Chapter 4

As it turned out, the more you lied, the easier it would be to live with yourself. That night, Sean still didn't come home. When he called, his voice was calm. "I'll be busy for the next few days, so I'll be sleeping at the hospital." Charlotte paused for a second, then quietly said, "Okay." She no longer cared to dig for the truth behind his lies. Instead, she began packing her things. Everything he had bought for her, she left untouched. By the time she finished, her suitcase held only a few old shirts, a pair of worn-out sneakers, and a diary filled with the confessions of a young girl's heart. "Why did he suddenly get so much taller than me? Why is he smiling like that? Ugh, why am I blushing?" "He actually confessed to me. Maybe it's because I got hurt saving him. Maybe he just feels guilty." "Matching rings. Can that count as a proposal?" She turned each page slowly, letting every memory wash over her. On the third night, when she finally reached the end, she took out a lighter. The flame licked at the paper, turning every trace of love to ash. As she watched it burn, she felt a strange, quiet sense of relief. Then, Sean called again, his voice rushed and impatient. "Charlotte, I'm at an important dinner and left a file at home." He told her where to find the file and sent her the location. "Bring it to me right now." Sean rarely sounded that anxious. After hesitating for a moment, Charlotte changed clothes and went out. The address led her to the top floor of a luxury building. It was grand, elegant, and quietly extravagant. Inside, the hall glowed bright as day, filled with polished laughter and expensive perfume. Waiting by the entrance was Kylie. She wore a perfectly tailored designer suit, her makeup flawless, her every gesture steeped in effortless grace. "You're finally here. Did you bring the file?" Charlotte lowered her gaze, glancing at her own casual clothes, and handed the file over. "Please give this to him. I'll be leaving now." However, Kylie caught Charlotte's arm with a practiced smile. "Oh, don't go yet. I need to make sure it's the right file. If anything's missing, you'll have to bring it again anyway." Before Charlotte could protest, Kylie was already pulling her into the glittering crowd. Charlotte's plain clothes drew curious stares and whispers immediately. She tried to pull her arm free, not even using much force, but Kylie gasped dramatically and stumbled backward. Before she could fall, Sean appeared from across the room and caught Kylie in his arms. "Charlotte, this isn't a place you should be. Just give the file to Kylie and leave." Before Charlotte could even speak, Sean frowned. An older gentleman approached. "Sean, do you have the file?" He smiled warmly and patted Sean on the shoulder. "Who's this?" Charlotte pressed her lips together, her lowered lashes fluttering uncontrollably. She didn't know how Sean would answer in front of strangers. "My housekeeper, Sean said easily while turning to the man. "Mr. Stone, let's continue our discussion inside." Kylie quickly joined them, laughing softly. "Alfred, now you can't turn down his proposal." The three walked away together, chatting about research, investments, and medicine. Things Charlotte couldn't even begin to understand. They went far, and Sean never looked back. Around her, the whispers shifted from curiosity to disdain. She took a few steps back and, for the first time, she truly saw it. She didn't belong in his world anymore. The night wind grew cold. She hugged herself and didn't feel like going back to that empty house. Without thinking, her feet carried her to the tiny apartment she once shared with him. A young couple now lived there, their laughter spilling through the window. It was bright, carefree, and full of warmth. Just like she and Sean once were. Only now, that time was gone forever.