Her husband's wife

"Charlene Knight."

She increased the volume while reading the magazine as she was completely engrossed. She blinded her face with it. It would be hard for the passengers in the public bus to see her face, since she had covered half of her face with it.

She ribboned her golden hair to one side and parted her plump pink lips. A voice called out from behind but she heard no sound than the song she was listening to. A gentle tap on her shoulder made to remove her gaze on the magazine, she glimpsed behind her seat.

"Charlene Knight. " He called her full names.

She was in a mellow mood with a solemn countenance. She parted her lips and blinked once. "Javier." She murmured his name, put the magazine down on her laps.

His eyes beamed. He stood up from his seat and walked to the old woman sitting beside her. "Please ma'am, may I have this seat with the exchange of mine?" He requested politely.

"Sure son." The old woman nodded while smiling brightly. She rose and walked ponderously to his seat. Javier sat heavily beside her. "How did you get in?"

"I was with you at the bus stop." He said. She shrugged. "I guess you didn't notice. What are you reading?" He asked, taking the magazine on her lap. He loosened his tie as he turned over the first page.

"It isn't the kind of thing you'd love to read. Give it back." She attempted to take the magazine from him but he didn't let it go.

"You've been staring at this picture for a while." He said knowingly.

"So?"

"Do you like him?"

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She might liked the man in the magazine but to be honest with herself, the man would never noticed her. She had a secret crush on the man ever since she came across his magazines in her father's room. She didn't know anything about the young CEO but she had a huge crush on him. Sometimes when she had nothing to do or she was perturbed, staring at his picture ease her mind. Since then she found peace in his magazines. "I found the magazine in dad's room." She steered the question.

"Actually that's not what I asked you. Do you like Richard Sullivan?" He demanded, still hanging the magazine in the air.

"If I say yes would that help your curiosity? Give me back the magazine." She said sternly. She wanted to snatch it from him but he kept wagging his hand in the air, making it hard for her. She was losing her patient as Javier kept playing her. It got to the point where she was going to get down from the bus, she pressed a button then up, she rose. "You can keep it if you want." She said and walked to the exiting door.

"Wait, Charlene." Javier called but she never turned back. She alighted from the bus with her backpack hung at her back. Javier hurried after her but the bus had started moving. "I'm getting down." He announced, making the bus skidded to a halt. He hurried out of the bus and headed to the direction she had taken.

He was able to catch up with her on her way home. "Why are you following me?" She halted and turned around.

"I just want to return this." He extended the magazine to her. "I'm sorry if I've upset you."

"You can keep it if you want it. I have many at home." She said soothly.

"I'm not Charlene Knight that loves reading magazines. It's not my taste."

"Um." She extended her hand to him. "Then let me have it."

"Not so soon, sweetheart. What happened to your twins' brother?"

"He sustained a minor injury on his leg during the motorcycles race. He's going to be alright, " She assured.

"Thanks for asking about that idiot. My magazine please." Javier returned the magazine to her.

"Have a pleasant day."

"You too. Don't bother to wait for bus, just a hail a cab instead. Bye-bye." She started walking as she headed home. It would took her ten minutes to reach the estate. She took a public transport because Charles couldn't make it to college without limping. He couldn't move without support after he sustained the injuries during the weekend. She turned over the first page as she kept walking. She wasn't looking at where she was going as she focused her gaze on the picture.

"Hey, watch where you're going Miss." A young boy nearly hit her with his bicycle.

She closed the magazine and sighed. "I'm sorry little one." She bowed a bit. "Oh." She breathed. She sidled across the estates, looking at their gate. A smile clouded her eyes as she hurried to the door.

"Welcome, charlene." The gatekeeper greeted cheerfully.

"Thanks Mr willow." She trudged to the door, she twisted the door handle then walked inside.

"Welcome, charlene." Their housemaid greeted on her way to the kitchen.

"How are you? Where is Charles?"

"I'm good, and Charles is in his room."

She hurried to the stairs, she gripped the railings as she ascended the stairs. She headed to his door, planting a soft knock on it.

"Come in."

She unlocked the door and stepped inside. "Have you tried to get your ass off bed by yourself?" She sputtered while moving close to him in the bed.

