Chapter 236 I Want to Make You Happy
So, it was like nine at night when Lola finally decided to show up.
She scarfed down two bowls of rice.
Charlotte was being super sweet to her today. She gave her a bath, dried her hair, and even told her a bedtime story. Lola knew she was crashing there for the night and dozed off all happy.
Charlotte dimmed the bedside lamp and snuck out on tiptoes.
She wanted to chat with Frederick and found him chilling in the study after a bit of searching. He was just sitting there in the dim light, not smoking or anything, just sitting.
"Frederick." Charlotte called out.
He looked a bit startled, then got up and walked over, closing the door with one hand. "Is she asleep?"
Charlotte nodded. She was about to say something when he hugged her.
Frederick pressed her against the door.
He was a bit rough, and Charlotte's back hurt from the impact, but she could tell something was up with him, so she just took it and said softly, "Let's talk."
He mumbled something in response.
Then, he slowly lowered his head, burying his face in her neck.
After a while, Charlotte felt a bit of wetness on her neck, which was kinda uncomfortable. But she didn't push him away.
At that moment, she realized he wasn't some invincible guy.
His trip to Novaria had taken a toll on him, just like it had on her.
Maybe it was empathy, or maybe it was because they were raising a kid together, but she felt a bit of softness in her heart and gently placed her hand on the back of his neck, stroking it tenderly.
Frederick's body stiffened a bit.
He looked up at her in the darkness, his blue eyes intense.
In the dim light, they couldn't really see each other clearly, but the vibe was just right. He finally couldn't resist and lowered his head to kiss her lips.
The soft touch was super innocent.
After the kiss, his breathing got heavier.
Charlotte, still pressed against the door, looked at him helplessly. She had actually come to talk about Lola.
Frederick kissed her lips again.
His tobacco-scented lips covered hers, deepening the kiss bit by bit.
He was usually super passionate. But this time, he was taking it slow. He kissed her carefully and tenderly, exploring her gently to make her comfortable.
His heart was pounding.
That long-lost, innocent urge to just kiss without any sexual desire came back to him.
He kissed her for a long time.
He kept her pressed against the door, using all sorts of ways to make her happy.
When it finally ended, it might've been half an hour later or maybe two or three hours later.
He rasped, "It's late. Go take a shower and crash. I'll grab you some clothes."
Charlotte was still leaning against the door.
She couldn't resist that gentle affection. Her legs were still a bit wobbly, and if he hadn't been holding her waist with one hand, she would've probably hit the floor.
Frederick gently stroked her waist and said softly, "If you want, go to the master bedroom."
Charlotte naturally refused.
She said softly, "I'll sleep with Lola. You get me some clothes."
Frederick turned on the study light with one hand and gently stroked her arm with the other. "Shower in my room. Your clothes are all in the walk-in closet. I'll handle some stuff in the study."
In the end, Charlotte took the clothes and showered in the guest room.
She slept with Lola for the night.
The next day, the vibe between them was totally different.
Frederick was more gentle and kinda flirty with her.
Charlotte tried hard to ignore it.
She got up early to make breakfast for Lola and helped her get up. Lola was in a super good mood, clinging to her softly.
Frederick said calmly, "Do your own thing."
Charlotte was about to speak.
He looked at her and smiled lightly. "A doting mother raises a spoiled child."
At that moment, Charlotte saw a bit of Patrick in him. She thought to herself, 'He really is getting older, and he has a very fatherly vibe.'
But she wasn't scared of him. All her tenderness was for Lola.
Lola was a bit afraid of her Dad. She had already started eating by herself, but now her Mom suddenly cut her eggs and fed her mashed potatoes.
Lola immediately put down her little fork.
Not only that, she climbed onto Charlotte's lap, wanting to eat while sitting in her arms.
Frederick gave her a faint look.
He had his own principles for raising Lola. He believed in loving her where it was needed but also in fostering independence.
Lola was afraid of Frederick. Reluctantly, she slowly climbed down, sat properly, and started eating by herself again. Frederick didn't even frown.
Charlotte couldn't help but say, "She's still young."
Frederick took a sip of black coffee and said calmly, "Sometimes she's better behaved than you."
Charlotte fell siltent.
