cover on her body and then left to take his calls. By the time he was back, Charlotte was sleeping peacefully.
He lay beside her, pulled her slowly toward himself without waking her up. He pecked her forehead.
"Good night, my love."