"I'm following mom's instructions."

"You, Charles? I don't believe you. If you've followed mom's instructions I'm pretty sure you won't be in this position."

"You are making me feel bad right now."

"What a stubborn child?" She put her backpack on the bed.

"Stop talking like mom."

"Have I started scolding you? How are you feeling now?" She touched the bandages on his leg.

"Not so severe like yesterday, at least I can hop on one feet."

"Is there anything you want me to help you with?"

"Massage." He pouted sarcastically.

She hit him playfully. "I'm not your girlfriend, Charles knight."

"But you said you're my first girlfriend. Are you breaking up with me already?"

"Don't start now." She hit him because of the mischievous smirk on his face.

"Your long crush is holding a party tonight and dad is going to attend with mom."

"Really?"

"Yes really. I overheard them talking about the party, it seems like mom is going to attend the party too."

"Oh no. What should I do Charles? This is my last chance to meet Richard Sullivan. I have to attend the party with dad." She took Charles hand while looking at him with her puppy eyes which she knew it was his weakness.

"Stop looking at me with such eyes, Charlene."

She shook her head vigorously. She blinked once, looking pitiful. "Please you have to think of something, Charles. Please." She pouted her lips in a cute way that made him to give up.

"Let mom return then we'll figure out what to do together."

"Are you sure?"

He scoffed. "I'm a master planner, are you doubting me?"

"Of course not. If it works I'll talk to Vero on your behalf, it seems like the lady also likes you."

"Who's Vero?"

"Your nemesis."

Charles widened his mouth. He huffed and looked away. "You mean that castigator."

"I know you're stalking her, you like her but I don't know why you two are always criticizing each other." She chuckled mockingly.

There was no way Charles would ask her to do that, both of them never got along for two minutes. They always ended up in a fight, she criticized him, he retaliated. That made them enemies.

"Lair. Why should I stalk my enemy?"

"Gosh, you're behaving like a kid right now, Charles. I stalked both," She laughed and bantered him a little. "You stalk her, she stalks you. Both of you will make a good couple."

"Hell no." He put up a pococurate act as he pouted his lips.

"Stop being a hardhead." She gave him a hard knocked on his head before dashing out of his room.

"Ouch! Charlene, you're so dead." He shouted loudly.

"Catch me if you can." She knew he'd never stepped out of the room, he refused walking-stick so there was no way he could walk on his own without any support.

Charlene walked in the room. She had a quick shower then put on a casual dress. She sauntered back to his room, she met him facing the ceilings, he seemed to be contemplating. She ambled closer as she looked weirdly at him.

He sprung away because of her weirdly stare. "Jesus. That was creepy, you don't stare at someone like that."

She pulled back while standing beside him. "Let's get your ass out of bed." She offered him a support. He took her arm as she lifted him out of the bed.

"Ouch!"

"Stop whining like a kid." She berated.

"Stop scolding me like mom." He yelled, letting go of her arm.

"Then if you want me to stop, you too should stop groaning like a woman. You're a man for goodness sake."

"I'm not Charlene Knight."

She hated to hear people saying they were never her. "What do you say?" She released her gripped making him hit his butt on the bed.

"You're bad."

"You have a gentle face but your foul mouth, no good words ever come out of it."

"Perhaps you want to miss the opportunity of meeting your prince charming today?"

"Really?"

"Let's have a deal."

"If it doesn't work out for me, I'll add to your injury, Charles knight."

"If it works, you have to obey me."

"I'm older than you."

"Just two seconds."

She contracted her lips into a frown while resisting the urge to smack his head. "Two minutes." She corrected him.

"Stop lying, Charlene. Do I have this deal?"

"If you fail you have to do whatever I want. I'm going to meet Richard today." She jumped up cheerily.

He smirked with a wink. "Sure." He extended his hand for handshake. "Don't act clumsy in front of him, and you need to stop obsessing or you're going to mess up."

"Shut up dimwit." She snapped. "Let me help you out."

"I don't trust you,"

"I swear I won't let go of your hand. Let me help you out." She assured him with a smile.

Charles hesitated before giving in, he looked into her eyes squarely. He had to be sure she wouldn't hurt him. "Okay."

