"This is my fault," said Charlotte Thompson in a whisper, a worry crease forming between her brows.
There were some things she had always chosen to run away from.
For reasons unknown, Charlotte felt as though she hadn’t quite moved on from her past.
The word ’marriage’ felt a little too heavy for her.
Or maybe it was because the man in front of her was still the same Justin Battleson from back then, but her identity and status are now entirely different from what they once were.
It seemed like there was always an inexplicable barrier in front of her.
Even though she could shatter it with just a reach of her hand, Charlotte Thompson was very hesitant.
Justin held onto Charlotte, his other hand gently brushed away her frown.
"Don’t say that, Charlotte," he said.
She bit her lower lip lightly, her voice faltering a little, "Can you give me a bit more time?"
Justin cupped her cheeks. His warm fingers trailed her skin, taking in the delicate contours of her brows and eyes.
"No matter how long it takes, I will wait for you."
Charlotte felt a distinct dampness at the corner of her eyes.
The man in front of her was always the one to grant her the most forgiveness.
She nestled in Justin’s embrace to the rhythmic beat of his heart.
The September wind seemed to become the embodiment of the season’s gentleness, filling every corner of their surroundings, even their room seemed to be filled with warmth.
With eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, Charlotte Thompson looked up at Justin.
"Thank you for being so patient with me." ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novelꞁire.net
However, as soon as Charlotte finished speaking, Justin, who had his arms around her waist, tightened his grip and hoisted her up.
Charlotte let out a startled gasp and instinctively held onto Justin’s neck.
Justin placed Charlotte on the table right behind him, bringing her eye level with him.
Charlotte didn’t expect this move from Justin, her eyes were filled with panic, like a frightened bunny.
"What are you, umm..."
But before she could finish her sentence was consumed by something else entirely.
Warm lips intertwined with breaths, alluringly entangled.
It was as if Justin wanted to imprint Charlotte into his very bones. His actions were gentle but contained an irresistible authority.
Justin’s hands were braced on either side of Charlotte, pulling her even more securely into his embrace.
Charlotte’s palm was soft as she tried to push him away, but all she made contact with was his heart that felt as if it were trying to break free from his chest.
After what seemed like an eternity, Justin finally withdrew from Charlotte, though somewhat reluctantly.
Charlotte was panting heavily, her face flushed. She looked at Justin innocently, her foggy eyes adding a dash of charm to her appearance.
Justin swallowed hard, the expression in his eyes deepened for a moment.
"What are you doing?"
Charlotte bit her lower lip as if she could still taste the remnants of his distinct scent on her mouth.
"Didn’t I tell you before? Stop thanking me," Justin said slowly, his tone sincere and resolute.
Looking at her own reflection in Justin’s eyes, Charlotte felt a wave of warmth coursing through her heart.
Justin’s finger touched her lips, and he spoke ambiguously into her ear.
"Well then... if you make a mistake, you need to face the consequences."
Charlotte realized too late Justin’s plot. Her protests and cry of surprise were drowned out by the amusement in Justin’s eyes.