Chapter 5 A Tool
Blushing, Charlotte pulled herself out of Malcolm’s embrace and looked down at the mess on the floor.
She immediately bent down to pick up the grapes, and he did the same simultaneously.
They happened to pick up the same grape, and inevitably, their hands. brushed against each other.
Malcolm’s hand was damp and warm.
Charlotte dropped her head and subconsciously pulled away her hand.
He naturally noticed it and retracted his fingers slightly.
Outside, Danielle heard the commotion and asked, “Charlotte? What happened?”
Malcolm responded calmly, “Nothing.”
After that, he bent down, picked up the grapes on the floor, and washed them again. Throughout this whole time, Charlotte remained silent and motionless.
“You may clean up here. I’m heading out.”
With that, he walked toward the ward while rolling down his sleeves.
Charlotte stood in place, her heart still pounding as she subconsciously gripped the edge of the sink.
She spent quite some time cleaning the milk stain off her clothes, and the sound of the running water drowned out the voices of Malcolm and Danielle in the ward.
She slowly cleaned herself up. went back to the ward, and happened to see Malcolm pick up his coat.
He said to Danielle, “I’ve got something to do, so I won’t be sending Charlotte back. I’ll have the driver come and pick her up later. She can stay and keep you company.”
Charlotte presumed he made such arrangements because he wanted to avoid being with her alone again.
She slowly clenched her fists at her sides.
Then, Danielle said, “She doesn’t have to stay here. You can take her back.
With that, she held his hand. “Thanks, Malcolm.”
Malcolm looked down, and she happened to look up. As their eyes locked in silent confrontation, no one could fathom the unspoken messages passing between them.
Malcolm said only after the caregiver cleaned the kitchenette, “OK.”
Getting the answer she wanted, Danielle let go of his hand..
Surprised, Charlotte looked at them, not moving.
She knew their underlying meaning–Malcolm was pushing her toward Danielle, who was also trying to push her away.
So, what did that leave her?
Drucker $ & Tool
Malcolm, who stood in place for a long time, turned around and said to the silent Charlotte. “Let’s go.”
With that, he walked out. Charlotte parted her lips but said nothing as she met Danielle’s gaze, and then she just followed him in silence.
On the way back. Malcolm didn’t say anything.
Charlotte seemed to have sensed tension between him and Danielle. but it was also delicate.
Finally, they arrived at the gates of the Townsend’s home. Then, for the first time after getting into the car, Malcolm said. “I won’t see you in.”
His intention of keeping his distance from her was palpable. Charlotte said, “Thank you, Mal.”
She wasn’t in the mood to say anything and just wanted to leave as soon as possible. As she was about to push the door and step out, he suddenly called out to her, “Charlotte.”
She paused slightly and then turned back to look at him in confusion.
“What’s going on between Danielle and me has nothing to do with you.”
He sounded so calm, and she knew he was referring to the silent battle between him and Danielle earlier in the ward.
Any other person would have felt hurt, not being wanted by either of them, but Charlotte knew her place clearly. She pursed her lips slightly and said after several seconds, “It’s OK. I’m fine, Mal.”
He glanced at her meaningfully before saying flatly, “Alright then.”
After that, she immediately got out of the car and almost fled toward the Townsend’s home.
Meanwhile, Malcolm sat in the car, watching her retreating figure.
After a long time, he averted his gaze and tapped the armrest. The driver nodded and then turned the car around and left.
When Charlotte got home and checked her inbox, she found several messages from her classmates, all asking about her situation with Humberto and telling her he was looking for her.
She deleted all the messages, trying to run away from reality.
For the next several days, she stayed at home, not daring to go to school.
Marlene made soup every day for her, claiming it was nutritious.
She knew what Marlene meant and ate the soup obediently.
Everyone was watching closely for any sign of pregnancy.
Sometimes, she felt that instead of a human being, she was merely a tool to extend Danielle’s life in their eyes.