ROWAN WAS SITTING patently for Kathleen to finish her makeover. She was in the room preparing for the party. Rowan glanced at his watch and sighed loudly.

"I'm sorry darling, I'm almost done." She hooked the necklace around her neck then stared at her reflection in the mirror. She turned to look at him, she twisted her lips and gestured to him to say something about her makeup.

"Not looking bad. You look gorgeous tonight." He winked at her and gave her a thumb.

"Thanks sweetheart. Shall we?" They held hands and exited the room.

Charlene looked at him for the last time, she wished she could wipe the dirt smirk on his face. Charles wasn't helping her situation, he focused his gaze on the flat screen tv as he ignored her like she wasn't with him. She was going to cry if he didn't say anything.

"Stop looking at me with that face, I haven't done anything wrong."

"You promise to help, remember?"

"I didn't say I won't help. I'm just hoping you won't mess up this time."

"I promise you. In fact, I will give you whatever you want, please help me. I have to attend the party."

He gave a short nod. He looked at the staircase, he was hearing their parent's footsteps. He took a deep breath then cried out in high pitch. Charlene looked abruptly, she rushed to his side to help. "Hey what's wrong?"

"Call mom now. That's the only way to stop her from going with dad." He whispered to her and grinned.

"You're a fool. You almost gave me a heart attack." She hit him on the shoulder. "Mom, dad!" Charlene called out.

Kathleen rushed downstairs. She hurried to his side and crouched to examine his legs. "What's wrong, honey?"

"My leg." He wiggled on the sofa and forced tears out of his eyes. "My head is spinning, mom."

"Oh God. I have to call for the ambulance." She said and searched around for her purse that she had dropped on the floor when she heard his cries.

"Here mom. Stop shouting like a baby, Charles." Charlene cautioned, she attempted to massage his legs but he pushed her hands away.

"Stop adding to the pain I'm feeling. Argh." He cried out again. Kathleen couldn't think well, the way he was crying made her knees weak.

"Calm down. I've called for the ambulance dear."

"Sorry, Charles. I thought you're getting better."

"I'm getting worse." He cried out. When he noticed their parents were pacing around without looking at them, he exchanged wink with Charlene. Flavia brought a first aid kit. She brought out a syringe and injected him to ease the pain he was feeling.

In a short time the ambulance arrived. He was groaning non-stop so they wheeled him out with a stretcher. "I'm coming with you." Rowan said when they reached outside. He hopped in his car, Charlene joined in while Kathleen followed the ambulance.

When they arrived at the hospital, Kathleen wanted to go in with him but her colleague stopped. It was after ten minutes the doctor came out. Kathleen leaped up and dashed toward her. "How's my boy?" Rowan and Kathleen asked in union.

"He's getting better. He probably hit his injured leg against something and that caused him unbearable pain. He's resting right now."

"Ah. What a relief?" She sighed with relief. She looked at Rowan, who had a worried look. "How about the party? You go ahead, I'll watch over our son."

"But..."

"You don't want to disappoint your best friend. He'll be fine."

Charlene didn't make any attempt, she stood beside Flavia while looking at them. She was saying prayers underneath that her mother shouldn't tell her to stay back.

"I'm not fond of going to party alone." He complained, hoping she would change her mind.

"Charlene should come with you. After all, she'll get to meet someone tonight."

Charlene was about to shout out of joy but she held herself back. It wasn't time to jubilate. She bit her lower lip to stop her from grinning. "But I want to stay with Charles,"

"Are you sure?" Kathleen knew she meant the opposite of what she said. Rowan cleared his throat to get their attention.

"We should head on. Flavia will stay with you and if anything happens, call me." He said and kissed her on the forehead. She nodded once. Rowan and Charlene walked out of the hospital. Charlene never stopped grinning while walking behind her father. "Do you have a party dress?"

"I have one."

"That makes it easy."

"Am I going to meet Richard today?" She enquired.

"Maybe. Charlene, it's not just a party that you should mess around with, don't act reckless." She gave him an assured smile without uttering a word.

She searched her closet for a party dress, unfortunately she couldn't find the red strapless gown she wore on her prom night. She had searched thoroughly but it seemed like she didn't have the gown anymore.

