Chapter 3
I ended up being taken to the hotel restaurant by Charles.
When I pushed open the door to the private room, I realized, to my surprise, that Natalie was already sitting inside.
Before we could even step inside, she hurried over with a pitiful look on her face and started speaking to Charles.
She said, "Charles, I really can't stay home alone. It's frightening. I hope I'm not intruding by coming here."
Honestly, I wanted to say she was, but Charles spoke up before I had the chance.
He said, "Not at all. I was just thinking it'd be a bit dull with just Susan and me. I'm really glad that you're here. It will be a great dinner."
Natalie wasted no time taking control, moving close to Charles as soon as he settled in.
I hesitated for a second, not really sure where to sit, and finally picked the seat across from Charles.
Charles tried to speak, but the waiter showed up with our food and cut him off.
Seafood was set on the table.
I was allergic to seafood, and seeing so much shrimp and crab made me lose my appetite.
I glared at Charles. "This is what you called my favorite meal, huh?"
I laughed dryly. Honestly, I didn't know why I had ever hoped for anything from him.
Charles looked briefly flustered and immediately called over the waiter, demanding an explanation.
He said, "What's going on here? These aren't the dishes I ordered."
Natalie put on her most pitiful voice and said, "Please don't be upset, Charles. I just really wanted some seafood. Ever since Colin left, I haven't had any in a long time. I'm sorry."
Hearing that, Charles waved his hand casually.
He said, "I see. It's okay. Natalie, just eat what you want."
Charles reached across the table, picking out the best pieces of shrimp and crab for Natalie, completely ignoring me.
Natalie said, "And what about Susan? She seems to dislike these dishes. Should we order something else for her?"
Charles made sure Natalie got the best bites from each plate and then glanced at me casually.
He said, "Don't worry about her. Go ahead and enjoy. She can order whatever she feels like.
"Susan always takes good care of herself."
Honestly, even though I had already decided to leave Charles, what he said still annoyed me.
I had lost all hope for this man.
I pushed the food around on my plate and excused myself to the restroom.
Once I got home, I pulled out all the clothes I had bought Charles over the years, packed them carefully, and called a delivery service to take them away.
Just as the last box was being carried out, Charles and Natalie walked in.
When Charles saw the delivery guy holding the huge bundle, his face darkened.
He frowned and asked, "What are you doing? Why are you taking so many clothes out?"
After sending the delivery guy off, I said to Charles calmly, "Look at all the clothes you bought today. Of course, I had to clear out the old stuff, or we'd never fit it all in the closet.
"Now there's plenty of room. From now on, all the clothes Natalie buys for you can go in here."
The moment I said it, he visibly relaxed, letting his defenses drop. He hugged me tightly, whispering that I was so considerate.
Back in the bedroom, he was busy arranging the clothes Natalie had picked out, humming to himself, completely ignoring that every single piece I had ever bought him was gone.
He muttered, "I still need a jacket. I'll take Natalie shopping and get several new ones."
He got all thrilled, completely detached, while I quietly started sorting through the contracts for his company on my phone.