Chapter 4 Blood stained

Ethan's laughter caught in his throat as his eyes widened in surprise. "Victoria? What are you doing here?"

Victoria's voice dripped with a hint of mischief as she took a step closer, her eyes locked on Charlotte. "Oh, Ethan, my dear, I just thought I'd drop by to see how the newlyweds are settling in. And who might this be? Your blushing bride?"

Charlotte's heart skipped a beat, her smile faltering as she instinctively moved closer to Ethan, seeking comfort in his presence. The tension in the room was palpable, an unspoken rivalry brewing between the two women.

Ethan's voice regained its composure as he stepped forward, shielding Charlotte with a protective stance. "Victoria, this is Charlotte, my wife. Charlotte, meet Victoria, an old acquaintance."

Victoria's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, her smile morphing into a smirk. "Wife, you say? Well, Ethan, it seems you have a penchant for surprises. I must admit, I didn't expect you to settle down so soon."

Charlotte felt a wave of unease wash over her, a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Who was this woman, and what connection did she have to Ethan? She glanced at Ethan, searching for reassurance in his eyes.

Ethan's gaze never wavered from Victoria, his voice steady. "Victoria, I'm afraid this is not a social visit. What brings you here?"

Victoria's eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and something deeper, something darker. "Oh, Ethan, always so serious. Can't a woman drop by to congratulate her ex-lover on his new marriage? Or perhaps there's more to it than meets the eye."

Ethan frowned. "How exactly do you know I got married?"

Victoria chuckled. "I have my ways, Ethan. You should know that by now"

Charlotte's grip on Ethan's hand tightened, her curiosity turning into a sense of foreboding. There was an underlying tension in Victoria's words, an unspoken threat hanging in the air.

Before Ethan could respond, Victoria's eyes locked onto Charlotte, a wicked gleam dancing in her gaze. "I must say, Charlotte, you've managed to capture Ethan's attention quite successfully. But be careful, my dear. Not everything is as it seems. Some secrets are better left uncovered."

With those cryptic words, Victoria turned on her heel, her laughter echoing through the foyer as she disappeared down the corridor, leaving Ethan and Charlotte standing in a whirlwind of emotions.

As the weight of Victoria's presence lingered in the room, Charlotte couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine. What secrets did Victoria hold? And what did she mean by her ominous warning? The answers remained elusive, leaving Charlotte and Ethan with more questions than before.

With a mix of curiosity, apprehension, and determination, Charlotte looked up at Ethan, her voice laced with a newfound resolve. "Ethan, she seems to know something..."

Ethan's gaze softened as he squeezed Charlotte's hand, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "Don't reason it too much. It's the way she is and always would be. She is just a tree with no bark"

As the evening drew to a close, Ethan and Charlotte retired to their separate rooms, their minds filled with anticipation for the upcoming day. The prospect of meeting Ethan's family and the thought of a small wedding filled Charlotte with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Inside her private chamber nestled within Ethan's room, Charlotte carefully unpacked her belongings, taking care to arrange them neatly. She glanced around the elegantly furnished room, its warm ambiance providing a comforting respite from the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced throughout the day.

Lost in her thoughts, Charlotte contemplated the words Ethan had shared with her earlier. He had emphasized the importance of their meeting with his family, and the significance of presenting themselves as a united front. "Act like the perfect wife," he had said, his eyes filled with a blend of tenderness and determination.

With a determined smile, Charlotte resolved to do just that. She would navigate the intricate web of family dynamics with grace, showcasing her love and commitment to Ethan in every interaction. After all, everything would go smoothly after the acceptance and approval of his family.

The night enveloped the mansion in a blanket of tranquility as Charlotte settled into bed. Thoughts of the upcoming day swirled through her mind, blending with the soft sounds of the night. Sleep eluded her for a while as she contemplated the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

In the neighboring room, Ethan also wrestled with his own thoughts.

Victoria knows something that's for sure. Did she know about the contract marriage or something else? And his father...what of if everything was for naught as he may not approve of her.

With a deep breath, Ethan banished his doubts and resolved to face the coming day with unwavering confidence. He would be there for Charlotte every step of the way, supporting her as they navigated the intricate family dynamics that awaited them.

As the night wore on, exhaustion eventually claimed both Charlotte and Ethan, their dreams carrying them to a realm where their love could flourish unencumbered by the challenges of reality.

****

The morning arrived, accompanied by a sense of nervous anticipation that hung in the air. Charlotte adorned herself in an elegant dress, carefully chosen for this momentous occasion. As she made her way downstairs, she could feel the weight of the impending meeting with Ethan's father pressing upon her.

In the dimly lit room, Ethan's father lay on his sickbed, his eyes piercing and filled with skepticism. His gaze bore into Charlotte, as if assessing her worthiness to be a part of their family. The tension in the room was palpable, and Charlotte's heart raced in her chest.

Mr. Williams sat on the sickbed, his expression stern as he directed his gaze towards Charlotte.

Mr. Williams. "So, you're the one who wants to marry my son, I believe? How did you two meet?"

Charlotte felt the weight of his scrutiny but remained composed as she responded.

Charlotte said, reciting all that she had practiced with Ethan "Yes, Mr. Williams, we met through a mutual acquaintance. It was a chance encounter that blossomed into something more."

Mr. Williams's eyes narrowed, his skepticism evident.

Mr. Williams "And what do you bring to this marriage? What makes you think you're suitable for my son?"

Charlotte took a deep breath, her voice steady.

Charlotte: "I understand your concerns, Mr. Williams. I bring loyalty, devotion, and a deep love for your son. I am committed to supporting him and building a strong foundation for our future together."

Ethan, sensing the tension escalating, stepped forward, interjecting with a calm yet firm tone.

"Father, we don't want to be late for our small wedding ceremony. We can continue this discussion later after we signed the papers"

The room fell silent for a moment as Mr. Williams glanced back and forth between Charlotte and Ethan. The unresolved tension lingered, leaving a sense of unease hanging in the air.

Ethan and Charlotte stepped out of the house, ready to embark on their small wedding ceremony. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and nervous excitement.

But suddenly, a deafening hiss broke through the tranquility, followed by the piercing sound of a gunshot. Time seemed to slow down as a bullet found its mark, hitting Ethan's shoulder.

Pain radiated through Ethan's body as he staggered backward, his face contorted in agony. Charlotte's eyes widened in shock and horror as she rushed to his side, desperately trying to support him.

"Get...to...the...safeh..."