Chapter 24: Chapter 24

She already informed Charles that he would be the one to drive her to the mansion since she thought calling James wasn't necessary. They both headed toward the parking lot and that was when her phone rang. She looked at Charles helplessly. “I have to pick this call.” She was surprised when she checked the call ID. ‘Richard?’ She lifted a brow and picked up with reluctance.

“Are you done at school?”

Charlene glanced at Charles' face, puzzled. She furrowed her brow. Instantly Charles concluded in his thought that it was him or no one else.

She cleared her throat before replying. “Yes, I'm on my way heading home.”

“Guess, you're at the car park. Look over, I'm waiting for you.” Charlene glanced around the parking lot, only his car was different.

“I can see you.”She hung up and pivoted to Charles. “Richard is here.” She murmured.

Charles chuckled when he saw his car. He winked at her teasingly. “I believe he saved me from stress. Go for it. I'm going to call you tonight, we have something to talk about. Bye-bye, sweetheart.” Charles moved closer, he pecked her cheeks and waved at her.

Charlene stroked her hair behind her ear, she walked toward his car. The door opened automatically, she hopped it and it shut back. She fastened the seatbelt before he could remind her. “Are you hungry?” He asked as he drove out of the school premises.

She never looked at him when he spoke, her gaze was focused on the road as if she was the one driving. Frankly she wasn't comfortable with both of them in a car. She wondered why he asked her that, the truth was she had some snacks at the cafeteria so she wasn't really starving. “I'm not hungry.” She replied nonchalantly.

“Good.” He murmured.

She checked her watch, she wondered why he came to pick her up at school because she assumed he was supposed to be at work. It was four o'clock PM, she would have asked him but she refrained herself because she knew he might shut her out.

“There's a party tonight. I'm sorry, I should have informed you beforehand.” He said apathetically.

She abruptly looked at his face to be assured he wasn't joking about what he said, however he was neither smiling or frowning. “Are you freaking kidding me? Tonight or tomorrow.” She exclaimed surprisingly, she was hoping he would say tomorrow but his reply was something she wasn't satisfied with.

“It's tonight.” Richard glimpsed at her face before returning it on the road.

Obviously she wanted to protest. She wanted to say no but she couldn't, it was as if she lost her voice at the moment. She was nearly speechless, she mustered some courage then spoke. “I don't think I can go with you. You know I really have to study for my exam, I'll do anything to ace my midterm examination.”

“Just for a night. I'm sure that won't make you fail your midterm examination unless you're empty-headed.” He blunted inimically.

Charlene clenched her fist furiously. “I guess it's not a must I come with you.”

“Perhaps.” He rolled his eyes with irritation.

Her eyes blinked rapidly, she breathed through her mouth and pouted her lips. “I'm not coming with you. I'll prefer to sleep than spend my time with you.”

Richard looked at her face and frowned. “You should have thought about that before accepting to be my wife. I actually don't know why I'm having this conversation with you.”

“Then it's futile.”

“Yes, you're coming with me because you're my wife!” He snapped.

“I'm only your wife by title, maybe I should remind you of that.” It was after she spoke she realized everything, she didn't understand what came over her but she apparently knew she was infuriated by his guts. Perhaps it was because of the stress. She wasn't sure.

“For that alone you have no right to go against my words. Do you understand?” Charlene gazed intently into his eyes, she didn't know if she was to say another word or kept silent. “Good.”

Both of them never spoke to each other, he drove into the mansion, she was the first person to alight and headed inside without looking back. She got in the room, put her bag on the couch and took off her boots. She went to the bedroom, undressing on the way. After a while Richard entered.

She walked to the bathroom, she stepped under the shower, relaxed as she closed her eyes. By the time she was done her nerves were soothed by a cold bath, she grabbed a bathrobe from the hanger stand, she put it on and exited the bathroom.

It was as if Richard was waiting for her, he put his phone down on the bed when he felt her presence, he fixed his gaze on her then he scanned her from head to toes. she felt uncomfortable. “Come with me.” Richard said, he stuffed his hands in his trousers pockets and led the way out. Charlene hesitated before tagging behind him, they took elevator downstairs, he took her to a room. It was large, all the railings were extravagantly occupied with clothes, female's precisely. Charlene wondered if it was another closet but it was far more than just a walk-in closet. She scanned the room with her eyes, couldn't help but gasped as she admired. There was another door in the room which led to another room.

There were five ladies standing, when they saw Richard they quickly bowed. “Welcome sir.”

“They are going to dress you up.”

“Why? I can do that myself.” Charlene protested instantaneously.

He looked at her, twisted his lips irritatingly. “Doll her up.” He ordered imperatively. They bowed a little and he exited the room.

Charlene looked at them one after the other. “This isn't happening.” She murmured, she attempted to leave but one of them blocked her way.

“Ma'am, I'm Mira, I'll be the one to dress you. Lora will style your hair, Flora will apply makeup on your face, Emily will polish your nails and that lady over there is Audrey, she's going to compliment you when we are done. So let's get to work.`` Mira said with enthusiasm.

