Sean brought over three more boxes and set them down on the table in front of Charlotte.
Charlotte stared in disbelief. “Seriously? There’s more? I thought you said it was just two cases. We’re up to five boxes now.” Sean’s lips curved into a small smile, amusement flickering in his eyes. His voice was soft. “These three aren’t case files. Go ahe take a look.”
Charlotte gave him a suspicious glance, then leaned forward and began opening, one of the boxes.
It was sealed with packing tape and had shipping labels on it–clearly a delivery.
Sean handed her a box cutter with casual ease.
“Deliveries?” Charlotte asked, puzzled. “What’s in them?”
“You’ll see.”
She sliced the tape and opened the box. Inside was a sleek, high–end packaging box with a luxury brand’s logo printed on it.
Charlotte instantly knew what it was.
She lifted the lid and inside was a white designer handbag.
“What is this supposed to mean?” she asked, turning to Sean.
“A gift,” he said with a smile in his eyes. “It’s National Couples Day. Everyone’s celebrating. You should have something too.” Charlotte blinked. “We’re not a couple. You don’t need to give me anything.”
Sean stood in front of her, hands in his pockets, a faint smile still playing on his lips. “Exactly. Which is why I have to. You give gifts when you’re chasing someone. I’m not trying to get something for nothing.”
Charlotte fell quiet for a moment, then let out a soft sigh.
“Sean,” she said seriously, meeting his gaze, “we can’t go back to how things were.”
Her voice was calm but firm. “Too much has happened. We’ve both come too far. There’s no going back.”
The windows were open, and a warm evening breeze stirred the orchid by the ledge, carrying its soft fragrance into the room.
The overhead lights shone brightly, casting a daylight glow across the space.
Sean stood in front of her, his tall frame casting a shadow. His voice was hoarse, low. “I never went too far. I’ve been here the whole time—just waiting for you to look back.”
Charlotte looked down, avoiding his eyes. She didn’t say a word.
Sean watched her quietly for a moment. Then he stepped forward, slowly, deliberately.
He bent down in front of her, planting both hands on either side of her on the couch, leaning in just enough to trap her in place.
His gaze locked onto hers, deep and unwavering.
“Lottie,” he said, voice rich and magnetic, “let’s get back together okay?”
Charlotte’s eyes darted away, and her voice was barely audible. “Sean… don’t do this.”
The breeze lifted the sheer curtains, which fluttered gently before settling again.
The scent of orchids lingered in the air. The atmosphere was thick with tension.
“Don’t do what?” His voice was low and teasing, laced with heat.
Chapter 413
+25 BONUS
Charlotte’s breath caught. Her heartbeat sped up. She turned her had to the side and said stiffly, “Aren’t you with Megan Stone now? Why are you trying to get back with me?”
“Megan?” Sean’s gaze darkened. “What does she have to do with this? She’s just an outsider.”
His arms still caged her in, but his voice turned impossibly soft, coaxing, almost a whisper.
“Loc… come back to me.”
Her heart pounded harder. Her thoughts were starting to blur.
Then–her phone rang.
The sudden ringtone snapped her drifting thoughts back to reality
“Excuse me,” Charlotte said quickly, pushing Sean away and grabbing her phone:
It was a call from Desmond.
Charlotte held a finger to her lips, signaling Sean to be quiet.
After she pushed him away, his expression shifted–subtle, unreadable.
He straightened up, gaze lowered, silently watching her as she sat on the couch, speaking into her phone.
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