It was hot.
So hot, that Charlotte regretted taking a coat. To make it worse, her blouse was sleeved. She squirmed in her seat, wanting nothing more than to take off the coat and maybe the blouse but she dared not.One, it was indecent plus she would make a mockery of herself and two, the coat hid her pit stains from her sweat.She sighed, putting on a bright smile to hide her discomfort.The event hadn't started yet and in fact, she'd been there less than 10 minutes. Mia was right, no one was really overdressed. They kept it simple and classy, and white. Charlotte wondered if that was a theme Mia had missed.She stood on her feet, ready to go and 'socialize'. She looked around discreetly for a target. She found one; a blond lady, probably in her early forties, in a knee-length white dress with a chic pair of heels and a pouch in hand.Charlotte immediately approached her before anyone else did."Hi, I'm Charlotte." Charlotte said with a polite smile, extending her hand to the lady. "Charlotte who?" The lady said with a equally polite smile.Charlotte didn't falter"I'm an architect." She said, hoping that answered the lady's question."Oh, how lovely. I'm Esme, the founder of Boston Research and Grants Center." She said before shaking Charlotte's hand."That's impressive." Charlotte said because she had nothing else to say.She knew nothing about Esme's foundation and she found herself feeling stupid."Oh it's modest. But look at you. You're an architect! You're always buildimg stuff aren't you?" Esme said with a light laugh.Charlotte chuckled nervously."Well, that's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm thinking of building a Children's center in Ansell." Charlotte said as confidently as she could.
"That's noble of you. So tell me, who exactly are you building this center for and why?" Esme asked, looking more serious."It's been a dream of mine to build a center for children." Esme shook her head"Charlotte dear, you don't seem to have passion for this project -""But I do." Charlotte said, a bit flustered."Then show it dear. Why are you building this? And for who?" Esme asked again before taking a glass of wine of a server's tray.Before Charlotte could answer, Esme handed her a card."Call me when you have an answer and let's talk about it. Enjoy the event."Esme walked away gracefully, leaving Charlotte red with emotion. Charlotte couldn't tell how to feel.Had she just been disregarded? Or mocked? Did she just present herself as someone who doesn't know what they're about? Or was Esme really trying to help?The heat made her even more unsure and admittedly, a bit angry. She grabbed a glass of wine from a tray and turned around. She bit her lower lip as she thought of what to do next.She had lost interest in meeting people. Why would they listen to her if she herself didn't know what she was saying?And how couldn't she answer the question? It was that simple?Why?If she didn't have an answer to that question, then she better not go through with it.Charlotte took a sip to calm her nerves. She watched the guests interact amongst themselves and began to really take notice of the setting of the event.The event was set in what looked like a courtyard. There were no carpets or tiles or cemented ground, rather they stood on the grass. Charlotte found that choice very strategic. It added tothe relaxed vibe of the setting. And the white flower theme for the decorations made it much more dreamy.
There was a dessert table and if Charlotte had been in a better mood, she would have had a cupcake in hand by now.She took another sip"Ladies and gentlemen, the event is about to start." The MC, a charming man who looked to be in his 30's, said with a smile.Charlotte almost dragged her feet to her seat. She felt the enthusiasm of the day had been sucked out of her. She sat on her seat."I know, finally right?" The MC said, earning laughter from the crowd."I'm sure you all know me, but it's part of my job to introduce myself again. I'm Michael, your MC for this event. To the ladies, unfortunately this year, I'm not single." He said with a dramatic hand to his chest."What a shame." A random voice came from the crowd. The crowd laughed and Charlotte smiled a little."That's my fiance by the way. Hi darling." He said.Charlotte looked in the direction he pointed. An attractive brunette blew him a kiss. Michael caught it with a huge grin."Awww." The crowd said."Yes, I know. She's lovely. She's quite the catch inside and out. Let me stop here else this event will never begin."The crowd laughed."We have a tradition here folks. I'm sure you're all aware."The crowd hooted and clapped, making Charlotte wonder what was going on."Yes, yes I know you know. But for the new folks, I'll say it once more. Before we pray, we'll turn off the lights. After the grace has been said, all the lights will remain off. All except one. Whoever that light stands on, has to give us a vocal solo performance. Are we ready?!!" Michael hollered excitedly.The crowd cheered and Charlotte found herself cheering alongside. She began to laugh as well. Mia would have loved this.
