Chapter 5

"Melvin is not against it," Charlotte answered.
"I am so happy he is not. I thought you wouldn't change your mind," Bella said.
"Well, I did. Let's talk about it tomorrow. I need to speak to Mira about Liam."
"See you in your office tomorrow. I have some news for you."
"You don't have to come over to my office tomorrow. I am coming over to your Fashion School. I haven't been there in ages."
"I know," Bella mumbled.
"Hint me about the news you have for me. I can't wait until tomorrow."
"Guess who showed up at my place today?"
Charlotte furrowed her brows. "Who? Your mum? I have missed her."
"Not my mum, Charlotte but Daniel."
That name sounds a bit familiar to her. It wouldn't be one of Bella's investors. Will it?
"Your investor?"
"No."
"Then who? Do I know him?"
"You do. You know him pretty well. He was once close to me."
Charlotte blinked. It can't be Bella's ex-boyfriend. Is it?
"Your ex-boyfriend? The one who broke your heart some years ago because you were a secretary?"
"Yes, he is the one," Bella answered.
"What does he want from you? Don't tell me he wants you back."
"Well, that is one of the things he said. There are a lot more. I will tell you when you come tomorrow. I should not keep you waiting."
Charlotte nodded. "See you tomorrow, then."
Charlotte ended the call and frowned. How dare he come back after many years?
She could remember how he had treated her during their two-year relationship and how sad Bella had been during those years. Even their breakup wasn't an easy one for her.
He wants her back? Charlotte scoffed. On what basis? Does he even deserve her?
Charlotte was very angry and she wished she could see him and tell him the piece of her mind or even beat him up.
Charlotte chuckled. Can she even do that?
She decided to let go of the thought and call Mira before Melvin returned. She doesn't want him to suspect a thing. She quickly placed a call to Mira.
Mira was happy to hear Charlotte's voice; it sounded better than it was in the morning.
"You must be happy. Your voice sounds better," Mira said.
"I am," Charlotte admitted. "I have decided to follow your advice."
"You are going on vacation? Does my brother know about it? Did he say yes?"
Charlotte chuckled. Too many questions.
"Mira, for your first question," she began. "It's a yes, though it's not a vacation per se. It's a conference. It..."
"A conference?"
"Yes, a conference. Bella invited me."
"Don't tell me it's the Vérah Fashion Summit? Bella told me about it."
Charlotte smiled. "She did?"
"She did. And it sounds like an interesting summit."
"Do you want to go?" Charlotte asked.
"Who will take care of Liam? Only I can. So it's a no."
Charlotte sighed. "I am so sorry, Mira that you have to take care of Liam."
Mira chuckled slightly. "What are you saying? Why are you sorry? Liam is my baby and I have to take care of him. I am happy you are finally taking a break from all these."
"Thank you, Mira."
"Is he back yet? He was asleep when he left here."
"Melvin is not back yet. I should..."
"Mummy?" Liam rushed towards Charlotte to give her a hug.
Charlotte placed her right hand on his face and kissed his forehead.
"Where is your daddy?" She asked.
"I am here," Melvin answered standing by the door.
Charlotte rolled her eyes. She has nothing to say to him.
"Liam is awake?" Mira asked.
"I guess he is. Mira, I will call you tomorrow. And about that, he doesn't know and he can't know about it."
"I will definitely keep it a secret," Mira answered.
"Thank you, Mira. Good night."
"Good night, Charlotte," Mira said and then ended the call.
Charlotte stared at her phone and sighed. "Do you want to go to sleep now? I am sure Mira has fed you for the night."
Liam nodded, rubbing his stomach. "Full."
Charlotte smiled and stood up. "Let's get you to bed."
She picked Liam up and headed to the door. Melvin walked close to her.
"Babe," he called.
Charlotte ignored him and walked out of the room. She went to Liam's room to get him ready for the night. Melvin followed behind trying to get her attention.
"Can you at least read him a bedtime story?" Charlotte asked when Liam was lying on the bed.
Melvin nodded. He should be able to do that. He just has to.
"Then I will head downstairs to eat. You can come for your food when he's asleep."
"Yes, ma'am," Melvin mumbled.
Charlotte ignored him and went to the kitchen to get her food. She sat on the dining chair and began to eat.
Should she tell him about it? Maybe she shouldn't.
She was skeptical about leaving Melvin without a word. Although she was going to return soon, it still felt like she was running away.
Maybe she should give him a hint. Maybe she should just let it go.
She had so many thoughts in her mind.
"Babe?" She heard Melvin's voice.
"Why are you here? What about Liam?"
Melvin sat beside her. "He is already asleep."
"That is so quick," Charlotte mumbled. "You can get your food from the kitchen."
She went on to eat her food and Melvin could only stare at her.
She must be very angry with him. He should have read her message well before replying to her.
"Honey, I am sorry," he mumbled. "I promise this won't happen again."
Charlotte ignored him. This wasn't his first time apologizing and promising it wouldn't happen again but it did.
Melvin held her hand. "I..."
Charlotte sighed. "Melvin, I'm not angry at you. I just hope you will change for real. You don't have to keep promising me that."
"I will this time," Melvin and Charlotte nodded.
"I will believe you this time."
But of course, she doesn't.
Melvin pulled her into a hug. "Thank you, honey."
"You must be hungry. You should eat."
Melvin stood up and went into the kitchen to serve himself. He was a bit surprised that Charlotte forgave him without yelling.
Maybe she is tired today.
He returned from the kitchen with his food and sat down. Charlotte was done eating but was still seated pressing his phone.
She stood up after a while. "Do you want some orange juice?"
Melvin nodded. "Yes, please. Thank you."
Charlotte headed to the kitchen and returned to the dining table. She dropped the cup of orange juice.
"Darling?" She cooed and Melvin stared at her, a bit surprised.
Charlotte hasn't called him any sweet names today. He thought she wouldn't.
She moved closer to him and touched his face.
"I want Liam to go stay with his grandma for a few days."
"My mom?" He asked and she nodded. "Is it because I am not helping out?"
Charlotte shook her head. "Of course not. Your mom misses him so much and wants to spend some time with him. Taking him there and bringing him back every day is a bit tiring. Just a few days and he will be back."
Melvin sighed. Maybe letting Liam stay with his mom is a good idea. He won't have to worry about his wife getting angry.
"When is Hannah coming back?" He asked.
"In a week or two."
"Then let him stay until she returns."
Charlotte frowned. Melvin is willing to let Liam stay with his mom until Hannah returns? He seriously doesn't want to take responsibility for Liam. Thank goodness she decided to leave.
"Fine," she mumbled. "I think that's a good idea."