Chapter 74: Chapter 74

“What a good boy you are…” she praised him, pulling his face towards hers so she could give him a peck “You've earned every minute of your reward.

" I'm glad you were satisfied..." he wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her temple as he felt her relax even more inside his embrace " I promise I'll strive to perform even better when we get back home.

"I can't wait, so…" Charlie murmured, but he could hear that strained edge to her tone that made it very clear that whatever was wrong, it wasn't fixed yet.

“Now…” placing his index finger under her chin to make her look up at him, Morgan tried to ask again, “Are you going to tell me what's wrong?

“ There is nothing wrong. “Charlie denied, looking away, although the bitterness in his expression has him worrying even more “I just got hot seeing you in the office, that's all...

“Well, I'm glad you find me so irresistible…” he joked, to try to lighten the mood “But, I guess we shouldn't just ignore the fact that meeting Samantha upset you…” when she didn't tell him. he answered nothing, instead he just hid his face against his chest, Morgan felt the anxiety start to take over him “Are you upset because she came all the way here? Because I swear, Charlie, I made it very clear to her that she shouldn't show up here in person and only communicate with me through the lawyers. I don't know what she might have said to you, but I would never keep any kind of contact with her...

“I know…” Charlie finally whispered “She tried to make me think she visited you all the time, but I know that's not true. I know you... " she lifted her gaze to his face and Morgan was surprised by how much sadness there was there " I know I would never do that.

" So what happened? “ he insisted “ It is quite clear that she said or did something that upset you. You can tell me, darling... " he caressed her cheek, anxious to wipe away that affliction that seemed to have taken over her "No matter what it is, I'll do my best to solve it, I promise...

His words of comfort, however, seemed to have the opposite effect on her, as Charlie's expression contorted even more and she pushed away from him, sitting down on the sofa as she began to dress again, in quite a hurry. Increasingly distressed, Morgan watched silently as she covered herself, eventually imitating her after a while. Whatever happened, it was probably best that they talk about it fully clothed.

“Don't you want to know why I came here in the first place? she asked suddenly, when his pants were already in place and he just needed to finish buttoning his shirt.

" To see me? “ he smiled, trying to be as charming as possible, managing to make her blush.

" Dont be silly. I mean, that's why too... "she advanced towards the door, where her purse had been left earlier, when they entered the office" But it wasn't just for that. “Drumming through the contents inside, she pulled out a white envelope and offered it to him as she approached, looking a little sheepish. “I've come with a present.

" A gift for me? “ he was surprised, taking the envelope, confused “ And what is it?

“ You'll have to open it up to find out. “ she cracked a shaky smile, seeming torn between shyness and anticipation of his reaction.

Without knowing much what to expect, Morgan just obeyed her, noting that she seemed to have pasted some stickers over where the return address should have been printed, to make it a complete surprise indeed. Letting the contents of the envelope fall into his hand, he was even more confused when he came across a series of papers and a thick information leaflet that he recognized as being from Charlie's university. Taking the first sheet that was there, he began to read, his eyes widening when he realized that it was about...

“ An application form? “ he gasped, amazed “ For the gastronomy course?

“ I learned, a few days ago, that they had postponed the registration and entrance exams of some courses, due to the renovation that was being done in a part of the campus... “ Charlie explained, intertwining his hands nervously “ And gastronomy was included. I researched the class schedule and it seems to be pretty smooth. You can do most of the lectures remotely and, well... Hiroshi sounds cool. I'm sure he can find a time in his schedule for practical classes, if you ask nicely...

“ You... enrolled on the course for me...? “ he ended up asking, still unable to believe it.

“I…um…” Looking more and more nervous, Charlie bit her lip “It's just that I heard about this late enrollment opportunity, and at the time I thought it was perfect for you, since you've always wanted it, but... Look, now I realize it was a really bad idea, okay? You're a busy man who obviously doesn't have time to waste on that sort of thing and I shouldn't have even given up that stupid idea of you selling your share in your dad's company so you could dedicate yourself to cooking anyway...

Knowing that nothing he said could show her how wrong she was, Morgan chose to show her, interrupting the apologies with a tight hug and a deep kiss. Twisting their tongues together, he took a moment just to enjoy the taste of the woman he loved and who knew what he needed even before he could take the initiative to do it himself.

“That was the best gift anyone has ever given me…” he gasped, when their lips finally parted, resting his forehead against hers, “Thank you, darling.

" There's no need to thank me..." she smiled crookedly, clearly happy with his reaction " The only thing I did was take your details to the secretary. Unfortunately, for at least one year, you'll have to pay all the tuition and equipment costs for the practical classes…” Charlie grumbled, deeply disgusted by that.

