Chapter 138
She returned to her apartment downstairs, her rational mind telling her not to fall further, to recognize her place. Maybe it was
time for her to set clear boundaries.
Late that night, Charlotte returned home, visibly distraught. James had just finished his shower and stepped out of the bathroom. “Why are you back so late?” he asked casually.
Charlotte forced a smile. “Mom and I talked for a long time.”
“Hmm,” he responded vaguely. “I’ll be in the study finishing something.” Without waiting for a reply, he walked past her.
Watching him leave, Charlotte’s eyes filled with frustration and resentment.
Half an hour later, she emerged from the bedroom, dressed in a lace satin nightgown that clung to her figure. Her slightly damp hair fell loosely around her shoulders. A spritz of perfume and a touch of lipstick completed her look. Carrying a glass of wine, she
entered the study.
She placed the wineglass in front of James and leaned close. “James, we haven’t had a proper conversation in ages.”
Her voice was soft and sweet, carrying a hint of vulnerability.
James took a sip of the wine but didn’t stop typing. He glanced at her briefly before returning his attention to the screen. “Have
we?”
“Yes,” Charlotte replied, her tone tinged with disappointment. “You’ve been so busy lately, you haven’t spent any quality time
with me.” She stepped closer, her hand resting gently on his shoulder before sliding to touch his earlobe.
James understood her intentions immediately. Exhausted, he pulled her into a half–hearted hug and said,
1, “Charlotte, this
document is critical. I need to finish it tonight. Go to bed first, don’t wait up for me.”
“James, can’t you stay with me for a little while?” she pleaded, her hand lightly pressing against his chest.
But James gently removed her hand. “Charlotte, be good. Go rest.”
“James, 1…” she started, but he cut her off.
“Tomorrow,” he said, his eyes weary. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
Seeing that he was firmly focused on his work, Charlotte had no choice but to retreat to their bedroom, disheartened. Once inside,
she looked at her outfit, a symbol of her effort to rekindle their intimacy, and felt a pang of rejection.
He had never been like this before. Even when he was busy, he’d always taken the time to hold her close. But now, he was distant
and indifferent.
Could it be that he no longer loved her? Had his feelings shifted back to Sarah Sanders?
Impossible, she told herself. He divorced Sarah for her; there was no way he could abandon her now. She clenched her fists. She
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couldn’t let that happen. Sarah already had Zachary Reynolds wrapped around her finger–why couldn’t she just leave James alone?
More than ten days had passed since the competition, and Sarah’s leg injury had mostly healed. That morning, she headed to school and spent a long time in Dean Larson’s office.
“Miss Sanders, the competition’s success was largely thanks to you. Despite the incidents that occurred, none of them were your fault. The school leadership holds you in high regard. If you ever need anything, feel free to let us know. By the way, after much deliberation, we’ve decided on Lucy Chancer’s punishment; she will be given an official reprimand and placed on probation,” Dean Larson explained.
Sarah nodded, understanding the decision. Lucy had already served time in detention, and the school had made its stance clear throughout the ordeal. However, with the Chancer family still on the board, expelling Lucy was never an option.
The dean’s explanation was also a gesture to reassure Sarah and hope she’d see the reasoning behind their actions.
“I understand, Dean Larson,” Sarah replied calmly.
Pleased with her response, the dean smiled. “Well then, Miss Sanders, why don’t you return to the counseling office? The students have been asking about you.”
Initially puzzled by his comment, Sarah only understood when she arrived at the counseling office. The door was covered in sticky notes each one a heartfelt message from her students.