Charlene cursed underneath as she looked at the clock on the wall. It was getting pretty late and someone was downstairs waiting for her to come down.

"What am I supposed to do now?" She ran her fingers through her hair, huffed with frustration. Her phone vibrated on the bed, she walked over and looked at the screen.

"Dad? I'm fucking things up as much as I can." She rasped, took her phone then ran out of her room. The whole mansion was hushed, since Charles was still in the hospital, Flavia was also with her mother.

She looked around determinedly while sneaking into her parent's bedroom. She closed the door behind her slowly, although she was the only one around but she was fretful.

Her phone rang in her hand, she put it down on the dressing table then shuffled to their closet. She scanned through her mother's closet for a gorgeous dress.

"She's fond of attending parties but this is extravagant for someone like her. Gosh, I have to be fast about this." She ran her fingers on the railings till her eyes caught one shoulder sequin split long rose dress. "Gotcha! I hope you fit," She grabbed the dress and checked it out.

She pondered why the dress fitted her perfectly, it wasn't her mother size or could it be she bought it for her? "Anyways, I'm taking this." She strode out of the walk-in closet, she took her phone on the table then exited the room.

She stalked in, placed the dress on the table before going to her closet to select heels, she selected a pair of silver ankle strap heels and a silver waist belt.

"What do I desire from him? Just a glance from him is enough for tonight." She murmured to herself. She dressed up, styled her long golden hair then concentrated on her reflection in the full length mirror. She took her silver purse and her phone before walking out of the room.

She hoped her father would get mad at her for delaying. She gripped the stairs railings while descending the stairs, she tried to maintain her calmness when she saw him sitting on a sofa.

"Finally you're here. It took you a year to dress up," Rowan said sarcastically.

She walked up to him and smiled anxiously. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting." Rowan rose then dipped his hands in his trousers pockets.

"The dress..."

Charlene refrained the urge of rolling her eyes. "I'm borrowing it for tonight, I'll return it to her closet later."

Rowan chortled as they headed outside. "That wasn't what I'm about to say... she actually wore the dress the night I proposed to her."

Her eyes beamed astoundingly, and she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "oh, really?" Rowan nodded. They hopped inside the luxury car and the driver zoomed off. "This is her lucky dress," She exclaimed tremendously.

"Um, it fits you perfectly." He complimented, and she blushed. She wasn't expecting him to say that.

She looked out through the car window, she wrapped her hands around herself as she felt a dart of nervousness. She couldn't decipher another feeling that rose in her. Throughout the long ride she didn't speak to her father, she preferred not to talk beside the only conversation she would love to have with him would be about Richard Sullivan.

The car came to a halt, the driver alighted and opened the door for Rowan to get down. He alighted then Charlene stepped out as her father held her hand. "Thanks, dad."

"Shall we?" She nodded once, took his arm as they walked alongside inside the massive room crowded with more than fifty people.

She was getting nervous as they walked together, people's stares made her uncomfortable, nevertheless she had never attended any party like that.

As if Rowan noticed her state of nervousness, he patted her hand lovely. "It's just a party, Charlene." He reminded her, smiled at her brightly.

She inhaled and exhaled deeply before looking around for nothing particularly. People murmured as they concentrated on her. "Mr knight," Someone called out from behind. Rowan stopped walking, he pivoted around to look at the person that just called him.

"Mr Sullivan," They exchanged greetings. Charlene gulped air while looking at Bryant Sullivan, Richard's father.

"It took you a while. There's something I want to discuss with you, let's go upstairs. Wait a second, is this my Charlene?" Bryant noticed Charlene, a bright smile clouded his eyes as he looked at the beautiful lady in front of him.

"Yes,"

Charlene didn't know what to do, she wanted to greet but she couldn't think of a perfect way to start. Bryant noticed, he opened his arms wildly for her and gestured to her. "The last time I saw you was when you're little. Dear, how have you been?"

Charlene moved closer nervously, he engulfed her into a warm embrace then pecked her cheeks. "Good day sir,"

"It seems like milady is nervous." He teased and exchanged looks with Rowan, both of them chuckled. Rowan knew the kind of daughter he had, Charlene wasn't a shy lady but tonight she was acting strange.

