Chapter 122: A Choice Between Two
Today, finally, the day arrived when Mrs. Evelyn was returning back to her ancestors’ home. Thea and Grandma Grace went to her house to bid the final goodbye.
"Evelyn, we wanted to give you this.’’Grandma Grace said, handing her a packet. "Thea baked some special cookies just for you."
"Thank you for this..’’Mrs. Evelyn was truly grateful for their gesture. ’’Feel free to come and visit us... Whenever you want..’’ Grandma Grace wrapped Mrs. Evelyn in her embrace and said.
Mrs. Evelyn nodded reassuringly. Thea embraced her once more. "Aunt Evelyn, don’t ever forget about us,"she said, smiling.
Mrs. Evelyn’s eyes welled up with emotion as she tightly hugged Thea. "I’ll carry you all in my heart until my very last breath."
With a final glance and a heavy heart, Mrs. Evelyn bid Grandma Grace and Thea goodbye, then turned to make her way to the waiting car, where she settled into her seat, ready to begin her journey.
Grandma Grace watched as Mrs. Evelyn’s car faded into the distance. "I’ll be content if she finds happiness in her ancestral home."
Thea nodded, sharing her sentiment. "Me too."
Inside Wright Mansion, Charlotte lounged on the bed, lazily swinging her legs. She pulled out her phone and dialed Ryan’s number. After a few rings, he answered.
"Hello, Mr. Harrington," Charlotte said.
"Speak.." Ryan replied, his tone direct. "What do you want to say?"
"Did you remember what you said previously on that day?" Charlotte teased, a playful tone dancing in her voice.
Ryan’s understanding was immediate. "I’ll take you to the shop tomorrow," he replied, his deep voice unwavering.
"Deal.." Charlotte said, satisfaction lacing her words. "See you tomorrow then." With that, she hung up the call.
Ryan arrived at Wright Mansion the next day. As he sat in the living room, Grandma Agnes walked in, smiling.
"Is Charlotte bothering you?" she asked.
Ryan rose, returning her smile.
"No, Grandma.." Ryan replied with a gentle smile.
Though Charlotte often delighted in teasing him mercilessly, Ryan didn’t find her annoying in the least.
Charlotte rushed downstairs, her excitement palpable. She had taken extra care with her appearance, carefully selecting an outfit that would catch Ryan’s eye.
As she entered the living room, her gaze met Ryan’s, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he would notice the effort she had put into looking lovely for him.
Charlotte’s attire was a vision of effortless chic. Her knee-length frock, with its delicate patterns and vibrant color, perfectly complemented her radiant complexion.
Slender high heels added a sophisticated flourish, elongating her legs and highlighting her graceful posture. The overall effect was one of polished elegance, tailored to make a lasting impression on Ryan.
She stood poised before Ryan, her elegant outfit and bright smile designed to capture his attention. However, he remained deeply engrossed in his conversation with Grandma Agnes.
His gaze didn’t flicker once in Charlotte’s direction, his focus solely on the warm exchange with Grandma Agnes. Charlotte’s anticipation slowly gave way to a hint of disappointment, her eyes lingering on Ryan’s profile, waiting for him to acknowledge her.
"Grandma, we’re leaving.." Ryan announced, rising from the sofa.
Grandma Agnes looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Hmm, already?" she replied, her tone gentle and indulgent.
Ryan nodded, his eyes briefly meeting Charlotte’s before turning back to Grandma Agnes. "Yes, we should get going."
Grandma Agnes nodded, her smile unwavering. "Very well, dear. Take care, and drive safely."
In the car, Charlotte sat beside Ryan, her earlier excitement now tinged with frustration.
"Ryan, don’t you think you forgot something?" Charlotte asked, her voice laced with hint.
Ryan’s gaze remained fixed on the road. "No."
Charlotte’s eyes narrowed. "Look at me and then say that."
Ryan turned to her, their gazes meeting for a fleeting moment. "No."
Charlotte’s face fell, her voice trembling. "Can’t you see I’m looking different today?"
Ryan shrugged nonchalantly. "There’s no difference between you and a monkey."
Charlotte’s face darkened, offense flashing in her eyes. "Oh, so in your eyes, I’m a monkey, then? Fine. This monkey will teach you a lesson."
Ryan announced, "I’ve changed my apartment’s passcode. No more kitchen drop-ins for you. Your plans are now obsolete."
Charlotte shot back, feigning hurt, "So mean... you are, Ryan."
