Chapter 74 Ethan, you shameless!
The air grew tense after their exchange. Charlotte, poised to depart after a brief visit, was interrupted by the doorbell. Maria, aiding William in his rehab, called out, "Charlotte, could you get the door?"
Rising to answer the door, Charlotte's expression paled as she swung it open. Ethan stood outside, flanked by a collection of cigarette butts, his presence unexpected. Locking eyes, Ethan's gaze bore a stormy intensity.
From inside, Maria inquired, "Who's there?"
Quick on her feet, Charlotte quipped, "Just an insurance rep!" She stepped outside, shutting the door behind her.
Facing Ethan once more, Charlotte's feelings were far from what they used to be. She confronted him icily, "What do you want? If it's about my dad, forget it. Hasn't he suffered enough?"
Stubbing out his cigarette, Ethan met her stern gaze. "Charlotte, I'm here for you."
He suggested, "Let's head to the old apartment. You still have belongings there; it's time to retrieve them."
Charlotte found his request absurd. The memories she once cherished in that apartment had soured over time. Without hesitation, she retorted, "I don't want them. Dispose of them as you please."
Unfazed by her rejection, Ethan swallowed visibly before softly insisting, "You know I can't throw them away, Charlotte. I just can't."
"Your call," Charlotte remarked, turning to head back inside.
In a surprising move, Ethan embraced her from behind, imploring as their bodies pressed together, "Don't shut me out like this, Charlotte. This isn't like you."
In that moment, Charlotte harbored a deep loathing for him. Breaking free, she delivered a resounding slap. "You audacious jerk! We're over, Ethan!"
Stunned, Ethan stood, hurt evident on his handsome features, uncharacteristically composed even in the face of her anger.
Charlotte remained steadfast. Understanding Ethan's motives, she maintained her resolve, "Mr. Cooper, we're done. I've moved past our history, and I urge you to do the same."
Observing Charlotte before him, Ethan noted the familiar gentleness but detected a newfound assertiveness.
Their dynamic had always been one-sided, Charlotte giving more while Ethan took for granted. When he pursued Chloe, abandoning Charlotte without explanation or apology, he presumed she would always be waiting.
Yet, Charlotte had evolved, leaving Ethan clinging to an unchangeable past.
As a final gesture, Ethan, pride intact, clenched an apartment key — once Charlotte's — in his pocket. With a casual smile, he remarked, "Let's both move on. It's for the best."
Charlotte remained silent.
Leaning in, Ethan's tone shifted subtly, a hint of menace underlying his words. "But do you truly believe Frederick loves you? Look around in the media; countless women vie for him."
In that moment, Ethan's emotions stirred. Charlotte represented the one beyond his reach, a notion he had overlooked until now, consumed by thoughts of her day and night.
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