By admin Midnight Call Ch 57
“No need. You’re working in Austin now, so let’s set up there. I’m getting divorced soon–just give me some time to handle things here, then I’ll come join you.“]]
Charlotte mentioned divorce with such calm detachment that her former classmate seemed shocked into silence.
Out of politeness, her classmate didn’t press for details and agreed to the plan.[]
After hanging up, Charlotte ordered stacks of design books and magazines, then dug out her old college materials.
She didn’t visit the hospital or contact Blake. Instead, she stayed home studying, trying to recapture her rusty professional skills.
Once fully immersed, she slowly rediscovered her former self–the woman who wasn’t trapped by romance, whose eyes saw only design, who dreamed of becoming a world–class designer.[]
Days passed, and on their wedding anniversary, Blake returned home.]
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Seeing the table covered with sketches and drafts, he looked at her with surprise.[]
“You’ve been designing all this time?“]
Charlotte’s hand paused mid–sketch, and she nodded calmly.[]
“I’m planning to return to my design career. I need to get back in practice, so I haven’t had time to look after you.“]
Hearing her explanation, Blake felt something strange stir inside him.[]
Before, when he’d suffered minor injuries during flight turbulence, Charlotte hadn’t left his hospital room for three days, her eyes swollen from crying.
Now, with much more serious injuries, she hadn’t even asked about him or shown any reaction.[]
Blake found it odd, but he’d never interfered with her life choices, so he didn’t push further.[]
“That’s good. You should pursue your dreams. Your father would be happy to see you returning to design.“[]
“You’ll support any decision I make? Even… divorce?” ]]
The question slipped out before Charlotte could stop herself, but Blake’s phone rang at that exact moment.]
He answered and walked into his study, apparently not hearing her words.[]
Before the door closed, Charlotte caught Madeline’s voice on the other end. She gave a small, bitter smile.[]
Taking a deep breath, she returned to her designs, losing herself in the work again.[]
By evening, Blake emerged from his study and casually mentioned, “I made dinner reservations. Shall we
Having sat working all day, Charlotte was hungry and agreed.[]
After dropping her near the restaurant, Blake left to find parking.[]
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40.0%
Chapter 3
When he returned, he carried a box in his left hand and a bouquet of pink roses in his right.[]
He walked up to her and handed her the flowers. In that moment, Charlotte froze.[]
In three years of marriage, this was the first time he’d ever given her flowers. Complex emotions washed over her.[]
She wanted to ask why the sudden gift of roses, what was in the box, if he was celebrating their anniversary.[]
The words were on the tip of her tongue when she spotted a familiar figure.[]
Madeline stood at the entrance of the newly opened restaurant, beaming as she approached them.[]
“Blake, over here! What took you so long? Is this your wife? Hello, nice to meet you. I’m Blake’s friend, Madeline Grant.“[]
She greeted them naturally, extending her hand.[]
Charlotte’s expression froze for a few seconds before she composed herself and shook Madeline’s hand.]
“Hello. I’m Charlotte Wells.“]
After introductions, Blake handed the gift box to Madeline, his expression calm.[]
“It’s your restaurant’s opening day–I couldn’t come empty–handed. I brought a small gift and flowers, which is why I was delayed.“]]
Hearing his words, Charlotte looked down at the vibrant pink roses in her hands.[]
So the gifts and flowers were all for Madeline?]
Charlotte’s chest tightened as endless bitterness spread through her body.[]
With trembling hands, she passed the flowers to Madeline, struggling to appear unfazed.[]
When Madeline opened the box and saw the handbag inside, her eyes lit up with delight,[]
“How did you know I’ve been searching everywhere for this bag? There are only ten in the world! This is too extravagant. And these flowers are gorgeous–I can’t believe after all these years, you still remember I only like pink roses from this specific florist.”
Blake shrugged it off, claiming he’d just grabbed the bag randomly and the flowers were just convenient.]
But Charlotte knew better. There were no such coincidences in this world.[]
Everything had been carefully planned by him.[]
And his invitation to dinner with her? Just an excuse to see Madeline.[]
From beginning to end, Charlotte had been nothing more than a prop in his life.[]