Lora exchanged looks with others and chuckled silently. “You should have ordered us to bathe you.” She teased.

“I'm really good at that, ma'am.” Audrey winked at Charlene teasingly.

Charlene blinked slowly, she looked vaguely around the room. “I need to talk to him. I don't need your help.” She attempted to leave but they all girdled around her, preventing her from taking another step.

“There's no way out, ma'am.” Mira grabbed her hand, he spun her to the railings. “Red, black, pink, heliconia, cherry red, rose blossom, metro blue... Goodness, all these colors will definitely suit your flawless, slippery skin. What do you think, Flora?”

“He wants us to doll her then let's start the transformation.” Flora said enthusiastically.

“That's the spirit sister.” Mira gave her a thumb up, smiling brightly.

Charlene was dumbfounded, she didn't know what to say, all she did was look at them in awe. Lora led her inside the room, everything they needed was in the room. Lora started with her hair, she curled her hair. Emily polished her nails and Flora applied make-up on her face. Obviously they transformed her into another person. Although naturally Charlene was a ravishing beauty, their touch also added to her beauty.

“Wow! You look absolutely alluring. I'm pretty sure he's going to take you down before you two leave.” Audrey complimented her.

“Oh, my god! You're really a goddess.” Mira added. “Great job girls.” They did high-five and smiled delightfully.

“It's your turn, Mira.”

“Okay. Here I go.” Mira walked toward the railings, she grabbed dresses and walked over, she held Charlene's hand, she pulled her along with her into the changing room. “You should try this one.” She extended a bandage dress to her.

Charlene looked at her hand then scoffed softly. “Uhm, um. I'm not trying all that.” She checked all the dresses in her hand, she picked a high low red dress, she narrowed her eyes at Mira, immediately she understood her gesture. She chuckled and stepped out with the other dress. “Mira, my underwear.” Charlene shouted when she remembered she had none underneath.

Mira brought new match underwear to her then exited the changing room. Charlene sluggishly dressed up, after a while she stepped out.

They exclaimed surprisingly. “You look perfect.” Mira interrupted Audrey before she could utter a word.

“I was going to say that.”

“All right. Her purse.” Mira clapped her hand, Flora extended a silver purse to her, and she collected it. Lora angled a chair for Charlene, she sat down then Lora squatted, she wore the silver heels for her which matched with her purse.

Audrey looked at the jewelry through the glass, she couldn't conclude on the one to pick. Flora pointed at the silver necklace, earrings and bracelet made with diamonds. “These are perfect.”

“Sure.” They assisted her.

By the time they were done, Charlene stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror for about three minutes admiring herself. She grinned brightly, she glanced back and they smiled at her. “This is beautiful.”

“You are.” They said in union.

Mira gestured to the door, Charlene looked toward it and her mind raced when a thought flashed across it. She blinked nervously, the first step toward the door got her nervous. She shook her head vigorously, then she handled the doorknob, she twisted it and walked out.

Charlene arrived in the living room, all the maid around looked at her admiringly, murmuring to each other as they walked away. She stood on the same spot. After a while Richard stepped out of the elevator when it slid open, he hadn't noticed her since he was checking his watch. He looked up then he saw her, he halted on the track, staring intently at her, nearly speechless. Charlene swallowed her saliva nervously with her gaze focusing on him, only him.

Both of them stood watching each other. She was nervous, he was completely mesmerized by her beauty. He blinked slowly and cleared his throat. ”Nice dress anyway.” He said trying not to show he was actually enticed by her beauty.

She didn't bother to respond, he extended her phone to her, she called it and both of them walked out. The door opened, they hopped in the Lamborghini Aventador Limo. Charlene unlocked her phone, she sent a text message to Javier then kept her phone in the purse. Throughout the ride Richard couldn't keep his eyes off her.

The car finally came to a halt, the door opened and he alighted, offering his arm, Charlene looked at his face, she took it and alighted from the car, instantly cameras flashed on her from every angle.

“Oh, my. She's here!”

“Mrs sullivan.”

Scarlett also arrived but no one noticed her, in fact all the attention was on the couple. They walked on the red carpet, heading toward the entrance.

Richard noticed she was nervous and uncomfortable, he pulled her to closer and patted her hand tenderly. “Relax, you'll get used to it soon.”

She didn't have time to look at his face, when they stepped into the hall it was a bit crowded. “Will dad come here?” She eventually said something.

“He's here.” Richard sighted his friends from far, he was heading closer when a bodyguard walked up to him.

“Permission to whisper something to you sir.” The bodyguard said. Richard gave him a go ahead gesture. He nodded and moved close to him, he whispered something to his ear, Richard looked up to see his mother standing in front of a man, she gestured to him.

Richard dismissed the bodyguard with a hand. “Come with me.” Richard walked Charlene toward where Devyn and others were.

“My gosh, Charlene.” Devyn titled his head, he pecked her cheeks and smiled brightly at her.

