She's Changed So Much

~Adrain~

I ignored Charlotte and unlocked the drawer of the desk and began sorting the files.

I searched all through but couldn’t find it.

Losing this file would cost me a lot.

I stopped the search and stood still.

I was certain I left the file here at my penthouse. And no one has access to this place but just I and Charlotte.

I turned to her; she was still pacing in the room. Her arms folded on her chest.

She stopped, seeing my lingering gaze, and walked to where I was. She zipped down the jacket, pulling a file from its side.

“Looking for this?" She waved the file in the air.

I rushed over to her and managed to snatch it when she shifted backwards.

"The Southside armies are launching an attack soon.” She said, "You ought to be more careful, Adrain; things might get tougher than you think." She handed the file over to me.

I pulled the signed documents and glanced through them, then placed them back on the file after confirming it was still intact.

“Tell me more about the Southside armies, Charlotte. " I sat next to her, surprised she knew about my deal with them because it was clearly not stated in the file.

She didn’t say a word but turned to face me, and our eyes locked. For a moment they looked deep into each other's eyes before she slowly pulled away.

“I don’t have any business with that, Adrian. I only came here for the deal, and it needs to be urgent because I have got other things to do.” She snapped.

"Sounds cool," I nodded. "Charlotte, where are the drawings I requested?" I turned to look at her, and she was surprised from her expression.

I have used this drawing to move the signing of the document for some time now. I didn’t need the drawing for anything, though. I just wanted to watch her draw and then shift the signing to another new day.

And she too wasn’t interested in the drawing either, and so I had to keep the floor of postponing the signing because of it.

Charlotte exhaled, "Literally forgot about that though." She shrugged. “I will have to leave and return some other time then. I will get the drawing too.” She stood up from the couch and was heading towards the door.

“No, Charlotte." I called and she stopped without turning.

"You don’t have to come with the drawing. I’d prefer you come here and do the drawing yourself.”

She hesitated for a while and turned.

Standing for seconds without saying a word.

Her expression changed into that of pain and sadness, then she walked towards me.

“The migraine isn’t gone, Adrain." She explained, tears suddenly shimmering in her eyes.

“It still comes at intervals. Making my head bang and my eyes feel as if they've been dragged out of their sockets."

I stood from the couch and went to hold her hands.

“Don’t cry, Charlotte.” I used my thumb to dab the teardrop that was already sliding down her cheek to prevent it from falling to the floor.

I rose to fame those years when Charlotte had this migraine that would get her bedridden for days sometimes. But I thought she said she had outgrown it back then and that her father treated her to it as well.

I hated to see her this way; she doesn't just deserve to be hurt.

“Don’t do that, Charlotte. You can go and get the drawing whenever we plan on seeing each other next.”

She nodded and took me into a long embrace. She clung tightly to my body, and I held her tight on my bosom.

She sniffled and then I noticed she was still sobbing.

“I said you shouldn’t do that, Charlotte. " I pulled out of the hug, wiping the tears that fell freely.

When did Charlotte become this quick to emotions? Indeed, she really changed a lot.

“You can go now, Charlotte, and return another time with the drawing.” I hugged her one more time before setting her free.

She smiled and rolled her hair into a small round bun before wearing her cap. She wore the sunglasses that hung on her chest and smoothed her trousers before turning to the door.

“See you some other time, Adrain.” She turned, blew a kiss in the air, and walked out.

I felt my cheeks flush red in amusement. It felt like the kiss Charlotte blew was placed directly on my lips.

I smiled and walked over to the window and drew the blinds to watch her leave.

She stepped out of the gate of the penthouse and looked at both sides of the road, then pulled her phone from her trouser pocket and pressed it for a while.

I folded one of my hands around my chest and the other one to hold my chin while I looked.

Charlotte turned to look at the penthouse, then turned back to the road.

Seconds passed, and then a black-colored Bugatti pulled up in front of her. Its windows were tinted, and I could see through to who was in there.

She glanced at the penthouse one more time before walking over to the passenger's side of the back seat.

Slammed it shut as the car rolled out.

I memorized the plate number.

‘KLM2911’

I needed to do more findings on Charlotte, by the way; waking up to her appearing after six years needed more investigation.

I made up my mind, I will do the findings myself.

I wouldn’t involve anyone, not even my beta.