Chapter 27: Frederick, What Are We
Just then, Chloe called, her voice sweet and soft. "Ethan, where are you? My parents are here, and everyone's waiting for you."
Ethan reassured her, "I'll be there soon."
After Charlotte was discharged from the hospital, she went to the police station to visit her dad first. William was doing okay, just a bit thinner and darker, but overall in good health. Charlotte felt relieved.
She kept busy. During the day, she worked at the music center, and in the evenings, besides working at the restaurant, she also tutored a few students. It was exhausting, but it brought in more income.
A week flew by without her noticing. During that week, she hadn't seen Frederick, but she did spot him in the entertainment section of the newspaper. That's how she found out he had gone to Boston. He attended a gala there, dressed in a black velvet suit, a crisp white ruffled shirt, and a black bow tie. He looked dazzling and noble in the crowd. Beside him was a beautiful woman, and Frederick had his arm lightly around her waist. Charlotte recognized her as a top-tier actress, a former Best Actress winner. The woman clung to Frederick meekly, her face full of ambition to marry into wealth.
Charlotte gently put down the newspaper. She thought to herself, it was a good thing she never foolishly believed that Frederick treated her any differently. Just because they had slept together a few times didn't mean he would stay faithful to her. It was normal for a guy like him to be surrounded by women.
Two days later, Charlotte was working part-time at the restaurant. Frederick showed up. He was dressed in a deep blue shirt and iron-gray trousers, with a black overcoat draped over him. He looked mature and handsome. He came alone, ordered some food but barely touched it, and just leaned back in his chair, quietly listening to Charlotte play the piano. Charlotte didn't know why he was there, so she tried to ignore his intense gaze.
At ten, the restaurant closed. Charlotte tidied up and got ready to leave. By the time she left, Frederick's seat was empty. She felt a bit relieved but also thought she was being petty. She should have at least thanked him for taking care of her at the hospital.
As she walked out of the restaurant, a golden Bentley pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing Frederick's handsome face. "Get in," he said curtly. Charlotte hesitated for a moment but then got into the passenger seat, mainly because his car was too eye-catching, and she didn't want to attract attention.
Frederick started the car and, after a moment, glanced at her and reminded, "Seatbelt." Charlotte blushed and quickly buckled up. She looked at Frederick, who was now just in his shirt and trousers, his coat casually thrown in the back seat.
Frederick spoke softly, "Do you think I look good?" Charlotte's face turned even redder. Frederick's car stopped at a red light, and he turned to look at her, his eyes filled with a suggestive implication. Charlotte couldn't bear the ambiguous atmosphere, so she carefully spoke up, "Mr. Hawkins, thank you for that day."
Frederick didn't respond. Charlotte, feeling awkward, added, "There's a bus stop up ahead. There's a night bus service."
Frederick's gaze deepened, and he finally spoke, "Charlotte, stay with me for a while." He called her Charlotte so gently that her heart softened.
Frederick drove to a secluded spot at the foot of a mountain, a place perfect for making love. Charlotte realized that Frederick seemed to be in a bad mood. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and smoked. His long fingers held the cigarette, and the scene was almost mesmerizing.
It was cold at the foot of the mountain. Charlotte wore a dress, and soon her nose turned red from the chill, her eyes slightly teary, making her look particularly delicate. Frederick bent over, grabbed his coat, and tossed it to her. "Put it on," he said.
"Thanks," Charlotte said, her voice trembling. She regretted coming here with him. She felt that Frederick was different tonight. Her intuition was right. After finishing his cigarette, Frederick leaned in to kiss her. They kissed intermittently for a while, and Charlotte started to regain her senses. She gently pushed against his shoulder and whispered, "Frederick."
She pleaded softly, "What are we?"
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