Chapter 4: Leonardo’s POV

I hear a blood curdling scream from outside my family home and run outside desperately to investigate what could be the cause although I knew that scream. It was Charlotte. She couldn’t have done something to hurt Charlotte. Was she capable of that? That isn’t the Claire I know. Claire is always compassionate, kind and helpful to anyone in need. I saw her researching medical publications about Charlotte’s condition once. She wouldn’t take her emotions towards me out on a disabled woman especially not Charlotte who has always been kind to her. I know I had put our fifth anniversary aside today but felt it only right to be by Charlotte’s side on this very important day. I had gotten her a gift and I had still planned on celebrating with her afterwards. Just as I descend the hill, I see Charlotte lying on the ground bleeding from her forehead and cowering from Claire who was trying to put her back into her wheelchair urgently. I can’t believe what I’m seeing? Claire must’ve done this purposely if Charlotte seems to be this afraid of even her touch. I want to believe Claire isn’t vengeful or vindictive. I want to believe I know exactly who I married but it’s hard to tell looking at the scene in front of me. This looked like no accident. At this very moment, only one thing seemed clear.

She hurt her.

I run down the hill furiously and make my way towards Claire with no hiding of how much she disgusted and infuriated me in this moment. She had no right to harm Charlotte. There was no reason for it and no excuses for such behavior. At least not any excuses I’d be willing to accept.

Claire had done the unforgivable and she was not going to be able to talk her way out of this one.

I reach both women and listen to Claire ramble about what had happened but pay no mind to the words spewing from her mouth. I could see this picture clear as day. She had no right to hurt Charlotte. She knew the guilt I felt for what happened to Charlotte all those years ago although I never shared directly what happened to her. It wasn’t my story to tell. I decide I couldn’t listen to her any longer. I shoved Claire out of the way without so much as a second glance, picked up Charlotte carefully, cradled her in my arms and raced back up the hill to my family home where a doctor would be arriving to see Charlotte any moment to assess her injuries. I left Claire to think about what she had just done.

I would deal with Claire later. And for her sake, she’d better hope that Charlotte was alright. The repercussions would be far greater if she intentionally hurt Charlotte and caused great damage to her.

I could never forgive her for this.