Chapter 3

The moment the words left my mouth, the world seemed to go silent.

Andrew was quiet for a long time on the other end. I could hear his ragged breathing.

"Charlotte, are you joking?" His voice trembled.

"I'm not joking," I said calmly. "Andrew, I've thought it through. We're not right for each other."

"Why? Because of today?" Andrew's voice rose. "Charlotte, don't you think you're being too dramatic?"

Did he say dramatic?

I gave a bitter smile. "Maybe I am. You knew I was like this all along, didn't you?"

"Charlotte, calm down. Let's talk properly."

"There's nothing to talk about," I said. "Andrew, three years is enough. I'm tired."

"Tired?" Andrew seemed incredulous. "You're tired? Charlotte, how have I treated you these three years? Don't you know?"

I closed my eyes. "Yeah, you've been good to me these three years. But..."

"But what?"

"But you never loved me."

Saying it out loud stunned even me.

Yes, Andrew never loved me.

For three years, he was good to me, gentle, considerate. But he never loved me.

He was with me more for my family background, for how I could help his career.

Not for love.

"Charlotte Evans, what nonsense are you spouting?" Andrew sounded panicked. "If I didn't love you, why would I be with you for three years?"

"Then tell me, what do you love about me?" I shot back.

Andrew fell silent.

"Can't say, can you?" I continued. "Andrew, you've never thought about it because you don't love me."

"You were with me for my family, for my connections, not for who I am."

"Charlotte Evans!" Andrew suddenly yelled. "That's enough."

I jumped at his volume. Benjamin immediately squeezed my hand in comfort.

"It's not enough," my voice started to shake. "Andrew, are you not even going to pretend anymore?"

"I admit, at first I had an agenda approaching you. But later..."

"Later what?" I interrupted. "Later you fell in love with me? Then why were you so attentive to Emily White?"

"Emily is different from you..."

"How is she different?"

"She..." Andrew stopped.

"She what? Is she younger? Prettier? Or does she understand you better?" Tears fell. "Andrew, you like her, don't you?"

"Charlotte, don't imagine things."

"I'm not imagining things. I saw it clearly at the hospital today," I said, choking up. "The way you look at her is completely different from how you look at me."

"The gentleness you show her is something I've never experienced."

"Andrew, admit it. You love Emily, not me."

The line was quiet for a long time, so long I thought he'd hung up.

"Charlotte..." his voice was faint.

"Say it," I closed my eyes. "Tell me the truth."

"I..." Andrew paused for what felt like an eternity. "I'm sorry."

Those three words were more direct than anything else.

It felt like my heart was being ripped apart. The pain was almost unbearable.

But I didn't cry. I even laughed.

"Thank you for your honesty," I said. "Andrew, we're over. I wish you and Emily happiness."

With that, I hung up.

Benjamin looked at me, his eyes full of pain. "Charlotte..."

"I'm fine," I wiped my tears. "Ben, let's go to the courthouse."

Benjamin was stunned. "What?"

"Let's get married," I said, looking at him. "Didn't you just say you'd wait for me? So what are you waiting for?"

"Charlotte, you're emotionally unstable right now. I won't take advantage of that," Benjamin shook his head. "Let's talk when you've calmed down."

"I am calm," I held his hand. "Ben, I've thought it through. Rather than waste time with someone who doesn't love me, I'd rather start fresh with someone who does."

"But..."

"You don't want to?" I looked at him. "Or were the things you just said all lies?"

"Of course they weren't lies," Benjamin said quickly. "Charlotte, I love you. That's the truth."

"Then let's go get married," I said.

Benjamin looked at me, his eyes filled with hesitation, concern, and also anticipation.

"Charlotte, are you sure?" he asked seriously. "Are you sure you're marrying me because you love me, and not out of spite?"

I looked at Benjamin, this man I'd grown up with.

He was handsome, gentle, talented, successful, and most importantly, he loved me.

And me? Did I love him?

Honestly, I wasn't sure.

But I knew I didn't want to continue like this.

I didn't want to love someone who didn't love me anymore. I didn't want to cry over Andrew anymore. I didn't want to see him with Emily anymore.

Since Benjamin loved me, since he was willing to give me the world, why not give it a try?

"Ben," I said seriously, looking at him. "I'm not sure if I love you yet, but I'm willing to try.

"I'm willing to give us a chance, give you a chance, and give myself a chance.

"Are you willing to wait for me to slowly fall in love with you?"

Benjamin's eyes reddened.

He nodded firmly. "Yes. Of course, yes."

"Then let's go to the courthouse now."

"Now?" Benjamin checked the time. "Charlotte, it's after hours."

"Then tomorrow," I said. "First thing tomorrow morning, we'll get our license."

Benjamin smiled. It was the brightest smile I'd ever seen.

"Okay. First thing tomorrow, we'll get our license."

My phone rang again. Andrew.

I glanced at it and declined the call.

Soon, a text came through.

Andrew: [Charlotte, can we talk? I need to tell you something.]

I deleted the text and blocked Andrew's number.

From today on, Andrew was part of my past.