Chapter 135: Frederick, I'm In Pain, Too
Charlotte finished speaking and gently covered her heart. She was in real pain. She had never thought things would end like this with Frederick.
Frederick stared at her, his gaze intense enough to melt ice. She'd never seen him look at her like that before. She even thought he might slap her, but he didn't. Instead, he smiled. "You gave Chloe a cross, and now you want her life?"
Charlotte laughed. "Mr. Hawkins, if you let me go, we can live in peace."
Frederick's Adam's apple bobbed. He smiled. "Charlotte, you're something else. No wonder Ethan and Oliver both like you." He gently pinched her chin, leaning in with a hint of danger in his voice. "I didn't realize you are covered in thorns. I really want to pluck them out."
Charlotte's eyes were wet, and her nose was red. She knew Frederick had compromised. Her body relaxed, but the pain became even more unbearable. Her stomach hurt, but she didn't know where exactly. Her face was pale. She forced herself to stay strong and said, "I won't see you out, Mr. Hawkins."
It was over between her and Frederick.
Frederick got up swiftly, likely agreeing to her. On the coffee table lay William's "evidence of guilt," which he left for her. When Frederick reached the door, he hesitated before turning back. He rarely hesitated like this, but he wanted to ask if she really didn't want to stay by his side.
But as soon as he turned around, he saw Charlotte collapsed by the table, her body curled up, her face drained of color. "Charlotte!" Frederick immediately went over and picked her up. "What's wrong? I'll take you to the hospital."
Charlotte didn't refuse. She was in real pain. A searing pain radiated from her lower abdomen, so intense she couldn't stand or lie down. She guessed it had something to do with their earlier sex. Her body wasn't ready, and Frederick had been too rough.
She murmured, "Frederick. It hurts so much!" She leaned into his arms, forgetting their argument. Only his warmth offered her comfort, reminding her she was still alive.
Frederick, despite their argument, couldn't leave her alone. He carried her to the car and handed her a bottle of water. "Drink some water."
Charlotte held the water but couldn't open it. Frederick opened it for her. He drove toward the nearest hospital, not even taking the time to call for help because of the urgency.
Charlotte drank some water and felt a bit better, but she was still in pain, her lower abdomen feeling bloated and heavy. She leaned back in the seat, her face pale. "Frederick, thank you."
"Don't talk! I'll call you when we get to the hospital." His voice was gentle, which was rare for Frederick, especially after their argument.
Charlotte felt a softness in her heart. She thought they had both been irrational in the heat of the moment. She believed he wouldn't really go after her father, and she wouldn't really use Ethan against Chloe; it was all said in anger.
Charlotte wanted to talk to him, but she was in too much pain. She thought drowsily, she would talk to him when she felt better.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital. Frederick carried Charlotte out of the car and rushed to the emergency room.
"Are you feeling any better?" he asked anxiously.
Charlotte nodded, then shook her head. Frederick quickened his pace and reached the emergency registration desk. The nurse asked about her condition.
"I have lower abdominal pain," Charlotte said, her lips pale.
Frederick's eyes darkened. Had he been too rough tonight and hurt her? He glanced at Charlotte, who immediately lowered her eyes. The atmosphere was tense.
The nurse went to call the doctor, and Frederick helped Charlotte sit on a bench to wait. Luckily, there was only one patient ahead of them.
Charlotte leaned back, her face as white as snow. Frederick gently turned her head. She looked at him, tears in her eyes. His tone softened. "Rest on my shoulder; it will be our turn soon."
Charlotte's throat tightened. She bit her lip and was about to lean over when a gentle voice called out, "Frederick."
Frederick looked up, surprised to see Elijah and Mrs. Mitchell. Elijah looked haggard, and Mrs. Mitchell appeared anxious, her eyes swollen from crying.
Supporting Charlotte, Frederick nodded. "Hello, Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Mitchell."
Elijah's gaze fell on Charlotte. He hesitated. "What's wrong with Miss Russell?"
Frederick didn't want to discuss their argument, so he simply said, "She's unwell."
Mrs. Mitchell glanced at her husband. Elijah understood and, after some deliberation, spoke with difficulty. "Frederick, we didn't want to trouble you, but Katherine isn't doing well emotionally. Could you talk to her?"
Mrs. Mitchell covered her face and cried. "Frederick, I know this is hard, but Katherine's fiancé wants to break off the engagement, and she took ten sleeping pills. Please, we only have Katherine!"
She then pleaded with Charlotte. "Miss Russell, I know you are understanding. Elijah has told me about you. Katherine is really not doing well."
Charlotte listened in a daze. Katherine had taken pills. She was supposed to be understanding.
Frederick's grip on her hand tightened, then loosened, then tightened again, his knuckles white. He was struggling. He wanted to see Katherine, his first love. Yes, Charlotte was in pain, but Katherine was losing her love and marriage.
Charlotte felt a deep sadness. She forced a smile and looked at Frederick. She wouldn't be the magnanimous one; she would let him decide for himself. Their eyes met.
Frederick gently touched her hair and said, "I'll go check on her and come back to be with you. Wait here, okay?"
Charlotte was almost suffocating. She endured the pain and quietly looked at him. "Frederick, I'm in a lot of pain, too."
Katherine's condition was her own doing. But Charlotte's physical pain was caused by Frederick. How could he leave her to see Katherine? How could he do this?
Frederick frowned. "I'll just take a quick look and come right back; it won't take long."
Charlotte knew he thought she was being unreasonable. Even Mrs. Mitchell's tone wasn't as kind. "Miss Russell, Katherine and Frederick are in the past. You don't need to worry about it! They broke up years ago; they're just good friends now."
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