Chapter 8

If people wanted to blame one, they would always find a reason.

Charlotte never hurt anyone. It was always Vivian. Every time Charlotte came home, she came up with some new way to accuse Charlotte.

Henry knew the truth, but he actually believed Vivian's story. He pushed Charlotte down into the sand, his voice thundered.

"Are you happy now?" Henry shouted.

Henry ignored everything he witnessed himself over the past eight years, and just because of a few tears from Vivian, he believed Vivian's story so easily.

Charlotte felt a coldness that lingered, not just for a second.

But Henry showed no remorse at all. He shook his head in disappointment, as if Charlotte were a stranger to him.

Henry said, "I used to think you were just willful, but at least you were kind. Now you're downright cruel and vicious. Charlotte, how did you become a woman so full of malice?

"I guess I was blind before. From now on, don't even think about touching Vivian again. If anything happens to her, I'll come after you."

Charlotte closed her eyes, trying to steady herself.

"Just hang in there. In a few days, I'll be out of here anyway," Charlotte muttered.

"Leave? Where are you going?" Henry asked.

He immediately picked up on Charlotte's words.

"So that's it, huh? You're just trying to threaten me. Charlotte, you've really got some tricks up your sleeve, even learned how to play hard to get," Henry said.

Henry's reaction was intense; he gripped Charlotte's wrist hard and glared at her.

"Quit scheming. Our wedding's in two days. You're not going anywhere, ever," Henry said.

Then he pulled Vivian into his arms and stormed off, his face twisted with rage, like a beast that had lost all control.

Charlotte lay on her back in the sand, letting out a bitter laugh at herself.

She was the one dragged out to take the hits, the one who got hurt and bled because of someone else's spite. She didn't do a thing. She was just forced to be here, but somehow, all the blame ended up dumped on her.

Was just being alive a crime, all because nobody loved her?

Charlotte packed up her things and rushed home in the middle of the night. As soon as she arrived, she was hit with even worse news.

Henry had actually cut down Andrea's favorite oak tree and turned it into a dressing table for Vivian.

"Ms. Wynn, you... You didn't know about this? But Mr. Pierce said you agreed to it. He even said you went to the resort with him on purpose, so you wouldn't have to see it anymore," the servant stammered.

The servant explained, her voice trembling.

Charlotte stood there, the words ringing in her ears, but it was like a thick fog had settled over her mind; every word was clear, but she just couldn't make sense of it all.

The world seemed to stop right then. Everything spun and blurred until darkness took over, swallowing her up.

When Charlotte finally woke up, she had been out for a whole day. People said Henry had been waiting outside the door the whole time, but Charlotte felt nothing now. All she wanted was to get answers from him.

Charlotte searched the whole villa for Henry, but he was nowhere to be found. As she walked past Vivian's room, she caught bits of conversation coming from the half-open door.

"Henry, do you think Charlotte will be angry? She was already upset when you defended me on the beach last time. I'm really worried she might..." Vivian said.

"You're just too soft-hearted," Henry said with a smile.

He reached over and patted Vivian's head, doting on her like she was the only one that mattered.

Henry said, "Forget about her feelings. She's just a nobody. Whether she lives or dies, it's her problem.

"She should be thankful you became her stepmother. Otherwise, you'd be the bride at tomorrow's wedding."

Vivian gave a shy, playful pout, but outside the door, Charlotte felt like she had been thrown into a frozen pit.

How did it end up like this? Charlotte already accepted that Henry didn't love her, but she never imagined he wouldn't even care whether she lived or died.

In his eyes, was Charlotte not even worth being a disposable pawn he could summon or toss aside whenever he wanted?

Charlotte's feet felt like they were weighed down with lead, so heavy she couldn't move at all. But that was just the beginning of the heartbreak.

Vivian wrapped her arms around Henry's neck, acting all sweet and clingy.

"Henry, Charlotte hurt me right here, and it hurts so bad... Can you blow on it for me?" Vivian said.

Without a second thought, Henry bent down and softly blew on her chest.

Spotting Charlotte outside the door, Vivian shot her a wicked smile and let out a few pleased little noises, savoring the moment.

"Henry, just give it a little kiss right there. If you do, it won't hurt anymore," Vivian said.

Henry understood what she wanted, paused for a moment, but Vivian grabbed his head and pushed it down toward her.

"Yes, right there. A little lower," Vivian said, her tone playful and flirtatious.