Chapter 99

Frederick held Charlotte close, comforting her like she was a child.

"How did we end up here?" Charlotte sobbed, more to herself than to Frederick. She couldn't wrap her head around how things had gotten so bad. Sure, their relationship had been pretty uneventful for the last five years,but at least they had space and companionship. They weren't constantly stressed over every little thing.

She missed those simpler times, not this constant state of fear and deceit.

"I'm sorry," Frederick kept saying, over and over. He wasn't the type to apologize much. Usually, he'd try to fix his mistakes rather than just say sorry. He figured if apologies were enough, there wouldn't be any conflicts in the world.

But looking at Charlotte's tear-streaked face, he realized all his usual methods and possessions were useless. All he could do was keep apologizing, hoping it would somehow heal her heart.

Charlotte cried in his arms for what felt like forever until her eyes hurt and her tears dried up. She finally stopped and looked up, her face red with embarrassment.

They were surrounded by trash cans filled with used tissues, some even scattered on the ground.

"Don't just throw stuff around like that. What will people think if they see this?" Charlotte's face burned with embarrassment.

"Well, I was wiping your tears. I wonder if people might think it's something else," Frederick teased, noticing her mood lighten a bit. Charlotte gave him a shy, reproachful look. "Clean it up. If someone misunderstands, I won't be able to show my face at your office again!"

"Alright. I'll clean it up," Frederick said, feeling a surprising sense of happiness rather than annoyance. He gathered the trash, completing the task despite his inexperience.

Watching his clumsy movements, Charlotte felt a pang of sadness.Despite the recent unpleasant events, one thing was clear: their interactions had become more genuine. Frederick was no longer just a man; he was becoming her husband, making her feel cherished and protected.

"What are you thinking.about?" Frederick asked, noticing her dazed expression. His gaze fell on her slightly rounded belly.

"Have you gained weight recently? Your stomach looks bigger than before,"he said, placing his hand on her belly with a puzzled look.

Charlotte's expression stiffened. She gently pushed his hand away,pretending to scratch her stomach casually. "Really? Maybe I've just been eating too much lately."

"Too much?" Frederick stood up slowly, sensing that Charlotte was hiding something from him. But this time, he didn't get angry. He just hoped she would be honest with him.

Charlotte knew he was suspicious. She lowered her head and said, "Let's not talk about this. What about Serena? She might be..."

"Don't change the subject," Frederick commanded.

"I'm not," Charlotte retorted.

"Then tell me," Frederick insisted. Charlotte tried to stay calm. She didn't want to reveal the pregnancy yet,but she also didn't want to lie to Frederick. "I don't have anything to worry about. I do have some things I can't say right now, but I'll tell you when I can,okay?"

"Why?" Frederick's tone softened, but he still wanted answers. He couldn't stand deceit and betrayal, but he wouldn't be angry if Charlotte was honest with him.

"Please, just give me some time,"she pleaded.

"Alright," Frederick agreed. Just as Charlotte was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he hugged her from.behind, his hand resting on her belly.

Charlotte froze.

Frederick thought she was afraid of his anger. "I can respect your choice,but I don't like being lied to. Just be honest with me," he said, his hand gently circling her belly. "If your stomach keeps growing, it would be like you're pregnant."

His casual joke made Charlotte's face turn pale, but luckily, he couldn't see her expression from behind.

Charlotte forced a laugh. "Don't joke about that. If I were pregnant,surviving that car accident would be a miracle."

She wasn't wrong. Although she was nearing the end of the risky period of her pregnancy, the accident had been terrifying. It was a miracle that both she and the baby were safe.

"It won't happen again. I won't let you get hurt," Frederick promised,tightening his embrace. He rested his chin on her shoulder, rubbing his cheek against hers. Charlotte squirmed, trying to avoid his stubble. Frederick,sensing her discomfort,moved closer. "Trying to escape? Do you think you can get away?"

"Let go of me. You're so annoying," she protested.

"Annoying? There's more where that came from. Do you want to try?"Frederick's warm breath made Charlotte's cheeks flush. She feared he might get carried away.

"I'm hungry. Let's go home and eat," she said quickly.

The word "home" struck a chord with Frederick. He turned her to face him. "Say that again."

"Say what?" Charlotte looked at him, confused.

Frederick's eyes shone with an emotion she couldn't decipher. Suddenly,he kissed her, catching her completely off guard.