Chapter 3 Four Years of Habit

Charlotte dragged my suitcases aside and said coldly, "Everyone's trying to explain it to you. You can't just come in here with an attitude."

I ignored her, picked up my bag, and headed upstairs.

She hurried into the elevator just before the doors closed.

We were alone.

She wrapped her arms around me from behind, resting her forehead against my back. "Are you still mad? It's my fault for what happened on the train. Those people were running their mouths. Don't take what they said to heart."

I tried to pull away, but she only tightened her embrace.

"Your clothes are soaked. Why didn't you change into dry ones first? I've got the room key. There's warm tea and cold medicine on the table. Have some tea and take your medicine after your shower. Get some early rest tonight, okay?"

My nose suddenly stung.

Four years of habit weren't easy to break.

When the elevator reached our floor, Charlotte took my hand and led me to our room. She slipped a key card into my palm.

"By the way, we switched rooms."

I looked down. This wasn't the king room we'd originally booked for the trip. It was the windowless single room at the end of the hall.

Charlotte spoke matter-of-factly. "The AC in Forrest's room broke, and he's having stomach issues again. This is the only room the hotel has left. I let him have our king room, so you'll stay here tonight."

I looked up at her. "Then, where are you staying?"

"I'll sleep on the couch over there. When his stomach acts up, he tends to throw up in the middle of the night. If I sleep there, I can still keep an eye on him. It's just one night. We can switch back tomorrow if another room opens up."

She squeezed my hand. "I know you don't like all the hassle, and I'm not asking you to take care of him. This room may be small, but it's quiet. You can get some proper rest."

I looked at the key card in my hand and let out a brief laugh. "Sure."

Charlotte visibly relaxed. "I knew you wouldn't make a big deal out of something so—"

I cut her off. "But don't you think it's inappropriate for you and Forrest to be staying together like this, just the two of you?"

Her brows furrowed immediately. "Why bring this up again? Can you stop making everything sound so filthy?"

I nodded. "Why don't we just break up? It would make more sense for you to take care of him."

Charlotte's patience finally ran out. "All this over one room? You've been making a scene the entire trip. Haven't you had enough? Will you be happy only when everyone has to bend over backward to accommodate you?"

I swiped the key card and walked inside.

Charlotte reached out to stop me, but I shut the door. The door struck the back of her hand.

From outside, she called my name in a low voice. "Aiden, think this through. Breaking up isn't something you threaten someone with."

I leaned against the door and slowly loosened my grip on the key card.

This time, I'd given it plenty of thought.