Chapter 51
Chapter 51
CHARLOTTE
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+5
I arrived at Rosalie’s house just after noon, every detail of my appearance meticulously planned. My pastel blouse and tailored pants whispered sophistication, but not in a way that screamed for attention. I wanted to look like the doting sister who cared, the confidante she could lean on. In reality, it was all for me–a façade carefully built to mask my true intentions.
The door swung open quickly, and there she was. Rosalie looked as she always did these days–tired, fragile, and entirely out of her depth. Her faded dress and lackluster expression irritated me in ways I couldn’t fully explain.
“Charlotte,” she said softly, offering a weak smile. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Surprise,” I replied warmly, stepping inside before she could invite me. “I thought I’d check in on you. You’ve been on my mind all morning.”
Her smile faltered slightly, but she shut the door behind me. “That’s sweet of you. I’m fine, really. Just….trying to figure things out.”
Her voice lacked conviction. Perfect.
I followed her into the living room, my heels clicking softly on the hardwood floor. The room was simple, painfully so. Everything about her life was dull, uninspired. How Damien found her captivating was beyond me, but that wasn’t the point. The fact that he did was the key to everything.
We sat down, and she poured us both glasses of juice, placing a plate of cookies on the table. I picked one up, nibbling delicately while watching her. She was fidgeting, her hands restless in her lap.
“How’s everything been?” I asked, my tone light, almost casual.
Rosalie hesitated, her gaze dropping to her lap. “It’s…complicated. Damien and I…we’re just…” She sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t know.”
I leaned forward slightly, feigning concern. “Have you told him yet?”
She blinked, looking at me with confusion. “Told him what?”
“About the divorce,” I said softly, lowering my voice as though the word itself was fragile. “You mentioned it the other day. Have you talked to him? Started any of the paperwork? If you want, I can recommend a lawyer. Someone discreet and efficient.”
Her reaction was immediate. She stiffened, her hands clenching into fists. Her gaze darted away, like a cornered animal. I felt a thrill of satisfaction but kept my expression carefully neutral.
“Charlotte,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper, “calm down. I did bring it up, but…he didn’t agree to it.”
The words hit me like a slap, and I clenched my jaw before I could stop myself. My pulse quickened, anger flaring hot and fast. Why was he being so stubborn? Why couldn’t he just let her go?
“Why wouldn’t he agree?” I demanded, my tone sharper than I intended.
Rosalie’s eyes widened, startled by my sudden outburst. “Charlotte…?”
I forced a soft laugh, quickly backtracking. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I just mean….why wouldn’t he agree? It’s obvious this marriage isn’t working. It’s hurting both of you.”
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Chapter 51
She sighed heavily, sinking back into the couch. “Because it’s Damien. He’s controlling, Charlotte. He sees me as…as. something he owns. He won’t let go, no matter how much I try to reason with him.”
Her words should have infuriated me, but instead, they sparked an idea.
“Well,” I said gently, leaning forward and placing a hand on hers, “you can’t let that stop you. You deserve to be happy, Rosalic. You deserve to live a life where you’re not suffocating every day. Don’t let him trap you.”
Her eyes filled with tears, and I knew I had her.
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“I don’t know,” she whispered. “It’s not just about me. What if–what if I get pregnant? What then? It would only make things worse.”
I tilted my head, offering her my most sympathetic smile. “That’s all the more reason to act now. Think about it—if you don’t do something soon, you’ll lose whatever chance you have to take back control of your life. Don’t let him decide your future for you.”
Her shoulders slumped, and she nodded slowly. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”
I squeezed her hand, letting my voice drip with sincerity. “Of course I’m right. I just want what’s best for you, Rosalie. You’re my sister.”
She nodded again, looking at me with such gratitude that it made my skin crawl. She was so pitiful, so weak. It was infuriating how easily people fell for her innocent act.
“Thank you, Charlotte,” she said softly. “For everything. For being here.”
“Always,” I replied smoothly, pulling her into a hug. “You’re my sister. I have to stick by you.”
As she embraced me, I rolled my eyes, my patience wearing thin. If only she knew how little I cared about her well–being. This was all a game to me, and she was just another pawn.
When we broke apart, I stood, smoothing out my blouse. “I should get going, but call me if you need anything. And please- think about what I said. Your happiness matters.”
She nodded, her expression earnest. “I will. Thanks again.”
I waved as I walked to the door, letting it close behind me before my calm façade shattered.
I stormed to my car, slamming the door shut as soon as I got inside. My hands gripped the steering wheel, nails digging into the leather.
“Damien,” I muttered through clenched teeth. “Of course, he wouldn’t agree. Of course, he has to make this difficult.” My anger bubbled to the surface, hot and suffocating. How dare he? How dare he hold on to her when he could have me?
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but it didn’t work. The image of Rosalie sitting there, so clueless, so naïve, only fueled my rage.
But I wasn’t giving up. Damien was mine. He just didn’t know it yet.
I started the engine, the roar of the car a welcome distraction. As I pulled out of the driveway, I swore to myself that I would do whatever it took to separate them.
“Enjoy it while it lasts, Rosalie,” I muttered darkly. “Because I’ll make sure he’s mine. No matter what it takes.”
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Chapter 51
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With that, I drove off, my mind racing with plans–plans that would make sure Damien finally saw who deserved him. Me. Only me.
AD
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