Chapter 415
After that day, Charlotte didn’t see Sean for nearly two weeks.
She only found out he had gone overseas to handle affairs at one of the international branches when Megan stopped by the firm to discuss a case and casually mentioned it.
During those two weeks, Charlotte was completely swamped with work.
Several of the Jasper Corporation cases had already been filed in court, with hearings scheduled to begin in about a month.
Mark Gibson and Monica Miller’s divorce case was first up–set for next Thursday.
That evening after work, Charlotte went out for hot pot with Petra Jenny, and Sophie at a place near their office. Once the dishes arrived, the girls chatted and cooked their food together, dipping ingredients into the bubbling broth.
Jenny mentioned that her lease was about to expire. She had been renting a place near their old law firm and was currently hunting for a new apartment.
“I’ve actually been thinking of moving too,” Sophie said. “Why don’t we find a two–bedroom and split the rent?”
Jenny hesitated, looking a little awkward.
“What’s wrong?” Sophie asked suspiciously. “You don’t want to room with me?”
Jenny took a sip of her drink and finally confessed, her tone a little shy. “It’s not that, Sophie. I do want to live with you, it’s just
… well… I’m actually thinking of moving in with my boyfriend.”
Sophie’s eyes widened. The piece of beef she’d just picked up slipped off her fork and dropped back into the pot. “Wait–what? You’re moving in with your boyfriend?”
Charlotte looked just as stunned. “You’re dating Matthew?”
Jenny blushed and nodded. “Yeah, it’s been almost three months.
Sophie frowned, her voice full of concern. “Jenny, three months is still pretty early to be moving in together. You should take more time to get to know him.”
“I’m with Sophie on this,” Charlotte said, her tone serious. “Look, I know Matthew’s a good guy. He’s got a solid reputation. But moving in together so soon after getting together… I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Yeah, trust me–I’ve been down that road,” Sophie chimed in, her voice grim. “Ask Charlotte how we met. I was still in college back in Harbor City when I got played by my scumbag ex. We moved in together for two years. At first, we agreed to split rent, utilities, and groceries fifty–fifty. He’d Venmo me four hundred bucks every month, and I’d chip in my share.”
She was getting more fired up with every word. Finally, she slapped her hand on the table. “And after we broke up? That jerk actually demanded I pay him back. Said the money he sent was a ‘gift in anticipation of marriage.‘ Seriously? The stuff he gave me over two years barely added up to a hundred dollars. I once bought him sneakers that cost more than everything he ever gave me combined. Not to mention all the game skins I paid for. Jenny, please think this through.”
Jenny looked a little flustered, but her voice was calm. “Sophie, I know you mean well, and I really do appreciate it. But Matthew’s not like that. He offered to cover rent and utilities, and we agreed I’d cover 30% of the groceries and extras. I even introduced him to my parents already. We’re serious about this.”
“You’ve already introduced him to your parents?” Charlotte was surprised. She hadn’t known Jenny had taken such a big step. Jenny nodded. “Yeah, just a few days ago during the holiday weekend. My parents really like him. We’re just a regular family. Matthew’s got a steady job, he’s hardworking, and he treats me well. They gave us their blessing.”
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