"Alright! I love the energy! Now, let's be sober for the grace. I'll hand the microphone over to Reverend Smith."The crowd quietened and the lights went out. Soon the only voice that could be heard was the voice of Reverend Smith praying for a successful gathering.Charlotte took the opportunity to fasten her heels tighter on her feet and adjust her pants. She closed her eyes and said a prayer of her own."Lord, make this happen. Please."Charlotte felt light enveloping her. She opened her eyes to be met with a loud applause. This time, Charlotte knew what was going on. She began to panic and her hands shook."A beautiful young lady with a beautiful voice I reckon. Someone pass her a microphone please."The crowd clapped. The closer the microphone came, the tighter the air seemed to be. By the time it got to her, she felt she couldn't breathe.Charlotte took the microphone shyly."Go Charlotte!" Esme cheered. Charlotte gave her a shy smile."Charlotte, you can do it." Michael cheered and soon, the crowd was cheering her name. Charlotte's legs felt weak but she gathered all her strength and stood on her feet. Her breaths were shaky but she tried to give off a confident aura."Now, let's all quiet down. Our Princess is ready." Michael said.Everyone obeyed. Charlotte felt every eye on her. She took in deep breaths. Her eyes fell on Michael's and he gave her a supportive look."I don't know which song to sing." She said with a nervous laugh. The crowd laughed as well but only for a moment."I hope you enjoy this one. I dedicate it to the people we're here to support."She cleared her throat.
"I've been staring at the edge of the water Long as I can rememberNever really knowing why."The beginning felt awkward to Charlotte but the minute she eased into the song, the crowd began to sing along with her as she stood in the spotlight. She heard the piano pick up her tune and adjust to her key.Charlotte sang through the song like a breeze and completed the last highnote with a smile on her face.Charlotte opened her eyes to meet a standing ovation but that wasn't what she noticed first. Her breath hitched as several meters from where she stood, a man's piercing blue eyes held hers captive.Charlotte quickly averted her gaze after she realized she had stared for too long."Correct me if I'm wrong folks, but that was one of the loveliest voices we've had." Michael said aloud.The crowd cheered in response. Charlotte felt heat rise to her face as she blushed. Her fingers still trembled slightly as she handed the microphone to the young boy who stood beside her. It wasn't just the cheers from the crowd that made her shake but it was the gaze of those blue eyes on her. She thought she could feel him watch her and it caught her off guard.Charlotte took a glance at the owner of those beautiful eyes but he didn't have his eyes on hers anymore. This time, he spoke to Michael as the young man sent the microphone up to him.Feeling a bit embarrassed, Charlotte prepared to sit when -"A woman with a voice like yours needs to sit up here. Or am I right folks?" Michael said with a microphone this time.The crowd agreed and Charlotte just couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her. Not
Charlotte cleared her throat in an attempt to bring a thought to mind but she remained blank. "Or you can manage on your own?" Prince Lucas said with a little smirk.Gosh, he knew the effect he had on her.Charlotte smiled. Ain't no way she's going to allow that."Well, I could but it'd be nice to have you show me around." She said nicely.Prince Lucas nodded. He stood up almost immediately and put out a hand to help her up Charlotte chuckled at his attempt."That was a bit unnecessary wasn't it?" Prince Lucas said humorously."I wouldn't call it unnecessary but it was something."As they walked down the stairs, she took a moment to admire the decor of the place."I kinda wanted to go for a hockey vibe but I don't think I got it right." "To be honest, you didn't." Charlotte said with a laugh."Ouch." Prince Lucas said playfully."But you did get more of a wedding reception vibe."Prince Lucas playfully placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. "That's even worse."Charlotte burst out
"Mia please." Charlotte groaned, her cheeks already pink with embarrassment."No, no let me. I sent you to a charity event and you decided to play moves on none other than Prince Lucas?!" Mia said before laughing hysterically.Charlotte sighed. She stepped out of the car before paying the driver his fare.The night was chilly and for the first time that whole day, Charlotte was glad she chose something that covered her up."So, tell me how that happened." Mia said. Charlotte heard her open a can of drink. She laughed."Aren't you supposed to be with Evans? I think he needs you.""Evans can wait. I need my tea, so spill it." Mia said playfully. "Aargh. Fine." Charlotte said with a little smile creeping on her face.She used her key to unlock the door. The house was quiet but she wasn't worried about her aunt's safety. She could hear the TV from her room.She closed the door and stood on the driveway."I don't know where to start." She said with a sigh, leaning on the wall.Even thinkin
