Chapter 94: Can You Believe It?
Hadley drove the car towards Ryan’s apartment as he was instructed..They entered Charlotte’s neighborhood. She couldn’t help but ask, "You’re living here?"
Ryan nodded, "Yes, the apartment is near the hospital, which makes it quite convenient for me."
The car came to a stop in front of "The Regency Towers", a sleek and modern building that Charlotte had seen many times before. She never could have imagined that Ryan would end up living there.
Ryan led her to his apartment, situated on the top floor of "The Regency Towers" - the 25th floor. As they stepped out of the elevator, Charlotte couldn’t help but notice the luxurious decor and stunning view of the city skyline.
Ryan entered the passcode and swung open the door, gesturing for Charlotte to enter. "Are you not worried that I might be bugging you at night?" Charlotte asked, a hint of teasing in her voice, as she glanced at him.
Ryan smiled and handed her an extra slipper, which she accepted with a nod of thanks. As she stepped inside her gaze swept across the apartment, taking in the sleek, modern decor she had noticed at the entrance - the polished marble floors, the minimalist furniture, and the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city. The entrance hall, with its high ceiling and gleaming marble floor, was particularly impressive.
The living room was separated from the kitchen by a breakfast bar, where two stools sat waiting for occupants. The kitchen itself was sleek and modern, with stainless steel appliances and ample counter space. A small dining table sat in the corner, surrounded by three chairs.
To the left of the living room, a short hallway led to the two bedrooms. Ryan gestured for Charlotte to follow him, and he led her to the first bedroom, which was clearly his own. The room was simple but elegant, with a large bed and a dresser against one wall. A door led to an en-suite bathroom, which Charlotte caught a glimpse of as Ryan passed by.
The third room, Charlotte assumed, was a guest room or office, but she didn’t get a chance to see it as Ryan didn’t offer to show her.
He retrieved a gift from his wardrobe and handed it to Charlotte. "I bought this for you during my trip to Spain."
Charlotte’s expression softened as she accepted the gift. "Oh, you remember that. I’m glad you have a conscience, Ryan."
As she unwrapped the paper, her eyes widened in delight at the stunning pair of diamond earrings inside. "These are beautiful!" she exclaimed.
"Wasn’t your girlfriend angry that you bought a gift for me?" Charlotte asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Ava is not like that, Charlotte.." Ryan replied reassuringly.
"Do your grandma know about her?" Charlotte asked, she was intrigued.
"No, I’ll tell her later." Ryan said, his expression thoughtful.
Charlotte’s eyes narrowed. "You’ve been dating her for so long, yet you kept it a secret from your grandma. Ryan, you’re so secretive. You didn’t even tell me, unless I had stumbled upon seeing her that day."
Ryan’s expression turned defensive. "Don’t interfere in this matter, Charlotte."
Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "It’s your life, I see. I don’t want to say anything to you." She placed the gift on the table and turned to leave.
Ryan asked, "Why are you leaving this here?"
"Because I don’t want it."
Ryan pointed out, "But just now you said you liked it."
Charlotte’s tone turned icy. "Now I don’t. Do you want to force me to take the gift?"
Ryan sighed, resignation evident in his voice. "Do whatever you want, I have no say."
With that, Charlotte walked out of his apartment, leaving Ryan alone with the unwanted gift.
As she walked through the road, Charlotte pulled out her phone and dialed Thea’s number. As soon as she answered, Charlotte spoke up.
"Are you free today? I want to go somewhere with you.." she said, her voice eager.
"I’m in a bad mood," she continued, her tone shifting to one of frustration.She quickly rattled off the address where she wanted to meet Thea, and then ended the call. Next, she dialed her grandma’s number to inform her of her plans.
"Grandma, I’m going out with Thea today and I’ll be staying at her house.." With that, Charlotte hung up the phone and continued on her way to meet her.
"Young Miss, the young master told me to drop you home," Hadley spoke up, following his master’s firm instructions to ensure her safe transport.
"I don’t need it," Charlotte replied..
"But, Young Miss, the young master was adamant that I see you home safely," Hadley protested, trying to reason with her.
"Hadley, just inform your young master not to pester me," Charlotte said, her tone assertive, as she quickly made her way to the cab she had booked earlier.
With that, she opened the door and stepped inside, leaving Hadley to relay her message to Ryan. The cab drove off, leaving Hadley standing alone on the sidewalk.
Hadley pulled out his phone and dialed Ryan’s number. "Young master, she got in a cab," he reported, following his master’s instructions to keep him informed.
Ryan, standing at the balcony, gazed out into the distance. He had already seen Charlotte’s figure getting into a cab, but he acknowledged Hadley’s update anyway. "Hmm, I got it," he spoke briefly, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Charlotte.
With that, the call ended, and Ryan continued to stare out at the cityscape, lost in his thoughts. Hadley, on the other hand, slipped his phone back into his pocket and returned to his duties.
Ryan’s hand still clutched the gift he had earlier prepared for Charlotte. With a sigh, he placed it inside the wardrobe, wondering if he would ever have the chance to give it to her.
Meanwhile, at the serene Oakwood Park, Thea gazed around at the lush greenery. "You wanted to meet me here?"
Charlotte nodded. "Hmm, just accompany me.." she said, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"What happened? Did you argue with him?" she asked, referring to Ryan.
Charlotte’s face twisted in distaste. "Does he think he knows that Ava better than me? From the moment I met her, I could smell something fishy about her."
Her voice rose in indignation. "He had the cheek to mention her in front of me and ridicule me, saying ’Charlotte, Ava is not as you think.’ Can you believe it?"
