All Chapters of A Long-Planned Love: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

[I'm fine.][Do you want me to come over and keep you company?][No, I can handle it.]I was still typing when the doorbell rang.For a moment, I thought Charlie came back.But when I opened the door, it was Lynn.She stood there in a beige trench coat, makeup flawless, every strand of hair in place."Ms. Sullivan, sorry to disturb you."I hesitated."Is there something you need?""I came to apologize," she said softly, "About what happened last night."I stepped aside."Come in."Lynn walked into the living room, her gaze drifting around."Your home feels very warm.""It's nothing special." I poured her a glass of water. "So, what's this about?"She took the glass but did not drink."That photo from last night–it wasn't me. I didn't have someone take it.""I know."She blinked, surprised."You know?""The angle was clearly taken in secret," I said calmly, "And you wouldn't need to go that far."A faint smile touched her lips."You trust me?""It's not about me

When Charlie said he wanted to tell his parents, I agreed.That weekend, we drove to the Newman family's old residence.The entire way there, he held my hand."Nervous?""A little.""Don't be. They'll be thrilled."When we arrived, Charlie's mother, Michelle Newman, was in the garden trimming flower branches. The moment she saw us, she set down her shears and hurried over."Oh my, Olivia's here? Come in, come in!"Charlie's father, Danzel Newman, stepped out of the living room, smiling as he gestured for us to sit."Charlie, what brings you back? Isn't the company keeping you busy?""We have something to tell you," Charlie said.Michelle immediately perked up. "What is it?"Charlie and I exchanged a glance."Mom," he said calmly, "you're going to be a grandmother."The living room fell silent for three seconds."What?!" Michelle shrieked. "What did you just say?!""Olivia is pregnant," Charlie repeated. "Three months."Michelle rushed over and grabbed my hands, her eye

"Not happening," Charlie said evenly. "If you have something to say, say it in front of me."Lynn gave a bitter smile. "You're still protecting her.""She's my wife."There was a brief silence before Lynn turned to me. "Ms. Sullivan, I asked you to come today because I want to apologize."I blinked. "Apologize?""What happened before, I was wrong," she said quietly. "I shouldn't have kept chasing Charlie and I shouldn't have tried to provoke you."I did not respond.She took a breath. "I had a checkup today. I have cancer.""What?""The doctor said, if I don't start treatment, I probably have six months at most."Charlie frowned. "You called us here just to tell us that?""No." She shook her head. "I wanted to tell Ms. Sullivan that I'm giving up."I looked at her, unsure what to feel."I've been in love with Charlie for years. I always thought that if I just held on long enough, he'd turn around someday." She let out a faint, self-mocking laugh. "But I finally understand.

Charlie set the things down and glanced at Rachel."Your boyfriend."That was it. Short and to the point.Rachel's face flushed even deeper.Henry hurried over eagerly. "Babe, I bought you milk tea.""Who's your babe?!"Charlie and I exchanged a look and, without saying a word, slipped into the kitchen."So they're really together," I said."Mm." Charlie rinsed some fruit under the tap. "He's been in love with her for five years."I blinked. "That long?""He keeps saying he doesn't believe in marriage, but he's had his eye on Rachel for ages."I rested my chin in my hand and studied him. "How do you know all that?""He complains about her to me every single day." He handed me a bunch of washed grapes. "It's exhausting."I popped one into my mouth and grinned. "When you were chasing me, did you complain about me to Henry, too?"He paused."Yes."My eyes lit up. "What did you say?"Charlie turned around and looked at me seriously. "That you were clueless. You couldn't ev

"Then," He paused for a moment. "Let him grow up however he wants."I burst out laughing. "That's such a lazy answer.""A son doesn't need to be cute.""Oh? Then what does he need to be?""Useful."I stared at him.That sounded suspiciously like something a heartless playboy would say."Alright, go to sleep." Charlie patted my back gently.I closed my eyes and drifted off quickly.In the middle of the night, I woke up thirsty.I fumbled my way out of bed, planning to pour myself some water.However, the moment my feet touched the floor, I saw a glass sitting on the nightstand.Warm water. Still warm.I took a few sips, and something inside me softened.Turning my head, I looked at Charlie. He seemed to be sleeping deeply. Moonlight filtered through the curtains, tracing the sharp lines of his profile.I watched him for a while, then leaned over and kissed him lightly.His eyes suddenly opened."You're awake?"I jumped. "You weren't asleep?""Just woke up." He pulled