“Devyn,” She returned the smile. She looked at Jeremy who only smiled at her lightly, Liam waved his hand but Adonis was in a conversation with his girlfriend.

“Hey buddies.”

“I thought you're not coming tonight.” Jeremy teased.

“Never said I won't make it.” Richard rolled his eyes playfully.

“I don't trust you.” Jeremy said.

“And she's here with you.” Liam nodded his head at Charlene, Richard threw him an icy glare. Perhaps he had something else to say, he dare not utter another word after his deadly glare.

Devyn grabbed two filled champagne flutes on the tray from an attender passing by, he extended one to Charlene. “Thanks.”

“Look who just breezed in!” Devyn announced when he saw Scarlett. She walked majestically to where they were.

“Hi everyone.” Scarlett greeted them, they all noticed her face wasn't bright and it seemed like she was ignoring Richard.

“Hi sweetheart.” Jeremy pecked her cheeks, Devyn did but Liam planted a soft kiss on her hand. Richard looked at her, he smiled, he leaned over and pecked her right cheek. Charlene felt jealous, she gazed at him, frowning.

Richard chuckled, he titled his head close to her. “I'll be right back.” He whispered to her ear then he turned to others. “I need to attend to something, I'll be right back.” He announced and walked away.

When they made eye contact, Scarlett glared at her scornfully. Since Devyn knew what it was all about, he stood in between them and looked at Charlene. “You look gorgeous tonight, Charlene.”

“Hot would have been better. She looks twice as hot.” Jeremy said teasingly.

Charlene chortled.

Jeremy was the first person to see her, his mood suddenly changed. He looked at Devyn to look behind him. Devyn did and he saw Henrietta walking in confidentially. “What's that bitch doing here?”

“I think someone brought her here or she came uninvited.” Jeremy paused. “Either of the two.” He added.

Charlene looked back to see Henrietta, she also looked in her direction, their eyes locked but he looked away immediately then walked away with a man.

“Excuse me, guys.” Scarlett excused herself and went away.

The tension between them was getting intense. Devyn cleared his throat to attract their attention. “I never thought you'd be coming here tonight as the last time we talked was at the wedding. How have you been?”

Charlene moistened her lips. “Pretty good.”

“Obviously.”

“I hope that Jughead isn't giving you a hard time, if he ever does anything terrible, you can report to me it will be my honor to kick his butt for you. Leave everything to your friend to handle.” Devyn said so she could smile.

She chuckled and stroked her hair behind. “Not really.”

Jeremy already engaged in a conversation with Liam. Charlene's phone rang, she opened her purse and brought it out, she looked at Devyn. “Go ahead.”

She stood up, walked to a place far from where everyone was. She checked the call ID, it was Charles, she slid up and picked up.

“Hello love.”

“Why didn't you reply to my message.”

“What am I doing right now? Anyways, tell me anything, did you figure out what he's up to now?”

“I'm not sure. He's back to his old self, grumpy and rude.”

“Was that a show? Was he pretending like he always did?”

“I'm not sure. I guess I'll have to wait.”

“Okay. Are you okay?”

“Yes, I'm fine. I'm actually at a party. I'm going to look for dad later, I think he's here.”

“Oh, that's right. Mum disappointed him so he's there alone, he misses you because you're not home to substitute mum.”

“I'm going to check around for him later. Bye.” She hung up the call, she returned her phone to her purse, pivoted to leave but someone was standing in her way. She furrowed her brow.

“You little slut.” Henrietta seethed.

“You have no right to call me that. Who the hell do you think you are, huh?” Charlene frowned.

She sneered. “It's all because of you. You witch! I lost my family because of you.”

“You lost your family not because of me. Stop accusing me, I don't even know who the hell you are.”

Henrietta pushed her back gently. “Liar. I hate you. I hate you because he hates me. No! That isn't going to happen. I'm going to get back what you stole from me. I'm going to get Richard back, and Miguel.” She said as she pushed her.

Charlene tottered back. “You don't know what you're saying. It's obvious you've lost your mind.”

“Then I should show you what it means to have lost my mind.” She lifted her hand and impulsively slapped Charlene across the face.

Charlene held her face, looking at her unbelievably. “I'm not going to take this from you.” She retaliated with a hot slap across her face.

Henrietta gasped. “What!” She couldn't believe what happened. She looked at her scornfully, dragged her by the hair.

“Let go of me. You're hurting me.” Charlene cried out. She tried to free herself but Henrietta never let go. She pushed her with force. Charlene lost her balance, she toppled back, hit her head against the wall. ”I hate you.” Henrietta seethed.

Charlene moved a hand to her head only to find bloodstain. She glanced at Henrietta weakly while her eyes were blurry. She slowly slumped onto the floor and blacked out.

Henrietta gasped shockingly. Charlene laying on the floor made her realize what she had done. She looked around that when she saw him already close to where they were, before she could look away their eyes locked.

“What's going on here?” He looked at Charlene on the floor then Henrietta. “Charlene!”