Frederick looked at her expression, worried she might get mad. After all, they had shared a very intimate kiss last night, and their relationship had taken a big step forward. He didn't want to argue with her over child-rearing issues right now.
He said gently, "Kids need company; you can't do everything for them."
He added, "Look at Chloe, and you'll get it."
Charlotte was taken aback.
She looked at Frederick, who also seemed to be thinking about Chloe, his expression dark and unreadable.
Seeing Charlotte's expression, he lowered his voice. "She's fine. She just hid away."
He had once looked for Ethan.
After a conversation, he confirmed that Chloe's disappearance had nothing to do with Ethan.
Charlotte liked Chloe a lot. She said softly, "I'll ask someone to look for her later."
Frederick smiled faintly.
Their relationship had improved a lot, so when they went to the clinic to see the psychologist, the communication was smooth.
The psychologist checked out Lola.
Then, Lola was taken to the playroom next door, accompanied by a staff member.
The doc evaluated her for a long time and then said softly, "Her recent weird behavior is likely tied to Charlotte's sudden return. Kids are super sensitive, and parental divorce can mess them up big time."
Charlotte's eyes got all teary.
Frederick hugged her shoulders. He knew no woman could be completely strong in such matters.
The doc looked at them and sincerely suggested, "If neither of you has a partner, you might consider getting back together. Parents living together would be great for Lola's mental health, maybe even leading to a full recovery."
Frederick nodded. "We'll think about it."
The doc talked to Charlotte some more and finally handed her the medical records.
Charlotte sat there, flipping through the pages, her emotions nearly breaking down.
When Lola was two, she came almost every week.
Back then, she would even become withdrawn every other day.
Charlotte closed the medical records.
She couldn't shake off her emotions for a long time. She now got why Frederick hadn't told her. Taking care of Lola in that state, she might not have been able to handle it well.
She cried; she had been crying these past few days.
Frederick hugged her and said softly, "She's much better now. Didn't the doc say there's still a chance for a full recovery?"
Charlotte leaned on his shoulder. She whispered, "Frederick, I've made up my mind."
His heart skipped a beat, and he asked, trying to control his excitement. "What's that?"
Charlotte straightened up, her eyes still moist, and looked at him. "Let's temporarily act as a loving couple."
Frederick couldn't believe it and asked, "Is that what you've decided? Charlotte, think about last night's kiss. Do you think we need to act? Don't you want to have me again?"
If it weren't for treating the kid, his words would've been way less restrained.
Charlotte had her reasons.
Last night was an accident. She admitted that the kiss was very moving.
But a lot of the attraction between them was because of Lola, because they both needed comfort. In such an emotional state, it's easy to develop feelings.
She had made mistakes before and didn't want to rush things.
Charlotte said softly, "Frederick, this is all I can offer for now. If you don't want to..."
"I do." He spoke softly again, "I do."
How could he not want to? She was finally willing to have further contact with him, rather than living separately.
After the consultation, Frederick had an important meeting. When they got into the car, he looked at the rearview mirror and said to Charlotte, "Come to my company with Lola."
Charlotte hesitated for a moment.
Lola looked at her eagerly. "Daddy's company's pancakes are really delicious."
Charlotte immediately agreed.
Frederick lightly pressed the gas pedal and chuckled. "Lola, you have a lot of influence."
Lola comfortably leaned against Charlotte, her little head of golden curls slightly raised.
After a long time, Frederick said softly, "So don't worry too much. She's very smart and very cute."
Frederick talked to Charlotte about Lola's situation while driving, just like an ordinary couple.
Charlotte was still not quite used to it.
Frederick parked the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and said softly, "Come home with me this Saturday."
Charlotte didn't refuse anymore.
If she was going to act as Frederick's wife, she had to do so in all situations. She didn't know if her decision was hasty, but she didn't regret it.
Frederick took them to the company.
The entire Vertex Innovations Group was buzzing.
Word got around fast that Frederick's wife was back, and they appeared to be reconciling.
Frederick had just brought them to the top floor when Cherie was already waiting at the elevator. She smiled so much that her face was almost stiff, thinking, 'Frederick seemed to be succeeding in winning back his wife! However...'
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