“But that's not a problem. “ he tried to reassure her, although he clearly wasn't succeeding “ What matters is that you gave me the excuse I needed to finally do something I've always wanted. I don't know if you noticed, but sometimes I need an extra boost to step out of my comfort zone... " Morgan chuckled shyly, knowing he would never even know what her kiss tasted like if Charlie hadn't taken the lead. initiative to seduce him.

“Oh, believe me, I know that well…” she nudged his shoulder, seeming to be thinking exactly the same thing “So… Uh… You're not mad at me for doing this without consulting you… “ Charlie bit her lip fearfully. ..

“Does that answer your question? “ Suddenly picking her up in his arms, as if she were a bride, Morgan began to spin her around, causing her to laugh in surprise “ That sounds like me getting mad at you for giving me the opportunity I always hesitated to give to myself? How could you think I would be less than totally happy? “ he spun her around again, eliciting another laugh, this time from both of them.

“I... I was afraid of creating more trouble for you. “ Charlie admitted, when he stopped, biting his lip “I mean, it wasn't a choice I should have made for you, but I didn't stop to think about it until later...

“The same way I shouldn't have made the choice to enroll you in veterinary school two months ago? he questioned her, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course it's not the same thing! “ she snorted, blushing a little with that memory “ It was my dream since I was a child and I wouldn't have to give up anything to start attending classes. Already you...

“I won't have to give up anything essential either. “ he assured, more to himself than to her, as he stared at the papers that were still in his hands, imagining how happy Isabella would be if she knew that her only son was about to follow the same path as her, instead of hers. from Robert, for the first time in his life “ It's going to be ok, I guarantee. Thanks again for the best gift I've ever received. “ he kissed her cheek for a long time, tickling her until he got his wife's laugh again.

“ I may not have been able to pay your subscription, but I promise to buy you every kitchen appliance in the world next year. “ she promised, extremely serious.

" But why? I can pay for this, Charlie. “He tried to smile, even though his worry was starting to take its toll again. “The important thing was his intention. Money is no problem for me...

"Not even when it's to solve the problems I create myself..." he thought he heard her mutter, although her mutter, said between her teeth, didn't let him be completely sure.

“Are you that upset about the shelter? “ he tried to guess, although she had spent the last few days sad and worried about the NGO's fate, but not in that irritable and almost revolted way “ Charlie, I'm pretty sure that if I cover the potential buyer's proposal, the bank will change your mind easily. So please don't be like this...

“ Yes, they will change their minds! “ Charlie stomped her foot, determined, but apparently not because of what he had just said. “Because I'm going to make them change! Today, I'm going to start preparing the biggest and longest petition those idiots have ever seen, to prove to them how important our shelter is and it can't be closed like this!

"Charlie..." Morgan sighed, wondering what was the kindest way to tell her that the banks couldn't care less about a debtor's social importance, especially when it came to land that was now wholly theirs, for law “Perhaps it would be better...

“I go back home right now and start working on it right away! You're right! “ Charlie nodded fiercely, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “The entrance and start dates are on the pamphlet. Sorry I can't help you with that right now, but once I've got this all sorted out, I promise we'll go to college together and...

“Charlie. “ he interrupted her, holding her gently, yet firmly, by the shoulder “ You know it's okay to ask for help, right? Even more so in extreme situations like this. Maybe it would be better, for you and the shelter, that our plan A was to cover the offer at once...

“ I…” It was visible in the way she gritted her teeth, almost as if hearing that only made her more distressed “I'll work it out, Morgan, I promise… Just give me some, please…” Charlie swallowed back a sob, making his heart sink.

“Okay…” things were far from fine, but even so Morgan released her, knowing that nothing good would come out of this conversation if he continued to press her “Just, please, promise me you'll tell me what's going on. what's wrong when i come home tonight.

“I…um…” Charlie stammered “I already told you. There's nothing wrong, so there's nothing to tell either.

“If you say so…” Morgan sighed, knowing he'd need to think of a better way to get her to talk. “Just… Can you promise me something? “ in the face of her awkward silence, he just kept talking “Please, never forget that you are not alone, Charlie. No matter what happens, I will always be here for you.

“And I'll always be the one who needs help, won't I…? “ she grumbled, her eyes glued to the floor, but before Morgan could ask her what had made her think that, Charlie turned, darting towards the door. when you arrive. I'll order food when I'm hungry, so don't worry about cooking. See you later." With that last sentence and not even one last glance in his direction, Charlie closed the door, taking off with such speed that she appeared to be running away from him.

With a pained sigh, Morgan dropped onto the sofa as he pulled out his cell phone to call his lawyers.

If Charlie didn't want to tell him if what had upset her was Samantha or some new twist in the shelter issue, then he would have to find out for himself.