Charlotte didn't have time to properly reply to Esme. Or do anything else in particular except complete the drawings her boss asked her to domIn fact, her local church nearly didn't see her the next day.Frankly, if not for Aunt Joan accusing of leaving her religion and her God for the pleasures of money (the devil's milk to Aunt Joan) Charlotte would have stayed behind to complete the work."You look like you've been through hell." Ryan joked before taking his seat. Charlotte lowered her glasses."Damn. Did you get any sleep?" Ryan asked, more concerned now.Charlotte yawned, leaning into her seat. The office was cold as usual but Charlotte didn't mind it as much as she used to.It made her feel sleepy and that was a plus for her because she wanted to sleep. "You can have my cup" Ryan offered, handing her his cup of coffee.Charlotte knew how he liked his coffee- black with no cream or sugar.Just like bitter water, as Aunt Joan would say.Charlotte preferred it with a little cream
Charlotte took a spoon of her cookies n cream ice-cream as she wondered how she got herself in the situation she was in.At one side before her sat Ryan, eating a peanut butter swirl ice cream awkwardly.At the other side before her sat Prince Lucas with his own cup of regular vanilla ice-cream. He also looked quite uncomfortable.She realized how differently they were dressed. Ryan had a brown checkered shirt on with a red tie and brown trousers on. His hair was combed neatly to the back and with his new haircut, he looked flattering and generally like a responsible man.Prince Lucas however was in a large white trench coat. Underneath, he wore a white short sleeved polo shirt and brown trousers. His hair had been tied up in a messy bun.Much like Ryan, he had tucked in his shirt but they gave different vibes.Prince Lucas looked more carefree and relaxed whilst Ryan looked more tight and stressed in comparison.She held back her sigh.She should have insisted he didn't come but he w
"So you left him on read??" Mia exclaimed."What else was I supposed to do?!"Charlotte said before stuffing her mouth with salad."I don't know?! Ask him how he got your number??""So he'd lie? No thank you" Mia choked in disbelief."Charlotte!"Charlotte put down her fork."No, Mia think about this..how did he know where I worked? How did he get my number? He could be a creepy stalker."Mia chuckled."You do know that to register for the event, I had to put your address right?" She asked.Charlotte smacked her lips thoughtfully. "Oh"Her response threw Mia in a fit of laughter. "Well how did he get my number then?"She asked as she picked her food."I don't know. Ask him. And if it sounds fishy then you know he's up to something."Charlotte groaned."Come on. It won't be that bad. Ask him and tell me what he says. Bye."Mia ended the call before Charlotte could agree or disagree.Charlotte stared at her screen. Her finger hovered over WhatsApp and she contemplated doing as Mia said.
"Veronica?" Charlotte whispered.Ryan rubbed his face and nodded. Charlotte bit her lip at the revelation."How did she find you?"Ryan shrugged. He turned on his laptop."You're not thinking of... Of letting her in, are you?" Charlotte asked slowly."I don't know."Charlotte knew he meant it. That broke her heart."I don't think you're in the right place for that. She might just end up using you again." Charlotte said the last part in a low voice, afraid to hurt his feelings."I know. But don't worry, I've moved on." Charlotte shook her head."Still. Just stay away."Ryan passed his hand through his hair and smiled a little."I'm fine really. I don't have any feelings for her. I've found someone else." Charlotte's eyes lit up at the new revelation."Oh really? And you didn't tell me?" She asked, shocked but happy for him. Ryan's smile was now shy and innocent."Well I was going to tell you yesterday but your secret crashed the place." He said, referring to Prince Lucas.There was som
"I can explain." Prince Lucas said before bringing one foot forward. Charlotte didn't want to hear it but she didn't want to appear rude."Please." She said instead. She resisted the urge to cross her arms. He smiled gratefully."It was Esme. She asked me to see if I could get in touch with you." Charlotte nodded slowly, thinking through what he had just said to her.She wanted to focus on what he said but just his presence made it hard. Especially those eyes of his.But something didn't sound right."I didn't give her my address." She said plainly.Prince Lucas' smile was nervous."No, you didn't. But when she mentioned your name and I told her I ran into you the other day, she asked if I could bring you over to dinner later today."Charlotte would have asked more questions but Aunt Joan walked in with a glass of Beet tea."Would you like another glass of tea, young man?" She asked with the sweetest smile Charlotte had ever seen on her.Prince Lucas tried to put on a smile but Charlo