When We Meet Again

It was time to go home already but Charlotte had a few things to do; she needed to draft out the plans for the estate project so she could have her first meeting with the heads of the departments that had agreed to work with her. Bella stayed back to help her. While she was seated drafting the plans out, Bella was busy arranging the table.

"Do you have all the documents for tomorrow's meeting, ready?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes, ma'am. I have them arranged on the shelf over there." Bella pointed.

"Thank you, Bella. You can leave when you are done with that."

Bella nodded. "Okay, ma'am". Bella was done in a few minutes. She picked up her bag. "I am leaving, ma'am." Charlotte nodded but said nothing. "You won't be staying in the office for long, would you?" Charlotte looked up. "I won't. Don't worry about me. I will leave when I am..."

Melvin walked in which made Charlotte stop talking. She stared at him. His visit wasn't a surprise to her, though she could not understand why he showed up.

Why is he here? She wondered. He is not here to watch over her, is he? He has been watching her through surveillance videos both at home and in the office. Isn't that enough? Does he need to come to her office and watch her too? Charlotte would have doubted if watching her was his intention if he had spoken up instead of staring at her. He wasn't saying anything to her; he seemed lost in thought, just staring at her.

She sighed. "Bella, you are done, right?"

Bella nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Then you should leave," Charlotte said. She could see the fear in Bella's eyes; Melvin's presence and silence were the cause. "See you, tomorrow."

Bella left quickly after waving at Charlotte. After Bella left, Charlotte dropped the pen in her hand.

"The coast is clear. Can you at least tell me why you are here?"

"Let's head home," Melvin said, staring at his wristwatch.

Charlotte was taken aback by his unexpected invitation. Why does he want to go home with her? Did his mom ask him to?

"W-what did you say?" She stuttered.

"Clear up your table and let's go home."

Charlotte was short of words; what was she supposed to say?

She picked up the pen and papers on the table and placed them in her bag; she will finish them up at home.

"Are you ready?" Melvin asked and she nodded.

"Then let's go."

Charlotte was surprised he was willing to leave the office with her. Those left in the company were surprised too; they would not stop murmuring.

This is going to be the topic of the day, tomorrow. Charlotte thought.

They got to the car, got in, and the driver drove off. The drive back to the old mansion was quiet. Charlotte could not stop thinking about the gesture Melvin showed towards her today. Though she knew he must have done that to please his mother, she could not stop thinking about it; it made her feel helpless.

Charlotte knew that their relationship wasn't getting any better; It had been stagnant. That is if it hadn't worsened more than it was before. It might worsen more if care is not taken. Yet this little gesture gave her nothing but hope that their marriage might be better.

Charlotte felt awkward sitting beside him; she wished they would get home quickly. Her prayer was answered; the driver drove into the compound. Charlotte stepped out of the car and walked into the house quickly before Melvin would. Mia was in the living room; she welcomed Charlotte.

"Welcome back, Charlotte. How is your first day resuming back to work?"

"Fine, I guess. There was so much work waiting for me. I am glad I went back." Charlotte answered.

"Were you able to sign the contract?"

Charlotte nodded. "Yes, I did."

"I am so happy for you. Can I start working with you now? I would love to work on the real estate project." "Have you spoken to your brother about it?"

"I haven't."

"You should speak to him first."

"I will. I..." Melvin walked in. "Welcome brother."

"Oh, Mia," Melvin mumbled.

"You should speak to him now," Charlotte whispered. She stood up. "I am going upstairs to change."

**

It was evening; Charlotte and Melvin were seated in the living room. Melvin was scrolling through his phone while Charlotte's eyes were glued to the screen. She wasn't really, interested in the movie but the tension between them had built up; it made her feel uncomfortable. Charlotte wished there would be someone to ease up that tension.

When Mia walked in, Charlotte could not help but breathe a sigh of relief; she felt better now that they were three. Mia joined in watching the movie with Charlotte but when she noticed that there might be tension between the couples, she decided to help them ease it. She began to talk about random topics that would catch the interest of both couples and she succeeded; the room was lightened up. Mia was happy because, to her, that was the first time the couple showed interest in the same thing.

Charlotte could tell Mia did that for her and she appreciated that but she thought the consolation was not necessary; she had come to terms with the fact that Melvin did not like her.

The chat continued for a while until Mrs. Matt walked out of the kitchen to announce that dinner was ready. Melvin and Charlotte headed to the dining table while Mia went to her mother's room to call her. Mia returned with her mother a few minutes later and dinner was served.

Staring at the meals in front of him, Melvin's face showed nothing but discontentment; he wasn't satisfied with the choice of meals but he said nothing about it.

While they ate, their mother talked more about herself and her family. She asked questions at some point and Charlotte tried to answer them politely though she had no interest in them.

Dinner ended and Charlotte was happy to finally leave the table. Mia asked for Melvin's attention outside; she had a lot to tell him about his attitude towards his wife. She had noticed that though he pretended in front of their mother that he cared and liked his wife, it was obvious that he didn't.

Mia tried to make him understand that he needed to treat his wife better; he had been treating her so unfairly. Melvin's reaction was indifferent. He insisted that even if an affection exists on Charlotte's part, he will never reciprocate it. Their marriage was nothing but an accident and it will remain that way; he has no plan to fall in love with her.

Mia was worried about Melvin's attitude and tried to talk him into changing his mind. Melvin was adamant about not treating Charlotte better than he had been treating her which led to an argument. Charlotte who was just walking by them, heard their conversation and decided not to get involved in the dispute. Instead, she spent her time admiring the stars in the sky, complimenting on how beautiful they were; a way to ease the tension and put her mind at peace.