Sean wandered around the bedroom, taking his time as he looked around Charlotte’s space.
Her room was simple yet warm and inviting. The bedding was a sol, muted shade of blue, and there was a walk–in closet tucked inside. A faint, floral scent lingered in the air. It was the same perfone Charlotte always wore. Light and delicate, it carried a soft, gentle charm.
Sean strolled through the room, looking around with quiet curiosity and interest. A white tablecloth was neatly spread across the desk, spotless and tidy. A vase of freshly bloomed baby blue hydrangeas sat in the center.
Next to it was a pale blue porcelain Cinnamoroll figurine. Sean remembered–it was one Charlotte had painted with her mom at a DIY pottery studio. That same figurine had once been shattered. He had secretly found a restoration artist to have it carefully repaired for her.
Sean picked it up gently, inspecting it from every angle. The porcelain had been restored so flawlessly, it looked just like new.
Satisfied, he carefully placed it back in its spot.
On the wooden shelf nearby were a few photo frames. Each one held a picture of Charlotte and her mother.
In one, a five or six–year–old Charlotte wore a pink princess dress with a bow in her hair. She sat on her mother’s lap, grinning sweetly at the camera. Her big, bright eyes sparkled like gems, and two small dimples appeared on her cheeks.
Another photo showed Charlotte on her eighth birthday, eyes closed as she made a wish in front of her cake. A delicate diamond tiara rested on her head. Her mother, Sue, sat beside her with a gentle, loving smile.
In the third photo, Charlotte was ten, proudly holding a trophy after winning a piano competition. Her parents stood on either side of her. Her mother’s expression was warm and proud, while Charlotte beamed with joy, her eyes shining with light.
These were all cherished moments from Charlotte’s childhood. And they were moments Sean had missed.
He reached out and brushed his fingers over the photos one by one eyes filled with quiet tenderness.
From now on, he would no longer be absent from her life.
An hour later, Xena finally left.
After preparing a quick meal for Petra, Cora also headed out.
Charlotte let out a long sigh of relief.
She opened the bedroom door. “You can come out now.”
There was no one inside.
She frowned slightly and stepped in farther. The large room was still and quiet. No sign of Sean anywhere.
She walked to the closet and pushed open the door. “Sean, are youn here?”
There was still no response.
“That’s strange. Where could he have gone? He couldn’t have just vanished into thin air,” Charlotte thought.
“Sean? Are you in here?” she called again, puzzled.
Suddenly, she felt a warm hand wrap around her wrist, and before she could react, she was pulled into a familiar embrace.
Her back landed firmly against his chest. Even through his thin shirt, she could clearly feel the heat of his body.
“I’m here,” Sean said, his voice low and magnetic.
He hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. As he spoke, his warm breath brushed against the curve of her neck.
A shiver ran through Charlotte’s entire body like a current. Her knees nearly buckled.
Sean felt her soften in his arms and chuckled, his voice even lower rich with teasing warmth. “What’s wrong? Can’t handle it already?”
Charlotte let out a faint, breathless sigh..
She turned around to face him.
Now face to face, Sean straightened slightly, locking his dark eyes onto hers. His gaze was deep and intense, like a tide drawing
her in.
After a few seconds of eye contact, Charlotte suddenly rose on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
She wasn’t exactly skilled at kissing. Her lips brushed his a few times, messy and uncoordinated, completely different from the way Sean usually kissed her.
RAVIN