"Hey, how’s Ava doing?" Charlotte asked.
Ryan’s expression turned guarded. "Why are you suddenly asking about her?"
Charlotte shrugged nonchalantly. "Just wondering, since you have time to accompany me, I figured you’d have updates to share."
Ryan’s response was brief. "Hmm, she’s well."
Charlotte’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing with memories of what she’d witnessed. "Well, my foot," she muttered under her breath.
To herself, she thought, "A few days ago, I saw them showing affection on the road..."
She bit back the words, choosing not to confront Ryan directly.
He asked, "Are you saying something?"
But Charlotte’s inner monologue continued, "Yes, I saw you two busy showing off your affection for each other..."
Ryan, oblivious to Charlotte’s inner turmoil, remained silent.
The car stopped outside Eclipse Jewels, a prestigious luxury jeweler.
Charlotte stepped out, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Planning on making a purchase?" she asked Ryan, her tone playful.
Ryan’s response was a raised eyebrow and a hint of a smile. "What do you think?"
Charlotte shrugged, her smile broadening. "It’s nothing. Let’s go."
She slipped her arm through Ryan’s, and together they entered the store.
The sales associate, an elegant woman with a polished demeanor, greeted them warmly. "Hello, sir. Hello, ma’am."
Her gaze met Ryan’s, and for a moment, she forgot her professional poise. His striking features left her momentarily breathless.
"Welcome to Eclipse Jewels," she regained her composure. "How may I assist you today?"
Ryan’s neutral expression betrayed no awareness of the stir he caused. Charlotte, however, noticed the associate’s reaction and smiled discreetly.
Charlotte carefully examined the earring collection at Eclipse Jewels, seeking the perfect piece. Ryan stood beside her, absorbed in his phone.
"Which one looks good on me?" Charlotte asked, holding up two earrings.
On the left, a contemporary diamond stud shimmered, its brilliant-cut facets radiating light. On the right, an 18-karat gold masterpiece featured an oval sapphire surrounded by delicate filigree and a scattering of diamonds.
Ryan glanced up, his gaze meeting Charlotte’s. "The left one.." he said.
Charlotte’s smile hinted at playful defiance. "I’ll take the right one," she announced.
The sales associate nodded. "The sapphire earring will complement your features beautifully, ma’am."
Ryan’s neutral expression concealed a flicker of amusement, acknowledging Charlotte’s deliberate choice against his suggestion.
The sapphire earring’s intricate details and vibrant blue hue seemed to resonate with Charlotte’s style, while the diamond stud’s understated elegance had appealed to Ryan’s taste. The contrasting choices reflected their distinct perspectives.
After settling the bill, they slid into the car.
"Won’t you take me to a restaurant for dinner?" Charlotte asked, her tone laced with expectation.
Ryan’s response was curt. "I didn’t promise anything about dinner."Hervoice dropped to a murmur, intentionally audible. "Such a bastard."
Ryan’s gaze snapped to hers, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I can hear you."
Charlotte feigned innocence, her apology dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize my thoughts were audible."
Ryan’s expression remained stoic, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Where do you want to go?" he asked, resigned.
"To Bistro Blanc.." Charlotte replied, a sly smile spreading across her face.
Bistro Blanc, an upscale eatery renowned for its exquisite French cuisine and intimate ambiance, was a deliberate choice, sure to test Ryan’s willingness to indulge her.
Ryan’s neutral expression betrayed no reaction, but his eyes lingered on Charlotte’s.
Ryan’s phone rang, shattering the silence. He answered, his voice low.
Charlotte glanced at the screen, her eyes narrowing at Ava’s name.Ryan’s conversation was brief, his responses sparse. "Hmm, okay."
He hung up and turned to Charlotte. "Ava will join us."
Charlotte’s expression turned icy. "I’d rather she didn’t."Ryan’s eyebrows arched, surprised by her firmness. "Why?"
"I want us to be alone.." Charlotte replied, her tone measured. "No distractions."
Tension simmered between them, the unspoken dynamics with Ava hanging in the air."Please, Ryan," Charlotte added, her voice softening.
Ryan’s gaze held hers, his expression unreadable.
"Fine, you want her to accompany us?" Charlotte’s voice dripped with sarcasm. "Then you better go. I won’t interfere with you two."
Her eyes flashed with disappointment, understanding that Ryan had no intention of honoring her request.
"You want to patronize her? Good. Enjoy your evening with Ava."Charlotte’s tone turned icy, her words laced with a mix of hurt and frustration.