"Will you like to come with us or do you want to enjoy the party?" Rowan demanded.

"Of course she can come along."

"I'd love to look around." She murmured before she could stop herself.

"Okay?" She nodded. Rowan shrugged before leaving with Bryant as they engaged in a conversation on their way.

Charlene looked around for nothing, almost everyone was with their partners while chatting rapturously. She was lonely in their midst. She walked up to a table and took a seat beside a couple in their late fifties.

"I haven't seen Mr Sullivan around," His wife said while looking around.

"Richard Sullivan?"

The wife nodded. "Yes, he'll be given a speech but why isn't he around yet?"

"Probably he's in any of the rooms upstairs. I want to use the restroom, I'll be right back." The husband said and pecked his wife's cheek before heading to the restroom.

Charlene breathed slowly, she glanced at the woman beside her. She took a sip of champagne and smiled at Charlene. "You're beautiful–" Charlene didn't pivot her head to look at the woman beside her, she thought she couldn't be talking to her. She was still looking around when she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. "You come with your husband?"

Puzzlingly, she parted her lips. "Um, no. I came with my dad." She answered nervously.

"Your father? Wow, that's good." She prayed silently that the woman shouldn't ask her any question, she didn't prepare herself for any sort of questions tonight. "And who's your father?"

Could she stop being inquisitive? Charlene had to resist the urge of huffing. "Mr knight, if you know him by the name–" She said, quickly looking away from her.

"Rowan Knight, judging by the look you resemble him."

"Ha!" Charlene sighed confusingly, no one had ever told her she resembled her father, in fact she resembled her mother not her father. "Thanks." That was only the perfect word she could come up with at the moment.

"Honey, let's go." The man arrived and called his wife.

"Oh, you're back." She took his hand and rose. "Enjoy the party sweetheart." She said to Charlene before walking away.

Charlene heard her husband asking her if she knew her but she replied with no. She told him she admired her beauty, it wasn't like they had met before.

Charlene sighed loudly. "Hey beauty." A young man walked over and took a seat around the table. Charlene was lost looking around for Richard. Could he be around? "Hey," He snapped his fingers in her face and that brought Charlene back.

She moved abruptly before gazing at him. "How may I help you?" She enquired a bit frustrated.

"Oh, I'm Devyn and you are..." He looked into her hazel eyes squarely.

"Charlene. I'm Charlene Knight." She replied nonchalantly.

"Do you come with someone?"

She was getting frustrated with the question. Why was everyone asking her if she had come with someone? She nodded. "Yes, I came with my dad." She said and scoffed.

"You're such a ravishing beauty."

"Is that really a compliment?" She arched her brow.

"Not really. Let's just say, a perfect way of starting a conversation with someone."

"Stylish." It sounded more like a question.

Devyn gestured to a lady serving them drinks too. She served them a

new champagne. "You were saying..."

"I wasn't saying anything. You're the one talking." Charlene looked around for a while. Devyn noticed she was looking around for someone.

"Are you waiting for someone?"

She constricted her throat before switching her gaze on him. "No. I'm not waiting for anyone." She lied.

Devyn checked his watch, he hissed. "Why isn't he here yet?" He murmured but Charlene heard him. What he murmured prompted her to ask him who he was talking about but she couldn't bring herself down to ask. "Are you bored? It seems like this isn't the kind of party you love to attend."

Of course she was bored, She chuckled. "Absolutely not, why would you say that?"

"Obviously you are. You don't seem to enjoy every bit of it." Devyn's phone rang, he looked at her helplessly and Charlene understood his countenance, she gestured to him to pick up. He told the person on the phone that he'd join him soon. He hung up then faced her. "Do you mind coming with me?"

Charlene would have protested but she seemed to enjoy his company. Once he left she'd be lonely again. She nodded severally. "I don't mind." Without asking where they were heading, Charlene gave in.

Devyn smiled, he rose while Charlene drew the chair back a little, she stood up as she took her purse. "Damn it! I'm already getting bored since that jerk refused to show up."

"Who are you talking about?" Charlene asked curiously. She glimpsed at his face for an answer.

"A friend, I'm not sure you know. I'm talking about Richard Sullivan, do you know him?"

