CHAPTER SIX: Words That Burn

CHARLOTTE’S POV

My phone rang just after noon.

I stared at the screen. It was my mother.

I didn’t want to answer.

But I did.

“Hello?”

“Charlotte.” Her voice was so oddly sweet. “It’s been almost two weeks since the wedding and not a single call from my only daughter?”

“I have been … adjusting.”

“Adjusting?” She laughed lightly. “What’s there to adjust to? You married a Kingston, you should be happy and thanking me.”

I stayed quiet.

She continued, “How is Aiden? He’s treating you well, isn’t he?”

“He barely talks to me.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Are you doing your part?” she asked.

“My part?”

“Yes, being a good wife, obedient and respectful. Men like Aiden don’t want difficult women.”

“Difficult?” I scoffed. “You think I’m the problem?”

“You need to learn how to keep your voice down, young lady; you were raised better than this.”

“I was raised to be silent and pretty, not to be someone’s doormat.”

“You are being dramatic.”

“No, I’m being honest. You married me off for a business deal and expect me to smile about it?”

“I did what was best for you, for our family.”

“Yeah Mom, of course, playing the awesome and caring mother card.” Note the sarcasm.

“I don’t know what you are talking about…”

“No mother, you did what was best for you and Barry.”

“Watch your mouth, Charlotte, I’m still your mother.”

I stood up from the chair, pacing angrily.

“No, you watch yours. I’m not a child anymore and I’m not going to play house with a man who treats me like I’m invisible.”

“Then make yourself visible the right way,” she snapped. “Dress nicely, cook for him, lie there and smile even when he doesn’t deserve it.”

“I’m not going to crawl for him or feed his ego.”

“You are his wife now. You don’t have a choice.”

“I always have a choice.” Her words made me want to pull my hair out of my scalp.

“Don’t be ungrateful, Charlotte. Every girl would want to be in your shoes. This marriage will make you wealthy and powerful.”

“I don’t care about power. I care about respect. Something you and Barry don’t seem to understand.”

She was silent for a beat.

“Don’t ruin this,” she said coldly.

“I’m not the one who ruined or is going to ruin anything.”

“I won’t sit by while you embarrass this family.”

“Then hang up.”

“Charlotte..”

I ended the call. I knew I was disrespectful to her, but she doesn't understand my plight, and she isn't trying to understand me either.

I wish my Dad were alive. All these wouldn't be happening to me.

I stared at the window for a while trying to wrap my head around how messed up my life is. I need a breath of fresh air.

I was heading downstairs to get some fresh air in the garden when I heard voices near the kitchen.

Cheryl and Elsie were talking to each other. I stepped on the last step, while my hands were still on the wooden handle meant for support to and from the stairs.

“I can’t take it anymore,” Cheryl said. “She walks around the house like she owns it.”

“Well, technically, she does own this house; she’s his wife, Cheryl,” Elsie replied quietly.

“She doesn’t love him.”

“Hmmmm. How do you know that? Please say what you know.”

“I have a feeling that marriage is forced. She doesn’t love him at all.”

“That doesn’t mean she deserves hate.”

“She does,” Cheryl hissed. “She doesn’t deserve him. You have seen how she talks and behaves to him as if he were beneath her. I bet she is with him because of his money.”

Elsie sighed. “This isn’t your business.”

Cheryl’s voice softened. “You don’t understand, Elsie. I have loved him for years. Ever since I started working here. I love the way he walks, talks, and commands the room. He deserves someone who actually sees him.”

“And you think that’s you?”

“Why not me?” she whispered. “I’d worship the ground he walks on and I will never make him feel unwanted.”

“Cheryl…”

“I hate her, Elsie. Every time I see her in his arms, I feel sick. She doesn’t belong here.”

There was a pause.

“She doesn’t even make his tea right,” Cheryl added bitterly.

I stepped into the hallway.

Both maids froze. Most especially Cheryl. 

Elsie’s eyes widened. “Miss Charlotte---”

“I see,” I said keeping my voice calm. “So that’s how you feel, Cheryl?”

Cheryl’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. “I.. I didn’t mean….”

“Don’t lie. I heard everything.” I crossed my arms. “So you have been chasing after my husband?” 

“I just… I care about him.”

“Enough to fantasize about replacing me?”

She swallowed. “I just think he deserves better.”

“Better than me?” I took a step forward. “Do you know what it’s like waking up every day next to a man who pretends you don’t exist? Being in a marriage you never asked for, in a home that doesn’t feel like yours?”

She said nothing.

“No, you don’t.” I continued.

“Because while you were fantasizing, I was fighting to hold myself together.”

“Miss Charlotte….” Elsie whispered, trying to calm the tension.

But I wasn’t done.

“You think he wants you?” I said to Cheryl. “Then by all means, go stand outside his door and wait for him to notice you.”

“That’s not what I…”

“Save it. Henceforth, stay out of my way. You don’t speak about me, you don’t serve me and you don’t come near me unless I call for you, that’s if I call for you. Understood?”

Cheryl nodded quickly, her eyes filling with tears. 

I turned to Elsie. “I appreciate your honesty. Thank you.”

Elsie gave a small nod. “I’m sorry you heard all that.”

“I’m glad I did.”

I was quite shocked my all things 

Cheryl said about me. But what can I say, I don't really know her.

And with that, I walked away.

For once, I didn’t feel weak.

I felt… awake.