Chapter 3 Family Gathering

Mr. Benjamin woke up to the sound of Chase's outburst. Looking around, he recognized his son's voice. "Chase?" he called out weakly. "Is that you?"

I'm sorry I woke you, Dad. If you're not feeling up to it, I can leave and come back another time, Chase said, kneeling beside him.

"Nonsense! Where is she? Where is Mia? He asked.

Charlotte started to move toward him, but Chase quickly grabbed her hand and led her out of the room. Her heart raced, panicking that she had done something wrong.

"Don't humor him," Chase said coldly. It's just a cold. He always overreacts like that when he wants something from me. Now stop touching him and just stand there as I asked. He walked back into the room, shutting the door behind him.

Feeling hurt by his words, Charlotte stood outside the room, feeling uncomfortable and helpless. She then moved downstairs to the kitchen where a few maids were cleaning up. "Hello," she greeted them, and they quickly turned to acknowledge her.

"Has your boss eaten yet?" Charlotte inquired.

"Yes, ma'am. You don't have to worry; he ate just fine. He lay in bed shaking as soon as he heard Mr. Chase's car pulls in. He seemed to want something from his husband again, one of the maids said, and they all let out a little laugh.

Charlotte felt relieved. While Chase had mentioned it, hearing it from the maids put her mind at ease. I can make him porridge. He might be pretending, but he's still sick. That might help.

Of course, ma'am. We'll get on it immediately, they said.

"No, I will," Charlotte interrupted. "You can join me, of course," she added with a smile as she walked over to them.

*****

Chase scanned the room and noticed Charlotte's absence. Curious, he excused himself and stepped out. The smell of food hit him immediately, which he found strange since his father had already eaten. He headed to the kitchen.

His eyes darkened upon seeing Charlotte, her hair in a bun and sleeves rolled up, instructing the maids who followed her orders. Charlotte's smile vanished as soon as she saw Chase standing in the doorway. She feared his reaction, given his usual displeasure.

"I thought I could do something to help your father feel better," she said before he could speak. He stared at her, expressionless.

"Oh," Charlotte said, letting her hair down. I was cooking and had to make it up. I wasn't trying to offend you, she added nervously.

"Serve him," he said, turning away. Relieved she wasn't scolded, Charlotte served the food. Moments later, Chase's father went out to eat. Charlotte watched, pleased, as he seemed to enjoy the meal.

"Mia, did you do this?" Mr. Benjamin asked, smiling. "Maybe I should get sick more often so you can cook for me," he joked.

"I'll cook for you anytime, Mr. Benjamin, she replied, smiling but cautious, aware that Chase always seemed angry with her.

"Oh, please, call me father," he insisted.

"Okay, Father," Charlotte said, her smile widening.

Chase observed her, noting the glow that appeared whenever she smiled, stirring something within him. He didn't know her intentions, but whatever they were, he wanted them to stop.

"You can make these for my grandchildren when they get sick too," Mr. Benjamin said, smiling as he continued eating.

Charlotte's smile faltered. She looked at Chase and then at his father, wondering if he was unaware of their contractual marriage.

"Father, I'll leave you to get better," Chase said, grabbing Charlotte's hand and pulling her out of the room.

*****

"Don't you think we should make sure he's fine before we leave?" she asked, concerned.

"What the hell do you think you were doing in there?" he demanded as they reached the car.

"What?" Charlotte asked, bewildered.

He's my father, not yours. You don't have to pretend to care. This is just a stupid contract that will end in months. Don't pretend to be a good daughter-in-law. I hate pretenders the most, he said angrily, getting into the car.

"If you don't get in here in five seconds, you're walking home," he snapped. Charlotte quickly got into the car, her heart pounding.

*****

Chase went up to his room without a word to Charlotte. She watched him walk up wanting to apologize, but her phone rang suddenly.

"Hi, Mom," she answered, retreating to her room.

"Well? How was it? Her father's voice asked.

"How was what?" she replied, confused.

Your wedding night. Did you sleep together?, he pressed.

She bit her lip, unsure and afraid of the consequences of what would be if she said no.

"I knew she would be useless," her mother muttered.

You have become willful. Visit us tomorrow, her father commanded, and hung up.

She opened her door and glanced at Chase's room, unable to muster the courage to ask him to join her. Flinging herself onto her bed, she buried her face in her pillows, dreading the visit. She couldn't face her parents alone; maybe Chase's presence would convince them they were happy.

*****

She knocked on her parents' door, trembling. As she heard her mother's footsteps walk towards the door, she quickly composed herself. A few seconds later, his mother opened the door, looking at her disapprovingly.

"Where is he? Your husband? She asked.

"He's busy. He couldn't make it, Charlotte said, stepping back in fear.

How useless are you? You couldn't get a man to sleep with you, and you came along. Mia could have done better, her father yelled from the house. "Bring the needle," he commanded. Her mother sent in immediately, and she quickly went in as she pleaded.

As her mother approached with the needles, Charlotte's heart pounded. "Please!" she pleaded, kneeling with tears. "I'll do whatever you want from now on."

Her father pulled out two needles mercilessly as her mother moved towards her and her mother ripped open her buttons, exposing her back. Mr. Thompson raised the needles and inserted them, making Charlotte scream in pain.

"Stop!!" They heard a voice snap at the door, causing them to come to a halt.