They hadn't met so she couldn't say yes to him, she shook her head vigorously. "I don't know him. I thought his father organized the party."

"For the succession of his projects, Richard's projects." They took the elevator to the sixth floor.

"Oh,"

They stepped out when the elevator slid open. Devyn led the way to a room, he pressed a button on the door and it opened automatically. "What are we doing here?" Charlene inquired as they stepped inside a massive room, it seemed like an organized living room.

"My friends are here."

"Thank goodness, is he with you?" Liam asked, looking around for him.

Devyn rolled his eyes before taking a seat beside him, he gestured to Charlene to seat. Charlene had never felt like an intruder, she felt unwelcome in their midst. They all gazed at her then threw question looks at Devyn.

"Richard isn't here and you also brought a stranger. Who is she?" Scarlet queried while looking at Charlene awkwardly.

"That's not a proper way to ask and the way you're staring is illegal." Devyn teased ludicrously.

"Who is she really? You just don't bring anyone here and Richard will be here soon." Scarlet said.

"Calm down, Scarlet. He's not here yet so relax." Adonis cautioned. "Is she your date?" Devyn shook his head. "Then who is she?"

"She's my friend," He answered cheerfully.

"Friend?" Liam's eyes darkened with suspicion.

Charlene was uncomfortable, there was someone she noticed among them that hadn't spoken at all. He was engrossed in his phone, with his hair brushed forward he was handsome, he parted his luscious lips then narrowed his eyes. Charlene quickly looked away as he already caught her staring at him. If she was to rank all of them, he'd surely be the first most handsome among them then Devyn, Liam, Adonis. Scarlet was the only female among them.

"Have you called him?" Devyn steered the conversation.

"Yeah, he has to wait for his son's babysitter before coming. He's already here but I think the old man is scolding him right now because he has replied to my messages." Jeremy explained. His voice was calm and Charlene wondered why he was so quiet even when others were discussing.

A child? She wondered. She didn't know he had a child or even married. Charlene was confused but she couldn't ask any question at the moment.

"Is there something on my face?" He directed the question to Charlene.

Devyn contracted his lips into his frown. He was annoyed by his outburst. "I love you when you don't talk, Jeremy." Devyn huffed.

"She's drooling over you but I guess she's going to drool ten thousand times if she sees Richard." Scarlet mocked disgustingly. She didn't like Charlene for no reason and Charlene had no reason to like her either, she had a running mouth.

Charlene gripped her dress infuriatingly. They were annoying and arrogant, except Devyn.

Devyn put a hand on her lap when he sensed how angry she was when scarlet spoke. She relaxed and took a deep breath. Jeremy looked at her, to be honest he was mesmerized by her beauty because she looked stunning. Her body was white like Snowwhite, she had a flawless face and pump red lips. She parted her long thick lashes as she took a deep breath.

"I want to use the restroom." She whispered to Devyn.

"Oh." He puffed air out from his mouth. "You take that direction." Charlene nodded, she rose then headed to the way he pointed at. The first door she saw, she considered it to be the restroom. She stepped inside. She had done that to excuse herself. If his friends were like that then Richard was no different? That perturbed her as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

She breathed out then turned on the water, she washed her hands and stayed for a few minutes before stepping out.

"Here is your purse."

"Thank you. It's getting late, I should leave." Devyn knew she was going to make an excuse. The truth was, the only thing in her mind was to get the hell out of the room.

"Why?"

"I want to catch up with someone." She lied.

"But you said you came with your father. I'm sorry for the troubles, I know you want to leave because of my friends." Devyn said in a low tone that only her could hear what he was saying.

"Not at all."

"Let me accompany you out." Devyn rose. Scarlet and others were in a deep conversation. Charlene shook her head negatively, she didn't want him to follow her.

"You don't really have to. I'll find my way out, please stay back." Devyn felt bad by her words. He sighed, he looked at her as she walked away.

Something came to her mind as she stepped out of the room,there was a chance she'd get to meet him if she had stayed back but she wasn't comfortable around them. Her phone vibrated, she opened her purse while walking, she sidled across the hallway. She brought her phone out and looked at the screen, it was Charles calling.

She was about to pick the call when she bumped into someone and lost her balance. She moved unsteadily and at that moment she had twisted her right ankle due to the heels, she almost toppled but strong arms grabbed her by the waist before she could land on the tiling floor. Her purse slipped as well as her phone also hit the floor.

"Be careful!" She heard a masculine voice and she felt a spark hearing his voice.

"Be careful!"

Charlene was lost staring at him intently, when their bodies collided there was a strange feeling Charlene felt and she couldn't decipher it. She widened her eyes anxiously with her lips parted to say 'I'm sorry'

When Richard noticed she was lost in his gray eyes, he sighed loudly. He had gotten used to something like that, he assisted her with her balance then cleared her throat. It jolted her out of her imaginary world. "What were you supposed to say for being clumsy?" He demanded struttingly.

Charlene's spirit left her body at the moment, Richard had just proved her instinct right. She looked down at her feet then murmured. "I'm sorry," She gnawed her lower lip as she forced the words out of her mouth.

Richard hardly heard what she said. He huffed and used a finger to lift her head, he made her look at his face. "Look at me and apologize." He ordered pompously.

"I-I'm sorry." She stuttered then took a deep breath. She looked at his face, he wasn't smiling or frowning, he kept a straight face. Charlene was infuriated. She was disappointed and because she adored him, she wouldn't let him have the last word. She summoned courage before speaking. "Does it make you feel better now? Sorry? Oh. The last time I checked, our bodies collided. You bumped into me, I bumped into you so what are you supposed to say now?" She demanded hostilely.

The bodyguards standing behind Richard exchanged looks; did she know who Richard Sullivan was?

Charlene looked determinedly. She didn't expect the man in the magazine to be that rude, she had always seen him as a perfect human being but she was going to change everything she thought about him. Richard was about to speak when his phone rang. A bodyguard came forward and whispered that his father wanted him to come down immediately. Charlene waited for him to apologize as she frowned her lips.

"I owe you no apology. It's not my fault you're clumsy, and if there's anything you should get mad at, definitely your heels." He said apathetically.

She felt a sharp pain in her heart, his words pierced her heart like a dagger and she couldn't hold on to her tears that threatened to fall. Richard showed no emotions, he pivoted and pranced back to the direction he had come from.

Charlene gripped her dress, looking furious as she watched him leaving. She wanted to cry but she comforted herself that he wasn't worth her tears. She lurched unsteadily, she looked at her feet and sighed disappointedly. She had twisted an ankle. "Ah. That ugly jerk." She seethed. She bent to massage her ankle but it hurt. She groaned, closed her eyes while massaging it. She picked her purse and phone on the floor.

She moved the leg forward to feel if she could walk without limping. She staggered toward the elevator, she pressed a button and it slid open. She stepped in vaguely and the door closed. By the time she got down, she had lost interest in staying for the party. She saw people gathered, listening and looking at the person given a speech. She hissed loudly when she caught a glimpse of him.

She was about to make a U-turn when she sighted Rowan standing all alone while pressing his phone. She toddled toward him. "Dad," She called out in a low tone.

"Thank goodness. I was about to call you." Rowan noticed she wasn't smiling, her bright face was gone. He lifted a brow at her. "What's the matter, Charlene?"

"Nothing, dad. Are we not done here?" she spluttered.

Rowan was curious but seeing Charlene, he knew she wasn't going to tell him anything. "You want us to leave now?" He asked calmly.

"Yes. I'm even sleepy."

Rowan shrugged incuriously. "Then let's go home. But wait, what's wrong with you? Richard is over there, I thought you wanted to see him or even talk to him."

She huffed irritatedly hearing his name. "Maybe I was intoxicated. Why would I want to see him? Dad, let's go home. I'm done here for tonight." She said as she twisted her face disgustingly.

"Apparently something happened." Rowan sighed. He gestured to her to walk with him, she slowly lurched making Rowan stop walking. "What happened to your leg?"

Charlene was trying not to recall the incident. "It's really nothing. I hit my leg against something hard. I'm okay." She sputtered.

"Seriously? What the hell is wrong with you tonight, Charlene?"

She was getting pissed off. She puffed air out from her mouth with her eyes closed for two seconds. "Dad, I'm having a headache right now. Please don't make it worse." She said insolently. She lurched ahead of him while heading toward the exit. Rowan followed her. When they got outside, she didn't wait for the driver to open the car door, she opened it and hopped in. Rowan also joined her in the car.

Throughout the long ride she never stopped cursing underneath with frustration. Rowan would look at her and whenever he tried to ask her about what had gone wrong, she would make a nonchalant gesture.

The luxury car pulled into the garage. Charlene alighted before Rowan, she limped inside the living room. She was surprised to meet Charles and Kathleen in the living room. "Hello, Charlene. You're back already?" She glanced at Charles, without saying anything she limped to the staircase.

"Charlene," Kathleen called her name but she didn't stop.

Shortly Rowan came in. Kathleen arched her brow puzzlingly at him. "What's wrong with her?" She queried curiously.

"I don't really know. Maybe she's not in the mood tonight. You know the worst thing about Charlene is her awful mood swings. Just leave her alone and let her have enough space." Rowan slumped beside his wife heavily. "I'm sleepy."

Kathleen chuckled. Charles and Rowan looked at her. "My dress fits her perfectly, but she didn't ask for permission before stealing from my closet." She said, laughing suddenly.

Rowan chortled as he rolled his eyes. "She borrowed it for tonight."

"That dress... do you remember I was putting it on the day you proposed to me?"

"Of course I remember. I just remembered you were also wearing the same necklace you have on your neck right now." Kathleen touched her neck and smiled brightly.

Charles found their conversation boring. He was worried about her, he thought she might need someone to talk to at the moment. He rose and they looked at him perplexingly.

"I'm going to my room." He enunciated before they could ask.

"Should I give you a hand?" Kathleen had stood to help him to his room but Charles declined. He could walk unsteadily without falling.

"You don't have to. Goodnight." Kathleen gave him a kiss on his cheek and Rowan also did the same.

"Goodnight son. I'm pretty sure when she comes back to her sense she'll come down for her goodnight kisses." Rowan referred to Charlene. Kathleen stood looking at him as he headed to the staircase.

"Don't forget to take your medicines. I keep them on the nightstand for and if you ever need anything, call me or Flavia, okay?"

Charles nodded as he ascended the stairs with his grip on the stairs railings. His room was facing Charlene, he walked over and planted a soft knock on it. "Go away, charles." She yelled from inside.

"Just open this damn door before I break it." He ordered sternly.

Charlene walked over and opened the door slowly. Her eyes were red, it seemed like she had been crying. Charles pushed the door and shuffled inside. He shuffled over to his bed and sat on it. He looked around the room, she had messed it up with papers. Charlene shutted her door and walked up to him.

She had torn all the magazines, including pictures of him. "Did he hurt you?" Charles asked quietly.

Charlene's eyes welled up with tears while looking at him. She shook her head vigorously. "Charles, he's not who I thought he is. His friends are arrogant and Richard isn't any better."

"What happened to your leg?"

"I twisted my ankle when I bumped into him. We were both at fault, I apologized but he didn't. He's proud, grumpy and arrogant. His gut disgusts me." She seethed while clenching her fists.

Charles laughed delightfully. "I know you're going to mess up. You couldn't give him what he deserved but here, you'll be scolding me like you're my mom."

Her lips clouded with a frown. "Are you crazy?"

He shook his head negatively as he bit his lower lip to stop him from laughing. "You don't really have to do this. Clean up your room and let's talk about something that will make you forgive him."

"Flavia will do it. I'm tired and I'm going crazy right now." She pouted her lips which made Charles almost laugh again. "I wished I had strangled him back then."

"But because you love him you couldn't do anything. Just forget about it as if it never happened. You don't expect him to be nice to you at your first meeting. Maybe he wasn't in a pleasant mood so don't judge him yet."

"Did you say that to make me feel better?"

"To stop you from thinking crazy." She moved closer and knocked him hard on his head.

"Ouch! Charlene!" He screamed her name.

"Respect your elder sister–" She grinned delightfully then sat before him. "So what are we talking about tonight?"

"Let me massage your ankle. It hurts right?"

"Not really–"

"Get an ointment, I'll do it for you." He said. Charlene didn't protest because she knew Charles wouldn't give up.